Human Rights Bill for Scotland discussion paper

The Scottish Human Rights Commission has received the discussion paper that provides the Scottish Government's current thinking on its proposed Human Rights Bill.

In the absence of the Bill progressing to Stage 1 in this session of the Scottish Parliament, we welcome the opportunity to strengthen the ability of independent public bodies, including the SHRC, to promote and protect human rights.  To that end, the SPCB Supported Bodies Landscape Review Committee has also recommended that there is a case for a review of the mandate and powers of the SHRC.

This proposal is now at the mercy of the outcome of the Scottish elections; but human rights must not become an election tool.

In the coming months, we will analyse the Government proposals.