News
100+ Organisations Write to the First Minister to Reverse Delaying Scottish Human Rights Bill
September 17: The Consortium has issued a letter to the First Minister on behalf of over 100 organisations, expressing profound disappointment in the Scottish Government's recent decision to delay the introduction of the Scottish Human Rights Bill.
A Broken Promise: Scottish Human Rights Bill not included in Programme for Government
September 9: We insist that the Scottish Government keeps its promise, and introduce the Scottish Human Rights Bill to Parliament by February 2025.
Consortium asks for evidence ahead of next UN report on economic, social, and cultural rights
September 3: Help us to guide the CESCR Committee by sharing your expertise!
Scotland’s Race Equality Challenges: CERD’s Concluding Observations and the Path Forward
September 2: The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has delivered its concluding observations on the UK's compliance with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
7 Key Expectations for the Scottish Government’s 2024–25 Programme for Government
August 28: As the Scottish Government prepares to unveil its 2024–25 Programme for Government, here are 7 critical expectations from various stakeholders, particularly from the Consortium advocating for human rights, social justice, and community well-being.
UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Reviews Scotland
August 15: This week, Scotland’s ongoing efforts to tackle racial discrimination were in the spotlight at the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Civil society coalition redoubles call for Human Rights Bill
August 12: A coalition of civil society organisations, including Amnesty International and the Human Rights Consortium Scotland, have today ramped up their calls for the Scottish Government to commit to bringing forward its long-awaited Human Rights Bill, after the Scottish Government failed to provide assurance that the delayed Bill would be included in its upcoming Programme for Government.
Consortium stands with organisations in joint statement condemning violence against migrants
August 6: Today (6th August 2024) we are proud to join over 240 organisations, to stand in solidarity with those affected by the recent acts of violence against migrants and Muslims.
New Herald Column: Westminster and Holyrood must get their act together on human rights
August 5: The Consortium has written an opinion piece in The Herald newspaper, calling on both the UK and Scottish Governments to demonstrate human rights leadership.
Transforming Scotland: The Quiet Revolution of Human Rights in Public Services
July 15: There is a quiet revolution going on in how we run our public services in Scotland. It doesn’t hit the headlines. It doesn’t always set the heather on fire. But it is effective, it is robust, it is all about people, and it has the potential to transform how we do things.
Leadership Transition at Human Rights Consortium Scotland
July 10: After years of dedicated service, Mhairi has decided to step down from her role as Director.
Civil society message for First Minister is clear: Prioritise the Human Rights Bill
July 2: The Scottish Human Rights Bill will be a crucial step forward in human rights protection in Scotland. It will incorporate 4 international human rights treaties- plus additional protections for the right to a healthy environment, and protections for LGBT and older people- directly into law. Initially promised in 2021, civil society now waits for its introduction, which must come before the end of the Parliamentary term in 2026.
Our Response to the Scottish Government Consultation on Court Fees 2024-2025
June 27: Together with JustRight Scotland and the Scottish Association of Law Centres (SALC), we recently submitted our detailed response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on court fees for the 2024-2025 period. As organisations deeply committed to advancing human rights, equality law, and public interest litigation, we are gravely concerned about the proposed 10% increase in court fees, especially for cases that touch on these critical areas.
"We have the chance to be a truly prosperous and fairer country"- civil society leaders explore Scottish Human Rights Bill: The Priorities, Promises and People
June 19: On 18th June 2024, the Consortium brought together expert speakers from civil society organisations to explore the Scottish Human Rights Bill, and the many ways in which it will help to deliver the First Minister's priorities.
Consortium says goodbye and thank you to Board Members; Sandra Stuart, Rosie Tyler-Greig and Michelle Mañas Brodie
June 13: This month (June 2024) the Consortium has said goodbye to 3 departing Board members, whose work has been invaluable in steering the Consortium in a human rights-based direction. We'd like to thank Sandra Stuart, Rosie Tyler-Greig and Michelle Mañas Brodie for their tremendous contribution, and we wish them all the best for future.
Migration Justice Update: Migrant Project & PHF residential
May 28: Welcome to this new blog series from our Human Rights Participation Officer, Doro Richter, on migration justice.
Join Our Board! Applications open until 5pm, Friday 14th June
May 22: The Consortium is a small organisation, but our impact and reach is significant and growing! We want to be an effective, highly valued, and sustainable network for human rights in Scotland. Our Board plays a crucial role in making this happen, and we are currently looking for up to 5 new trustees who will help us shape the organisation to be human rights-based, with excellent governance and strategic priorities.
