More questions should be asked of UK over human rights, Commission states

Questions should be asked of the UK and Scottish Governments over shortcomings in meeting the economic, social and cultural rights of Scotland's people, according to the Scottish Human Rights Commission.

A report by the Commission draws particular attention to the adverse and disproportionate impact of welfare reform and austerity measures on human rights for particular groups, including women, disabled people, children and young people, pensioners on low incomes and people from ethnic minorities.

The report has been submitted to the United Nations as part of a review taking place by the UN Committee for the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which is due to publish its findings on Scotland and the UK’s implementation of the ICESCR in July.

The Commission believes the UK should be challenged over how it is planning to ensure that the current public spending cuts are temporary covering only the period of crisis, necessary and proportionate, non-discriminatory, and ensure the protection of a minimum core content of rights, at all times, across the UK.

Further questions should be asked, it states, over what specific steps are being taken to eliminate employment related discrimination and to ensure equal opportunities and treatment for vulnerable groups, including in the private sector, as well as how it plans to reduce the gender pay gap and ensure that the national living wage will provide a decent standard of living in the context of other cuts to benefits.

Health inequalities, and discrimination experienced by Scottish Gypsy/Travellers and disabled people, are also highlighted.

Scotland’s new tax, welfare and borrowing powers are identified as an important vehicle for better realising people’s rights.

While acknowledging efforts made by the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament, particularly through commitments to Scotland’s National Action Plan for Human Rights (SNAP), the report stresses the need for greater progress.

Judith Robertson, chair of the Commission, commented: “We all have the same rights – to work, to an adequate standard of living, to health, education and housing. Unfortunately poverty, poor health, economic inequality, insecure employment and everyday discrimination still blight too many people’s lives in Scotland. These are human rights issues and must be tackled by Scotland’s politicians and public authorities as such.”

She added: "With new powers coming to the Scottish Parliament, the Commission will be sharpening its focus on ensuring our Governments and public authorities meet their human rights obligations.”

Click here to access the full report.