Briefing: Our Human Rights Manifesto in Scotland (June 2024)

Amnesty International UK’s proposals for the next UK government – as seen from Scotland

The UK is set to head to the polls for the first general election since 2019 and much has happened since then. At Westminster, we have seen a huge rollback in human rights protections: from the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act to the Illegal Migration Act, the Judicial Review and Courts Act to the Public Order Act, our fundamental rights have been chipped away, often in contradiction to the UK’s obligations under international law.

The impact of this has been felt directly and indirectly by communities across Scotland. The scapegoating of minorities has fostered a climate of fear and hostility that impacts people in every nation and region of the UK. Meanwhile, UK laws have not only compromised the ability of Scottish public bodies to meet their human rights obligations, but also undermined the foundations of the devolution settlements.

A fundamental change of direction is needed and a general election provides an opportunity for this to take place. If the UK is again to be seen as a champion of human rights, the next government must be elected on a mandate that is ambitious and progressive with regards to rights protections. It is an essential task, but not an easy one, which is why Amnesty International UK has created a human rights manifesto – a range of commitments that we are calling on political parties to adopt and deliver should they form the next UK government.

These commitments cover a broad range of human rights issues across home and foreign affairs, each with implications for Scotland. We have therefore drafted a briefing to help you understand what 2024 general election commitments could positively impact the human rights of people living in Scotland.

Download the briefing below and our join our live hustings on 26 June 2024 at 6pm!