Call Advocacy in Lincolnshire

Citizens of the UK have certain fundamental human rights which government and public authorities are legally obliged to respect. These became law as part of the Human Rights Act 1998.

These rights not only affect matters of life and death like freedom from torture and killing but also affect your rights in everyday life: what you can say and do, your beliefs, your right to a fair trial and many other similar basic entitlements.

The rights are not absolute - governments have the power to limit or control them in times of severe need or emergency. You also have the responsibility to respect the rights of other people - and not exercise yours in a way which is likely to stop them from being able to exercise theirs.

Your human rights are:

the right to life
freedom from torture and degraded treatment
freedom from slavery and forced labour
the right to liberty
the right to a fair trial
the right not to be punished for something that wasn't a crime when you did it
the right to respect for private and family life
freedom of thought, conscience and religion
freedom of expression
freedom of assembly and association
the right to marry or form a civil partnership and start a family
the right not to be discriminated against in respect of these rights and freedoms
the right to own property
the right to an education
the right to participate in free elections

If any of these rights and freedoms are abused you have a right to an effective solution in law, even if the abuse was by someone in authority, for example, a policeman.

Where to find out more:

A free guide to the Human Rights Act has been produced by the Ministry of Justice. Copies can be downloaded from their website at http://www.justice.gov.uk/guidance/humanrights.htm or hard copies can be ordered free of charge by calling 020 7210 1437.

The guide to the Act is available in English and Welsh, and versions in large print, Braille or audio cassette are available on request.

CALL - Advocacy in Lincolnshire.
Company Number 4420746. Registered Charity Number 1092986
Unit 12, Allenby Business Village, Crofton Road, LINCOLN, LN3 4NL
Tel: 01522 511114