Bill of rights for vulnerable people urged

MPs and peers have demanded more protection for vulnerable people as part of a new UK Bill of Rights.

The parliamentary joint committee on human rights said in a report yesterday that there was “insufficient” protection for marginalised groups, including older people and adults with learning disabilities.

The committee argued that a Bill of Rights should also include detailed rights for children.

It said the Bill should be both “aspirational” and protect existing human rights, and called for a public consulation on specific rights for vulnerable people.

Although the Bill would not include directly enforceable duties, the committee recommended that courts and tribunals should interpret legislation according to it.

Last year, the joint commitee on human rights also called for public authorities to have a public duty to promote human rights after a separate inquiry found people with learning disabilities faced high levels of discrimination despite legislation.

More information

Full report

Joint committee on human rights

Related articles

Commissioners slam UK children’s rights record

Can the state afford the UN’s disabilities convention?

Liabilities of care homes under human rights legislation

People with learning disabilities need positive public duty