ICESCR recognises people’s right to adequate housing, social security, fair working conditions, health care, education and participation in cultural life. The Scottish Government’s new plan responds to the sections relevant to devolved matters and pledges concrete steps to deliver on treaty obligations. They include several cornerstone commitments, one being the intent to legislate a Human Rights Bill that would embed ICESCR rights into Scots law, making them enforceable and giving individuals access to judicial and non-judicial remedies. Alongside this, Scottish Government promises a substantial scaling up of cultural investment, committing to budget increases that are to benefit communities across Scotland.   

Children and young people have seen their rights being brought into law with the UNCRC Incorporation Act 2024. It is important that any actions taken under this plan and any future Human Rights Bills are brought into scope of the UNCRC Act, embedding children’s rights further and not treating them as an afterthought. Children and young people’s rights are human rights and need to be considered whenever human rights are to be further embedded into law. The new plan acknowledges this, paying particular attention to childcare and the protection of children and families. It furthermore makes a point to acknowledge and resolve the challenges that children and young people face regarding poverty, housing and education.