New government must protect human rights

The British Institute of Human Rights initiated an open call to political leaders to stand firm on the Human Rights Act.

The letter states:

"As we approach the 2019 general election we ask you to join us in celebrating Human Rights Day by committing to protecting universal human rights in the UK.

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We urge whatever government emerges...to protect the rights and dignity of all.

- Oliver Robertson for Quakers in Britain

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“Human rights, as universal standards shared across the globe, were laid down 71 years ago in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, inspiring law and positive action across the world. Our very own law, the Human Rights Act, draws on these universal rights, setting legal standards to protect people across the UK whether they are in hospitals or care homes, social services or places of detention, housing or schools.

“Whatever the outcome of Thursday's election, 2020 will be an important year for the UK. Many decisions will need to be made about what sort of country we want to be, going forward, and what relationship people have with those we place in power.

“We ask you to stand firm on our hard-won freedoms. We ask you to stand firm on ensuring that our Human Rights Act remains an integral part not just of our constitutional arrangements, but also of people's everyday lives, enabling us all to live with equal dignity and respect."

Oliver Robertson, Head of Witness and Worship for Quakers in Britain, said, “At heart, human rights are about treating people decently. They recognise that everyone is important, just because they are human, and that there are some things we should never do to people. We urge whatever government emerges out of this week's general election, to protect the rights and dignity of all."

signed

The British Institute of Human Rights and 150 others, including Quakers in Britain

People matter. Read more on human rights