Referendum debate let Scotland "think big" about human rights: SHRC
The unprecedented level of civic debate around the independence referendum prompted "a deep-rooted sense that Scotland is a place where equality and social justice are core values", according to the Scottish Human Rights Commission in its annual report for 2014-15, published today.
The report records the Commission's extensive programme of engagement with the Scottish Government and Parliament, and wider civic society, on issues as diverse as climate justice, mental health, historic child abuse, fatal accident inquiries and armed policing, as well as its ongoing work on its Scotland's National Action Plan on human rights (SNAP).
It also records the serious concern with which the Commission views the UK Government's intention to repeal the HUman Rights Act 1998 and replace it with a British Bill of Rights."Engaging with this process in line with our progressive test for change will be a priority for the Commission" in 2015-16, it says.
Professor Alan Miller, chair of the Commission, said: “2014-15 was another busy and productive year for the Commission as we continued our work to promote and protect human rights for everyone in Scotland.
“Civic debate about Scotland’s values, kick-started by the independence referendum, created opportunities for thinking big about how best to realise all international human rights here in Scotland. The Commission contributed to these debates through a dedicated Insights Paper and engagement with many stakeholders, including the Smith Commission on further devolution.
“At the same time, our work continued to improve the protection of human rights here and now. Priority issues included tackling the widespread use of non-statutory stop and search; realising an action plan to secure justice for survivors of historic child abuse; informing changes to mental health laws and practices; raising awareness of climate change and its impact on people; and widening the debate about human rights and land reform.
“Internationally, we submitted extensive, influential evidence to the UN Human Rights Committee on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights."