The Human Rights Act was fundamental to the peace process having both been given legislative effect within the same year. Not only would repealing the act cause disruption on how stormont & public authorities deal with contentious issues, it also halts direct access to the courts (domestic & European) in forwarding convention rights issues. #humanrights #parliament #houseoflords #stormont
JUSTICE has briefed all MPs and Peers on the importance of the UK's membership of the European Convention on Human Rights (the "ECHR"). We urge all those who support the ECHR to make their voices heard and ensure the importance of membership is more widely recognised. The UK played a significant role in drafting the ECHR and has a leading role within the Council of Europe. Only two countries - Russia and Greece when it was a military dictatorship - have ever left the ECHR. Withdrawal from the ECHR would: (i) endanger the Good Friday Agreement and Windsor Framework (ii) destabilise devolution; and (iii) harm international security cooperation. The ECHR has significantly strengthened human rights protections across Europe and in the UK. There has never been a more important time for the UK to lead in the Council of Europe - supporting and promoting democracy, human rights and the rule of law across the continent.