Destitution as a Denial of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: Addressing Destitution in the UK Through a Human Rights Framework

The finding that 1.25 million people in the UK were in a state of destitution in 20151 is indicative of an implied failure to realise a multitude of human rights. This failure arises from individuals existing in a state of destitution which, given its nature, means that these individuals are without necessities to which they have fundamental rights. Much of the discussion in the area of destitution has been in relation to migrants, asylum seekers and refugees. This project will expand the scope and application of the concept of destitution by broadening this discussion to include the extent to which, and how, other vulnerable groups who are affected by destitution, such as the working poor, can employ the concept of the prevention of destitution to empower their claims to enjoy the rights to an adequate standard of living and social security.