The International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights
Read about the impact of our staff and Lived Experience Experts attending the 140th session of the United Nations Human Rights Committee in Geneva to give evidence about the implementation of human rights law in the UK.
About the work
In February 2024, the United Nations Human Rights Committee reviewed how well the United Kingdom is meeting its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
BIHR submitted a report to the Committee in February 2024 and was kindly funded by the Equality & Human Rights Commission to give evidence in-person alongside Kirsten and Fairuz - Lived Experience Experts and members of our RITES Committee.
Kirsten and Fairuz spoke to the United Nations Human Rights Committee about their experiences of human rights in practice. Find out more about them and their work by clicking their pictures below.
The impact of lived experience voices
BIHR have long been gathering data on the difference it makes when lived experience voices are funded and supported to be heard.
This impact was evident at the ICCPR session, with several members of the UN Human Rights Committee and attendees approaching Fairuz and Kirsten after the formal session to share how impactful their evidence was for them both professionally and personally.
Below we share some data gathered from surveys where lived experience voices have been present on training, events and policy projects.
84%
of staff said that having a Lived Experience Expert in the workshop helped them to think about rights-respecting changes to current practices.
100%
of participants would recommend a co-delivered BIHR human rights session.
"Fantastic"
“A Lived Experience Expert reminds people that we are talking about real lives.”
Hear from the experts
In Kirsten’s own words:
“I am really glad to be here today to give evidence and testimony to the UN Human Rights Committee. It was great as a person with lived experience to be one of only two people who were talking about their own personal experience. To be able to be heard by the UN on the treatment of my autistic son as an inpatient and to highlight the plight of him and many other families like mine who are subject to high levels of restrictive practice and to solitary confinement and to inhuman and degrading treatment. I feel that I was listened to, I was respected and more importantly that I was heard. I’d like to thank BIHR for that wonderful opportunity and let’s hope it makes a big difference.”
In Fairuz’s own words:
“I am really glad to be here today to give evidence in person of the intersectional experiences of women fleeing abuse, especially women from black and minoritised communities. How their human rights are violated when accessing basic services like housing and social security, benefits and legal aid. This could be improved by educating frontline services and officials.”
Related information
Our Impact
Read about how our work helps empower, support and upskill people across the UK to speak up for and protect everyone's human rights.
Our Impact
Read about how our work helps empower, support and upskill people across the UK to speak up for and protect everyone's human rights.
The RITES Committee
Our RITES Committee (standing for real-life insights, tips, experiences and stories) is made up of experts by experience who have used our Human Rights Act to achieve change.
The RITES Committee
Our RITES Committee (standing for real-life insights, tips, experiences and stories) is made up of experts by experience who have used our Human Rights Act to achieve change.
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