Britain’s equality watchdog could lose its right to participate at the UN human rights council as a result of complaints about its independence and record on transgender rights.

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (Ganhri), which accredits bodies based on internationally recognised standards, has launched a special review of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

The review could lead to the commission losing its A status, which gives it independent participation rights at the UN human rights council as well as the right to vote and hold governance positions in Ganrhi.