100+ Organisations Write to the First Minister to Reverse Delaying Scottish Human Rights Bill

100+ Organisations Write to the First Minister to Reverse Delaying Scottish Human Rights Bill

The Human Rights Consortium Scotland (HRCS) has issued a letter to the First Minister on behalf of over 100 organisations and members of lived experience boards who have helped shape the Scottish Human Rights Bill up until this point. The letter expresses profound disappointment in the Scottish Government’s recent decision to delay the introduction of the Scottish Human Rights Bill in this parliamentary session. This Bill, crucial for incorporating international human rights treaties into Scots law, is now absent from the legislative programme, signalling a troubling reduction in the priority given to human rights at a critical time.

Summary of Letter

• Disappointment Expressed: The coalition criticises the Scottish Government for delaying the introduction of the Scottish Human Rights Bill in this parliamentary session.
• Urgent Human Rights Issues: Highlights pressing issues such as child hunger, poverty, and lack of access to essential services in Scotland.
• Broad Support for Bill: Emphasises the strong support for the Bill from civil society and the need for human rights-based decision-making.
• No Justification for Delay: Argues that the reasons provided for the delay are unacceptable and lack credibility.
• Need for Immediate Action: Stresses the importance of integrating human rights into decision-making, especially in the current financial climate.
• Call for Commitment: Urges the First Minister to publicly commit to introducing the Bill by February 2025 and address the breach of trust with stakeholders.

Human Rights Emergencies Demand Immediate Action
The Letter highlights that the decision to delay the Bill dismisses the urgent human rights issues faced by many in Scotland. Children are going hungry, families are falling deeper into poverty, and vulnerable groups are being denied essential services. The lack of progress on this Bill reflects a concerning disregard for these pressing issues, which require immediate action rather than inaction.

Overwhelming Support for the Bill
There is broad support from civil society for the incorporation of human rights into Scots law. Civil society organisations, community groups, and individuals across Scotland have all voiced strong support for the Bill, underscoring its importance as a foundation for human rights-based decision-making and empowering people to claim their rights. The Scottish Government’s previous engagements and public consultations have consistently reinforced the Bill’s vital and timely nature. The letter argues that the decision to exclude the Bill from the current session suggests either a lack of listening to these voices or a deliberate choice to ignore them.

No Justification for Delay
While acknowledging the implications of the 2021 Supreme Court decision on the UNCRC Bill, the coalition believes that transparent discussions between governments could resolve potential issues. The Bill could also be a vehicle for amending the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act to broaden its scope. The letter asserts that the notion of devolution-related issues as a reason for not fulfilling the promise on the Bill is unacceptable and lacks credibility.

Pressing Need for Human Rights Integration
In the current financial climate, embedding human rights into decision-making is more crucial than ever. Human rights budgeting provides a framework for making robust decisions that protect fundamental rights even amidst financial constraints. The letter emphasises that those most at risk of economic, social, and cultural rights violations are those living in poverty, and incorporating these rights into public services is essential to tackling child poverty.

A Breach of Trust
The HRCS expresses deep regret over what they perceive as a breach of trust by the Scottish Government, noting that significant resources and personal experiences have been invested in developing the Bill. The delay is seen as a significant disrespect to those who have engaged in good faith and contributed to the Bill’s development.

Call to Action
The HRCS urges the First Minister to reconsider the decision and publicly commit to introducing the Scottish Human Rights Bill by February 2025 at the latest. They stress that failing to do so will cast doubt on the Scottish Government’s commitment to human rights and its promises.

Click here to read our letter to the First Minister in full

For further information, please contact Lucy on lucy@hrcscotland.org