Scottish Human Rights Commission publishes first State of the Nation report
- Area of Work: Policy and Research
- Type: News Item
- Published: 10th December 2024
SHRC publishes State of the Nation report examining the civil and political rights of all people in Scotland.
On Human Rights Day 2024, the Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has published their first State of the Nation report.
The report examines the extent to which 14 civil and political rights are being adequately upheld for all people in Scotland. It provides a snapshot over the past year of a range of issues causing concern to people’s rights to justice, privacy, freedom of expression and to live free from torture, inhuman and degrading treatment, as protected by the Human Rights Act 1998.
The findings are drawn from the Commission’s human rights monitoring work over 2023-24, including our Spotlight projects, and our reporting to international human rights bodies within the United Nations and Council of Europe.
2024 has been another turbulent year for human rights, including people’s civil and political rights. Whilst there has undoubtedly been a stronger human rights narrative in Scotland over the current session of Parliament, the reality of people’s lives does not reflect a human rights approach in how they experience public services and institutions. This is reflected in the Scottish Government deprioritising it’s long-promised Human Rights Bill at a moment where human rights and access to justice feel more fragile in Scotland than ever.
The SHRC is deeply concerned about the scale of issues across such a broad range of rights. In other areas, where the law requires decision makers to carry out at times complicated or sensitive balancing acts to ensure everyone’s rights are protected, they can lack the underpinning knowledge to properly take into account the circumstances of people who are the most marginalised, and who continue to be the furthest from justice. Understanding the impacts of marginalisation and inequality is an essential part of taking a human rights-based approach.
To address the human rights issues identified within the report, the Scottish Government should further develop its own infrastructure to prevent their occurrence and meaningfully respond. This should include delivering the long awaited tracker and repository tool, and progressing the actions in Scotland’s Second National Human Rights Action Plan (SNAP 2).
You can read a short briefing and the full report on the dedicated page of our website at www.scottishhumanrights.com.
End of page.
You may also like:
The annual survey by Carers UK helps to shape campaigns and policy work, based on the experiences of unpaid carers.
Continue readingThe Practice Learning Review Consultation will remain open until 23 July 2026
Continue readingMulti-year funding was at the centre of the Scottish Parliament debate on a Third Sector Partnership Agreement
Continue readingThe letter urges honesty on the financial challenges facing Scotland, and progressing reforms to council tax.
Continue readingALLIANCE consultation response calls for clearer guidance, sustained investment and local support to make carers' breaks a reality.
Continue readingThe letter also calls on the Scottish Government to appoint a dedicated Cabinet Secretary for Human Rights.
Continue readingThe letter calls on the UK Government to take steps to fully incorporate economic, social and cultural rights in law.
Continue readingParties set out positions on human rights, social care and more at our hustings ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election.
Continue readingAfter the Scottish Government scrapped the initial review, the most recent proposal suggests a smaller number of broader outcomes.
Continue readingYoung people’s feedback will help NHS 24 better understand needs and improve support services.
Continue readingALLIANCE input and lived experience evidence help shape stronger, person-centred and trauma-informed maternity care
Continue readingSupporting stronger information rights, while warning delivery must work for an already stretched sector
Continue readingA new resource by Adaptation Scotland to help social care professionals integrate climate adaptation into care planning and delivery.
Continue readingRead more about the ALLIANCE response to the report on the impact of COVID-19 on the health and social care sector in Scotland.
Continue readingUp to £20 million to be delivered via Independent Living Fund to help people live in their communities
Continue readingRefined plans focus on practical measure to improve outcomes for people with learning disabilities, autism and neurodivergence.
Continue readingMarie Curie has published new analysis showing that almost one in three people in Scotland die without the palliative care they need.
Continue readingThis budget must put the third sector on a sustainable footing, and deliver on the Government's pledge to abolish social care charges.
Continue readingShare your views before 19 February
Continue readingReform of the council tax system is long overdue, with the current system negatively impacting funding for services including social care.
Continue readingFirst monitoring report shows improvements in wellbeing and services alongside ongoing gaps in data and unequal outcomes
Continue readingProgress in many areas is welcome, but the budget must go further on social care, mental health and third sector support.
Continue readingThe 'joint statement on prevention' partners have issued a follow-up ahead of the 2026-27 Scottish Budget.
Continue readingEvent calls for human rights to be a priority ahead of the Scottish Parliament Elections in 2026.
Continue readingCommission raises concerns over the state of economic, social and cultural rights in Scotland
Continue reading