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:
Reflecting 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 readingCuts to disability payments by the UK government are all the more worrying for lack of information on devolution impacts in Scotland.
Continue readingTo improve outcomes for children and young people, we must consider how we can build on GIRFEC for the future.
Continue readingHow funding community-led participatory creative projects can shine a light on intersectional stigma
Maeve reflects on the Anti-Stigma Arts fund and how community-led projects can lead the way in tackling stigma.
Continue readingThe role of museums in promoting community engagement, health, and education was a major theme of the discussions throughout the day.
Continue readingAt the ALLIANCE we believe that accessibility is a gateway to human rights.
Continue readingLorraine Glass, Director at respectme, reflects on the vital work they do to reduce bullying and improve wellbeing.
Continue reading“Before, when I thought about what happened, something inside me was stuck. Now, after sharing my story I feel lighter, and more free”.
Continue readingSustainable funding can unlock the transformative power of creative engagement for tackling stigma.
Continue readingTo build a positive culture of human rights, everyone needs to know and be aware of their rights.
Continue readingEveryone deserves a safe and affordable home - Scotland must act now to make housing a human right for all.
Continue reading'What Matters to You?' is a question that transforms live through kindness and compassion. Read the story of Napier House in Fife.
Continue readingHuman rights are the path to a fairer, stronger Scotland; each step we take today helps to shape our future.
Continue readingThe Charter of Rights for People who live with and experience issues around substance use is about to be launched.
Continue readingSimple GDP growth alone does not deliver a fair, human rights respecting society and public services.
Continue readingHeidi Tweedie, Jane Miller and Dr Patty Lozano-Casal reflect on the need to end mental health stigma and discrimination in healthcare.
Continue reading