The Scottish Government plans to introduce a new Human Rights Bill that will incorporate four United Nations human rights treaties into Scots Law. The four treaties are:

  • the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)
  • the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
  • the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD)
  • the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

Subject to devolved powers, the proposals plan to strengthen protection for the human rights of women and girls, disabled people and minority ethnic communities. The Scottish Government also intends that the Bill will set out the right to a healthy environment and strengthen rights protection for LGBTI and older people.

The development of the new Human Rights Bill builds upon findings of the National Taskforce for Human Rights Leadership and ongoing work to incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots law.

Consultation on the new Human Rights Bill

In June 2023, the Scottish Government launched a public consultation on its plans for the new Human Rights Bill. Find out more and respond to the consultation here.

Children's consultation resources

Together supported the Rights Detectives to shape child-friendly consultation resources in partnership with Scottish Government. Two different sets of resources are available - one for children who are new to the topic and another for children who already have some base knowledge of human rights and incorporation. Each pack comes with an accompanying facilitator guide for adults who are supporting children to share their views.

What has happened so far?