OVER 50 organisations from across Scottish civil society have urged John Swinney to deliver the “long-promised” Human Rights Bill.
During the Holyrood election, the SNP committed in their manifesto to bringing forward a Human Rights Bill for Scotland.
The proposed legislation would incorporate key international human rights treaties into Scots law, as well as a new right to a healthy environment.
It comes after plans for a human rights bill were shelved in September 2024, when the Scottish Government dropped the proposals in that year’s Programme for Government.
Now, ahead of next week's new Programme for Government, the First Minister has been urged in a joint letter from over 50 organisations – including Poverty Alliance, SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health and Shelter Scotland – to make this proposed legislation a priority.
Within, campaigners warn that “too many people are barely getting by” and said that the Scottish Government has the opportunity with this bill to take a significant step towards building a “fairer, more equal and thriving” Scotland.
“The time is now for a Human Rights Bill to deliver the changes people across Scotland need to see,” Charlie McMillan, director of the Human Rights Consortium Scotland, said.
“Whether tackling the root causes of long-term poverty, homelessness and discrimination, or building a Scotland where everyone feels valued and respected, a comprehensive Human Rights Bill is one of the most important steps we can take as a country to bring about real and lasting change.”
Lucy Mulvagh, the CEO of Disability Equality Scotland, added: “While the Scottish Government is making important progress through initiatives like the Disability Equality Plan and Improving Access Fund, more can be done to realise disabled people's equality and human rights.
“Our research demonstrates the destructive impact that barriers to services and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis have on disabled peoples' lives. A robust Human Rights Bill is an opportunity to give maximum effect to disabled people's rights in Scotland, including the right to independent living. We support calls for the Human Rights Bill to be introduced this parliamentary term and urge all MSPs to work together to ensure its adoption into law.”
Peter Kelly, the chief executive of Poverty Alliance, also said: “Human rights are there to guarantee a dignified life with security and freedom for all of us. But far too many people in Scotland are being left without a warm home, suitable work, enough money to buy nutritious food and pay the bills, or even the bus fare to get to the doctor, school, or work. That’s simply wrong.
“Our Rights in Action programme shows how people can use their human rights to hold governments and others with power to account. In this Parliament, Ministers and MSPs can listen to what people in Scotland want and need, and work to make sure we all have the foundation for a good life and a better future. That includes delivering on the promise of a Human Rights Bill.”
