UK Supreme Court ruling on armed forces human rights: Amnesty response

Amnesty International today (30 June) issued its reaction to today's decision by the Supreme Court, in the case of Smith v Secretary of State for Defence, that British soldiers on military service abroad are not subject to the protection of domestic and European human rights law when operating outside of their base.

Amnesty International UK Director Kate Allen said:

“Amnesty International regrets today’s Supreme Court decision, as it is not in keeping with the protection of fundamental human rights.

“The UK's human rights obligations extend outside the country to anybody within its power or effective control. This includes members of the armed services – people in uniform have human rights too.”