British Institute of Human Rights and Jack Straw exposed for what they really are

British Institute of Human Rights and Jack Straw exposed for what they really are



"There is no more important contribution that we can make to society than strong, publicly-spirited investigative journalism" (Tony Burman, editor-in-chief of CBC News).

This exposé is intended to highlight the hypocrisy surrounding human rights in this country.

Anyone with internet access and an interest in the topic of human rights might think that they have found gold at the British Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) website. Particularly after reading this self praise:

"BIHR is a human rights organisation that is committed to challenging inequality and injustice in everyday life in the UK. We aim to achieve this by bringing human rights to life – supporting people to use human rights principles and standards to improve their own lives and as a tool for organisations to develop more effective public policy and practice.

We believe that although human rights are inherent in us as human beings, their full value is lost unless we articulate, claim and actively use them in our everyday lives. Our driving ethos is to shift human rights from the realm of abstract, legal documents into living, breathing tools that individuals and organisations can use in all aspects of their lives. We believe that this will reduce individuals' suffering (e.g. children being bullied) and increase their empowerment (e.g. carers asserting their rights to preserve a family life whilst caring for a loved one). At a time when engagement with traditional political structures is declining, we are also excited by the potential for human rights to stimulate new ways to 'have a say' and influence society's direction.

Find out more about why human rights matter to people in the UK, what we do and how we can work together to bring human rights to life".

However, there is a difference between real gold and fool's gold. Just as there is a difference between organisations genuinely interested in human rights and those which claim that they are but under closer scrutiny are more interested in patting themselves on the back at staged talks and dinners. In my view, the BIHR falls into the second category and in spite of its charity status nevertheless is a fraud.

Let's examine the evidence: "BIHR is a human rights organisation that is committed to challenging inequality and injustice in everyday life in the UK". The BIHR held its annual national conference on 28 January 2009, and it was billed as "Changing the Face of Human Rights". Opening the conference, Ceri Goddard, Acting Director of BIHR, spoke about the different faces of human rights. I am more interested in those who are two-faced, saying one thing whilst doing the complete opposite. Like the BIHR and guest speaker Knee-Jerk Jack Straw. When I posted Knee-jerk Jack's keynote speech, "prisonguru" opined in the comments: "but still no vote for prisoners...? How he has the stones to lecture on human rights, and why people invite him to, beggars belief". He expressed my sentiments entirely. Article 3 of the European Convention is absolute: "No one shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". And yet, Jack Straw condoned CIA torture of suspected terrorists. That makes him a war criminal and he should have faced trial at a UN war crimes tribunal and not free to make a speech at the BIHR on human rights. Bearing in mind that Jack Straw is the Secretary of State for Justice, and that the Ministry of Justice website has this as its number one strategic aim to "strengthen democracy, rights and responsibilities", why is the so-called "responsible" Minister so far off target in this respect when it comes to convicted prisoners and their human rights to the vote?

The BIHR is guilty of selectively ignoring Article 10 of the Convention "Everyone has the right to freedom of expression". That is, at a BIHR conference, provided the speaker is Jack Straw. "BIHR is a human rights organisation that is committed to challenging inequality and injustice in everyday life in the UK". However, when I sought to speak to challenge Jack Straw the BIHR refused to allow this. My silence at the conference speaks volumes. The BIHR obviously supports and condones the breaches of human rights committed by this Government. This leads me to the conclusion that the BIHR is nothing more than a Government spin PR machine.

UPDATE: It is a pity that the BIHR advertises "Education Officer: Position vacant" because those at the BIHR do appear to lack education when it comes to human rights!