Guest Lecture 2 - The History of Human Rights in Scotland
October 8, 13:00-14:00
Human Rights in Scotland – All You Need to Know
Guest Lecture Two: The History of Human Rights in Scotland
Date: Wednesday 8 October 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Format: Online via Zoom
Access: HRCS Members Only
About this Session
In the second session of our Members-Only Guest Lecture Series, we take a step back to reflect on the progress made in embedding human rights into Scotland’s public and political life.
Professor Alan Miller will explore key developments over the past 20–25 years, including the establishment of the Scottish Human Rights Commission, the work of the First Minister’s Advisory Group and National Task Force, and the journey toward Scotland’s Human Rights Bill. This session will provide vital historical context to today’s discussions and help participants understand the building blocks of where we are now.
Speaker
Professor Alan Miller
“Alan is Professor of Practice in Human Rights at the University of Strathclyde, a senior independent expert with the UNDP Crisis Response Bureau and is currently serving at the appointment by the then First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, as Chair of the National Collaborative which has developed a Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use.
In 2007 he was unanimously elected by the Scottish Parliament as the inaugural Chair of SHRC and was unanimously re-elected for 2013-16. Between 2013-16 he also served as the elected inaugural Chair of the European Network of NHRIs and as elected Secretary of the Global Alliance of NHRIs (GANHRI) before going on to serve as its inaugural Special Envoy between 2016-19.
He was then appointed by the then First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, as Independent Co-Chair of the National Taskforce for Human Rights Leadership. Its Report of 2021 has formed the basis of the ongoing preparation of the Scottish Human Rights Bill.”
X account @alan_miller01
Not yet a member - or haven’t renewed yet?
This event is part of our members-only Guest Lecture Series.
If you’re not yet a member, or if your organisation joined before 6 May 2025 and hasn’t yet renewed under our new Constitution, you’ll need to complete a short membership form to gain access. Please click on the link for more information: https://www.hrcscotland.org/news/news/renew-your-consortium-membership-now/
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at events@hrcscotland.org