UN Human Rights Committee Issues Critical Recommendations for UK's Human Rights Practices
May 14: The recently released recommendations from the UN Human Rights Committee (UN HRC) shed light on significant concerns regarding various aspects of human rights and legislation within the UK. The comprehensive set of recommendations covers a wide range of areas, urging action to uphold and protect fundamental human rights.
‘Human Rights Bill promise must be delivered’ say civil society coalition
May 9: 120 charities, civil society organisations and academics have written to John Swinney urging him to keep the SNP’s manifesto promise to introduce a flagship Human Rights Bill.
Consortium Responds to Inquiry into Scotland’s Commissioner Landscape
April 29: Scotland’s Commissioner Landscape – where are we now?
Consortium joins 251 organisations to express outrage at 'Safety of Rwanda' Bill
April 24: Following the passage of the UK Parliament’s ‘Safety of Rwanda’ Bill, the Consortium has joined 251 civil society organisations from across the UK, to express our outrage.
Consortium calls on next UK Government to urgently restore devolution to enable effective Scottish human rights law
April 18: People in Scotland need human rights law to be as effective as possible. We need human rights law that includes enforceable rights, and covers all Scottish public services.
Consortium Launches New Video, 'Make Human Rights Justice a Reality- Our Calls'
April 17: In partnership with JustRight Scotland, Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland, Poverty Alliance, Shelter Scotland, Clan Childlaw and Justice, the Consortium has been campaigning for 13 changes to improve access to justice for human rights violations.
Consortium Responds to Inquiry into Role of Commissioners in Scotland
April 17: In December 2023, the Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Public Administration Committee launched an inquiry into Scotland’s ‘Commissioner Landscape.’
A Human Rights Bill for Scotland for All: New Report OUT NOW!
March 13: Scotland is a nation shaped by migration. While many Scots have emigrated and formed diasporas around the world, many people from other parts of the world have also made Scotland their home. There are now nearly 400,000 migrants living in Scotland, and each one of them deserves to have their human rights fulfilled and made real.
Consortium Urges UN Human Rights Committee to give recommendations to UK and Scottish Governments
March 11: Our senior policy officer Lucy is in Geneva on 11th March 2024, to speak with the United Nations Human Rights Committee as they review the UK’s record on human rights.
Are you supporting migrants’ rights in Scotland? Join our launch of 'A Human Rights Bill for Scotland for All'
February 29: As Scotland is looking to bring our international human rights closer to home and directly into Scots law, now is the time to have our voices heard.
Consortium urges UN Committee to question Government on civil and political rights in Scotland
February 12: In 1976, the United Kingdom ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), committing to upholding fundamental civil and political rights. These rights are things like the freedom to speak your mind, the right to be treated fairly, and the ability to participate in elections.
New Briefing on the Scottish Human Rights Bill Out Now
February 6: The Consortium has published a new briefing on Scotland's new Human Rights Bill, outlining what the Bill will do and why it matters.
Independent analysis of Human Rights Bill consultation is published
January 31: The Scottish Government has published an independent analysis of the Human Rights Bill consultation, which ran from June to October 2023. The independent analysis was carried out by Alma Economics.
Consortium Joins 265 Organisations Urging Lords to Reject Rwanda Bill
January 29: As the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill reaches its Second Reading in the House of Lords, 265 civil society organisations from across the UK have written to Peers urging them to reject the Bill.
UNCRC Bill Passes & Cabinet Secretary Responds to Civil Society Letter
January 9: On 12th December, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Incorporation (Scotland) Bill was passed by Parliament. This Bill is a critical step forward for children's rights in Scotland, as it brings the international convention designed to protect them directly into Scots law.
New Report: Incorporating International Human Rights: Selected ICESCR Rights and Their Impact on LGBT+ Matters
December 14: The Consortium and Equality Network have commissioned a new report, written by Dr Paul Behrens of the University of Edinburgh Law School, exploring the importance of economic, social and cultural rights for LGBT+ people in Scotland.
58 Organisations Write to First Minister on Human Rights Day
December 12: To mark Human Rights Day 2023, the Consortium and 58 other organisations have signed a joint letter to First Minister Humza Yousaf.
Consortium Briefs MSPs Ahead of Final UNCRC Debate
December 6: On Thursday 7th December, the Scottish Parliament will vote for the final time on whether the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) shall be incorporated into Scots law.
