Great importance is attached in Britain to human rights. Respect for individual freedoms forms a cornerstone of Britain’s democratic system. British public opinion is concerned about violations of human rights throughout the world. The British Government regards the observation of human rights and their protection as an important element of its foreign policy.

These rights and freedoms are listed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1948. They include the right to: work; an adequate standard of living; social security; education; the highest attainable health care standards; form and join trade unions; participate in cultural life.

Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.

Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age.

The social security system aims to provide financial help to people who are elderly, sick, disabled, unemployed, widowed or bringing up children.

The system includes contributory national insurance benefits covering sickness, invalidity, unemployment, widowhood and retirement. There is also statutory sick pay and maternity pay paid for their employees by employers.

Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.

Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups.

The National Health Service (NHS) provides comprehensive health care to all residents. Treatment is based on medical priority regardless of patients’ income and is financed mainly out of general taxation.

Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.