We have a duty under the Human Rights Act 1998 (external website) to act compatibly with the rights under the European Convention for the Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms. In the courts the Equality Act 2010 (and all other primary UK legislation) is interpreted in ways that are compatible with the Human Rights Act.
The Human Rights Act is derived from the European Convention on Human Rights and became law in November 1998. It enabled any person who considers they have been a victim of a human rights violation to challenge a public authority in the courts or tribunals.
The purpose of the Human Rights Act is to support a culture of respect for everyone’s human rights and a feature of everyday life. The convention rights include:
- Abolition of the death penalty
- Freedom of assembly and association
- Freedom of expression
- Freedom of thought
- Prohibition of discrimination
- Prohibition of slavery and forced labour
- Prohibition of torture
- Protection of property
- Restriction on political activity of aliens
- Right to a fair trial
- Right to an effective remedy
- Right to education
- Right to free elections
- Right to liberty and security
- Right to life
- Right to marry
- Right to respect for private and family life