Campaigners had long been pushing for the legislation’s inclusion
The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has said it is deeply disappointed at the omission of new legislation from Wednesday’s Programme for Government.
First Minister John Swinney failed to deliver a new Human Rights Bill, the commission said.
The anticipated Scottish Human Rights Bill, originally slated for introduction by June 2024, has now been inexplicably delayed, prompting accusations of a breach of trust and a failure to uphold commitments to justice and human rights in Scotland.
As Scotland’s National Human Rights Institution, the SHRC had been clear on a shared expectation that the long-promised Human Rights Bill would be introduced in the current parliamentary session.
Professor Angela O’Hagan is chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission.
She said: “The proposed Human Rights Bill would have provided a framework for a fairer Scotland, strengthening a human rights-based approach to local and national policy making in law.
“Abandoning this bill denies people access to justice to ensure their human rights are fully realised, from a safe home to decent food and good health and social care.
“In a week where the cabinet secretary for finance has already announced deep cuts across public spending, these decisions weaken the commitment to fight poverty and directly impact the most marginalised in Scotland.
“The Scottish Government has spent years considering and consulting on a Scottish Human Rights Bill. Civil society groups, organisations and human rights defenders have devoted their time, expertise and experience to shaping it.
“The Scottish Government had made a commitment to them and to all the people of Scotland which it has now failed to honour. We are calling on the government to introduce the full and long-awaited Human Rights Bill in the current parliamentary session.
“The moment to strengthen everyone’s human rights in law in Scotland is now – and should not be put on hold.”
The Scottish Government's announcement regarding its Programme for Government and legislative priorities has sparked significant disappointment and criticism from civil society groups and advocates for human rights.
"This delay is deeply disappointing and unacceptable," remarked Mhairi Snowden, director of the Human Rights Consortium Scotland.
"Scottish Ministers had repeatedly assured the public that the Human Rights Bill would be a priority for this parliamentary session. To break this commitment is not just a broken promise but also a setback for the protection and promotion of human rights in our country."
The proposed legislation, which has seen extensive development involving input from civil society, individuals with lived experience, and government officials, is viewed as crucial for advancing human rights protections across Scotland.
The decision to sideline it has been met with dismay, particularly among those most affected by issues of poverty and inequality.
Policy and communications lead for the consortium, Lucy Miller, added: "We call upon the Scottish Government and first minister to reverse this decision immediately.
"The Scottish Human Rights Bill must be reinstated into the legislative agenda without further delay.
“The consortium, representing a broad coalition of voices, will be mobilising support and actions to ensure that this vital legislation is introduced to parliament by February 2025."
