Why embedding human rights in Scots law matters
- Written by: Lucy Mulvagh — Director of Policy and Communications
- Published: 17th February 2021
Social care is just one aspect of people’s lives that would vastly improve if we incorporate international human rights.
Yesterday the report of the Independent Review of Adult Social Care and there was almost universal support for the Review’s recommendation that equality and human rights should be at the heart of a reformed social care system.
This obvious will for a human rights based approach to social care across all political parties is extremely welcome. However, concrete action is needed for it to make a real difference in people’s lives.
While there is a foundation in current law that gives people more choice and control over their social care and Self-directed Support (SDS), this has not been enough to ensure people consistently enjoy their right to access quality, appropriate support in the right place and at the right time for them.
Social care is a means to an end – intended to help people overcome obstacles in their way to live independently and contribute to Scottish society. The Review has noted the serious and – in some cases – substantial gap between well-intentioned social care policy and the way people experience care in practice. This was certainly something that people spoke about in the ALLIANCE and SDSS .
This is where incorporating – or embedding – international human rights into national law can help, : “We have no doubt that the incorporation of human rights conventions would aid the direction of travel set out in this report.”
The UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People (CRPD) is one of the most important human rights treaties for disabled people. It was designed by disabled people and is overseen by an independent committee that includes disabled members. It covers a broad range of human rights, including rights to education, work, health, and social support. The CRPD Committee has created a substantial body of guidance to help governments put the treaty into practice, but a key action has to be directly embedding the whole treaty into national law.
This is why the ALLIANCE and Inclusion Scotland have drafted a Joint Statement calling for full and direct incorporation of the CRPD. We are asking all individuals and organisations working for equality and human rights for disabled people across all Scotland’s communities to join us by signing up now and promoting this opportunity to your wider networks.
Delay is not an option. The time for action is now!
End of page.
You may also like:
Carola, disability and mental health advocate, shares her thoughts on the current state of mental health services in Scotland.
Continue readingIt’s time for an open conversation about the value of community health organisations and how we, as a sector, respond to changing demands.
Continue readingSara discusses how truly listening and acting on what we hear is the only way that true and real change can be made.
Continue readingReflection is key to making long-term change; but is the recent period of reflection by the government enough to drive this action?
Continue readingALLIANCE Chief Officer, Sara Redmond, shares her thoughts and reflections on the recent open letter to the First Minister.
Continue readingWhat does the new National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy for Young Disabled People mean for young people with learning disabilities?
Continue readingGail Cunningham, a retired GP and Project Manager at LTCH tells us just how much self management has changed her life.
Continue readingSelf Management Network Scotland member Hilda shares self management resources ahead of Self Management Week 2025.
Continue readingALLIANCE Chief Officer, Sara Redmond, shares her thoughts on leading courageously in creating long term societal change.
Continue readingWe met inspiring young carers and shared how ALISS can help them to find local support for health, wellbeing and caring needs.
Continue readingJoanne McCoy on the collaborative process of self management and what she needs to lead in the management of her health.
Continue readingNew approach to services puts person at centre of care.
Continue readingALLIANCE Member Danielle tells us what she needs to lead as part of our self management awareness raising campaign for 2025.
Continue readingSelf Management Network Scotland member Caroline Brocklehurst tells us what she needs to take the lead in managing her health.
Continue readingMar Sánchez Fernández reflects on the importance of collaboration between the third sector and academia.
Continue readingReflecting on key messages from the ACRC Symposium.
Continue readingCould parkrun make you or your community healthier and happier?
Continue readingGrace Beaumont looks to the Principles of Self Management as inspiration for this year’s Self Management Week awareness raising activity.
Continue readingNan McKay Community Hall is a welcoming space in Pollokshields where community, health, and wellbeing come together.
Continue readingLouise shares her thoughts on the need for a statutory right to lifelong, independent advocacy.
Continue readingALISS is supporting GCHSCP's work to help people live independent lives by connecting them to support in their local community.
Continue readingKairos Women+ share the vital foundations of their creative anti-stigma work with women.
Continue readingToo many carers simply cannot make ends meet, but a Minimum Income Guarantee could be the solution.
Continue readingNational Stalking Awareness Week 2025, from 21-25 April, will focus on healthcare professionals spotting the signs of stalking.
Continue readingCOPE Scotland have developed a suite of resources to rebuild confidence and self-belief, crucial components of mental wellbeing.
Continue reading