Consortium Asks First Minister Candidates to Honour Commitment to Human Rights Incorporation

Consortium Asks First Minister Candidates to Honour Commitment to Human Rights Incorporation

The Consortium has joined 15 Scottish human rights and equalities organisations to write to the 3 candidates for First Minister, calling on them to honour the Scottish Government's commitments to introduce a new human rights bill in this Parliamentary session.

In March 2021, the Scottish Government announced that it would introduce a new human rights bill by 2026, which would incorporate 4 UN human rights treaties directly into Scots law and provide for the right to a healthy environment. All 3 of the candidates for the role of First Minister, following the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon, have been asked to reassure Scottish civil society that they will prioritise this new Bill.

These letters have been signed by the following:

• Naomi McAuliffe, Amnesty International
• Charlie McMillan, Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities
• Mhairi Snowden, Human Rights Consortium Scotland
• Shivali Fifield, Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland
• Dr Rebecca Crowther, policy coordinator, Equality Network
• Danny Boyle, Senior Parliamentary and Policy Officer, BEMIS
• Katy Nisbet, Head of Legal Policy, Clan childlaw
• Juliet Harris, Director, Together (Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights)
• Clare MacGillivray, Making Rights Real
• Cat Murphy, Engender
• Sabrina Galella, JustRight Scotland
• Suzanne Swinton, Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance
• Alison Watson, Director, Shelter Scotland
• Dr Deborah Long, Scottish Environment LINK
• Sara Redmond, Chief Officer of Development, Health and Social Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE)

To date Humza Yousaf is the only candidate to commit to progressing the Bill.

Click here to read the letter to Kate Forbes

Click here to read the letter to Ash Regan

Click here to read the letter to Humza Yousaf