The Human Rights Act

The Human Rights Act is vital to protecting the fundamental freedoms of everyone in society. The Act is particularly important for people with experience of mental distress, who are too often denied their human rights, such as the right not be discriminated against (article 14), the right to a private and family life (article 8), or, in extreme cases, the right to liberty (article 5).

What's the issue?

Mind believes the Human Rights Act is a vital tool to safeguard these basic rights, particularly in relation to preventing abuse, guaranteeing equal access to justice, and ensuring healthcare is appropriate and proportionate.

We are deeply concerned, though, that myths and misconceptions about the value of the Human Rights Act have led to suggestions that the Act may be repealed in the future. This would be a huge step back for many people with mental distress, who without the Act could too easily be denied their right to lead a full and active life, free from discrimination.

Mind is working with a broad alliance of NGOs who support the Human Rights Act and to oppose any moves to repeal it. We are calling on all political parties to commit to protecting the Act now and for future generations.

We are pleased the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, has said any government would tamper with the Human Rights Act "at its peril", but we will be closely monitoring the independent commission that has been tasked by the coalition Government to investigate the Act. We will campaign against any attempts to repeal the Act or water it down.

Find out more

• Read Mind's article (PDF) on human rights and mental health in the Liberty newsletter (page seven).
• Sign up to Liberty's 'Common Values' campaign in support of the Human Rights Act.
• Read the British Institute of Human Rights report - 'The Human Rights Act - Changing Lives' (PDF).
• Read the Equality and Human Rights Commission report (PDF), featuring Mind's work on access to justice (p.17).