Human Rights Society

Mariners Hard
Cley
Near Holt
Norfolk
NR25 7RX

Tel: 01263 740990
Fax: 01263 740990
Best time to telephone: 9.30am - 1.30pm, Monday - Friday

The Human Rights Society was formed in 1969 to plead the cause of the unwanted and all those who, through old age, disablement or handicap, are threatened with deprivation. The Society has become increasingly aware of the concern felt by many about the possible threat of legalised euthanasia in the UK. It does not defend the prolonged animation by machine of those who have already technically died but does strongly oppose euthanasia being made legal by statute law, believing that it would fail to provide the necessary safeguards. In addition, the Society is concerned about pain relief for those dying and terminally ill, believing that with appropriate care and attention pain can be relieved in distressing terminal illnesses and has recently carried out a survey amongst GPs regarding palliative care. The aims of the Human Rights Society are as follows.

• To ensure that the intrinsic value of every human life is respected by the general acceptance of human rights and responsibilities.
• To uphold the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention of Human Rights.
• To defend in particular the right to life of all, including the sick, the handicapped and the aged.
• To uphold and defend the rights of conscience of the medical and nursing profession.
• To promote discussion of the nature and extent of human rights in contemporary society, by lectures, publications and similar methods.
• To resist attempts to decriminalise euthanasia by statute law.

The Society produces a list of reports and leaflets available by mail order. These include: The Relief of Pain, The Right to Life of the Handicapped, A Living Wish. It also produces a newsletter for members and an educational video - A Matter of Death & Life - The Future - with tutor's notes. Those wishing to join the society can do so for an annual fee by contacting the above address.