Human rights watchdog concerned over access to justice

A report from Scotland’s human rights watchdog has raised concerns around access to justice in Scotland, saying the process is costly and complex.

The Scottish Human Rights Commission also said prisons are stretched to capacity and some Scots are spending years in mental health hospitals.

On Tuesday, the Commission published its first “state of the nation” report, covering human rights issues in the 12 months to September.

The statutory watchdog was created by the Scottish Parliament in 2006.

Professor Angela O’Hagan, chair of the commission, says: “Focusing on the realities of civil and political rights, our evidence supports MSPs to recognise Parliament’s accountability for delivering rights for all in Scotland.

“Our report highlights concerns around access to justice in Scotland, including chronic challenges in the legal aid system, failure to implement recommendations to protect the right to life in prisons, and emerging evidence concerning the right for people with learning disabilities to live independently, rather than locked into institutions.

“The issues outlined are in breach of Scotland’s international human rights obligations and should be remedied. They are also very real.

“From overcrowded prisons to the cost of living and its additional impact on disabled people, many people’s rights are not being realised.”