The UK Human Rights Act (1998) protects the rights of vulnerable people and minorities. But that protection could be seriously limited if the Act is repealed, amended or replaced. Any change to this important law must build on the safeguards already provided – by enshrining additional rights in law, rather than subtracting from them.

The Human Rights Act ensures that all UK public bodies (such as courts, police, local governments, hospitals, publicly funded schools) and other bodies carrying out public functions comply with the rights set out in European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

The rights protected by the HRA include:

• the right to life
• freedom from torture and degrading treatment
• freedom from slavery and forced labour
• the right to liberty
• the right to a fair trial

and many other rights that we take for granted. Importantly, these rights apply to everyone, irrespective of their race, gender, religion or other protected status.

Watch the video below to see one of our supporters, Ruth Barnett, talking about why she believes that as a Holocaust survivor human rights are vital for everyone.

Read this opinion piece from our Campaigns Manager Sam Grant: Britain risks destroying human rights protection of millions

Find out whether there is a specific Jewish view on human rights legislation here.

Listen to Simone Abel talking about the Jewish connection to the Human Rights Act here.