Human Rights Consortium Scotland | News

ICESCR at 50 - Progress in Scotland made or much more to do?

Ruari Macneil — Wed, 20 May 2026 13:58:00 +0100

The following piece was written by Charlie McMillan (Director) for Just Fair to mark the 50th annivesary of the UK’s ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).

Human rights organisations urge First Minister to prioritise Human Rights Bill and Cabinet leadership

Ruari Macneil — Tue, 19 May 2026 13:58:00 +0100

The Consortium, along with a coalition of civil society organisations, have written to the new First Minister, calling for urgent action to strengthen human rights protections across Scotland.

In a joint letter sent on 19 May 2026, HRCS, alongside 42 partner organisations, welcomed the First Minister to office and set out key priorities for the new Parliament.

The Rights Report - Why the Chisinau Declaration Matters for Human Rights in Scotland

Ruari Macneil — Thu, 07 May 2026 10:27:00 +0100

Introduction

Online and In-person Launch Events for A Migrant’s Guide to Scotland – Your Human Rights in a Different Country

Justyna Kuc — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:36:00 +0100

A Migrant’s Guide to Scotland – Your Human Rights in a Different Country

The launch of A Migrant’s Guide to Scotland – Your Human Rights in a Different Country was marked by two events that brought together participants, partners, and contributors to celebrate the release of the booklet.

Sofiia’s Blog: International Coffee Morning: A Space for Cultural Exchange and Connection

Justyna Kuc — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:43:00 +0100

International Coffee Morning – A Space for Cultural Exchange and Connection

On the 15th of March, Sofiia Matsuk hosted an International Coffee Morning, bringing together a group of young people to share their backgrounds and experiences of moving between cultures.

Launch of A Migrant’s Guide to Scotland - Your Human Rights in a Different Country

Justyna Kuc — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 12:36:00 +0100

Launch of A Migrant’s Guide to Scotland – Your Human Rights in a Different Country

The launch of A Migrant’s Guide to Scotland – Your Human Rights in a Different Country marked an important milestone for the Migrants Participation Project.

HRCS publishes Theory of Change and Strategic Plan for 2026 - 2031

Ruari Macneil — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:37:00 +0000

Following the organisation’s first AGM since transition from a single tier to 2 tier SCIO, Human Rights Consortium Scotland has now published its new Theory of Change and Strategic Plan for the next five years (2026-2031).

HRCS and 31 co-signatories submit recommendation to OHCHR for SHRC to retain A ‘Status’ accreditation

Ruari Macneil — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 11:50:00 +0000

On 29th January 2026, HRCS submitted a report to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) along with 31 other co-signatories (full list found below), recommending that the Scottish Human Rights Commission retains its ‘A’ status accreditation.

A new report from the Centre for Public Policy at the University of Glasgow

Ruari Macneil — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:41:00 +0000

HRCS’ Manifesto briefing document for political action - Our Rights. Your Move. - has two asks focussing on the need to change the Scotland Act 1998. We believe this change is essential if Scotland is to be able to develop a Human Rights Bill which fully incorporates the human rights detailed in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

With the Holyrood election in May fast approaching, check out our manifesto library!

Ruari Macneil — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:02:00 +0000

We are now just over two months away from the crucial 2026 Scottish Parliament Elections taking place on 7th May. With the ECHR at threat of erosion, never before has protecting our human rights been more important.

Migrant Rights Report Launch: Barriers to realising economic, social and cultural rights for migrants in Scotland

Ruari Macneil — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:58:00 +0000

This report provides an overview of the significant hurdles faced by migrants in Scotland in relation to housing, education and employment rights.

International Human Rights Day Statement

Ruari Macneil — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:40:00 +0000

Plain text version of the below article available here.

Celebrating 75 years of the European Convention on Human Rights

Ruari Macneil — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:39:00 +0000

Last week, we were delighted to welcome 49 participants to our online event marking the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Among the diverse group of attendees were representatives from civil society organisations, government officials, academics and funders.

The Strasbourg Bulletin - Environmental Justice

Ruari Macneil — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:37:00 +0000

Introduction

UK Govt. Calls For Supreme Court To Overturn Cheshire West Ruling

Ruari Macneil — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:47:00 +0000

Under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), everyone has the right to liberty. This means that if someone’s freedom is restricted because they need care or treatment, it must be done lawfully and with proper safeguards in place.

Civil Society Working Group 2026 Manifesto: a call for Human Rights Action

Ruari Macneil — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 17:39:00 +0000

Throughout the UK, we are witnessing a growing push-back against human rights.

New Accessible Version of the Prison Rules Now Available

Ruari Macneil — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:14:00 +0000

A newly accessible version of the Prisons and Young Offenders Institutions (Scotland) Rules 2011, commonly known as the Prison Rules, is now available as a resource on our website.

New Report Highlights Key Priorities for Human Rights Incorporation in Scotland

Ruari Macneil — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:06:00 +0100

We’re pleased to publish a new expert briefing by Professor Nicole Busby of the University of Glasgow, commissioned by HRCS. The report, Current Priorities for Human Rights Incorporation in Scotland, offers timely analysis of the Scottish Government’s proposed Human Rights Bill and sets out clear recommendations for civil society engagement in the lead-up to the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.

The Strasbourg Bulletin - Non Discrimination

Ruari Macneil — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 09:47:00 +0100

Introduction

The Strasbourg Bulletin - Political and Civil Rights Beyond the Court

Ruari Macneil — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:10:00 +0100

Introduction