Transforming Scotland: The Quiet Revolution of Human Rights in Public Services

Transforming Scotland: The Quiet Revolution of Human Rights in Public Services

There is a quiet revolution going on in how we run our public services in Scotland. It doesn’t hit the headlines. It doesn’t always set the heather on fire. But it is effective, it is robust, it is all about people, and it has the potential to transform how we do things.

It is called a human rights-based approach. This approach is all about prioritising people’s participation, non-discrimination, accountability, and legal requirements. It is about making sure that we get the fundamentals right for everyone first.

This sounds straightforward, but it is also transformative.

A human rights approach has fundamentally transformed how Scotland supports refugees from the moment they arrive. It has also shaped our response to the drug crisis, with the National Collaborative ensuring that those impacted by substance use are central to the decision-making process.

This approach has led to significant progress in the care and respect for people with dementia and their carers. It is reshaping mental health legislation and influencing how we handle street protests and demonstrations.

Beginning July 16th, the UNCRC Incorporation Scotland Act will require public services to embed children’s rights into their daily operations. Schools, healthcare providers, and social services will have to prioritise children’s well-being and rights in all their actions. This shift will make children’s rights a mandatory focus, ensuring that their voices and needs are central to all public services across Scotland.

Soon, the Scottish Government is set to introduce a transformative Human Rights Bill. This legislation is designed to secure and protect fundamental everyday rights for all people in Scotland, such as the right to food, adequate housing, social security, healthcare, and education.

This Bill will ensure that public bodies are held accountable for upholding these essential rights, requiring them to take concrete actions to make these rights a reality for everyone. When individuals or communities face gaps in accessing these rights, public services will be obligated to address and rectify these issues.

This Bill will require public bodies to take tangible actions to ensure these rights are fulfilled. When people are deprived of these rights, these bodies will be obligated to address the gaps. The focus on everyday rights will become the fundamental basis for decision-making and budget allocation.

We are still a long way from achieving a society where every individual has the essentials to live, and where everyone is treated fairly and respectfully. Undoubtedly, there's significant room for improvement.

However, the moment is ripe to advance by transforming our public services with a focus on human rights. Ensuring no one is left behind and that everyone is equally valued is the core principle of human rights.

It's crucial that the Scottish Government continues to push forward so that these ideals are realised in Scotland's public services.