Consortium Welcomes UK Supreme Court Decision on Rwanda Plan
November 15: Today (15th November 2023) the UK Supreme Court ruled that Rwanda is not a safe country for the UK Government to send asylum seekers.
Civil Society Organisations Urge Cabinet Secretary for Action on UNCRC Bill
November 15: A group of Scottish and UK civil society organisations, led by the Consortium, has written to Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, to ask her to take further action to strengthen children's rights.
Consortium Publishes Scottish Human Rights Bill Consultation Responses
October 9: Read our response to the Human Rights Bill for Scotland consultation, supported by 38 organisations here. Read our second response summarising community conversations with migrants about the Bill here. Scotland is on the cusp of a historic change in how human rights are protected within its borders. The Scottish Human Rights Bill will enshrine international human rights treaties and the right to a healthy environment directly into Scots law, ensuring rights like the right to food, adequate housing, health, and education become enforceable, regardless of who you are. This significant step forward will make these rights tangible and accessible to all, but it's crucial that we scrutinise the Scottish Government's Bill proposals carefully.
New Briefing Out Now: Q&A with the Scottish Government Human Rights Bill Team
September 28: The Consortium recently held a Q&A session with the Scottish Government Human Rights Bill Team on Thursday 14th September. During our It’s All Rights Sessions, we were met with various questions which were best placed for the Bill Team to answer. Some of these were asked on the day, as well as questions from the audience during the session.
New report on Care Experienced people and the Scottish Human Rights Bill OUT NOW!
September 25: A new report, commissioned by the Consortium with Who Cares? Scotland, explores how the new Human Rights Bill for Scotland can, and should, better realise the human rights of Care Experienced people.
Scottish Government must do better on human rights proposals, says Consortium
September 5: The Scottish Human Rights Bill pinpoints a crucial moment for Human Rights in Scotland - and through the upcoming consultation which seeks to incorporate international human rights into Scots law, we have an opportunity to make this Bill as strong as possible.
150 Campaigners Urge First Minister: Take Bold Action on Poverty
August 23: A group of over 150 civil society organisations, trade unions, individual campaigners and community groups, including the Consortium, have united to urge First Minister Humza Yousaf to take action on poverty in his new Programme for Government.
Consortium Launches Human Rights Bill Consultation Guide!
August 14: The Consortium's guide to responding to the Scottish Human Rights Bill consultation is available now!
Cabinet Secretary responds to concerns raised about UNCRC Incorporation Bill
August 8: Children's rights organisations have received a response from the Scottish Government regarding their concerns over the lack of progress in amending and commencing the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill.
Civil Society Asks: Why no legislative consent vote for Refugee Ban Bill?
July 13: The Illegal Migration Bill- also known as the Refugee Ban Bill- is a UK Government Bill that, if passed, will abolish the UK asylum system for almost everyone who needs it. It would make it almost impossible for asylum seekers, including children, to make successful claims. This will then leave them more vulnerable than ever to human trafficking and other forms of abuse.
Scottish Civil Society Call for Swift Action on UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill
July 10: Prominent Scottish organisations have raised concerns over the delay in amending and commencing the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill. The organisations express disappointment that the Reconsideration process for the UNCRC Bill has not yet begun. They refer to previous correspondence with the Minister for Equalities and Older People, Christina McKelvie, who had assured them that amendments to the bill would be forthcoming "as soon as possible."
Blog: Scottish Human Rights Consultation- Why We are Encouraging Everyone to Get Involved
June 26: In this guest blog post, Helen Flynn, Head of Policy, Research and Campaigns at Just Fair, explains why her organisation is urging everyone to get involved in Scotland's Human Rights Bill Consultation (including organisations from outside of Scotland):
The Scottish Human Rights Bill Consultation is OUT NOW!
June 15: The Scottish Government has published the consultation for the Human Rights Bill. This is one of the biggest steps forward in human rights in Scotland, because the Bill will embed major international human rights treaties and the right to a healthy environment into Scots law.???
We are hiring! Part-Time Administrator
June 6: Do you love being organised? We are looking for someone to join our team who loves administration and things being organised, and who loves working in a small but effective team.
Civil Society Urges Public Authorities to Prioritise Human Rights
May 17: The Consortium has joined with 19 other Scottish civil society organisations to urge the chief executives of public authorities to prioritise human rights.
