Commission calls for action on new human rights plan
SNAP 2, Scotland’s second national human rights action plan has been published today.
Published by the independent SNAP secretariat, funded by the Scottish Government, it sets out a new framework for promoting and protecting human rights in Scotland, developed by a group of individuals and organisations from across Scottish society.
The first SNAP plan covered the period 2013-2017. It was followed by a public engagement process and development work chaired by the Scottish Human Rights Commission, which resulted in draft proposals. After an interruption due to the Covid pandemic, the secretariat was formed to finalise the plan.
The plan outlines how human rights campaigners and public bodies can work together to embed human rights across public services and people's lives. It puts forward 54 practical actions to target crucial issues from decent standards of living to healthcare, climate change and education.
SNAP 2 highlights eight priorities:
- Achieve a decent standard of living.
- Improve health, wellbeing and the environment.
- Enhance education and work.
- Protect private and family life.
- Ensure justice.
- Learn from Covid-19.
- Realise a human rights culture.
- Plan and support incorporation of human rights treaties into Scots law
Warning that more needs to be done to make rights real for people across the country, the Commission today called on new First Minister Humza Yousaf to prioritise SNAP 2 and deliver the Scottish Government’s proposed Human Rights Bill, and its delayed United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill, without delay.
Chair of the Commission, Ian Duddy, said: "It is a critical time for human rights throughout the UK, and SNAP 2 is a crucial report for Scotland. Produced by those closest to the issues, it tells us there is much to do to make rights real across Scotland, ensuring everyone can access their human right to a decent standard of living, housing, healthcare and education, amongst other issues."
He added: "The Commission has been at the heart of developing this approach to a national human rights action plan, led by people who are experiencing rights in different settings, from the start. We will now be working with everyone involved to make sure this vision for a Scotland where everyone can live with human dignity is realised."