The importance of The Human Rights Act 1998
- Area of Work: The ALLIANCE
- Type: News Item
- Published: 4th April 2023
The ALLIANCE has created two documents explaining the importance of human rights and the Human Rights Act 1998 in Scotland.
The ALLIANCE has created two explainers to review the status of human rights in Scotland. These two documents aim to look at where we are with human rights in Scotland, and the importance of human rights in health and social care.
The Human Rights Act 1998 provides important human rights protections for individuals, including disabled people, people living with long term conditions and unpaid carers. The explainers outline why human rights protections are so important in the delivery of health and social care services, by highlighting two specific areas of protection provided by the current Human Rights Act 1998, those being positive obligations, and a duty to interpret laws in a way that upholds human rights.
Recent attempts to undermine the Human Rights Act have caused concern throughout the UK, and particularly in Scotland where it is unclear what impact this would have on Scotland’s devolution settlement. Due to this, the ALLIANCE feels that it is essential to properly understand and call attention to the essential role human rights play in our day to day lives.
End of page.
End of page.
You may also like:
This flash report provides a summary of activity and findings from the 2025/26 mental health and gambling harm projects in Scotland.
Continue readingJoin Wellbeing Scotland's board to drive lasting change for people impacted by child abuse.
Continue readingScotland’s health is dependent on dedicated action from new parliament, say ALLIANCE.
Continue readingChildren in Scotland launch their new report reflecting on the impact of GIRFEC over the past 20 years.
Continue readingThis month's Digital Citizen Panel Spotlight is Heriott-Watt University's Citizen Advisory Network.
Continue readingShare your views on the proposed HCPC fee rise before 17 July to help shape the final decision
Continue readingScottish Children's Health Awards 2026 now open for nominations until 30 June.
Continue reading#TryAToolTuesday raises awareness of free and trusted apps and resources that help people improve and manage their health and wellbeing.
Continue readingImproved voting accessibility for people with Visual Impairment
Continue readingReport calls on the UK Government to ensure Access to Work is fully accessible .
Continue readingHelp shape the new guidelines
Continue readingHelp future technology become more accessible
Continue readingAn update on our ongoing engagement with BT
Continue readingFindings show a need for quicker diagnosis and improved referrals to self management support.
Continue readingThis new resource from the Social Care Institute for Excellence brings together research, data, and practice evidence.
Continue readingThe Patient Information Forum has released a report that shares the findings of it's latest survey on health literacy and digital inclusion.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE has co-signed Samaritans Scotland's call for change.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE has produced a report for the Scottish Parliament's Cross-party Group on Deafness.
Continue readingJoin Tommy Whitelaw for a workshop reflecting on his experience for caring for his mum and the importance of asking 'What matters to you?'.
Continue readingIndependent Review of Scotland's Legislative Framework for Children's Care Survey now open
Continue readingRead the Scotland Reducing Gambling Harm programme's event report which explores what makes lived experience platforms successful.
Continue readingAn online library of stories exploring the question, ‘What matters to you?’
Continue readingProfessionals and members of the public are being asked to take part.
Continue readingDigital Team are launching an Online Digital Learning Series, first event is on Tuesday 12th May 10.30-12noon.
Continue readingTake part in participant-led rail journey research
Continue reading