Reflections from Geneva: What the UN Review Revealed About Human Rights in the UK

by Jen Clark, Economic Social and Cultural Rights Lead at Amnesty UK

Right now, people in the UK face rising poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, and long NHS wait times. This month, I represented Amnesty UK to highlight these very concerns at the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (CESCR).

We weren't alone—72 UK civil society organisations submitted reports, reinforcing how deeply these issues affect communities. The discussions in Geneva made it clear that economic and social rights are under threat in the UK.

Here are my key takeaways from four days in Geneva:

1. The UK's Failure to Incorporate Economic and Social Rights

Our statement highlighted the UK's lack of legal protection for economic, social, and cultural rights. Without these protections, people can't access justice, and when the government makes decisions, it doesn't have to think about how they might affect all of our rights. This can create a domino effect. For example, cuts to social security payments can unintentionally affect other rights like someone’s ability to buy food.  

When the committee pushed the UK government to protect  these rights in law, officials dismissed it as not worth the effort. Meanwhile, Scotland and Wales are making progress within their devolved powers, with Scotland planning a human right act and Northern Ireland demanding their Bill of Rights under the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement. Their views  aligned with the Committee’s, in stark contrast to the UK government's stubbornly held position.

2. Government Rhetoric vs. Reality

With new political leadership, I had hoped for a shift in approach—acknowledgement and commitment to tackling the UK's worsening inequality. Instead, the UK government relied on vague promises and slogans to avoid direct answers.

Phrases like "child poverty strategy" and "getting Britain back on track" were repeated, but there was no measurable roadmap for action. When asked for concrete targets, the delegation offered none, questioning their commitment to solving the crisis.

4. Why International Accountability Matters

While civil society was present, I couldn't help but wonder who wasn't at the table.

Testimonies from people with lived experience had the most impact on the Committee, challenging the government's out-of-touch narrative. However, some key voices were missing. Disabled persons' organisations, refugee and asylum seeker groups, and racial justice advocates were underrepresented in the oral testimonies. 

📣 We had to bring this to the UN… We joined activists at @grippuk.bsky.social to expose how the UK fails to protect our everyday rights—and what must change.

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— Amnesty International UK (@amnestyuk.bsky.social) 13 February 2025 at 17:02

4. Why International Accountability Matters

Some might be skeptical of the importance of UN scrutiny, but independent, international oversight is crucial. Without it, governments can more easily sidestep accountability and tough questions.

The UK delegation in Geneva tried to downplay the crisis, but the Committee didn't accept this. They asked direct, critical questions, such as:

"The UK is one of the wealthiest nations in the world—how can it justify the fact that it has not yet reversed unprecedented poverty?"

This rigorous questioning ensures governments are forced to face the reality of struggling communities. The process reaffirmed that human rights are not optional, and those in power must be held accountable.

What Happens Next?

The committee will soon release its concluding observations, detailing areas where the UK must improve. Amnesty International UK will:

• Hold the governments of the four nations and regions of the UK accountable
• Push for action, not empty promises
• Ensure human rights protections are strengthened

This is more than a policy debate—it's about real people and their rights. 

READ OUR BROKEN BRITAIN REPORT