Watchdog warns ‘much more needs to be done’ on human rights

Watchdog warns 'much more needs to be done' on human rights

Judith Robertson

Scotland’s human rights watchdog has warned that “much more needs to be done in practical terms” to translate the vision of “a rights-respecting Scotland” into reality.

The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has published its annual report for 2018/19, marking the tenth year since it was established by MSPs.

The report notes its work with legislators over the past year on issues including police use of “cyber kiosk” technology, prisoner voting, reforming legislation in relation to adults with incapacity, human rights and the National Performance Framework, and equal protection from assault for children.

Writing in the foreword, chairperson Judith Robertson said: “Moving into 2019-20, we are excited by the opportunities that are fast-emerging to strengthen the protection of people’s rights in law, policy and practice, many of which flow directly from our own engagement, advocacy, legal and policy work.

“Nonetheless, we remain grounded in the reality that too many people in Scotland still do not have their rights met in many aspects of life. While our vision of a rights-respecting Scotland is shared by an increasing range of stakeholders, much more needs to be done in practical terms to translate that vision into reality.

“We look forward to playing our part in that as we move into our second decade as Scotland’s national human rights institution.”

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