Scottish human rights ‘action plan’ launched
An action plan for human rights has been launched in Scotland, in a move described as a first for the UK.
The document, published today, sets out “key commitments” from organisations covering various aspects of Scottish life, all aimed at improving human rights protection.
The plan, unveiled by the Scottish Human Rights Commission, is the product of four years of research overseen by the body.
The commission said evidence it has gathered shows that while Scotland has a good record in policy and law making, human rights “are not consistently being promoted, respected or protected in people’s everyday lives”.
Areas of concern include care, disability rights, health, criminal justice and business, the organisation said.
Commission chair Professor Alan Miller said: “Today, International Human Rights Day, Scotland is taking a big step towards building a country where everyone can live a life of human dignity.
“The Scottish Parliament has human rights at its heart, it created the Scottish Human Rights Commission and today Scotland’s first National Action Plan for Human Rights (SNAP) is launched as the next step on Scotland’s journey to progressively realise internationally agreed human rights for the benefit of everyone.”
SNAP was developed by various organisations including human rights charity Amnesty International, local authorities, the NHS and the Scottish Government.
These bodies and others are said to have made firm commitments to integrating human rights more closely into their work.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon welcomed the launch of the document.
She said: “The plan is an important milestone in our journey to create a Scotland which acts as a beacon of progress internationally. We will continue to work with the Scottish Human Rights Commission to make rights a reality for all in Scotland, in keeping with the importance this Government has long attached to human dignity, equality and fairness and the pursuit of social justice.”
Nils Muiznieks, the Council of Europe’s commissioner for human rights, said it was a “bold venture”.
Tam Baillie, Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People, added: “Increasing respect for human rights and putting their central values of dignity, equality and autonomy for all into action in every sphere of the lives of Scotland’s people should be at the forefront of our governance, our public services and our culture.
“I look forward to working alongside the Scottish Human Rights Commission and all those who can contribute to ensure that SNAP can make a positive difference for every child and every community in Scotland.”
For more, visit Scotland’s National Action Plan for Human Rights here:
http://www.scottishhumanrights.com/actionplan/readfullreport
