Protecting human rights for everyone in Scotland

The Scottish Human Rights Commission works on legal, policy and practical issues that affect people's human rights in Scotland.

Human Rights Based Approach

Taking a human rights based approach is about making sure that people's rights are put at the very centre of policies and practices. Our self assessment toolkit can help you adopt a human rights based approach. Read More

What We Do

The Scottish Human Rights Commission is an independent public body, accountable to the people of Scotland through the Scottish Parliament. The Commission has a general duty to promote awareness, understanding and respect for all human rights – economic, social, cultural, civil and political – to everyone, everywhere in Scotland, and to encourage best practice in relation to human rights. Read More

Popular Pages

Spotlight promo

Find out about our spotlight projects

What are Spotlight Projects?

Our Spotlight Projects shine a light on key human rights issues in Scotland which are of particular concern to the Commission and take a deeper look at how best to address them. Find out more

What issues are we working on?

Find out about the projects we are currently working on below. We are also scoping out future Spotlight Projects which will be based on the priority areas identified in our 2024-28 Strategic Plan. This plan was informed by consultations with rights holders, civil society and key stakeholders. Find out more

Lilac padlock and key on a dark background. Lilac text reads

Long Description

Absolute rights in places of detention Long description ends.

Green map of Scotland on a dark background. Green text reads

Long Description

Economic, social and cultural rights in the Highlands and Islands Long description ends.

Moving from institutions to independent living

Long Description

Dark background with yellow text reading "Moving from institutions to independent living". Yellow hospital with padlocks for doors. Long description ends.

Access to justice for potential human rights breaches

Long Description

Dark background with red box. Inside the box text reads "access to justice for potential human rights breaches". One corner of the box is replaced by the scales of justice, also red. Long description ends.