Joint letter urges First Minister to prioritise Human Rights Bill in new parliament
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 22nd May 2026
The letter also calls on the Scottish Government to appoint a dedicated Cabinet Secretary for Human Rights.
The ALLIANCE has joined 42 other organisations, led by the Human Rights Consortium Scotland (HRCS) in writing to the First Minister John Swinney urging him to put human rights at the centre of his programme for the first year of the new parliament.
During the election, the SNP committed in their manifesto to bringing forward a Human Rights Bill for Scotland. The proposed Bill would incorporate key international human rights treaties into Scots law, alongside a new right to a healthy environment. We argue that this legislation would be transformative in strengthening protections, particularly for people experiencing poverty, discrimination and exclusion.
We therefore call on the First Minister to commit to the bill in his first programme for government following the election, and to ensure the bill is introduced within the first year.
The letter also calls for the establishment of a dedicated Cabinet Minister for Human Rights, with responsibility for leading and coordinating human rights policy across government. Human rights are often simply included within broader equalities portfolios, and a dedicated ministerial role would provide the focus, visibility and leadership needed to drive progress.
You can read the full letter on the HRCS website here.
End of page.
You may also like:
Sign up to participate in this co-design study
Continue readingPatient groups, patients and carers are invited to share their views.
Continue readingThe letter urges honesty on the financial challenges facing Scotland, and progressing reforms to council tax.
Continue reading#TryAToolTuesday raises awareness of free and trusted apps and resources that help people improve and manage their health and wellbeing.
Continue readingAn exciting opportunity to support DES in meeting its strategic aims.
Continue readingALLIANCE consultation response calls for clearer guidance, sustained investment and local support to make carers' breaks a reality.
Continue readingPublished by VHS, the new report shares insights from Scotland’s third sector.
Continue readingThe letter calls on the UK Government to take steps to fully incorporate economic, social and cultural rights in law.
Continue readingHave your say on what worked well, what barriers remain, and what changes are needed to improve accessible voting.
Continue readingResults will inform future guidance, resources and service improvements for people living with cancer.
Continue readingThe results of PIF’s survey give some cause for optimism – but equal cause for concern.
Continue readingLeadership programme for disabled adults and parents of disabled children open for applications.
Continue readingThis flash report provides a summary of activity and findings from the 2025/26 mental health and gambling harm projects in Scotland.
Continue readingJoin Wellbeing Scotland's board to drive lasting change for people impacted by child abuse.
Continue readingScotland’s health is dependent on dedicated action from new parliament, say ALLIANCE.
Continue readingChildren in Scotland launch their new report reflecting on the impact of GIRFEC over the past 20 years.
Continue readingThis month's Digital Citizen Panel Spotlight is Heriott-Watt University's Citizen Advisory Network.
Continue readingShare your views on the proposed HCPC fee rise before 17 July to help shape the final decision
Continue readingScottish Children's Health Awards 2026 now open for nominations until 30 June.
Continue reading#TryAToolTuesday raises awareness of free and trusted apps and resources that help people improve and manage their health and wellbeing.
Continue readingImproved voting accessibility for people with Visual Impairment
Continue readingReport calls on the UK Government to ensure Access to Work is fully accessible .
Continue readingHelp shape the new guidelines
Continue readingHelp future technology become more accessible
Continue readingAn update on our ongoing engagement with BT
Continue reading