René Cassin, a Jewish human rights organization, has expressed their concerns to the six Conservative Party leadership candidates regarding the negative portrayal of the European Convention on Human Rights. In a letter to the candidates, René Cassin reminded them that the Convention was initially envisioned by Winston Churchill and drafted by David Maxwell-Fyfe, a British lawyer who later became a Conservative Home Secretary.
The organization emphasized the importance of the Convention, not only to the UK’s integrity as a sovereign state but also as a proud part of the Conservative legacy. “Envisioned by Winston Churchill, the Convention was drafted by the British lawyer and later Conservative Home Secretary David Maxwell-Fyfe,” stated Mia Hasenson-Gross, Executive Director of René Cassin.
René Cassin also highlighted the Convention’s significance in promoting a stable and peaceful Europe, especially in the aftermath of the Holocaust and war-torn Europe. The organization also pointed out the Jewish legacy within the Convention, as several Jewish lawyers who survived the Holocaust had worked on it as well.
A withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights could have severe consequences for the UK, including potentially unraveling the country and going against the core values of the Conservative and Unionist Party. The Convention is currently embedded in devolution agreements and the Good Friday Agreement, making it an integral part of the UK’s sovereignty.
Furthermore, leaving the Convention would also place the UK in the same category as countries like Russia and Belarus, which are known for their poor human rights records. “Currently, the UK can be proud that it has one of the best human rights records in Europe. To leave the Convention and join Belarus and Russia would be a rejection of Britain’s esteemed place in world politics,” said Hasenson-Gross.
René Cassin’s letter serves as a reminder to the Conservative leadership candidates of the importance of the European Convention on Human Rights and its role in protecting the rights of all citizens. The organization hopes that the candidates will consider the implications of a potential withdrawal from the Convention before making any decisions.
The European Convention on Human Rights is a crucial instrument in ensuring the UK’s sovereignty and promoting an international rules-based order. It is also a proud achievement of the Conservative Party, and René Cassin urges the candidates to consider this legacy before taking any actions.
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Text of letter from René Cassin to Conservative leadership candidates:
Dear [Conservative Party leadership candidate]
I am writing to you on behalf of René Cassin, a UK-based organization that works to promote and protect universal rights, drawing on Jewish values and history.
With the nominations for the Conservative leadership now closed, we are writing to all Conservative MPs as the topic of the European Convention on Human Rights has become a point of concern.
The Convention is not only vital to the UK’s integrity as a sovereign state, but also a proud part of the Conservative legacy. Envisioned by Winston Churchill, the Convention was drafted by the British lawyer and later Conservative Home Secretary David Maxwell-Fyfe.
These Conservative politicians responded to the horrors of the Holocaust and the war-torn Europe. It is also part of the Jewish legacy, as several Jewish lawyers who survived the Holocaust worked on the Convention as well. This is a testament to the strong and historic link between British and Jewish people working together to uphold human rights.
A withdrawal from the European Convention could potentially lead to the unraveling of the UK, as the Convention is embedded in current devolution arrangements and the Good Friday Agreement. This goes against the core values of the Conservative and Unionist Party.
Moreover, leaving the Convention would place the UK in the same category as Belarus and Russia, which are known for their poor human rights records. This would be a rejection of Britain’s esteemed place in world politics.
The European Convention on Human Rights is not only essential for ensuring the UK’s sovereignty and protecting the rights of all its citizens, but it is also a proud achievement of the Conservative Party.
Sincerely,
Notes for editors:
“In the center of our movement stands the idea of a Charter of Human Rights, guarded by freedom and sustained by law” – Winston Churchill at the Congress of Europe in The Hague (7 May 1948) – p3 para1 – https://www.cvce.eu/content/publication/1999/1/1/58118da1-af22-48c0-bc88-93cda974f42c/publishable_en.pdf#:~:text=Caption: On 7 May 1948, at the opening,Union represents for the future of European unification.”David Maxwell Fyfe – The British Conservative Behind The European Convention On Human Rights” https://eachother.org.uk/david-maxwell-fyfe/For Lord Hailsham and ‘elective dictatorship’ see – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elective_dictatorship
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