Joint letter urges new First Minister to prioritise Human Rights Bill
- Area of Work: Policy and Research
- Type: News Item
- Published: 9th May 2024

The letter calls for the Bill to be introduced without delay.
The ALLIANCE have added our support to a letter, initiated by Amnesty International and the Human Rights Consortium Scotland, calling on new First Minister John Swinney to reaffirm his government’s commitment to the Human Rights Bill.
Whereas the rhetoric and actions from the UK Government in recent years have been extremely concerning, the Scottish Government has taken a much more positive approach to human rights. This has included incorporating the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots law, and the stated intention to incorporate a range of further treaties via the proposed Human Rights Bill.
We, alongside the other signatories to the letter, continue to support the full incorporation of all human rights into Scots law, and are seeking assurances from the First Minister that the Bill will not be delayed, and continue to be a key priority for his new government.
You can read the full letter via the resource link below.
End of page.
You may also like:
Could you help shape the future of Human Rights in Scotland? Apply to join the SNAP2 Leadership Panel
Continue readingThe UN ICESCR Committee has issued its recommendations and several reflect points made by the ALLIANCE and our members.
Continue readingCarers Scotland launches their State of Caring in Scotland 2024 research report.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE responds to the Equality, Human Rights, and Civil Justice Committee's inquiry into the the Public Sector Equality Duty.
Continue readingOur response calls for a human rights based approach to outcomes, and to consider how to strengthen the SHRC.
Continue readingA Scotland that Cares campaign calls on the Scottish Government to set a dedicated National Outcome on Care now.
Continue readingPublic Health Scotland have published a briefing on transport poverty and health inequalities.
Continue readingThe Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has published a report on the state of economic, social and cultural rights in Scotland.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE welcomes the proposed strategy, though a Human Rights Bill is necessary for full effect.
Continue readingObesity Action Scotland wants to stop unhealthy food sponsorship at Scottish sports events including the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Continue readingResidents of Leith’s famous Banana Flats (Cables Wynd House) have launched their human rights monitoring report.
Continue readingThe Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) report finds troubling failures in progress from institutionalisation to independent living.
Continue readingThe updated SPSO Principles demonstrate a positive shift towards putting people and their human rights at the centre of complaints handling.
Continue readingThe Mental Welfare Commission calls for urgent changes so people with learning disability and complex needs can leave hospital and flourish.
Continue readingMinister announces parts of the National Care Service Bill will be dropped due to a lack of compromise and support.
Continue readingAre you aged 55+, living in the UK, and interested in supporting new research?
Continue readingWe have submitted a parallel report to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for its examination of rights in the UK.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE welcome the aims of widening access to palliative care, but actions must be underpinned by resources and accountability.
Continue readingAutistic Knowledge Development and National Autistic Society Scotland celebrate the success of the Embrace Autism programme.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE wants to hear from you if you have experienced barriers to accessing Self-Directed Support.
Continue readingThe First Minister has reiterated his commitment to the continuation of Contact Scotland BSL.
Continue readingThe Policy and Public Affairs programme influenced government policy in many areas over 2024.
Continue readingRaising awareness of key areas of women’s health, challenging myths and stigma through positive dialogue, and lived experience forums.
Continue readingWhilst the draft Covenant is a positive start, it is unclear how it's aims will be realised in practice.
Continue readingWho Cares? Scotland publishes their third Lifelong Rights Issue Paper on Belonging and Connections.
Continue reading