Watchdog revises guidance for public bodies on Human Rights Act

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has updated its guidance for public bodies on the Human Rights Act, in part to take into account recent court rulings.

The Human Rights: Human Lives guidance, which is intended to “help public bodies understand how the Human Rights Act can help them improve public services for everyone”, covers:

• Who should use this handbook and why?
• What are human rights?
• What is the European Convention on Human Rights?
• What is the Human Rights Act?           
• How does the Human Rights Act affect me?
• The Convention rights in detail;
• A human rights flowchart, and the flowchart explained;
• Frequently asked questions;
• Jargon buster;
• Relevant organisations and contacts;
• Useful websites.

The guidance includes specific information for sectors including central and local government, the police, schools and hospitals.

Mark Hammond, CEO of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: “Human rights are for everyone. That is why the Human Rights Act protects us all from arbitrary and excessive action by public bodies that could result in loss of life or liberty, amount to degrading treatment, or intrude into our private lives. It is therefore one of the most important pieces of legislation for public sector staff to understand.

“This clear and practical guidance shows public bodies how meeting their legal duties can help them improve the services they provide to the public.”