‘Heartless’ government fails to fill two key human rights watchdog roles

Vera Baird was victims’ commissioner until September 2022, but was not reappointed, leaving the position vacant for almost a year. Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian

Government ministers have “heartlessly” betrayed rape and trafficking victims after failing to fill two key independent watchdog roles designed to defend human rights, campaigners have said.

Next month, the role of the victims’ commissioner for England and Wales will have been left vacant for a year, at a time when vital legislation is passing through parliament.