The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has formally communicated with the First Minister regarding the persistent and severe issue of drug deaths in Scotland. Updated statistics reveal an 11% rise in fatalities linked to illicit drugs, a situation the commission describes as a serious human rights concern.
Professor Angela O'Hagan, Chair of the SHRC, stated, "Drug deaths are a human rights issue." She emphasised that the continued high death rates in Scotland are devastating for those affected and their communities, and are neither inevitable nor acceptable, despite policy commitments.
The commission acknowledged the Scottish Government's recognition of the issue and its commitment to further action. Professor O'Hagan stressed that any measures must address both the root causes and the symptoms, noting a clear link between deprivation and drug deaths. She urged the government to adopt a human rights-based approach in designing and evaluating its strategies.
In its letter, the SHRC sought an update on the Scottish Government's implementation of a human rights-based approach to tackling drug deaths. The commission also highlighted the relationship between poverty and drug-related harm, referencing its recent Spotlight report on poverty and human rights.
The SHRC has consistently pointed out that drug deaths engage fundamental human rights, including the right to life and the right to the highest attainable standard of health, as protected under international and UK law.
The commission previously submitted evidence to the Right to Addiction Recovery (Scotland) Bill in 2025, underscoring the importance of a human rights framework for addressing drug-related harm. The letter has also been shared with the conveners of the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee, the Health and Social Care Committee, and the Public Service Reform Committee.
