Commission calls on parties to stand up for human rights
Parties in the UK's general election should apply a "progressive test" to any proposals to change the country's human rights laws, the Scottish Human Rights Commission said today.
In a briefing to all parties, the Commission asserts that any such proposals must protect rights for all, improve people’s lives, ensure accountability, build a better human rights culture and show international leadership.
Pointing to the development of Scotland’s National Action Plan for Human Rights – published in December 2013 – as a progressive approach that could be replicated elsewhere, the Commission calls on all politicians to ensure that human rights laws go forwards, not back.
Professor Alan Miller, chair of the Commission, said: “Changes to the UK’s human rights laws would have a direct impact on the lives of people in Scotland, particularly in areas like immigration, defence and some aspects of welfare. Moreover, any regressive changes would send a damaging message across Europe and beyond."
He added: “This is a time to test commitment to the fundamental principles and values enshrined in our human rights laws and international obligations. We must not allow regressive changes to slip through, or opportunities to improve people’s lives to be missed. All of us deserve better than that.”