RIGHTS are being denied by a housing crisis, inadequate social security provision and healthcare not always being available when needed, according to a Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) report published today.

In its second annual State of the Nation report, Scotland’s human rights watchdog examines the performance of public bodies in ensuring the protection of economic, social and cultural rights.

Launching the paper, SHRC chairwoman Professor Angela O’Hagan said: “Economic, social and cultural rights are the foundations of a dignified life, but for many people in Scotland, these rights remain out of reach.

“People are struggling to heat their homes, feed their families or access basic services and this is fuelling real frustration and tension across our communities.

“At times like these, human rights matter more than ever.”

The study identifies 10 areas in which rights are going unmet in Scotland, pointing to changes to Britain’s welfare system that “disadvantage the most marginalised people and families.”

The Scottish government also came under scrutiny, with the report warning that the housing crisis is “denying people across Scotland access to safe, affordable and adequate housing,” while food insecurity and unaffordability is leaving some “hungry and not fully nourished.”

Ms O’Hagan added: “This report is a clear call to action. We urge the Scottish Parliament and all public bodies to use its findings to make better decisions about legislation, budgeting and service delivery.

“Human rights set the minimum standards that people in Scotland should be able to depend on, especially during tough times.”

Scotland’s Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville welcomed the report as she launched a strategy to ensure that equalities and human rights policies “are integrated into decision-making throughout the Scottish public sector.”  

She said: “Earlier this month, we published a high-level action plan which sets out what we are doing and will do to strengthen economic, social and cultural rights in Scotland, including the rights to food, housing and health highlighted by the commission in its report.

“This includes investing over £3 billion this year in policies that tackle poverty and the cost of living and driving forward our ambitious and progressive agenda to ensure that equality and human rights are embedded in all we do.

“We are committed to working with stakeholders and across the Parliament to strengthen rights realisation in Scotland.”