The Bill of Rights threatens access to justice for civilians and service personnel – Ceasefire and RSI joint briefing

The UK government’s plans to abolish the Human Rights Act (HRA) and replace it with the Bill of Rights poses a serious threat to the human rights of both civilians and service personnel.

Ceasefire and Rights & Security International have published a joint briefing on the impact of the Bill of Rights on overseas military operations.

This Bill, if enacted would end access to justice for human rights violations occurring in UK overseas military operations. This would significantly impact the ability of members of the Armed Forces and civilians to gain redress and closure in the UK courts for allegations of wrongdoing – essential to military discipline, individual rights and long-term peacebuilding.

Despite being described as “a complete mess” by Whitehall sources, “neither necessary nor sufficient” by Sir Peter Gross who chaired the Independent Human Rights Act review last year, and being widely condemned by human rights organisations, the Justice Secretary, Dominic Raab MP, has persevered with this Bill.

When combined with the Overseas Operations Act passed last year, this legislation would mean that the armed forces could act with greater impunity during overseas operations.

Ceasefire and RSI call on the government to stop its plans to introduce the Bill of Rights.

Read the full briefing here

For any media enquiries or further questions, please contact Ceasefire’s Advocacy Officer, Lydia Day, at lydia.day@ceasefire.org.

 

Related Posts

What does a ceasefire in Gaza mean for civilians?

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas takes effect from Sunday 19 January. If it holds, this will mark the first pause in hostilities since November 2023. The initial stage of the agreement outlines a six-week ceasefire, the release of an agreed number of hostages by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, the partial withdrawal

Read More »

New report calls for fresh approach to UK investigations of civilian harm by military forces

A report published today by the Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights finds recurrent and systemic shortcomings in the UK’s practice of investigating civilian harm caused by its military forces, including in Afghanistan and Iraq. The response of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to alleged extrajudicial executions of civilians in Afghanistan, widespread arbitrary detention and mistreatment

Read More »
Squad of Three Fully Equipped and Armed Soldiers Standing on Hill in Desert Environment in Sunset Light.

Strengthened parliamentary oversight needed for UK Special Forces, says new policy brief

A new policy brief from the Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights calls for urgent reforms to improve accountability and parliamentary oversight of UK Special Forces (UKSF) amid recurring allegations of civilian harm. Accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and war crimes committed by military forces, including Special Forces, is essential to uphold public trust,

Read More »
Scroll to Top