UK Breaches of Human Rights Law

Originally written by Charlotte Walker-Olivier, updated by the editorial team on 6th June 2026

How the UK Can Still Fall Short on Human Rights

The UK has built significant human rights protections into its legal system over the decades. The Human Rights Act 1998 brought the European Convention on Human Rights into domestic law, allowing people to bring claims in UK courts rather than going abroad. Even so, there are instances where UK actions have been found inconsistent with certain human rights obligations.

Some human rights cases are resolved in UK courts. Others end up at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, where judges decide whether a country has violated the Convention. Over the years, the UK has lost a number of these cases, leading to changes in law and policy.

If you believe your rights have been breached, you can use our free Rights Situation Checker to describe what has happened and get guidance on your options.

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Cases Where the UK Has Been Found in Breach

The European Court of Human Rights has ruled against the UK on several occasions. These judgments have often prompted significant legal reforms.

One well known case involved members of the armed forces who were dismissed because of their sexuality. In 2000, the Court found that the Ministry of Defence had violated the right to respect for private life under Article 8 of the Convention. The individuals had been questioned about their sexual orientation and then discharged solely on that basis. The UK was ordered to pay compensation of £19,000 to each applicant for non-pecuniary damage, along with costs. The ruling contributed to the lifting of the ban on gay and lesbian people serving in the military.

Another area where the UK has faced criticism is prisoner voting rights. In the case of Hirst v United Kingdom, the Court ruled in 2005 that a blanket ban on all convicted prisoners voting was a breach of the right to free elections under Protocol 1, Article 3. The UK was slow to respond, and the issue remained contentious for years. Limited changes were eventually made, though the matter has remained politically sensitive.

Whole life orders have been challenged by prisoners and human rights organisations. In Vinter and Others v United Kingdom, the Court found that such sentences could raise issues under Article 3 where there was no clear and concrete possibility of review. The judgment did not say these sentences automatically amounted to inhuman or degrading treatment, but that the absence of any meaningful review mechanism was problematic. The UK has made adjustments to allow for the possibility of case reconsideration for those serving the longest sentences.

Cases involving surveillance and privacy have reached Strasbourg too. The Court has examined whether UK intelligence agencies have operated within proper legal boundaries when intercepting communications. In some instances, it found that safeguards were lacking, prompting reforms to oversight arrangements.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

What Happens After a Judgment

When the European Court of Human Rights finds a violation, the UK is expected to take steps to address the problem. This can mean paying compensation to the individuals affected, changing laws, or altering how public bodies operate.

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe monitors whether countries comply with European Court of Human Rights judgments. Most of the time, the UK does make the required changes, though the speed and extent of reform can vary. Some rulings lead to swift legislative action. Others spark lengthy political debate.

Not every complaint to the Court succeeds. According to Court statistics, the majority of applications are declared inadmissible because the applicant has not exhausted domestic remedies or because the complaint does not fall within the scope of the Convention. The Court only considers cases where all reasonable options within the UK legal system have been tried first.

It is also worth noting that Brexit has not affected the UK's relationship with the European Court of Human Rights, which is separate from the European Union. However, there is ongoing debate within the UK government about potential reforms to the Human Rights Act 1998, which could affect how Convention rights are enforced domestically in the future.

Bringing a Human Rights Claim in the UK

If you think a public authority has breached your human rights, you may be able to take action without leaving the UK. The Human Rights Act allows you to bring claims in domestic courts against bodies such as the police, local councils, the NHS, and government departments.

You will usually need to act within a time limit of one year from the date of the alleged breach, though courts can extend this in some circumstances. Legal aid may be available depending on your financial situation and the type of case. Citizens Advice and the Equality and Human Rights Commission can provide guidance on where to get help.

Going to the European Court of Human Rights is generally a last resort. You must first exhaust all available remedies in the UK, which usually means going through the courts up to the highest level relevant to your case. The process can take several years.

For detailed information on making a claim, see guidance on GOV.UK or contact a solicitor with experience in human rights law. Organisations such as Liberty and Justice also offer resources and, in some cases, legal support for people whose rights have been violated.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Rights Situation Checker lets you describe what has happened and find out which UK human rights protections apply and what you can do. Try it now →

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AboutHumanRights Editor 20/05/2026 at 9:16 am

@Journeyman What you're describing sounds genuinely serious, but please be careful relying on AI for compensation figures as they're often wildly inflated and not how courts actually assess damages. For Article 6 and 8 breaches involving children's services, you need a solicitor who does civil actions against public authorities, not a family lawyer. Try firms like Donoghue Solicitors, Bhatt Murphy or Hodge Jones Allen, and contact the Public Law Project for guidance. Given the suicide attempts and PTSD, please also ring Samaritans on 116 123 whilst you're fighting this.

