Human Rights are really important because they make sure that every single human being has a basic right to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect and has control over their life.
The Human Rights Act makes sure
- public authorities and officials respect and protect your right in everything they do. These include the NHS, local councils, private health and care providers, the police, prisons and the courts.
- all other laws protect your human right
If you don’t feel your human rights are being respected you should tell someone works in a public authority, for example your social worker, GP, or if it is serious you can contact the police.
The Human Rights Act applies to public organisations so you can’t use it to stop friends, family or individuals doing things they want to do.
A Little Summary to the Human Rights Act
What are My Human Rights?
There are 16 human rights.
Right to Life
Your life is protected by law. You don’t need to worry that the government will take your life away.
Right not be treated in a inhuman way
You have a right not to be hurt in a cruel way. Nobody should hit, hurt or abuse you.
Right to be free from slavery
People’s can’t make you work for free or force you to do certain kinds of work.
Right to freedom
Nobody should lock you in or stop you from going places except when the law says they can. For example if you are arrested the police may put you in a cell however they have to have good reason.
Right to a fair trial
Only a court can decide you are guilt of a crime.
Right not to be punished for something which wasn’t against the law
You can only be guilt of a crime if it was against the law when you did it.
Right to privacy and family life.
You should be safe at home and have time to yourself.
Staff shouldn’t read your letter or listen to phone calls, unless you ask them to or the law says there is a good reason.
Right to freedom of thought and religion
You are free to believe to hold the beliefs or religion that you would like. If you want to practice a religion no one can stop you.
Right of freedom of expression
You should be able to say and read what you like, as long as you respect other people.
Right to freedom of assembly and association
You have the right to get together with other people in a peaceful way. Such as going on a demonstration.
Right to marry and have a family
You should be able to get married and have children, even if your family and staff worry about this.
Right not to be discriminated against
Everyone must have equal rights.
Right to possessions
You have the right to enjoy the things you own. No one should take your money or things away from you.
Right to an education
You should have the same opportunities as everyone to go to school to learn.
Right to free elections
You have the right to vote for whoever you would like. You don’t need to tell anyone who you voted for.
No death penalty
You can’t be sentenced to death for any crime.
