Promoting and Protecting Human Rights Through the Rule of Law
About Us
The Bar Human Rights Committee is the independent, international human rights arm of the Bar of England and Wales. It is dedicated to promoting justice and respect for human rights through the rule of law.
Objectives
Rule of Law
BHRC works around the world to uphold international human rights law, as well as internationally recognised human rights norms and standards. We provide expert guidance and advice to local partner NGOs, legal professionals and State institutions.
Protecting Lawyers, Judges and Human Rights Defenders
BHRC supports and protects those who are oppressed in their work or face retaliations through harassment, persecution, violence or arbitrary arrest, detention and death.
Furthering interest and knowledge of human rights
BHRC improves understanding and implementation of international human rights protections through education, awareness-raising and bespoke international human rights law training.
Working in Partnership
BHRC works with domestic and international organisations to advance human rights and promote justice and respect for human rights through the rule of law.
Latest Updates
BHRC and IBAHRI write to the UK Foreign Secretary regarding the serious threat to human rights and the rule of law in Sri Lanka
Dear Foreign Secretary, We are writing on behalf of the Bar Human Rights Committee of England & Wales (BHRC) and the International Bar...
BHRC and Article 19 Release Joint Statement Condemning the Sentencing of Eight Turkish Human Rights Defenders
ARTICLE 19 and the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales (BHRC) condemn the aggravated life sentence given to Osman Kavala and the...
BHRC Trial Observation Report-Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp
Further to a highly welcomed decision by the US to approve BHRC as one of only two non-US NGOs with International Observer status, BHRC has for many...
Follow us on Twitter
Alaa is a British citizen imprisoned in Egypt on trumped-up charges. For two & a half years he has had no access to books, newspapers or sunlight. He urgently needs UK consular support. Write to your MP to help #FreeAlaa & bring him home to his family: https://www.freealaa.net/take-action?source=twitter&
Our urgent action letter requesting the UK govt closely monitors the Israeli authorities' investigation into the fatal shooting of Al Jazeera journalist #ShireenAbuAqla. It is imperative that there is full legal accountability for this alarming incident https://lphr.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/LPHR-letter-to-FCDO-Shireen-Abu-Akleh-killing-of-journalist-effective-investigation-17-May-2022.pdf
Where We Work
The remit of BHRC extends to all countries of the world, apart from its own jurisdiction of England and Wales. This reflects the Committee’s need to maintain its role as an independent but legally qualified observer and critic.
Activities & Publications
Click here to see our most recent trial observation reports.
Public statements and letters of concern are an important means of holding governments to account, highlighting specific legal concerns and drawing international attention on alleged violations.
The resource-intensive nature of preparing amicus to a high standard means that BHRC seeks to intervene only in the gravest cases of suspected violations of a defendant’s fair trial rights. In most cases, this involves those facing the death penalty. BHRC condemns the death penalty as a means of punishment, but also is concerned with the flawed circumstances in which it often is applied.
BHRC furthers interest in and knowledge of human rights primarily through training and events. In addition to holding its own events, BHRC is asked to lend its expertise to other public events around the world.
Contact Us
If you have questions or wish to work with us, please get in touch using the contact form.
Address
Bar Human Rights Committee, 289-293 High Holborn London WC1V 7HZ
Contacts
+44 204 534 1879