UK human rights at risk, warns Equality Commission

In a new report, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said gaps in government action had weakened human rights in the UK.

The report, which was published on Human Rights Day (10th December), examined the government’s progress in implementing recommendations made during the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in 2022. 

Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, chair of the EHRC, said: ‘As an A-status National Human Rights institution, it’s our job to monitor and promote human rights in the UK, and to ensure the government is taking the necessary steps to uphold these rights for all of us.’

She remarked that while the government has made some commitments to protect everyone’s human rights, ‘it is failing to uphold basic rights in others –  particularly by permitting heavy-handed responses to peaceful protests, failing to ensure disabled people can access healthcare on a level playing field with others, and allowing labour exploitation to go unchecked for certain workers.’  

‘This failure to uphold key human rights is concerning for each and every one of us,’ Dr Stephenson continued. ‘Our everyday rights are not luxuries to be earned, but obligations governments must uphold. 

‘That’s why we’ve written to ministers to urge them to review our new report and implement outstanding recommendations from the Universal Periodic Review to ensure rights are protected across the nation.’

The report highlighted laws such as the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act and the Public Order Act 2023 had disproportionately restricted the right to peaceful protest and assembly, contrary to international standards.

Meanwhile, migrant workers were also found to be at risk. The EHRC noted links between certain sponsored work visa schemes and labour exploitation, emphasising the government’s failure to protect foreign nationals from abuse. 

The report, which can be found in full here, marked the mid-term review of the UK government’s five-year period to improve its human rights record ahead of the next UPR in 2027. 

Image: Shutterstock 

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