Human Rights Consortium responds to Scottish Labour’s policy forum consultation

Date: 10th February 2025
Category: General measures of implementation, General principles

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The Human Rights Consortium Scotland (HRCS) has released a new policy briefing urging a range of actions that an incoming Scottish Labour government could adopt to combat poverty, support communities, and embed human rights in governance through the introduction of a Scottish Human Rights Bill.

HRCS calls for the introduction of the long-awaited Scottish Human Rights Bill to incorporate international standards into law. This would make rights to housing, healthcare, and an adequate standard of living legally enforceable. The briefing also highlights the need for reforms to the civil legal aid system to ensure fair access to justice, particularly the unequal access to legal aid in rural areas, often termed as "legal aid deserts". Additionally, the Consortium calls for a human rights-based approach to budgeting and public services to address systemic inequalities. It encourages political leaders to use Scotland's devolved powers to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and reduce poverty.

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