The report highlights key achievements, including the SHRC retaining its UN 'A status' as Scotland's independent National Human Rights Institution for the fourth time. The Commission engaged with Gypsy Travellers on 'No Man's Land', an analysis of the 'Tinker Experiment', identifying ongoing harm such as unsafe housing, cultural loss, discrimination, and poor health, and calling for reparations for victims.
Work undertaken in the South of Scotland focused on residents' rights to housing, health, food, and education. The SHRC also published its 'State of the Nation' report, which found that many individuals struggle to afford basic necessities like food and fuel. Additionally, the Commission provided support to individuals in prison, releasing the first Scottish guide to the Prison Rules.
The report also addresses the experiences of 33 families whose loved ones died in custody, sharing their accounts with the Independent Review on Fatal Accident Inquiries. For the first time, the SHRC utilised its legal powers in a judicial review of Scottish Government policy.
“"Across Scotland, and around the world, human rights are under threat. People in Scotland are going hungry, cannot afford housing and cannot access basic services like healthcare where and when they need it. In this context, human rights are more important than ever. We are here to listen and take the knowledge of what is going on in people's everyday lives directly back to the Scottish Parliament. Scotland needs a strong human rights watchdog, and I am honoured to report that the SHRC has been re-accredited as an 'A status' human rights body, here to serve the people of Scotland."
The Scottish Human Rights Commission acts as Scotland's human rights watchdog and National Human Rights Institution, holding 'A status' accreditation from the UN. Its role involves working with individuals and communities to understand their experiences, holding public bodies accountable for human rights breaches, and encouraging improvements.
