Scotland: Political leaders must reject division and focus on delivering human rights

Ahead of the first First Minister’s Questions of the new parliamentary session, Amnesty International has called on Scottish party leaders to reject division and place human rights at the centre of political decision-making at Holyrood.

In a letter to the leaders of the six parties represented in the Scottish Parliament, Amnesty warned against the growing use of inflammatory rhetoric and disinformation in political discourse. It went on to urge them to reject the targeting of minoritised groups and instead work to advance rights for everyone in Scotland.

The letter reads:

“People in Scotland need their political leaders to reject division and populism and act with urgency – not just to stem the immediate human rights crises - but to bring about systemic change that will secure rights for everyone.

“In recent times, disinformation and divisive rhetoric have increasingly become a feature of political discourse in Scotland. The targeting of minoritised people and communities is a recognised and deliberate tactic of anti-rights actors the world over, who want to pit communities against each other while seeking to roll back everyone’s hard won rights.”

“The reality for many people in Scotland is falling living standards, inequality and poverty. These human rights violations are…the direct result of political choices, priorities and failures.”

The organisation also warned that the new Scottish parliamentary session begins at a time of growing global threats to international law and fundamental freedoms:

“Internationally, it is the most dangerous moment for human rights in generations. As Scotland’s political leaders, there must be absolute clarity about Scotland’s values and priorities, and about the action we need to improve everyone’s enjoyment of their fundamental rights.”

Amnesty International is calling on parties to support stronger protections for everyday rights, including by backing the proposed Human Rights Bill.

Amnesty International UK’s Scotland Programme Director Neil Cowan said:

“As the new parliamentary session begins it is more important than ever that political leaders deliver real progress on the fundamental, everyday rights people need.

“Anti-rights actors are increasingly targeting marginalised communities in an effort to divide society and undermine hard-won protections.

“These tactics fuel hate. They pose a real danger to people in Scotland and cannot go unchallenged.

“Poverty and inequality are the results of political choices - not the fault of people and communities who are scapegoated in public debate.

“All politicians need to focus on delivering for the people who elected them. That starts with urgently improving access to the essentials like adequate housing, food, healthcare and social security.”