Women denied basic human rights in some British communities: report

Women in some of Britain's communities are denied their basic human rights, a major independent review into segregation and social exclusion revealed on Monday.

The study found some women in Britain's second biggest city, Birmingham, were forbidden to even leave their homes without the permission of their husbands.

The review, carried out for the government by Dame Louise Casey, warns that segregation and social exclusion has reached worrying levels and is fuelling inequality in some parts of Britain.

The study, being assessed by ministers, has called for the promotion of British laws, history and values to be taught in schools to help build integration, tolerance, citizenship and resilience in children.

Casey also says the government should review the route to full British citizenship and consider an oath of integration with British values and society on arrival in Britain, rather than awaiting a final citizenship test.

"Time and time again I found it was women and children who were the targets of these regressive practices. Too often, leaders and institutions were not doing enough to stand up against them and protect those who were vulnerable," said Casey.

Casey's report highlighted the plight of women in some Muslim communities in Britain who she said were less likely to speak English and more likely to be kept at home.

As part of her research, Casey said she spoke to women in areas of Birmingham and Manchester and found they could not leave their homes without their husband's permission. Endit