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An independent commission to investigate the case for a British Bill of Rights has been launched by the government.
A panel of experts will advise the government on ways to reform how the European Court of Human Rights is implemented in the UK.
The commission will examine the "true scope" of the obligations and how they can be protected in a "way that properly reflects our traditions".
Sir Leigh Lewis, veteran civil servant and former DWP permanent secretary, is to head the commission of high-level barristers appointed jointly by the coalition.
The commission will also provide interim advice to ministers on reform of the European Court of Human Rights ahead of a final report being published by the end of 2012.
And an advisory panel will also be established to provide advice and expertise to the Commission on issues arising in relation to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said: "Human rights are fundamental to our democracy. They act as a safeguard: protecting individual citizens from the state abusing its power.
"The Commission's work will help us maintain, and build upon, an enduring framework of fundamental rights that will prevent the abuse and erosion of these freedoms for generations to come."
Justice secretary Ken Clarke said the panel has "very important role" in examining the operation of the European Court of Human Rights and how human rights are implemented in Britain.
Director of Liberty, Shami Chakrabarti said she hoped the commission will find that the Human Rights Act already "provides a uniquely British Bill of Rights".
"It balances Parliamentary sovereignty with the rule of law to protect every man, woman and child in this country," she said.
"If the commission introduces some common sense into a debate full of myth and spin, then it may be of some value."
Appointed by the prime minister David Cameron and Clegg, the panel includes human rights and legal experts Martin Howe QC, Anthony Lester QC, Jonathan Fisher QC, Baroness Kennedy QC, Anthony Speaight QC, Phillippe Sands QC, Michael Pinto-Duschinsky and Sir David Edward.
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