The debate over whether defendants should be forced to attend their sentencing has intensified following the refusal of the notorious serial killer, Lucy Letby, and the killers of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel. While there’s a strong public sentiment supporting mandatory court attendance for sentencing, especially in heinous crimes, concerns arise over the potential for this to infringe on human rights and disrupt court proceedings. It’s essential to ensure that the pursuit of justice does not compromise the foundational principles of human rights and liberties, even for those deemed the most reprehensible in society.
Author Archives: nightingalerightsinitiative
“How Can You Defend Criminals?” – The Question Asked Of Every Lawyer
The presumption of innocence is a foundational principle in justice systems, with every individual deemed innocent until proven guilty. Legal representation is crucial in ensuring fairness, preventing wrongful convictions, and upholding the integrity of the legal process, emphasising that justice should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or means.
Blown Sky High – Human Rights Implications Of Drones In Warfare
In the face of rising drone usage in modern warfare, communities in targeted regions live under the constant threat of strikes, resulting in widespread trauma and destabilisation. This article highlights incidents like the 2013 Yemen wedding convoy tragedy and the 2022 targeting of Abu Hamza al-Shuhail to underline the devastating human costs and challenges in drone strike accuracy. As drones increasingly integrate with artificial intelligence, sparking ethical concerns, there’s a growing call for international regulatory frameworks to ensure that warfare maintains respect for human rights and justice.
Prescribing Discrimination – Should Patients be Allowed to Demand Non-Trans Staff?
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare rights, this article delves into the contentious issue of patients demanding care based on the gender of their healthcare provider. While highlighting the critical balance between patient autonomy and the principles of unbiased, inclusive care, it emphasises the dangers of allowing such preferences to overshadow the fundamental values underpinning the UK’s healthcare system.
A Crisis Behind Bars – England and Wales’s Prisons and the Alarming Human Rights Implications
England and Wales’s prison system faces severe overcrowding and deteriorating conditions, with many facilities failing to provide humane treatment, despite warnings from various oversight bodies over the years. This crisis, marked by a rise in deaths, self-harm, and assaults, indicates a potential breach of international human rights standards, emphasising an urgent need for systemic reform that prioritises inmate safety, rehabilitation, and human dignity.
Modern Human Rights – Is It Time to Accept Polygamous Marriages?
While the European Convention on Human Rights guarantees the right to marry, the legal recognition of multiple marriages remains contentious. The debate involves balancing individual autonomy with societal cohesion and concerns about potential harms such as gender inequality and exploitation. Despite recent reviews and consultations, there are no immediate plans for legal changes in the UK, but the recognition of foreign polyamorous relationships adds complexity to the discussion. Upholding human rights, gender equality, and individual autonomy while addressing potential imbalances and exploitation is central to the ongoing discourse.
Why It’s Imperative To Continue To Have Pride As A Protest
The UK’s Pride events in August have regained their protest character this year, highlighting ongoing challenges for the LGBTQ+ community. Despite progress in legislation, recent incidents such as disruptions by activists and the persistence of anti-trans rhetoric underscore the need for continued advocacy and protection of LGBTQ+ rights.
The Istanbul Conventions Implementation in the UK vs Türkiye
The Istanbul Convention, a treaty aimed at preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, has seen varying levels of success in different nations. The United Kingdom demonstrated commitment by ratifying the convention and implementing measures such as criminalising forced marriage and female genital mutilation. In contrast, Turkey’s full ratification stalled due to opposition from conservative groups, leaving many protections unenforced. The UK has made progress in data collection and victim support, while Turkey faces challenges in these areas. By learning from each other’s experiences, both countries can work towards creating safer and more equitable societies for women.
Navigating the Illegal Migration Act and its Implications for Human Rights
The recently passed Illegal Migration Act in the UK has sparked heated debates and concerns about potential human rights violations. The Act aims to address unlawful migration but has been criticised for likely contradicting international human rights and refugee law. The Act’s compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights has also been questioned, leading to discussions about the UK’s commitment to upholding human rights standards globally. Striking a balance between border control measures and human rights protection remains a critical challenge for the UK as it moves forward with implementing the Act.
Clearing the Air – Understanding the Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill
The Clean Air (Human Rights) Bill, introduced by the Green Party in the UK, aims to establish a human right to breathe clean air by addressing air pollution and promoting sustainable practices. It seeks to transition to cleaner energy sources, impact industrial manufacturing, and transform the transportation industry. The bill proposes the establishment of an independent body, the Citizen’s Commission for Clean Air, to monitor and enforce clean air standards. With the bill awaiting its second reading in the House of Commons, it holds the potential to pave the way for a greener future in the UK.
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