Human rights
Since the early 1970s, resolutions passed at the BMA’s annual representative meeting (ARM) reveal an increasing preoccupation with issues of human rights and social justice. Motions have included the Make Poverty History campaign, the government's policy on asylum seekers and the position to be adopted to doctors collaborating in torture.
Resolutions have been passed offering support for doctors at home and abroad whose rights have been violated, criticising health professionals who have violated the rights of others, and drawing attention to the rights of marginalised populations to access good quality health care.
The subject of human rights has now been brought together with equality and diversity under the umbrella of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The EHRC was established by the Equality Act 2006 which merged the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) and the Disability Rights Commission (DRC). The EHRC has the power to enforce legislation in all areas covered by the previous commissions including additionally, sexual orientation, religion and belief and age.
Human rights are based on core principles like dignity, fairness, equality, respect and autonomy. They are relevant to people’s day-to-day life and protect the freedom an individual has to control their own life, effectively take part in decisions made by public authorities which impact upon their rights and get fair and equal services from public authorities. The EHRC will promote the role of human rights and provides guidance on specific human rights that are protected by UK law.
In the BMA’s view, these issues are of central importance to the practice of medicine, underscoring its fundamental commitment to human wellbeing.
Aims
An overview of the aims and activity of the BMA's work in the area of human rights.Publications
Details of books and guidance notes from the BMA on human rights.Partnerships
Details of organisations with which the BMA works on human rights issues.Victims of forced marriage
Guidance looking at the responsibilities of health professionals who may encounter victims or potential victims of forced marriage, particularly around issues of confidentiality.Female genital mutilation
Guidance from the Ethics Department on Female genital mutilation - caring for patients and child protectionFemale Genital Mutilation - prevention in the UK campaign, July 2006
In July 2006 the Metropolitan Police Service launched an ongoing awareness and prevention campaign to inform parents, carers and professionals that it is illegal to participate in any sort of arrangement for Female Genital Mutilation either inside or outside the UK. The BMA is strongly supporting this campaign.Impact of the Human Rights Act on medical decision making
This guidance on the impact of the Human Rights Act is to help doctors make decisions about individual patients and in terms of medical policy which take account of Conventions rights, are transparent and can withstand scrutiny.Useful links
Links to the websites of organisations involved in human rights.The medical profession and human rights
A handbook looking at the complex interface between medical practitioners and possible abuses of human rights - a summary of the handbook and information on how to buy a copy.Medicine betrayed
This authoritative and informative report examines the responsibilities of doctors in the protection of human rights - a summary of the report and information on how to buy a copy.
The Right to Health toolkit is designed to provide practical, realistic guidance for health professionals on the meaning and implications of the right to health. It is aimed at an international audience of health care workers and is designed to be rooted in everyday practice.
The Right to Health: a Toolkit for health professionals
See also
- Reports, briefing and guidance on equality and diversity
Read more here