Better World

"Scotland gives effect to its international obligations at home and internationally."

Scotland increasingly recognises its international human rights responsibilities; the actions agreed under this outcome set out next steps in upholding those. They reflect growing recognition of the responsibilities of all parts of society, including business, and growing challenges to human rights such as climate change. Importantly, they set out a process in which Scotland can increasingly embody good practice in its involvement in the international human rights system.

What SNAP aims to achieve

  • Implementing international human rights obligations including exploring the benefits of further incorporation of human rights treaties into domestic law.

  • Respecting, protecting and fulfilling human rights in our international action, including better cross-government coordination of the implementation of human rights treaties, championing climate justice and implementing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

  • Engaging constructively with the international human rights system.

Better World Action Group

An Action Group is taking forward work in this area. Co-convened by the Scottish Government, Amnesty International UK and the Scottish Human Rights Commission, members are Engender, Equality and Human Rights Commission, Royal Bank of Scotland, Scottish Carbon Capture Storage, Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, Scottish Enterprise and Together Scotland.

Progress and future work

The Better World Action Group has taken forward a series of actions, including:

  • Holding a symposium and tailored policy seminars on the United Nations Disability Convention, feeding into an overall implementation plan for Scotland.

  • Commissioning a baseline assessment of Scotland's position in relation to business and human rights, with a view to developing an action plan to implement the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

  • Developing plans for a high profile Innovation Forum on the incorporation of international human rights in Scotland.

  • Coordinating action to champion climate justice with public, private and third sector organisations.

  • Publishing and implementing a human rights policy with the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014 Organising Committee will publish and implement a human rights policy.