Human rights

The Human Rights Act protects the right to enjoy the freedoms outlined under the Act, without discrimination on any ground such as sex, race, colour, language, religion and political or other opinion. It covers both employment and service delivery.

The Government's Equality Bill has introduced a new single Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR). This organisation is now responsible for promoting equality throughout society and, for the first time, provides institutional support for human rights.

Context

Respect for the human rights of an individual or group is fundamental to ensuring their quality of life.

In particular, the economic, social and cultural rights, including the rights to fair employment conditions and health care, without discrimination, are relevant to the NHS as both an employer and service provider.

European framework

The United Kingdom is a signatory to:

• the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations
• the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights

The UK has also signed up to the following UN conventions:

• the Convention on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
• the Convention on the Rights of Child - this bans discrimination and provides special protection for minors (anyone under the age of 18)