Scottish Human Rights Commission deeply concerned about anti-migrant protests

The Scottish Human Rights Commission has a duty to promote awareness, understanding and respect for all human rights to everyone, everywhere in Scotland.

In the last few days we have seen disturbing scenes of racist language and behaviour at protests targeting migrants in temporary accommodation across Scotland.  People have the right to freedom of expression and to protest; community voices should be heard and respected.

However, the right to freedom expression is not absolute. It can be limited where it is necessary and proportionate to prevent disorder and crime, and to protect the rights of others. Protest must not incite racial hatred or violence, and the right to protest must be considered alongside the rights of others not to be discriminated against on the grounds of colour, nationality or social origin.

The Human Rights Act 1998, which incorporates the European Convention on Human Rights, contains the domestic protections of the rights everyone in the UK. These include the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression, but also the need to protect people from discrimination on the grounds of colour, nationality or social origin. 

The International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination requires governments to condemn propaganda and organisations which attempt to justify or promote racial hatred and discrimination in any form, and which promote and incite racial discrimination.

SHRC is calling on the Scottish Government to act in accordance with international human rights legislation to condemn racial abuse and take steps to ensure that unlawful protests are tackled.  We are also urging Police Scotland to ensure a human rights based approach to policing all forms of protest.

SHRC Chair, Angela O’Hagan, said:

“The scenes across Scotland in the last few days are deeply concerning. Seeing individuals holding banners that say ‘kill them all’ is horrific. Of course people have the right to protest and express their beliefs. But everyone has the right to dignity and respect and not to be mis-treated on the basis of their skin colour, where they come from or their ethnic origin.  Scotland has long promoted itself as a socially just and open country. There is no place for racism in Scotland.”