Civil society urges FM to put #AllOurRights in law for everyone
- Area of Work: Policy and Research
- Type: News Item
- Published: 12th December 2023
For Human Rights Day 2023, a joint letter to the Scottish Government urges them to make the Human Rights Bill as strong as possible.
On 11 December 2023, the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) submitted a joint letter with 57 other civil society organisations to the First Minister and every Cabinet Secretary. It reiterates our firm commitment to human rights being better protected, respected and realised for all in Scotland, and commends the introduction of a Human Rights Bill in 2024.
We also share some concerns with the proposed ‘incorporation’ Bill, namely:
- The Bill should be as strong as possible and go as far as possible, within the devolution settlement. Several rights holders and organisations – including the ALLIANCE – have expressed concerns that the Bill may not strengthen enforceable rights for disabled people.
- The Bill must lead to progressive and positive change. Taking action to better respect, protect and fulfil human rights can begin now – it does not have to wait for the Bill. Scottish Government should ensure that public authorities are aware of the Bill and begin steps towards its implementation.
- Given the complexity of devolution, Scottish Government should take action now to broaden the scope of the Bill as far as possible.
Finally, the letter recognises that the Bill will impact most – if not all – areas of policy and practice and underpin and shape all decisions made by Scottish Government and public authorities. The letter therefore highlights the importance of cross-Government working and agreement to make sure that the Human Rights Bill is as effective as possible when it is introduced, passed and implemented.
You can read the joint letter at the link below.
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