Weekly Human Rights News: 29-09-23

We’re running a two-part lunch and learn series for people working in health and social care across the UK to talk about putting human rights into practice. On Wednesday 27^th September, we had our first event.

The series is co-developed and co-delivered with Lived Experience Expert Kirsten, a single parent of an autistic son who, from the ages of 14-18, was held in mental health hospitals and subjected to restrictive practices.

A participant after the workshop said, "You don't know what you don't know - The training will inspire you learn and confidence tos peak up for those who need it, when they need it."

The second lunch and learn is taking place on 11^th October and will be an opportunity to ask questions, reflect on practice and discuss real-life issues with likeminded colleagues. Spaces are limited, click below to register your interest in attending. 

Our Practice Leads programmes are designed for senior members of staff who can support long-term and sustainable change in their organisations by embedding human rights in everyday practice. We’re currently running a Practice Leads programme with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) alongside a capacity-building programme that’s open to staff across all areas.

Please be aware that the external human rights news BIHR shares weekly contains difficult and potentially triggering issues. 

The Council of Europe urged the UK Government to consider repealing the immunity provisions in the Troubles Act

The controversial Troubles Act offers immunity for people involved in killings during the Troubles if they cooperate with the newly-established Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). On 19^th to 21^st September, the Council of Europe met to discuss the implementation of cases surrounding the Troubles and “reiterated their serious concern about the proposed conditional immunity scheme which risks breaching obligations under Article 2 of the European Convention [the right to life] to prosecute and punish serious grave breaches of human rights, and seriously undermining the ICRIR’s capacity to carry out effective investigations within the meaning of Article 2 of the Convention”.

Read the full decision

The European Court of Human Rights heard a significant case on climate change

On Wednesday 27^th September, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) heard a case against 33 countries (including the UK) arguing that they have breached the right to life, right to be free from inhuman or degrading treatment and right to private and family life by failing to introduce measures to limit emissions. They also say the countries have breached the right to be free from discrimination because climate change will have a greater impact on the younger generation. The judgment will be released at a later date.

Read the press release