Scotland to prioritise human rights and equality in economic development

Scotland has recently announced plans to make human rights and equality central to economic policy development. 

A new Centre of Expertise in Equality and Human Rights will be established, where leading experts will work with the Scottish government to address injustice and economic inequality.

Policy officials will build their knowledge and skills on these issues through an ongoing training programme.

External experts will also hold in-depth sessions focusing on structural inequalities in the economy and exploring how programmes and projects can address equality and human rights issues.

Economy Secretary, Kate Forbes, said: ‘Our vision for Scotland is to create a wellbeing economy where our society is thriving economically, socially and environmentally, and in which we deliver prosperity for all Scotland’s people and places.

‘By focusing on wellbeing and fair work, we can deliver higher rates of employment and wage growth, to reduce poverty – particularly child poverty – and improve health and quality of life for disadvantaged families and communities.

‘The Centre of Expertise in Equality and Human Rights will advance our understanding of how equality and human rights should influence the economic policy-making process. This includes work in areas to remove barriers to employment for disabled people, women, those with care experience and minority ethnic groups while also tackling poverty through fair pay and conditions. 

‘Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation identified challenges to overcoming inequality across the economy, but also opportunities to build a fairer and more equal society with opportunities for all to succeed.’

The centre is being established after a report by the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery, published in 2020, concluded that tackling inequalities is key to economic recovery.

The Scottish Government’s Economic Recovery Implementation Plan also made commitments to tackle inequalities and increase wellbeing.

In related news research released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed stark differences in life expectancy between the poorest and wealthiest areas of the UK. 

Photo by Sahin Sezer Dinçer