‘The state may infringe the right to life not only because of what it has done but also what it has failed to do.’
This is according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in their August 2018 policy briefing on Grenfell and the right to life.
This policy briefing is the first in a series by the EHRC explaining human rights issues raised by the Grenfell Tower fire.
It explains that as a part of the right to life, the positive duty to protect life means that a state may violate the right to life even where the failure to act has not actually resulted in a loss of life.
It states that it is relevant to Grenfell and the Grenfell inquiry on the following grounds:
- Adequacy of the building regulations, and the system of monitoring and
supervising compliance with the regulations - The extent to which the UK Government was aware of the dangers posed by
the cladding system - Adequacy of information and advice given to residents on fire safety
- Availability of complaints mechanisms for residents
- The adequacy of the preventative measures adopted by the UK Government to prevent a further tragedy
- The UK Government’s duty to investigate
Forthcoming policy briefings will explore the right to:
- adequate and safe housing
- access to justice
- inhuman or degrading treatment
- equality and non-discrimination, and
- children’s rights