Uni expert works on rights report
A Stirling academic’s work has been included in a new human rights report by an advisory group set up by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Katie Boyle is a member of the group which published its recommendations on Monday to mark International Human Rights Day.
The group, which operates independently of the Scottish Government, was set up by Nicola Sturgeon as part of the 2018 programme for government.
They were tasked with making a number of recommendations on how Scotland can lead the field in economic, social, cultural and environmental rights.
Dr Boyle, associate professor in international human rights law at Stirling University, said: “Scotland has a genuine opportunity to demonstrate leadership in progressing on human rights protections at a time when there has been regression on a global scale.
“People across the world need leadership in human rights to help address systemic human rights violations.”
The First Minister said: “I share the ambition in this report that Scotland should introduce a human rights statutory framework and I support their recommendation that this should be done through public engagement, working across the public sector, civic society and Parliament.
“As a first step I will establish a national taskforce, early in 2019, to progress these plans.”
“It is fitting that the report is published as we celebrate Human Rights Day and the 70th anniversary of the signing the UN Declaration of Human Rights. I would like to thank Professor Alan Miller and all members of the group for their work and hope they continue to support efforts to deliver the human rights that will improve lives.”