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Human rights agenda

Support for human rights in the UK has shown long term growth, with the passing of the Human Rights Act in 1998 and the establishment of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, although developments, such as aspects of anti-terrorist legislation and ASBOs have raised concerns around civil liberties. The human rights agenda is often misunderstood by individuals and misrepresented in the media.  Organisations do not always recognise the benefits of the Human Rights Act for them or its role in protecting vulnerable users.

What are the implications?

• Human rights can play a key role in managing ethnic and cultural diversity, ensuring that marginalised groups are protected.
• Increased pressure on public authorities or services to respect individuals’ human rights.
• It is currently unclear in law whether some ‘public’ services delivered by VCOs and private providers will be covered by the Human Rights Act.  This is increasingly problematic as public services are opened up to markets.
• Over zealous security and surveillance measures may be perceived as infringing on human rights.
• Increase in international campaigns and movements as increased awareness about the importance of human rights around the world motivates large numbers of the population.
• The right to peaceful protest following the Human Rights Act.

Moving forward

The principles of human rights, such as equality and dignity, are central to the voluntary and community sector.  Human rights can be used as a powerful tool to tackle injustice and inequality both by campaigners and service deliverers.

• Are you aware of how your organisation could use a human rights approach?
• Are you aware of the obligations, for example, of public authorities to comply with sections of the Human Rights Act such as ensuring that the rights of individuals are upheld and promoting people's rights, particularly those who are vulnerable or excluded?
• Does your organisation have a role in campaigning for human rights to be upheld and for creating greater public understanding of the Human Rights Act?

Want to know more?

Human rights: A Tool for Change

Published by: Economic and Social Research Council

Date: 2007

Format: PDF

What is it? A report from a seminar on the human rights agenda.

How useful is this? This publication considers debates around social justice and human rights and their role in improving public services. It draws on presentations given by Katie Ghose, director of the British Institute of Human Rights, and Professor Stuart Weir, director of the Democratic Audit.

Other comments:

The Gender Agenda - The Unfinished Revolution

Published by: Equality and Human Rights Commission

Date: 2007

Format: PDF

What is it? A report on the extent of gender inequality and injustice that persists in Britain today.

How useful is this? The report considers human and civil rights issues for men and women who suffer from a system of gender discrimination and prejudice. It considers the sexual division of labour, the income gap, violence and unsafe communities and discrimination against transgender people. All these issues have significant implications for the human rights agenda.

Other comments:

The Human Rights Act - Changing lives

Published by: British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR)

Date: 2008

Format: PDF

What is it? A collection of case studies related to the human rights act and the changes it has made in 15 individual lives.

How useful is this?  The report examines 15 case studies, examining the effect the human rights act has had in each particular case, deriving key learning from these cases, and examining the place that the VCO has in supporting disempowered people.  It also provides insight into how the VCS can work with the government and local authorities to provide more cohesive support regarding human rights.  Having real case studies brings a vibrant and authoritative voice to the argument, which may be useful for some VCOs.   

Other comments:  This version is the second edition containing further case studies than the first, published in 2006.