Authorities ignorant of human rights, says Amnesty
13 Sep 06
Survey reveals two thirds cannot show compliance with duties
Widespread ignorance of duties under the Human Rights Act among public authorities in Scotland has been revealed by an Amnesty International survey.
According to the report, published today, two thirds of public authorities either do not understand their duties under the Act or could not show what steps they had taken to comply.
Out of 55 authorities approached by Amnesty, 31% confused their duties under the Act with those imposed by the Equal Opportunities Act. Another 34% stated they had no policy or other evidence of compliance. Many actually confused human rights with human resources.
The report, entitled “Delivering Human Rights in Scotland”, highlights the need for a Scottish Commission on Human Rights, said Amnesty, citing a startling lack of awareness of the Act in public authorities and their failure to revisit their policies and practices since the Act came into force in 2000.
Under the Act, public authorities must protect rights such as the right to respect for private and family life, freedom of conscience and religion and freedom of expression. Amnesty claims the findings demonstrate the need for a Scottish Commission on Human Rights, a bill for which is currently before the Scottish Parliament.
The organisation did find some honourable exceptions, such as Angus Council, for its booklets explaining human rights to staff and members of the public, and Renfrewshire Council which created an additional senior solicitor post to advise on human rights issues.