The Human Rights Act is a UK law passed in 1998 and brings into Law the European Convention on Human Rights. The European Convention on Human Rights sets out 18 Articles, including the Right to Life, and the Prohibition of slavery and forced labour.
The Act establishes provisions and powers that enables individuals to defend their rights in UK courts and compels public organisations – including the Government, police and local councils – to treat everyone equally, with fairness, dignity and respect.
Furthermore, the Act may be used by every person resident in the United Kingdom regardless of whether or not they are a British citizen or a foreign national, a child or an adult, a prisoner or a member of the public. It can also be used by companies or organisations.
