Amnesty says meeting with President Trump is a ‘major test’ of the Scottish Government’s commitment to global justice and equality

Call to protect protest rights amid concerns over heavy-handed policing of Pro-Palestinian demonstrations

‘In a moment of global crisis for these values, the question is whether the First Minister will rise to the occasion or remain silent in the face of authoritarian practices’ – Liz Thomson

In a critical moment for global human rights, Amnesty International has called on First Minister John Swinney to stand firm against authoritarian practices and defend the principles of universal human rights and international justice during his meeting with President Donald Trump.

Amnesty has warned that the meeting will be a serious test of the Scottish Government’s stated commitment to human rights – both at home and internationally.

In a letter sent to the First Minister, Amnesty wrote:

'This meeting will be a major test of the Scottish Government’s commitment to global justice, one which [you must] meet with a resolve to defend universal human rights and to stand against the authoritarian practices of the Trump Administration.'

Amnesty noted that the Trump Administration’s sweeping attacks on civic space, refugee and migrant rights, the rule of law, women’s rights, racial justice, and LGBTI protections have fuelled human rights crises and emboldened anti-rights leaders and movements and said the First Minister must be prepared to challenge those practices when the two meet. The letter continued with:

'You have said in recent days that it is in Scotland’s interest for you meet with the President. It is in Scotland’s interest that political leaders reject the President’s anti-rights agenda and stand firm against authoritarian practices.'

Amnesty also called on the Scottish Government to ensure Police Scotland and other forces involved in policing the President’s visit uphold the right to peaceful protest– amid growing concern over recent reports of heavy-handed responses to pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Liz Thomson, Amnesty International’s Scotland Programme Director said:

“President Trump’s administration has fully embraced authoritarian tactics while furthering an anti-rights agenda – no UK leader should be rolling out the red carpet to welcome him.

“If the Scottish Government wants to be seen as a principled global actor, warm words on human rights must translate into action – especially in high-stakes moments like this.

“The First Minister’s priority during  his visit should be to directly challenge the serious human rights violations the Trump administration is responsible for, and to ensure that those who wish  o peacefully protest are fully able to without fear of heavy-handed policing.

“This meeting will be a major test of the First Minister’s commitment to human rights and international justice. In a moment of global crisis for these values, the question is whether he will rise to the occasion or remain silent in the face of authoritarian practices.”