Human rights

Overview

The European Convention on Human Rights contains a number of articles that set out fundamental rights and freedoms, such as the right to a fair trial and freedom of expression. The articles are based on the core principles of dignity, fairness, respect and equality. The UK is one of the signatories to the Convention.

The European Court of Human Rights hears cases concerning alleged breaches of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights are entirely separate from the law and institutions of the European Union. This means that the UK remains bound by the European Convention on Human Rights even though it has left the European Union.

The Human Rights Act 1998 requires courts and tribunals to interpret domestic law in accordance with the European Convention on Human Rights. The Convention rights are set out in sch.1 to the Human Rights Act 1998.

There have been a number of employment law cases where human rights issues have been raised, such as the right to a fair and public hearing under art.6, the right to respect for private life under art.8, and freedom of assembly and association under art.11.