Scottish ministers fall short on human rights as poverty spikes
The Scottish Human Rights Commission warned that the Scottish government is failing to meet its human‑rights obligations to provide an adequate standard of living, as rising living costs make the effects of poverty on people’s lives ever more stark in Scotland.
Human‑rights watchdog says policy choices drive poverty
The commission said that despite some measures to alleviate poverty, the government’s actions to date have not been enough, with poverty rates – including among children – not falling significantly over the past decade. Chair Professor Angela O’Hagan stressed that poverty is “the result of policy choices” and called it a serious human‑rights issue.
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Poverty statistics underline the crisis
As of March, close to a million people in Scotland – around 17 per cent of the population – were living in relative poverty after housing costs were paid. Over one in five children, or 21 per cent, are in relative poverty, while one in ten Scots live in persistent poverty. The SHRC notes that the risk of poverty is higher for minority ethnic groups, households with a disabled member and single parents, most of whom are women.
Vulnerable groups face compounded harms
Women and girls living in poverty are more likely to experience gender‑based violence and struggle to access support and advice. The commission warned that these intersecting disadvantages require targeted policy responses.
Government urged to adopt a rights‑based approach
The SHRC called on ministers and public bodies to meaningfully address structural barriers with legal reform, a refreshed approach to poverty alleviation and a clear framework for incorporating economic, social and cultural rights into Scots law. The Scottish government replied that it is committed to creating a fairer, more prosperous Scotland and welcomed the SHRC’s challenge, but the watchdog says concrete actions, measurable targets and adequate funding are still missing.