There are a number of human rights issues arising in the UK in 2024, from concerns over the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers to issues related to free speech, the right to protest and police powers. Some of the key human rights issues in the UK this year include:
In 2024, the previous Conservative government proposed withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), a move that triggered significant controversy and debate. The ECHR is an international treaty established by the Council of Europe in 1950 to protect human rights in member states.
The UK government’s proposal to withdraw from the European Court of Human Rights is part of a wider strategy to overhaul the UK’s human rights framework and address certain legal challenges that the government considers problematic. The UK government’s proposal to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights stems from growing dissatisfaction with certain rulings of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), the judicial body that oversees the Convention. Some in the government believe the rulings limit the UK’s ability to enforce domestic laws, particularly in areas such as immigration and deportations.
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However, the announcement of a general election would block the withdrawal proposals. After the July 4 election, the country elected Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who took office and shelved the previous government’s proposals.
Conditions of detention and deportation
There are ongoing concerns over the UK government’s treatment of asylum seekers, particularly in relation to the use of detention centres. Human rights groups have raised reports of overcrowding, poor conditions and long detention times. The government’s use of deportation flights, particularly to countries such as Rwanda under the controversial deal, has been heavily criticized by activists and legal experts for potentially violating international human rights standards.
The UK’s stance on small boats crossing the English Channel and its enforcement of the Nationality and Borders Act (2022) has raised alarm. Critics argue that the bill violates the principle of non-refoulement (which prohibits the return of refugees to countries where they may face harm) and undermines international refugee protection. The UK’s handling of these cases, including the legal treatment of individuals arriving irregularly, has been a source of debate.
restrictions on protests
2024 saw several high-profile protests across the UK, covering a range of issues including climate change, workers’ rights, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights and political freedoms. Workers in public services such as education, healthcare (NHS) and transport staged protests and strikes in 2024 in response to ongoing disputes over pay and working conditions. Raise wages, improve working conditions and fight against cuts to public services.
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act (2022) remains a contentious issue in 2024. Right to protest. Critics say the law infringes on fundamental freedoms of speech and assembly.
Despite tighter restrictions, communities and grassroots organizations have banded together to express their freedom of expression. There have been widespread protests against the British government’s immigration policies, particularly its controversial policy of deporting Rwandans under the Nationality and Borders Act. Activists gathered outside the Home Office and parliament to denounce what they saw as the inhumane treatment of asylum seekers and migrants. Protests also took place against government “small boat” crackdowns and deportations of flights.
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Throughout the year, numerous protests took place in cities including London, Birmingham and Manchester demanding a ceasefire in Palestine. In January 2024, thousands of people gathered in central London for a rally organized by several groups, including the Palestinian Solidarity Movement. Demonstrators took to the streets calling for an end to airstrikes and putting pressure on the government to resolve the conflict.
Despite facing counter-protests and accusations of anti-Semitism from some, most protests have been peaceful and focused on issues of human rights, justice and ending the conflict.
Privacy and Online Safety Act
There has been controversy over the balance between addressing hate speech and protecting free speech. The Cybersecurity Law raises concerns about the potential for increased online censorship, particularly as a broad definition of harmful content could result in legitimate speech being disproportionately removed.
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The Cybersecurity Law aims to regulate harmful online content, raising concerns about privacy and free speech. Provisions in the bill could lead to increased surveillance of individuals’ online activities, which critics say could infringe on privacy rights.
There have been concerns about the use of surveillance technology by law enforcement and private companies, particularly in the context of the increasing use of biometric data, facial recognition and artificial intelligence in policing. Critics argue these measures could lead to privacy violations and disproportionately impact marginalized communities.
protect each other’s rights
Gender-based violence remains a serious issue, with reports of domestic violence, sexual harassment and violence against women continuing to emerge. While there has been some progress in tackling these issues, such as the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act (2021), campaigners believe more needs to be done to protect women from violence and ensure better support services , and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Sexual harassment in the workplace, universities and public spaces is a growing concern, with some activists calling for stronger legal protections and workplace reforms. Gender inequality in pay, career progression and representation in leadership positions also remains a significant issue.
Meanwhile, disability rights groups have expressed concerns about the adequacy of social services and benefits for people with disabilities, particularly cuts or freezes on disability-related benefits. Accessibility of public spaces, transportation and housing for people with disabilities has always been problematic. Activists believe these systemic problems often lead to economic and social exclusion.
This year, the debate around the rights of LGBTQI+ people continues, particularly regarding the rights of members of the transgender community. Across the country throughout the year, gender recognition and access to healthcare remain widely debated human rights issues in the UK. Activists have raised concerns about delays in gender-affirming treatment, the closure of gender clinics and legal challenges to trans rights. Additionally, the government’s stance on banning conversion therapy, especially for transgender people, has been a controversial issue.
Housing rights and the cost of living crisis
Rising food and energy prices are exacerbating the ongoing cost of living crisis, leading to increased poverty and financial insecurity for many people in the UK. This affects people’s rights to an adequate standard of living, including access to health care, housing and other basic services. Vulnerable groups, including low-income families, people with disabilities and immigrants, are disproportionately affected by these economic challenges.
Homelessness and the housing crisis remain key human rights issues. High housing costs, combined with a lack of affordable housing options, have led to rising levels of homelessness in major cities such as London. The way homeless people are treated by law enforcement and local authorities and the adequacy of support services remains an important area of concern.
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These are just some of the key human rights challenges facing communities across the UK. Many of these issues are closely intertwined with wider debates about political values, social justice, and the role of the state and communities in protecting rights.
