Better Lives

"Scotland effectively tackles injustice and exclusion, improving lives."

Scotland has gone further in integrating human rights in some areas of life than others. This outcome therefore includes concrete and measurable initial actions in some areas, and a focus on learning, understanding and pursuing commitment in others.

Three areas for priority action have been identified:

  • Enhance respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights to achieve high quality health and social care.

  • Enhance respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights to achieve an adequate standard of living for all.

  • Enhance respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights to achieve justice and safety for all.

Human Rights Action Groups

Three Action Groups have been convened to take forward this work.

The Action Group on Health and Social Care is co-convened by NHS Health Scotland, and the Health and Social Care ALLIANCE. Its members are CoSLA, Equal and Diverse, Joint Improvement Team at Scottish Government, Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability, Scottish Human Rights Commission, Scottish Recovery Network and VoX.

The Action Group on an Adequate Standard of Living is co-convened by the STUC and the Scottish Human Rights Commission. Its members are Citizens Advice Scotland, CoSLA, Engender, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Faith in Communities, Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Disability Alliance, Poverty Alliance, Scottish Government, Scottish Refugee Council and Shelter Scotland.

The Action Group on Justice and Safety is co-convened by the Scottish Government and the Scottish Human Rights Commission. Its members are Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Faculty of Advocates, Justice Scotland, Law Society of Scotland, Police Scotland, Scottish Court Service, Scottish Legal Aid Board, Scottish Prison Service, Scottish Refugee Council, Together Scotland, University of Edinburgh and Victim Support Scotland.

Progress and future work

For updates on progress so far and future plans, please visit the health and social care, standard of living and justice and safety pages.