Human Rights Under Threat in UK

Yesterday I attended the British Institute of Human Rights tour in Cardiff. It was an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of the struggle in the UK to protect our human rights and the present threat to undermine them. The trainers were passionate and engaging, giving an overvew of human rights legislation and examples of abuses. This training is a must for anyone working with children, disabled, sick or elderly people, and those who work in domestic abuse services or with marginalised groups. Plus you get to make a flag that will be tied to Trafalgar Square!

Please see information below from the BIHR website about the campaign to safeguard our human rights.

To Keep your Human Rights, #Act!

Why should voluntary & community groups speak up for the Human Rights Act?

Stephen Bowen, Director of the British Institute of Human Rights said:

“The Human Rights Act matters for two very important reasons. The reality is that human rights abuses do occur here at home, the recent reminders of the cruelty at Winterbourne View are a stark example. At some point any one of us may need protection and the Human Rights Act is a safety net for us all, whether we need it right now or not.”

“Just as important, this debate is also about who we are. There is a lot of Human Rights Act bashing at the moment, unfortunately often led by some of our politicians and press. We must recognise these attacks on the Human Rights Act for what they are: not simply an assault on the law, but an assault on our country's traditional belief in basic human dignity. A belief in fairness and the importance of us all regardless of our status, our background, our wealth, our age or health.”

“That is why BIHR is joining with individuals and groups up and down the country – now is the time to #Act. The Human Rights Act is a bit like our health, we don't value it until it’s gone. So let's not wait until it’s too late to speak up, let's raise our voices together. To keep our Human Rights, #Act!”

For more information about BIHR’s #Act campaign visit www.bihr-act.org.uk