Journeyman 14/03/2025 at 9:31 am

In 2018 social workers in Bournemouth deliberately neglected my concerns for the welfare of my daughter the lady in question had already had children taken away from her I had never had a relationship with her my daughter was a one night stand when the social services turned up they believed every lie this woman told her about us having a relationship I later lost contact I wasn't able to see my daughter for 2 years because social workers enabled the lies of domestic abuse later on social services were found out they were forced to remove the children by Force they later lied about my parental responsibility after Very fighting I already had parental responsibility this was a breach of my unmy daughter's human rights articulate but also in regards to the trial their application was referring to article 6 of the human rights code can somebody please help me I am trying to find this solicitor to Help me with this Case there is much More to this as well grock AI has had a full description in full detail of Everything which has happened and it suggests that I would be due Over one million pounding compensation and with my daughter I really do need some help I have attempted to take my life twice because of this I suffer with PTSD the police are assisting the social workers by not investigating my report of perjury The social work Allied on what is known as A SWET report this report must be verified with the signature of statements of truth acknowledgment of truth which is basically taking a nose the police of hotline reports since the 31st of December 2024 and yet still they have not acted but the social workers who I've Put on notice by telling them this order is vulnerable I'm Void have all I've made arrested for false allegations of harassment and threats The Only threats I make is against their fitness to Practice 8 times I've been arrested 6 months on bail each time Only to be found not guilty or The Police take no further action I have been section for 27 days whilst onder arrest again released with no after Care Only for psychologists to say that if the social services story I tell them is True that my behavior is a result of the Trauma impacted Caused by the social services I have tried everything I can on my own with no money to try and have this sorted but I get nowhere every single time they hide behind the court order the Local government's ombudsman really do need to do more I've contacted them as well but they are hiding behind the court order they are scared or Stepping on judiciary toes

So I beg I'm plead with every last ounce of hope I have remaining if there is anybody who could assist me and guide me through what I already fail to be true until substantiate some information for me and perhaps even help me take this to the courts I will pay you whatever you want I will give my compensation I just want your

If you find me on YouTube I am called the journeyman look for journey's law also on blue sky

This is my ca

Arrico 26/02/2020 at 10:00 am

Hello, a few months ago, I lost my appeal in a Employment Tribunal in Nottingham. But I appealed to the court in London, and it turned out that sending all the documents was endless to the Employment Tribunal in London. Every now and then I had to send something. And finally it turned out that it was about 6 times by traditional mail. Finally, I received a letter from Employment Tribunals that I had to send one more document, one A4 sheet and sent it. The only problem was that it happened one day after the deadline. Let me remind you that 99% of documents were already completed and delivered on time, and I was late with one sheet of document by one day. Then I got a letter from the Employment Tribunal that I should give a reason why I was one day late submitting my documents? If my reason is plausible, they will consider my application and accept my appeal. So I wrote to them that I am a disabled person after a motorcycle accident, I am after a knee surgery and I have a disability group and I am on crutches and that every time I leave the house it is a huge problem and it is a great effort for me. And that I am single, and there is no one to help me even send a letter. And secondly, I mentioned that 99% of documents have already been delivered to them on time, which has already made a great effort. It was exactly one A4 page, in which the Employment Tribunal saw the biggest problem. Unfortunately, the Employment Tribunal wrote back to me that the reason given by me was not credible and that my appeal would not be accepted. Please tell me is this not a sign of pure discrimination for human? This is additionally discrimination against a disabled person in this case. How can a disabled person with a disability be treated in this way? Is this a worthy behavior of a civil servant towards a disabled citizen? I have written to the Employment Tribunal many times, but without success. I suppose that not one judge and anyone who would have competence in this case got acquainted with my letters which I sent there. Can I file a complaint with the state authorities regarding this fact that I have been discriminated against as a disabled person by the Employment Tribunal? Thank you and I look forward to your reply.

PS: Sorry for the mistakes but English is my second language.