Consortium Urges Parliamentarians to Stop the #RefugeeBanBill
May 10: Ahead of the second reading of the UK Government's Illegal Migration Bill (also known as the Refugee Ban Bill) at the House of Lords on Wednesday 10th May, the Consortium has joined with 174 civil society organisations to ask all Parliamentarians to urge the Government to immediately withdraw the Bill.
New Briefing: The #RefugeeBanBill and Human Rights
May 3: Ahead of their debate on 25th April, JustRight Scotland and the Consortium sent a briefing to MSPs about the UK Government's 'Illegal Migration' Bill, which we have dubbed 'The Refugee Ban Bill'.
Being Human: Human Rights Defenders Blog
May 3: On 20th April 2023, the Health and Social Care Academy (the Academy) held a hybrid panel discussion in collaboration with the Consortium, as part of its ‘Being Human’ series, which explores the importance of human rights in health and social care. This event celebrated the 25th anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, and brought together human rights defenders to discuss their roles.
Consortium Expresses Concern about Section 3 of Human Rights Act
April 25: The Consortium has joined a group of 46 civil society organisations from across the UK to express our concern that the UK Government is attempting to undermine human rights, by weakening Section 3 of the Human Rights Act.
UN Committee Publishes List of Humans Rights Issues for UK Government to Address
April 24: The UN Committee on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) is halfway through a review process of how well the UK Government is achieving our everyday rights.
Do you (a little bit) love spreadsheets? We are looking for a new Treasurer
April 3: The Consortium's Board is a great team of people, working together to make sure the organisation is run well and takes a human rights-based approach to all we do.
New Briefing: Scottish Human Rights Incorporation Bill
March 29: The Consortium has produced a new short briefing to introduce newcomers to the Scottish Human Rights Incorporation Bill. The briefing explains the story of the Bill so far, what 'incorporation' means, and why now is the best time to bring international human rights standards directly into Scots law.
Consortium Stands Against "Refugee Ban Bill"
March 27: The Consortium has signed a joint statement, written by JustRight Scotland and the Scottish Refugee Council, to condemn the UK Government's upcoming Illegal Migration Bill and ask the Scottish Government to do all it can to oppose it.
Consortium Responds to Consultations on Reforming Freedom of Information (FoI) in Scotland
March 16: The Human Rights Consortium Scotland has responded to two consultations on reforming FoI within Scotland:
Consortium Asks First Minister Candidates to Honour Commitment to Human Rights Incorporation
March 13: The Consortium has joined 15 Scottish human rights and equalities organisations to write to the 3 candidates for First Minister, calling on them to honour the Scottish Government's commitments to introduce a new human rights bill in this Parliamentary session.
Consortium Calls Out UK Government's Latest Anti-Refugee Bill
March 13: The Consortium is proud to have joined over 320 charities, unions, businesses, & faith leaders from across the UK to write to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak about the Illegal Migration Bill. Together, we have expressed our horror that the Bill would shut the door to safety for asylum seekers, and urge the Prime Minister to scrap it entirely.
Blog: The right to cultural life (and why it’s all about dignity, really)
March 13: When you think of cultural life, what do you think of? For me, it brings to mind shows in the theatre, art galleries, poetry. Maybe if I was pushed a bit, I would talk about libraries and festivals and music and language.
New Report Calls for Incorporation of Right to Cultural Life
March 6: On Monday 6th March, the Consortium and Art27, a cultural rights organisation, are launching a new report exploring the right to cultural life, what it means, and what it could look like if it were incorporated into Scots law.
Consortium Supports Call for First Minister Candidates to Incorporate UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
March 1: Following the announcement of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's resignation, Members of the Children's Parliament and Scottish Youth Parliament have written to the new First Ministerial candidates. With the support of 74 other organisations, including the Consortium, they have asked the candidates to express their commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill.
Equality and Human Rights Commission Urges UK Government to Give Legal Effect to Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
February 28: In 1976, the United Kingdom ratified the United Nations International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) agreeing to ensure the enjoyment of basic rights such as food, housing, healthcare, and an adequate standards of living. However, as of 2023, the Covenant lacks legal enforceability in the UK.
UK Joint Committee on Human Rights urges Government to Scrap Rights Removal Bill
January 25: The UK Parliament's Joint Committee for Human Rights (JCHR) has urged the UK Government not to proceed with plans to replace the Human Rights Act with new legislation.
How well does Scotland deliver on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights?
January 24: How is the UK doing around making sure that everyone has the basics that they need to live well?
