Human rights
Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world. The European Convention on Human Rights protects the human rights of people in countries that belong to the Council of Europe. This includes the UK.
If you think your human rights under the European Convention have been breached, you may be able to take a case to court in the UK.
This section explains how your human rights are protected in the UK and what you can do if your rights have been breached.
What are human rights?
Explains what human rights are and how they are protected by law. Also lists organisations offer further information.
The Human Rights Act 1998
Explains what the Human Rights Act 1998 is and how it protects the rights set out in the European Convention on Human Rights.
How are your human rights protected by the courts?
Explains how courts must protect human rights when applying the law and which laws the courts must apply, even if they breach the Human Rights Act 1998.
Who's breaching your human rights?
Explains how the Human Rights Act 1988 protects you from a public authority, or private organisation carrying out a public function.
When can a public authority interfere with your human rights?
Explains when a public authority can interfere with your human rights, to protect the rights of other people, or the interests of the wider community.
Taking action about human rights
Things to think about before taking action about a breach of human rights, including checking a breach took place and choosing the best course of action for you.
Taking legal action about human rights
Things to think about when taking legal action about a breach of human rights, covering who can take action, time limits, remedies and judicial review.