Why the Human Rights Act matters
The Human Rights Act is a powerful tool. It brings home fundamental, universal rights we all have as human beings, and allows us to challenge authorities if they violate them.
If you’re lucky you won’t ever need to use it in a court. But it’s protecting you all the same.
It’s an invisible safety net for all of us, working silently to ensure our rights are respected, and a crucial shield and sword for the most vulnerable: from women fleeing domestic violence to older people in care homes and the disabled seeking proper support.
Right now this vital protection is at risk.
Attacked by some politicians, misreported by the press and misunderstood by many – it’s time to spread the message that human rights matter.
Join the fight to protect the Human Rights Act
Our hard-won rights
Over the centuries, ordinary British people have fought and died for the rights we enjoy today.
From helping victims of domestic abuse, to protecting confidential communications between lawyers and their clients – the Human Rights Act helps us to fight injustice and incompetence in the UK and hold those in power to account.
It’s been used by hospital patients facing homelessness after discharge, rape survivors whose experiences haven’t been properly investigated by the police, and disabled people whose right to dignity has been violated.
We must not let politicians take away these universal rights at the stroke of a pen. As always, it’s the most vulnerable who’ll pay the heaviest price.
Fighting for justice around the world
In the UK, we enjoy fundamental freedoms that people are still fighting for around the world.
People like Raif Badawi. Raif is currently facing 950 lashes and a ten-year prison sentence in Saudi Arabia – simply for blogging about free speech, a freedom we take for granted here in Britain.
We can’t take a tough stance against the world’s dictators, torturers and tyrants if we turn our backs on human rights at home.
Which of your essential human rights would you be happy to lose – the universal right to a fair trial? Protection against slavery? The right to free elections?
If you answer’s none of them, it’s time to take a stand – here’s what you can do:
1. Add your voice to our campaign
2. Spread the message on Twitter and Facebook
