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How are your human rights protected by the courts?

The Human Rights Act 1998 gives effect to the human rights set out in the European Convention on Human Rights. The Human Rights Act says all courts in the UK must apply the law in a way which respects your human rights, as far as this is possible. Read this page to find out more about how the courts apply the law so it doesn't breach your human rights.

Gypsies and Travellers - race discrimination

The Equality Act 2010 says you mustn’t be discriminated against because of your race. If you’re a Gypsy or Traveller, you may be protected against race discrimination. Discrimination which is against the Equality Act is unlawful. If you’ve experienced unlawful discrimination, you may be able to do something about it.

Marriage and civil partnership discrimination

The Equality Act 2010 says an employer mustn’t discriminate against you because you’re married or in a civil partnership. Discrimination which is against the Equality Act is unlawful. If you’ve experienced unlawful discrimination, you may be able to do something about it.

Pregnancy and maternity discrimination

If someone treats you unfairly because you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or because you’ve recently given birth, you may have been discriminated against. The Equality Act 2010 calls this pregnancy and maternity discrimination. If you’ve been discriminated against, you may be able to do something about it.

Equality Act 2010 - discrimination and your rights

Discrimination means treating you unfairly because of who you are. The Equality Act 2010 protects you from discrimination by: employers, businesses and organisations which provide goods or services like banks, shops and utility companies, health and care providers like hospitals and care homes, someone you rent or buy a property from like housing associations and estate agents, schools, colleges and other education providers, transport services like buses, trains and taxis, public bodies like government departments and local authorities.

Absence from work because of gender reassignment

The law which says you mustn’t be discriminated against is called the Equality Act 2010 - it sets out all the different types of unlawful discrimination and who they apply to. If you're being discriminated against, you can take action through an employment tribunal.

If you have a court hearing by phone or video call

A lot of court and tribunal hearings happen over the phone or by video call. These are sometimes called ‘remote hearings’. You’ll need to prepare for a remote hearing and treat it with respect like a face to face hearing.

What are human rights?

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world. In the UK human rights are protected by the Human Rights Act 1998.

Equality Advisory Support Service discrimination helpline

The EASS helpline is for people who think they may have experienced discrimination and will not be available to employers, service providers or educators. The service aims to support you if you're referred from local organisations. These include advisory groups, faith based organisations and other community groups that support people experiencing discrimination. You can call the helpline directly, but it's best if you go to an advice organisation first. They can then make contact with the service on your behalf.

What counts as disability

The Equality Act 2010 sets out when someone is considered to be disabled and protected from discrimination. The definition is quite wide - so check it even if you don’t think you’re disabled. For example, you might be covered if you have a learning difficulty, dyslexia or autism.

For more results, please visit: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/s/?q=Law and courts

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