The Four Women’s Aid Federations from Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland briefing on the Human Rights Act reform
On 8th March 2022, the Ministry of Justice’s consultation on the ‘Human Rights Act Reform: A Modern Bill of Rights’ closes. This date is particularly pertinent as it is International Women’s Day – however, the four Women’s Aid Federations are deeply concerned by the proposals set out in this consultationand the impact this will have on women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. The Human Rights Act is essential in protecting the rights of survivors of domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the UK. These crimes are a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination against women and are deeply rooted in societal inequality between men and women. The Human Rights Act is a critically important means for addressing this inequality and the injustice that impacts women and children experiencing domestic abuse and other forms of VAWG.