New report looks at private businesses and the forthcoming Human Rights Bill

Date: 18th December 2023
Category: Other human rights treaties and mechanisms
Author:

This report discusses the current position in law regarding private businesses in Scotland and their human rights obligations.

Data collected showed that UK company law cannot assist in the attribution of human rights obligations to private businesses. This is because the ways in which businesses can become liable under company law are mainly common law-based, and third parties are safeguarded only when it comes to obligations arising from commercial contracts. In this regard, the most effective solution would be to make clear in the contract between the State and a private business that human rights standards should be protected, respected, and fulfilled.

• Read the full report here.