Charity welcomes human rights plan

Age Scotland has welcomed Scotland's new National Action Plan for Human Rights (SNAP).  Published today, this sets out key commitments from government, civil society and the private sector, all aimed at improving human rights protection in Scotland.  The Action Plan - a first for the UK - comes after four years of research overseen by the Scottish Human Rights Commission. 

The evidence gathered by the Commission reveals that while Scotland has a good record in policy and law making, human rights are not consistently being promoted, respected or protected in people's everyday lives. Key areas of concern include care, disability rights, health, criminal justice and business.

Age Scotland spokesperson Doug Anthoney said: "Having called for human rights to be hard-wired into plans to integrate health and social care, it's pleasing to see the Action Plan begin to address this, although it falls short of our preference for human rights to be enshrined the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill.  Deploying a human rights approach to reduction of health inequalities, independent living, self-directed support and review of the National Care Standards could potentially make a significant difference to older people's experience of public services, and their quality of life."

Professor Alan Miller, Chair, Scottish Human Rights Commission said: "Today, International Human Rights Day, Scotland is taking a big step towards building a country where everyone can live a life of human dignity.

"The Scottish Parliament has human rights at its heart, it created the Scottish Human Rights Commission and today Scotland's first National Action Plan for Human Rights (SNAP) is launched as the next step on Scotland's journey to progressively realise internationally agreed human rights for the benefit of everyone."

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "I warmly welcome the launch of Scotland's first National Action Plan for Human Rights. This government is committed to building a modern, inclusive Scotland which protects, respects and realises everyone's human rights.

‪"The Plan is an important milestone in our journey to create a Scotland which acts as a beacon of progress internationally.  We will continue to work with the Scottish Human Rights Commission to make rights a reality for all in Scotland, in keeping with the importance this government has long attached to human dignity, equality and fairness and the pursuit of social justice."

Read the report