Scotland’s Civil Society Network to Defend and Promote Human Rights

Human Rights Consortium Scotland Submits Report to the UN CESCR Committee Ahead of 77th Session

Human Rights Consortium Scotland Submits Report to the UN CESCR Committee Ahead of 77th Session

The Human Rights Consortium Scotland (HRCS) has officially submitted a comprehensive joint report to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) as part of their review of the UK’s implementation of economic, social, and cultural rights. This report, which has been co-designed and endorsed by over 70 Scottish civil society organisations, aims to provide the CESCR with robust, factual, and comprehensive evidence of the successes, challenges, and priorities facing the people of Scotland in these areas.

Key Themes of the Report

Our report covers a wide range of critical issues, including:

  • Poverty and Inequality - We urge immediate action from both the Scottish and UK Governments to tackle rising child poverty, housing affordability issues, and the harmful impact of policies such as the two-child limit and benefit cap.
  • Healthcare for All - The report calls for systemic improvements in healthcare, focusing on mental health services, maternity care, and comprehensive support for those suffering from long COVID.
  • Environmental Justice - Emphasising the right to a healthy environment, we advocate for legal measures to ensure all communities, particularly marginalised groups, have access to clean air, green spaces, and sustainable futures.
  • Strengthening Human Rights Laws - The report proposes legal solutions to address the legislative restrictions imposed by the Scotland Act 1998, including options that could restore Scotland’s legislative autonomy on human rights matters.

Next Steps

With the report now submitted, HRCS is preparing for the next phase of engagement. In February 2025, we will be in Geneva at the CESCR’s 77th session, where we will deliver an oral statement representing these issues and the voices of Scotland’s people. Our presence at this session is an important opportunity to ensure that human rights concerns, particularly those of vulnerable and marginalised communities, are addressed directly by the Committee.

Read the Full Report

We invite you to read the full report and explore our evidence-based recommendations in detail. The submission is a call to action for all those who believe in the importance of human rights as a foundation for a fairer, more just society.

Click here to read the report in full.

Thank You

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the civil society organisations and individuals who contributed to this report. The invaluable insights, particularly from those who relived their personal experiences, have helped ensure that the report reflects the reality of life in Scotland today.

Stay Engaged

As we move forward in our engagement with the CESCR, we will continue to update our supporters and the public on the progress of our work and any developments from the 77th session. 

BlueSky: @hrcscotland.bsky.social

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