Human Rights belong to us all

As the #RightApproach campaign highlights, human rights belong to us all – they are the freedoms and entitlements that a life of dignity is based on and they underpin our approach to creating a fairer Scotland. It won’t be easy, but it’s an aim that this Government is prioritising in all we do. For us to achieve this, we need to build on the work already underway to tackle inequalities. As the Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities I am determined to tackle poverty, stamp out discrimination and give everyone an equal chance. So what’s all of that got to do with human rights? Well, for us to take strides and change lives, human rights must be central to our approach. We know making decisions without asking those who are affected – you – would be a mistake. We know it would mean we wouldn’t achieve what we want to and create a fairer Scotland for everyone. Therefore, we know it just doesn’t make sense.  A human rights based approach – empowering people to know, articulate and claim their rights – is the only way to see progressive, positive change. That’s why, in bringing in new powers on social security for Scotland, for example, we launched an extensive consultation looking for views on the benefits being devolved to Scotland, as well as how they are best delivered. We are a step closer to bringing forward our own social security legislation which will improve people’s lives across Scotland. The only way to make sure we have the effect we want is to take a human rights based approach, asking questions widely and to those who will be most affected. We must make sure voices are heard and put dignity and respect at the heart of everything we do. And it’s why we asked people across the country to put forward their views on creating a fairer Scotland. We will shortly be publishing our Fairer Scotland Action Plan which will reflect those thoughts and asks made by people from across the country. Since coming into this post it’s been fantastic to meet some of the third sector organisations that have put human rights at the heart of their work. From The Welcoming, the Edinburgh project that is helping refugees feel part of the community by teaching English, to the Shetland Soap Company social enterprise that is providing work placements to adults with disabilities. I believe this approach is vital to the decisions the Scottish Government makes on a day to day basis. It’s also why we’re opposing the UK Government’s proposals to repeal the Human Rights Act. While we want to make sure we protect the human rights of people across these islands, the UK Government wants to do the opposite. The Human Rights Act is essential to any civilised society and forms the basis for so much of what we do – whether we know it or not. The proposal to repeal the Act is reckless and damaging, and we are arguing strongly against it. The Scottish Government takes seriously the principle that human rights belong to all people equally, without distinction. If we continue to lead by example, as well as taking collective action, we will make our voices heard. Angela Constance MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities