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ALLIANCE urges Scottish Government to keep to the plan on Human Rights Bill

  • Area of Work: Policy and Research
  • Type: News Item
  • Published: 14th August 2024
A graphic of a group of people standing in front of houses with placards in the background.

The Scottish Government have re-stated their commitment to Human Rights, but are yet to set out a timeline for the Bill.

Following the appointment of John Swinney as the new First Minister earlier this year, the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) signed a joint letter calling on the Scottish Government to reaffirm its commitment to the Human Rights Bill.

The letter, signed by organisations including Amnesty International and the Human Rights Consortium Scotland, commended the Scottish Government for taking a positive approach to human rights, particularly in comparison to the erosion of rights resulting from the policies of the now-former UK Government. It called on the government to continue living up to the rhetoric on human rights, by confirming that the Human Rights Bill would not be delayed.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, recently responded to the letter on the government’s behalf. In her reply, she emphasised that the Scottish Government remained committed to advancing human rights. However, no commitment was given specifically to the Human Rights Bill or to any timescale, only stating that the government’s legislative priorities will be announced in the upcoming Programme for Government.

Whilst we welcome continued warm words on human rights, the ALLIANCE urge the Scottish Government to give a cast-iron commitment to the Human Rights Bill. Given the significant amount of time and expertise from rights holders that have so far been invested in the Bill, it is essential that it moves forward, and includes the strongest possible protections for everyone’s rights.

We look forward to the Scottish Government hopefully introducing the Bill in September following the summer recess, and will continue to engage positively with the Bill as it proceeds through the Scottish Parliament.

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