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Human rights

Scotland's Third Sector Calls for Human Rights Bill to Tackle Poverty and Declining Living Standards

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Scotland's third sector has launched a manifesto calling on political parties to back a Human Rights Bill in their 2026 manifestos. The Civil Society Working Group on Incorporation, representing over 20 charities and campaigning organisations, is urging parties to introduce a Scottish Human Rights Bill that incorporates four international human rights treaties into Scots law. This legislation would protect women from discrimination, disabled people's equal rights, racial and ethnic groups from discrimination, and everyone's economic, social, and cultural rights. The group also demands that the next Scottish Government implement the UNCRC Act to full effect, remove barriers to justice, and properly resource its implementation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Civil Society Working Group on Incorporation, representing over 20 charities and campaigning organisations, has launched a manifesto calling on political parties to back a Human Rights Bill in their 2026 manifestos.
  • The Scottish Human Rights Bill would incorporate four international human rights treaties into Scots law, including those protecting women from discrimination, disabled people's equal rights, racial and ethnic groups from discrimination, and everyone's economic, social, and cultural rights.
  • The Bill would also enshrine the right to a healthy environment, guaranteeing adequate living standards, healthcare, fair work, education, and social security.
  • The group demands that the next Scottish Government implement the UNCRC Act to full effect, removing "carve-outs" that lessen the impact of the Act for children.
  • The CSWG calls for a robust legal aid system to ensure that legal protections are accessible to all, particularly those facing overwhelming barriers to justice.
  • Sabrina Galella, Advocacy Manager, Amnesty International UK, stated that the manifesto demands "systemic answers to systemic failures" and that it is time to strengthen protections for everyone in Scotland.
  • Charlie McMillan, Director of the Human Rights Consortium Scotland, mentioned that Scotland needs a strong and clear framework for protecting fundamental human rights and that the CSWG urges all political parties to commit and deliver on these reforms.

Statistics:

  • Over 20 charities and campaigning organisations are represented by the Civil Society Working Group on Incorporation.
  • 4 international human rights treaties would be incorporated into Scots law through the Scottish Human Rights Bill.
  • 1 in the UK to incorporate a UN rights treaty into law, Scotland became in 2024.
  • Gaps in protection and accountability in the UNCRC Act for children will be addressed by the CSWG.
  • Everyone in Scotland will have their human rights respected, protected, and fulfilled if the Scottish Government's reforms are implemented.

Sources:

  • Amnesty International UK
  • Civil Society Working Group on Incorporation
  • Human Rights Consortium Scotland
  • Contify.com
  • MIL OSI NGO (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/)

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