The Joint Statement follows a welcome commitment by the current Scottish Government to introduce a new Human Rights Bill.

Over one hundred individuals and organisations have joined the ALLIANCE and Inclusion Scotland in calling for full and direct incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People (CRPD) into Scots law as soon as possible.

The Joint Statement recognises the report by the National Taskforce for Human Rights Leadership, and welcomes the commitment by the current Scottish Government to adopt all 30 of the Taskforce’s recommendations, including incorporation of key treaties like the CRPD.

Following the elections in May 2021, we want this commitment enacted by the next Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament as soon as possible. This is also a key ask in the ALLIANCE’s election manifesto.

The CRPD was written with disabled people. Incorporating it fully into Scots law avoids the slow and fragmented approach of indirect or partial incorporation, which would further entrench injustices and not deliver the wholesale change that is needed.

Full and direct incorporation of the CRPD into Scots law will ensure that disabled people can enjoy their human rights and that they are enforceable. It will mean disabled people’s rights and lived experience steer policy and practice, and that all Scots law and the decisions of courts must be made compatible. It will formalise and strengthen Scotland’s existing commitment to the principles of the CRPD and accelerate and guide the delivery of the work of public bodies towards real equality, both with and for, disabled people.

Delay is not an option. The time for action is now!


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