The Humans Rights Act is a UK law passed in 1998. It lets you defend your rights in UK courts and compels public organisations - including the government, police and local councils - to treat everyone equally, with fairness, dignity and respect.

The Human Rights Act protects all of us – young and old, rich and poor. Hundreds of people use it to uphold their rights and achieve justice every year.

Who can use the Human Right Act? The Human Rights Act may be used by every person resident in the United Kingdom regardless of whether or not they are a British citizen or a foreign national, a child or an adult, a prisoner or a member of the public. It can even be used by companies or organisations (like Liberty).

What Does The Human Rights Act Do?

The human rights contained within this law are based on the articles of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Act ‘gives further effect’ to rights and freedoms guaranteed under the European Convention. It means:

Judges must read and give effect to other laws in a way which is compatible with Convention rights.
It is unlawful for a public authority to act in a way which is incompatible with a Convention right.

Read more about how the HRA works.

What Rights Does The Human Rights Act Protect?

The right to life: protects your life, by law. The State is required to investigate suspicious deaths and deaths in custody.
The prohibition of torture and inhuman treatment: you should never be tortured or treated in an inhuman or degrading way, no matter what the situation.
Protection against slavery and forced labour: you should not be treated as a slave or subjected to forced labour.
The right to liberty and freedom: you have the right to be free and the State can only imprison you with very good reason – for example, if you are convicted of a crime.
The right to a fair trial and no punishment without law: you are innocent until proven guilty. If accused of a crime, you have the right to hear the evidence against you in a court of law.
Respect for privacy and family life and the right to marry: protects against unnecessary surveillance or intrusion into your life. You have the right to marry and enjoy family relationships.
Freedom of thought, religion and belief: you can believe what you like and practise your religion or beliefs.
Free speech and peaceful protest: you have a right to speak freely and join with others peacefully, to express your views.
No discrimination: everyone’s rights are equal. You should not be treated unfairly – because, for example, of your gender, race, disability, sexuality, religion or age.
Protection of property: protects against state interference with your possessions.
The right to an education: means that no child can be denied an education.
The right to free elections: elections must be free and fair.