Amanda 20/08/2019 at 9:47 pm

Please can anyone help me it's a big thing and I'm facing prison for what up two years

Heartlessbitch 20/08/2019 at 9:45 pm

I reciever a bundle of what I now know to be files denlivened by mistake by lcc I was in court high Court wasn't aware I need a solicitor but have till Thursday day to find a independent not involved in Lancashire at all as I burned the files as I was scared for my safety of family members. and it has evidence of total corruption within the social workers that have been failing children in my family's for the last 2 decades I'm at my wits end the lcc solicitors wanted to send me to prison today as I mentioned to a family member to some whom was apart if the courts application without any knowledge of the documents stamped addoption without the courts final court days also other things which I can't mention x have no one I can trust police sw council mental health team probation all on same page while I my aim is to protect my family and help other who find them self in same boat it's horrendously unfair human rights lawyer is needed please help abjones

Jonms 09/08/2019 at 1:23 pm

The police contacted me by telephone to say there had been a complaint regarding a breach of the peace against me six months ago. They said they had been given video evidence of me shouting at a picket line. They said as I had no previous convictions they would give me a warning. I asked them how do they it was me. They replied that the picketers saw me going into my house and the police had called at my house (six months later) and got my telephone number from my wife.
They then stated that the warning would stay on file for six months and if I'm not in any trouble in that time, it will be removed. I asked them does that mean it has now expired as the (alleged) incident took place six months ago. They said no because they were warning me today. I refused there offer of a warning and told them to come and charge me. They refused and insisted that this is dealt with by a warning again stating it would stay on file for six months. Again, I told them I would not accept this bit they would not give way. I stated if they insist on this, I am stating that I believe this to be infringing my 'human rights' as they are given me a twelve month warning. They hummed away saying that there was nothing they could do.

I finished by telling the police that as far as I was concerned they didn't have any reason to charge me and the evidence they referred to could not be used in court due to certain legal technicalities, which they acknowledged. However, they finished by again stating that this time they are 'just giving me a warning'. I said goodbye and hung up. They didn't call back.
Where do I stand on this?

Error404 21/06/2019 at 3:37 am

I have to endure physical, mental abuse daily by my neighbours. This has gone on for years my health is deteriorate and have lost a friend who died February this year. My family is also being targeted. It's too long to go in to but I need advice. Also my GP who is also a police Dr has knowledge of the abuse but hasn't made any changes in my circumstances. I want to know what is the best course of action I believe they are trying to murder me. From Dumfries and people are slanderous. Had to move 3 times because of it no proof of anything yet it goes on. My mental health is well documented

Andy 24/05/2019 at 8:48 pm

I was recalled back to prison by police and there was no charges brought against me and I then had to do over 7 weeks but I was told I should have only done 28 days in recall so does anyone know if my human rights where broken and do I have a right to take them to court for this because it was a standard recall

Anon 19/03/2019 at 1:20 pm

Is a worker's council or something similar where one can lodge complaints? I had a terrible experience with a British recruiter who used insulting words like "Shame on you. Have you no honour at all? " , "You are like most candidates, only interested in chasing money " after I rejected the accepted job offer due to personal reasons. Or is this normal from recruiters? Thank you for your response!

m2chibini 28/01/2019 at 9:10 pm

While I was coming back from night duty I found that my flat door was broken and there was a board written:Police aware. I went to City council for more information about breaking in where I was told by housing officer that the police left message saying that they broke in because they (police)concerned about my own safety.When I rang police for more information the case number they left to the housing officer did not show up in the log in record system for police.when I rang the police they told me that they broke in to my flat because there is a 15 year old child missing and it was suspended that this missing child is in my flat (child kidnapping) This information was completely different from what I was told initially.when I got inside my flat there was a note left by police saying that they broke in because they were concerned about missing person.as I knew that this case is serious criminal offence I rang police centre again to find out but no police officer was available to answer me.i was never interviewed by police and no phone call from police.as the trained nurse I had to report to my employer about the incident and that I am unable to turn up to work that evening.Unfortunately my employer suspended me without payment until I submit the clearance letter from Police regarding this case I rang Police center requesting the police to come forward but police never showed interest .The note that was left by police in my flat had no time,no name or surname of police officer and no ID for police officer,I was terrified not knowing what is next since police ran away I started to ask my neighbors if they were really police as I was concerned about incomplete information in the note .my neighbors told me that they were really police officer with two police officer cars.Police did not interview my neighbor as part of their search for missing person. I was now scared of the police for living me in limbo. I asked my closest neighbor if she saw police and my neighbors told me that she had a noise banging and she out and asked the police if she can help them and the police said her No we want this woman who live here as she committed serious criminal offence. I again doubt that we’re ready police officer. Distressed,scared and terrified of police for not being trusted.i became a victim of police . I went to Police station and asked for clearance letter so that I can go back to work I already lost my income .the Police at the station told me that whoever Police who logged in information did not put his/her name in that case they cannot help me. I was disappointed that the police can do records that might needed to the court as evidence without any name or ID of the police officer.disapointed that I am still out of employment due to police officer . I am not convinced that this was true from the beginning up to the end . I did not believe that police can break into someone property with no trace. I am now known as child kidnapper,Police damaged my reputa

AboutHumanRights Editor 18/09/2018 at 2:39 pm

No it's not a human rights violation and it doesn't necessarily follow that you will be dismissed as most employers will take steps to establish the validity of the sickness etc. If you take several days off each year because you have a bad cold for example, your employer may consider you to be unhealthy or unreliable.

