The Law Explained

Articles explaining fundamental human rights as defined in UK and international law. Topics include right to life, fair trials, freedom from torture, family rights and consequences of violations.

A UK Bill of Rights?

The UK lacks a written constitution, leaving some fundamental rights vulnerable to new laws that restrict traditional freedoms.

Freedom from Slavery or Forced Labour

Article 4 of the European Convention on Human Rights protects people from slavery, servitude and forced labour in the UK and Europe.

Freedom from Torture, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment

Your right to be free from torture is absolute under UK and European human rights law and cannot be overridden in any circumstance.

Respect for Private Life, Family and the Right to Marry

Article 8 and 12 of the European Convention on Human Rights protect your right to private and family life, and to marry, though these rights have legal limits.

The Online Safety Act in 2026: What Platforms Now Have to Do

The Online Safety Act in 2026: What Platforms Now Have to Do The Online Safety Act 2023 received Royal Assent in October 2023, but its duties have come...

The Right to a Fair Trial to No Punishment Without Law

UK human rights law guarantees everyone the right to a fair trial and protection against punishment without law.

The Right to Life

Article 2 of the ECHR protects everyone's right to life in UK and European law, with specific legal exceptions.

The Right to Personal Freedom

Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights protects personal freedom and liberty, though it allows detention in specific circumstances.

When a Country Breaches International Human Rights Law

What happens when countries violate human rights laws and how the international system tries to hold them accountable.