Human Rights are the Answer

Over the last 75 years, human rights have underpinned many of the positive transformations that the world has seen.

Whoever forms the next government, and whatever issues they face, we believe that starting with human rights as the basic framework is essential.

In this collection of essays - on challenges ranging from the housing crisis to international conflict - we bring together experts to present the case that human rights provide solutions. Human rights are the answer.

Right To Housing

Gender-based Violence and Homelessness by Gabriela Quevedo

Gabriela Quevedo from Latin American Women’s Aid explains the challenges and opportunities for supporting Black and minoritised survivors of violence.

This essay is part of a collaboration of thought pieces by Amnesty International UK and Labour Campaign for Human Rights.

Women's Rights & Foreign Policy by Baroness Helic

Foreign policy should protect women’s rights as a core part of human rights and international law. This, says Conservative peer Baroness Helic, is part of the route to security and prosperity for Britain.

International Courts - A Force For Order And Justice by Lord Garnier

Lawyer and parliamentarian Lord Garnier traces the story of Europe’s Human Rights Convention and Court. He warns critics that moving away from it would create a massive headache for any UK prime minister – and leave us all worse off.

The Right To Protest - Beyond Just Stop Oil by Irina Von Wiese

Liberal Democrat Irina von Wiese, a lawyer and civil rights activist, says the new government must reverse the creeping erosion of human rights in recent legislation and restore the right to protest in the UK.

Developing A China Strategy by Benedict Rogers

Benedict Rogers is a human rights activist and writer, co-founder and chief executive of Hong Kong Watch and co-founder and deputy chair of the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission. He argues that the UK government needs a clear, consistent and coherent China strategy.

Our Rights In The UK

Out Of The Wilderness by Francesca Klug

Francesca Klug, visiting professor at LSE Human Rights, asks if we stand at a watershed moment for human rights in the UK.

This essay is part of a collaboration of thought pieces by Amnesty International UK and Labour Campaign for Human Rights.

Designing Out Homelessness by Sharon Thompson

Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council and Deputy Mayor of West Midlands Combined Authority, Sharon Thompson tells the incoming government to ‘implement an effective housing strategy.

This essay is part of a collaboration of thought pieces by Amnesty International UK and Labour Campaign for Human Rights.

The Insecure World of the Gig Economy and Improving Workers’ Rights by Riz Hussain

TUC Anti–Racism Officer Riz Hussain explains the harsh and insecure world of the gig economy and suggests solutions to improve workers’ rights.

This essay is part of a collaboration of thought pieces by Amnesty International UK and Labour Campaign for Human Rights.

Preventing Mass Atrocity by Baroness Helena Kennedy

Renowned lawyer and human rights activist Baroness Helena Kennedy calls for the UK government to use the ‘loudest and clearest voice’ on the global stage to prevent mass atrocity violence.

This essay is part of a collaboration of thought pieces by Amnesty International UK and Labour Campaign for Human Rights.