Issue 41 June 2008 - Introduction from the Editor

This Issue is being published on the occasion of an important step forward in the promotion and protection of human rights in Scotland. June 20 sees the public introduction of the four members of the new Scottish Human Rights Commission and its moving into a shared office location with the GB Equalities and Human Rights Commission ("EHRC") in Glasgow. 

The Scottish Commission, created by an Act of the Scottish Parliament and formed in the year of the 60th Anniversary of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has invited the Irish Human Rights Commission and the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to join it and the EHRC in an inaugural meeting of the four Commissions to explore how to effectively work together across the jurisdictions. 

The symbolism of the day is acknowledged by the presence and welcoming presentations by Mary Robinson, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and former President of Ireland, and Alex Fergusson, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament. 

Over the next few months the Commission will be recruiting staff and beginning to consult widely on its draft strategic plan. It is anticipated that the practical application to a diversity of issues of a rights-based approach as well as a major research project of the mapping of human rights In Scotland will be distinctive features of a draft strategic plan. 

SHRJ will report on the June 20 event and subsequent developments of interest to you. 

This Issue also offers a stimulating contribution by Gerry Moynihan Q.C. on the changing constitutional and legal landscape provided by the combined effect of the Scotland Act and the Human Rights Act, the 10th anniversaries of which are marked this year. 

We also remain indebted to Scott Blair for his continued informative and insightful coverage of case law developments.