Charitable ruling

News that the Office of the Scottish ­Charity Regulator (OSCR) has reversed a previous ruling to allow charities based in Scotland to voice their opinions on the referendum is welcome. One of the most important core beliefs of Amnesty International is the right to freedom of expression.

The opportunity to participate in the government of a country and for the will of the people to be the basis of the authority of government is enshrined in ­Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The referendum is an opportunity for a demonstration of this human rights protection, which will be given the ultimate test on 18 September 2014. A test that, whatever the outcome, is likely to have ramifications for centuries, beyond the life of any voter and possibly any political party.

We are just one of the charities that enjoy the support of large sections of the Scottish population and we hope the OSCR ruling will facilitate a more open debate with politicians on the issues of real concern to our members and supporters.

We look forward to hearing from the Yes and Better Together campaigns and the political parties on their plans to protect human rights domestically and internationally, whatever the outcome of the vote may be.  

Mark Bevan

Programme director

Amnesty International Scotland

St Andrew Square

Edinburgh