‘Dignity and care’ priority for Scotland

By GARETH ROSE
Published on 30/10/2012 01:11

HUMAN rights advocates have launched wide-ranging proposals to bolster the personal freedoms of people living in Scotland.

The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) wants to trigger a debate about changes across all levels of society.

The eight pillars of the National Action Plan for Human Rights are: dignity in care, health, where we live, education and work, private and family life, safety and security, living in detention, and access to justice.

Professor Alan Miller, chairman of the SHRC, identified dignity and care as a key area.

“The experience we’ve had when consulting around the country is that dignity and care is front and central, that those in vulnerable situations, due to age or disability, did not receive the care needed,” he said. “We have to make sure that Scotland does not become influenced by that backwards approach emanating from Westminster.”

A draft action plan is to be published in the spring.