Letter urges UK government to act on ‘unfulfilled’ human rights promise

76 civil society organisations have written to the justice secretary David Lammy, urging the UK government to act on a “long-overdue” commitment to protect basic human rights in UK law.

Just Fair has coordinated the joint letter and published it on 20 May. It marks exactly 50 years since the UK ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). This was a landmark treaty recognising rights to housing, food, health, education, social security and decent work.

Signatories warn that, despite this long-standing commitment, these human rights remain largely unenforceable in UK law. And this is leaving millions of people unable to rely on the basic foundations of a decent life.

Jess McQuail, director of Just Fair, said:

Fifty years ago, the UK made a promise, that everyone should be able to rely on the essentials of a decent life. Today, that promise is still being broken.

Millions of people are going without the essentials, not by accident, but because these rights are not properly protected in our laws. Delay is no longer acceptable. Incorporation is the next step, and it is long overdue.

The letter calls on the UK government to commit to incorporating economic, social and cultural rights into domestic law. That way, human rights can be enforced in practice and provide real accountability when systems fail.

Campaigners say not only would this help tackle poverty and inequality. It would also offer a shared foundation that brings people together, at a time of growing division in UK politics. McQuail added:

At a time when some seek to divide communities and scapegoat others, rights offer a different path, one rooted in dignity, fairness and shared standards we can all rely on.

Incorporating these rights into UK law is a practical step towards building a fairer and more just society.

The call follows recent recommendations from the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. It urged the UK to give these human rights full legal effect and access to justice when they are violated.

Fifty years after ratification, campaigners say the UK must now move from promise to delivery.

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