Defend the European Convention on Human Rights

Aim

The European Convention on Human Rights is under threat. Help us defend the legal framework that protects us all.

THE ECHR IS UNDER THREAT. WE NEED TO ACT NOW.

In May 2026, governments across Europe signed a new political declaration that could change how the ECHR is used. These changes will make it easier for governments to deport people, even when there are serious concerns about their safety or family life.

Any weakening of our human rights protections risks opening the door to further erosion of our rights and to leaving the ECHR altogether. 

Human rights are universal – they belong to everyone, everywhere. The political declaration signed in May undermines this foundational principle and could allow the government to decide who is and who isn’t deserving of human rights.

But the declaration isn’t the end of the story. What was signed was essentially a statement of intentions, and it is up to parliaments across Europe to decide what happens next.

There is still time to protect the ECHR, but the window for action is closing.

Help us defend the framework that protects us all — and call on the Government to protect our rights, now and for the future.

THE SAFETY NET WHICH PROTECTS US ALL

The right to a fair trial. Freedom of expression. The right to respect for your privacy and family life. The right to life.

These are just a handful of the many rights protected under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Since 1953, the ECHR has enshrined our human rights in law and protected us from abuse by the State. It was drawn up in response to the terrible atrocities of the Holocaust and the Second World War. Its guiding principle was “never again”.

The UK played a key role in the birth of the ECHR and it has quietly underpinned our lives for over 70 years.

It protects our freedom to speak out, to protest, to love who we choose, to live in peace, and to seek justice when governments get things wrong. It is the safety net which protects us all.

THREE STORIES THAT SHOW WHY WE NEED THE EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Story one: Fighting Discrimination

Jeanette Smith and Graeme Grady were both investigated by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and dismissed from the Armed Forces in 1994 because of their sexual orientations.

They took their case to the European Court of Human Rights, backed by Liberty and Stonewall, which led to a lifting of the ban on LGBT people serving in the military.

Story two: Protecting Journalists’ Sources

Journalist William Goodwin was taken to court by a software company for refusing to reveal the source who had leaked information on their finances. He was ordered to name his source, but refused and was fined for contempt of court.

In 1996, he took his case to the European Court of Human Rights. The Court ruled that the protection of sources is one of the basic conditions of press freedom and sources should only be revealed if there is a large public interest (in this case, there wasn’t).

William never revealed the identity of his source and his case was cited by the UK courts in similar cases, helping to avoid this happening again.

Story three: Helping Victims of Modern Slavery

Patience Asuquo was a domestic worker and nanny brought from Nigeria to the UK. Her ‘employer’ forced her to work for free and abused her for over two years.

When Patience escaped, there was no criminal offence for modern slavery at the time, so the police did not investigate or prosecute.

With Liberty’s help, she used the ECHR to get her case reopened and a promise to improve police officer training for similar cases.

Her case led to the creation of the Modern Slavery Act, which has helped many more survivors of slavery get justice.

WE CAN’T DO THIS WITHOUT YOU. 

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR APPEAL.

We must come together to fight attacks on our rights

Liberty is already working hard to build support among decision-makers in Parliament. We are empowering the public to take action. We are raising awareness of what it would mean to lose the rights and freedoms protected by the ECHR. And we are telling the stories of people who have used the Convention to defend their rights and seek justice.

There is much more work to be done and so much to lose. If you can, please donate today and support this important campaign.

Thank you for your support.

Your donation will go to the Civil Liberties Trust, a registered charity (no. 1024948) which works closely with Liberty. Liberty is the trading name of The National Council for Civil Liberties, a registered company in England and Wales (no. 03260840). The address for both is Liberty House 26-30 Strutton Ground, London, SW1P 2HR. 

Any unused or additional funds raised will be used to support Liberty’s work to protect and promote human rights in the UK. We adhere to the Fundraising Code of Practice and strive to offer the best possible service to our supporters. Read our supporter promise.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 26th June 2026 at 10:25am