Tag Archives: International law

Proposed Work Capability Assessment Changes Risk Leaving Disabled People Behind

The proposed reforms highlighted in the March 2023 Health and Disability White Paper are poised to invoke significant alterations to the rights and welfare of disabled individuals in the United Kingdom, a nation already under scrutiny since a 2016 UN inquiry. The envisaged replacement of the Work Capability Assessment with the Personal Independence Payment assessment, although seemingly simplifying, raises formidable concerns regarding the potential overlooking of the substantial risk clause and the genuine reflectiveness of the difficulties encountered by disabled people.

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.

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.

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.

Fanning The Flames Against Free Speech – UN “Qur’an Vote” Sparks Debate

This blog delves into the controversial adoption of Resolution A/HRC/53/L.23 by the United Nations Human Rights Council. The article explores the tensions between protecting free speech and countering religious hatred, with a focus on the burning of religious texts as a form of expression. It highlights the concerns raised by Western countries regarding the potential impact on free speech while emphasising the need to address religious intolerance and violence.

Deportation of Asylum Seekers to Rwanda Found Illegal in Court of Appeal

The UK Government’s controversial immigration policy, aimed at relocating migrants to Rwanda during the processing of their asylum claims, has been declared unlawful by the Court of Appeal on June 29th, 2023. Ten appellants from various countries and the charity Asylum Aid launched an appeal against their proposed removal to Rwanda, arguing that it may not be a “safe third country” and could lead to potential harm for those with valid asylum claims.