‘It is time for Scotland’s political parties to prove they are serious about fulfilling basic everyday human rights’ - Sabrina Galella, Advocacy Manager, Amnesty International UK. 

Groups from across Scotland’s third sector have called on political parties to prove they are serious about tackling poverty and declining living standards in Scotland by backing a Human Rights Bill in their 2026 manifestos.  

The Civil Society Working Group on Incorporation – which represents over 20 charities and campaigning organisations – has launched its manifesto calling for a Bill that enshrines legal protections for everyday rights like decent housing and food in Scots law.   

Against a deeply concerning international and UK-wide roll-back on human rights, and while many people in Scotland experience human rights abuses on a daily basis, the CSWG has launched its manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary Elections with three specific demands for the next Parliament and Government.  

1. Introduce a Scottish Human Rights Bill 

The Bill was promised. It was paused. It must now be introduced. 

This legislation would incorporate four international human rights treaties into Scots law, protecting women from discrimination (CEDAW), disabled people's equal rights (CRPD), racial and ethnic groups from discrimination (ICERD), and everyone's economic, social and cultural rights (ICESCR). It would also enshrine the right to a healthy environment.  

These treaties guarantee adequate living standards, healthcare, fair work, education, and social security.  

2. Implement the UNCRC Act to full effect  

In 2024, Scotland became the first in the UK to incorporate a UN rights treaty into law – the UNCRC Act. But recent legislation has introduced ‘carve-outs’ that lessen the impact of the Act for children, creating gaps in protection and accountability. 

The CSWG calls for the next Scottish Government to maximise the Act’s coverage and properly resource its implementation so that every child’s rights are upheld across all public bodies. 

3. Remove barriers to justice 

Rights that cannot be legally enforced are easily ignored. Currently, people face overwhelming barriers to justice, including lack of legal advice, unaffordable legal representation, and underfunded complaint systems. The CSWG demands urgent reform and a robust legal aid system to ensure that legal protections are accessible to all. 

Sabrina Galella, Advocacy Manager, Amnesty International UK said: 

‘We need systemic answers to systemic failures if we want to build the fair society we all deserve, and the manifesto demands those essential changes. This is the time to strengthen protections for everyone in Scotland, standing firm and united against anti-rights backlash.’  

Charlie McMillan, Director of the Human Rights Consortium Scotland, added:  

‘Scotland needs a strong and clear framework for protecting fundamental human rights, ensuring that our national legislation embeds internationally recognised standards of dignity, equality, and justice for all.’ 

‘The CSWG urges all political parties to commit and deliver on these reforms and build a fairer, more just Scotland where everyone’s human rights are respected, protected and fulfilled.’