Campaign

Human rights

Why human rights?

WILPF UK has been actively involved in promoting peace, human rights and gender justice since we were founded in 1915. WILPF understands that the entitlement to human rights for all is the cornerstone for peace. 

Our core commitment remains unchanged: to advance the benefits of freedom, human rights and justice for all without discrimination based on gender or any other grounds. This commitment underpins our three main campaigns – for disarmament, women, peace and security and climate justice – as well as other activities in pursuit of peace and freedom.

Our key focus areas

We connect and highlight linkages between human rights, disarmament, gender, the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, non-discrimination, socio-economic justice and the environment. We highlight the human rights impacts of the arms trade, nuclear weapons and military spending, and demand prioritisation of social and climate justice. 

Some particular issues we focus on include: 

Conscientious objectors. We work to promote the rights of those who refuse to fight in war and object to military service or conscription. We work with like-minded organisations to commemorate International Conscientious Objectors’ Day on 15 May every year, where we remember conscientious objectors from around the world, both past and present.

Victims and survivors. We commemorate the victims of war and violence, as well as focus on the stories of those who have survived. Through events such as Alternative Remembrance Day, Hiroshima Day and Nagasaki Day, we remember all victims of war, challenge militarism and make a commitment to peace. 

Refugees and asylum seekers. We advocate for the protection of the rights of asylum seekers and refugees and demand the government upholds the United Nations Refugee Convention. The UK must provide more safe routes to the UK, provide adequate housing and support, and prevent inhumane detention and deportation. We also urge the government to take accountability for their military interventions which have exacerbated the displacement and plight of asylum seekers. 

Women’s rights defenders. We support women’s rights defenders around the world. We have previously run a letter writing campaign showing support for women around the world who have had their human rights violated because they chose to speak up for justice. 

Our approach

We seek advocacy opportunities within our national government and international UN systems, and push for accountability of States and other actors. WILPF strategically uses international human rights law and frameworks not only to advocate for their implementation, but also to push for a progressive interpretation and evolution of these norms.

By making sure that human rights underpin all our activism, we seek to challenge inequalities, violent power structures and harmful policies.

Our partnerships

We work closely with other organisations to achieve our goals.

 

How to get involved

Become a member of WILPF UK and volunteer your skills to help us campaign for human rights. Get in touch to find out more.