Ethical Design - Research - UN Human Rights

The Human Rights Act - In the UK

• The right to life – protects your life, by law. The state is required to investigate suspicious deaths and deaths in custody; 
• The prohibition of torture and inhuman treatment – you should never be tortured or treated in an inhuman or degrading way, no matter what the situation;
•  Protection against slavery and forced labour – you should not be treated like a slave or subjected to forced labour; 
• The right to liberty and freedom – you have the right to be free and the state can only imprison you with very good reason – for example, if you are convicted of a crime; 
• The right to a fair trial and no punishment without law - you are innocent until proven guilty. If accused of a crime, you have the right to hear the evidence against you, in a court of law;
•  Respect for privacy and family life and the right to marry – protects against unnecessary surveillance or intrusion into your life. You have the right to marry and raise a family;
•  Freedom of thought, religion and belief – you can believe what you like and practise your religion or beliefs; Free speech and peaceful protest – you have a right to speak freely and join with others peacefully, to express your views;
•  No discrimination – everyone’s rights are equal. You should not be treated unfairly – because, for example, of your gender, race, sexuality, religion or age; 
• Protection of property, the right to an education and the right to free elections – protects against state interference with your possessions; means that no child can be denied an education and that election must be free and fair.