hjasdfd 21/01/2018 at 11:08 am

I have been threatened with imprisonment when acutely ill, told to accept domestic violence, tortured by neighbours with no effective attempts to stop them, frightened into not to seek medical help, treated in an inhumane manner - all this by authorities that are paid to protect
this in happening in the uk
anon due to fear of severe retribution

Mother of 31/12/2017 at 7:31 pm

I was 9 months pregnant with my fourth child when I told my ex partner who is muslim I did not want a relationship with him. He was abusive, a thief and harassed me for 7 years. He reported me to social services and police for child kidnapping, I was not allowed to travel while pregnant without his permission, the police broke into my house and took my children and newborn baby away and to give to him, but my son spoke about father hitting me so they went to foster care. The Court and social workers 90% of them women involved, have sided with my ex partner to take custody, and were more interested in knowing my love life and personal finances and accused me of having an affair and of money laundering. I was agreed once a month visits to my 4 children but my ex partner never brought them to the contact centre for 1.5 years. I don't know what school they go to or about their health. I am treated as if I am dead or invisible. My health is getting worst because of the abuse by the British people and the authorities. I have diagnosed lung disorder and find it difficult to breathe daily, especially when stressed or dealing with these people, they are making me ill. Now my ex is demanding I be supervised for the next 16 years in a contact centre. Accusing me of not showing emotional love during contact, and dictating what I cannot do. I cannot celebrate their birthdays, cannot speak my language to my children, cant bring friends, my new partner to know them. The judge of the court is obsessed with my personal life i.e where I live, what I do, my partner , even though she refuses to give me custody back.
I am scared that when I have a new child, which I am already planning, that my children will continue to be supervised in a contact centre and I refuse to bring my new child into that environment which my partner would not allow. I don't know what to do. I cant move forward with my children and my future marriage and future children with them still oppressing me. I am thinking of European courts and I am taking steps to remove my British citizenship so that when my children grow up I have no assosciation to 'britain' whatsoever.

Been had 29/12/2017 at 8:57 am

3men in a car made alligations i common assult on driver. 1yr later further charge dangerous driving.
Trial @ mag court i had leagal reprasentation as reppn myself. Court said it unfare 4me 2cross examin as ov assult charge. Duty solicitor appointed only 2 cross examin (usless) left on own rest ov case..

anton carpena 16/08/2017 at 2:04 am

Was unlawfully prosecuted as the victim of crime with breach of Right to Life and Torture, CPS must apply it's obligations to ECHR and HRA at each stage of a case, failing to do so would be unlawful

Case can be seen if Google

Anton Carpena v CPS

Anton Carpena v National Crime Agency

Point is that the UK Courts are Corrupt and there is no justice in the UK

AboutHumanRights Editor 26/07/2017 at 12:45 pm

Please seek professional legal advice for this.

Antony 20/07/2017 at 12:08 am

I've been charged 3 time's for the same thing what do I

Don 09/02/2017 at 8:31 pm

I have a court order to see my son and my ex has breached it from day 1 police told me to stick to my order.
So I attended his school to pick him up on my day to have him and my ex try ed to stop me taking him. She had her phone sticking up out of her pocket on record like she has done for the last 6 months and try ed to get me arrested over 50 calls to police in 2 months no charges at all on any ocasion. However this has had no effect on her constantly trying to entrap me or coax me in to doing crime so she can use it against me in family court. On this ocasion I try ed to take her phone off her to stop it recording there was a bit of a struggle with the phone then I fell over as she let go I was arrested for abh after she claimed I grabbed her wrist and have broken it with one hand as I had my son in other arm can anyone help me with any info regarding her trying to make me assault her is it legal to torment someone till they crack she has had her brother freten to kill me 4 times by way of petrol bomb to my van whilst I'm in it. Do I have any rights ??? I had a court order and she still did not care

Sam 02/02/2017 at 12:55 pm

Which court in the United Kingdom is the best court to take a matter of human rights violations and breaches in the convention of human rights to? I am a litigant in person and would like to take on my case forward but need to know which court to begin proceedings to.

Special k 12/11/2016 at 1:19 pm

Is it a violation of human rights for women in prison to be made to strip...then squat...whilst on a period...then physically have your tampon removed if you refused to do so...this happened to me whilst in holloway.
In the past yrs since being there.i have been so badly treated. I have also been raped and was told by police that it was my own fault even thoigh mrdical evidence had proved my cervix had been torn. I feel completely alone and let down by the way i have been treated..i have nightmares...my husband is so worried. Do i actually have any rights anymore?

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