Joint letter to the First Minister on the delayed Human Rights Bill

Date: 8th October 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, General principles

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The Human Rights Consortium Scotland has issued a letter to the First Minister signed by over 100 organisations including Together and members of lived experience boards, expressing deep disappointment over the Scottish Government decision to delay the introduction of the Scottish Human Rights Bill in this parliamentary session.

The Bill, considered vital for incorporating international human rights treaties into Scots law, was expected this parliamentary session. Its absence has raised concerns about the priority given to human rights at a critical time.

Summary of letter

• Disappointment expressed: The coalition criticises the Scottish Government for delaying the introduction of the Scottish Human Rights Bill in this parliamentary session;
• Urgent human rights issues: Highlights pressing issues such as child hunger, poverty, and lack of access to essential services in Scotland;
• Broad support for the Bill: Emphasises the strong support for the Bill from civil society and the need for human rights-based decision-making;
• No justification for delay: Argues that the reasons provided for the delay are unacceptable and lack credibility;
• Need for immediate action: Stresses the importance of integrating human rights into decision-making, especially in the current financial climate;

The HRCS calls on the First Minister to reconsider the decision and make a public commitment to introducing the Bill by February 2025 latest. They stress that failure to do so will undermine trust in the Scottish Government’s commitment to human rights.

• Click here for more information and to read the letter in full