SHRC publishes Annual Report 2014-15

The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has published its Annual Report for 2014-15.

Chair of the SHRC, Professor Alan Miller said it was a “busy and productive year” for the commission, with civic debate being “kick started” by last year’s independence referendum.

He added this “created opportunities for thinking big about how best to realise all international human rights here in Scotland.

“The commission contributed a detailed analysis of these opportunities through a special Insights Paper, and engaged extensively with parliament, government and civil society, including the Smith Commission on further devolution.”

Priority issues for the SHRC this year included dealing with non-statutory stop and search and “realising an action plan to secure justice for survivors of historic child abuse” as well as providing input on the changes to mental health laws and practices, raising awareness of climate change and its impact on people, and widening the debate about human rights and land reform.

Professor Miller added: “Internationally, we submitted extensive, influential evidence to the UN Human Rights Committee on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

“Finally, we continued to coordinate and provide significant support to Scotland’s National Action Plan for Human Rights (SNAP).

“In SNAP’s first full year of action, we worked closely with civil society and public sector partners on initiatives to improve Scotland’s human rights culture, human rights in health, care, living standards, justice and safety and human rights in Scotland’s international engagement.”