On Tuesday, December 9th, 2025, the UK Government will attend a Council of Europe meeting, marking the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights and the 25th anniversary of the UK Human Rights Act. These landmark achievements have long been celebrated for safeguarding dignity, fairness, and accountability for generations.
However, instead of commemorating these accomplishments at home, the UK Government’s attendance at the Council of Europe meeting has been prompted by calls to limit rights protections. This has raised concerns among civil society organizations that the government may be paving the way for a retreat from universal protections.
Over 175 organizations from across the UK, including Liberty, Amnesty International UK, Parkinson’s UK, Kinship, Mind, and Carers UK, have come together to urge political leaders to strengthen, rather than weaken, the frameworks that underpin our democracy. These organizations represent various sectors, including health, social care, legal, and advocacy, and they are united in their call for political leaders to publicly reaffirm the UK’s commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the European Convention on Human Rights, and the Human Rights Act.
Furthermore, the letter calls on leaders to reject any proposals that would weaken these frameworks and instead invest in their implementation. This would ensure that communities and public bodies have the necessary knowledge and resources to uphold human rights in practice. The letter also emphasizes the need for clarity and courage from leaders, stating that human rights should not be seen as a partisan issue, but rather as the shared foundation of democracy.
In a statement, Sanchita Hosali, CEO of coordinating organization, the British Institute of Human Rights, emphasized the importance of human rights in a just and fair society. She stated, “Human rights are not the problem – they are the solution. They are the rules that keep our democracy decent and our society fair.” Hosali went on to express concerns about recent political briefings that suggest the UK Government may explore ways to limit European Convention on Human Rights obligations in immigration cases. She warned that this could lead to a dangerous and slippery path, ultimately dismantling decades of progress.
Any attempt by the UK Government to dilute or sidestep human rights obligations would not only undermine protections at home but also damage the UK’s standing as a global leader in human rights. The letter, signed by over 175 leaders from human rights, equality, and social justice organizations across the UK, highlights the wider impact beyond immigration, on fairness, dignity, and accountability across UK society.
For media inquiries, contact Sanchita Hosali or Carlyn Miller on press@bihr.org.uk or cmiller@bihr.org.uk or 020 3039 364. Interviews and quotes can be arranged, and analysis on the wider impact of limiting human rights can be provided. This article is not distributed by Pressat or any other organization.