UK: 70 years of European Convention is ‘cause for celebration’

3 September marks 70 years since landmark convention came into force

Deeply worrying that some members of the Government have launched political attacks on the convention

‘The convention has been central to key developments in many of our laws and values’ - Sacha Deshmukh

Ahead of the 70th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights on Sunday 3 September, Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s Chief Executive, said:

“After 70 years of providing vital protection to people in the UK and across Europe, it’s deeply worrying that the European Convention on Human Rights is once again coming under political attack from members of the Government - particularly with the scapegoating and dehumanising of many marginalised people, including those seeking asylum.

“This anniversary should be cause for celebration.

“The convention has been central to key developments in many of our laws and values, including the full decriminalisation of homosexuality, an end to the use of corporal punishment in schools, the criminalisation of modern slavery, and changes that ensure the most vulnerable people in society can get access to justice.

“The UK was pivotal in the convention’s creation after the Second World War, and was one of the first countries to adopt it.

“Leaving the convention would completely throw into question the UK’s commitment to the rule of law, and set a terrible example on the world stage.”

For more information on the European Convention on Human Rights go here.