ICCPR is an international human rights treaty adopted in 1966. The UK agreed to follow ICCPR in 1976. It enables people to enjoy a wide range of human rights, including those relating to:

• freedom from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment

• fair trial rights

• freedom of thought, religion and expression

• privacy, home and family life

• equality and non-discrimination

The UN last examined how well the UK is implementing ICCPR in June 2015 and published its recommendations in August 2015. These included:

• ensuring that any legislation passed to replace the Human Rights Act 1998 strengthens protections for human rights in the UK

• maintaining an adequate balance between national security and accountability for human rights violations allegedly committed by British Forces overseas

• strengthening efforts to prevent racism and xenophobia

• strengthening measures to prevent violence against women and girls

• taking action to prevent self-inflicted deaths and self-harm of adults and young people in the custody of the state

• establishing a time limit on immigration detention, and ensuring reforms to the detained fast track system comply fully with international human rights law

• reviewing the surveillance laws so that any interference with the right to privacy is legal, proportionate and necessary