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Human Rights are the Answer

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

Though we are currently facing many challenges, from unprecedented levels of homelessness to international conflict, we believe that starting with human rights is the way forward.

In this collection of essays, we bring together experts to present the case that, whatever the challenge, human rights provide solutions. Human rights are the answer.

Our Rights in the UK

Listen to the Voices of Lived Experience by Tracey Herrington

Community worker Tracey Herrington explains why those with lived experience of disadvantage must take part in policy-making.

This essay is part of a collection of thought pieces curated by Labour Campaign for Human Rights and Amnesty International UK.
Our Rights in the UK

Human Rights in Schools by Kim Hurd

Teacher Kim Hurd says that human rights education teaches tolerance and respect and combats discrimination.

This essay is part of a collection of thought pieces curated by Labour Campaign for Human Rights and Amnesty International UK.
Our Rights in the UK

Bridging the Legislative Gap on Corporate Exploitation by Luise Schroter

Luise Schroter, policy and campaigns officer at Corporate Justice Coalition, calls for a new law to improve corporate accountability.

This essay is part of a collection of thought pieces curated by Labour Campaign for Human Rights and Amnesty International UK.
Our Rights in the UK

‘Bad’ Disruption: Rule Changes that Threaten the Right to Protest by David Mead

Human rights law professor David Mead argues that new legal restrictions on disruptive protest must be reversed.

This essay is part of a collection of thought pieces curated by Labour Campaign for Human Rights and Amnesty International UK.
Our Rights in the UK

Future Goals for a New Labour Government by Jamie Burton KC

Leading human rights barrister Jamie Burton KC argues that the new Labour government needs to embed social rights in the constitution
Action

Over 13,000 people took action, calling on the Prime Minister to prioritise human rights.

Many thanks to the tens of thousands of you who took action calling on the Prime Minister to prioritise human rights.
Our Rights in the UK

Does the Human Rights Act matter? By Craig Mathieson

Craig Mathieson’s Supreme Court test case successfully challenged the rules governing disability allowances. In this essay, he discusses the vital importance of the Human Rights Act.

This essay is part of a collection of thought pieces curated by Labour Campaign for Human Rights and Amnesty International UK.
Human rights essays

Human Rights Essays

Essays from leading experts explore themes ranging from mass atrocities around the world to unprecedented levels of homelessness in the UK. This thought-provoking collection is curated by Labour Campaign for Human Rights and Amnesty UK
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.