Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 10 December 2013
10 Dec 2013 · S4 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Human Rights
It is amazing how wide a variety of views can be encompassed even in a short debate such as this. Practically all the speeches have been constructive in addressing the issue, even if they do not all come from exactly the same starting point.
I will shortly meet the Council of Europe’s commissioner for human rights, Nils Muižnieks—I hope that that is the correct pronunciation—who is visiting the Parliament today. Indeed, he might be in the public gallery somewhere. I recall meeting him in Strasbourg last year, and I was struck by his deep commitment to human rights and by his positive impression of Scotland’s approach in this area.
Earlier today, I spoke about the Scottish Government’s strong commitment to human rights. I am sorry that Jenny Marra found that objectionable in some way. I spoke about what we are doing to make rights a reality for all and about our future aspirations in this field. I will conclude today’s debate by linking that further to Scotland’s first national action plan for human rights.
I join other members who have spoken today in commending the Scottish Human Rights Commission for its achievements. The SHRC is Scotland’s A-rated national human rights institution. It is statutorily independent of Government and Parliament. The commission has a key role in promoting and protecting the human rights of everyone in Scotland. I do not know whether everyone here is aware of how widely well regarded the SHRC is across the whole of Europe. It is considered to be an extraordinarily important institution, and it is held in great regard across Europe. We need to commend the commission for its work in getting to that position.
I will shortly meet the Council of Europe’s commissioner for human rights, Nils Muižnieks—I hope that that is the correct pronunciation—who is visiting the Parliament today. Indeed, he might be in the public gallery somewhere. I recall meeting him in Strasbourg last year, and I was struck by his deep commitment to human rights and by his positive impression of Scotland’s approach in this area.
Earlier today, I spoke about the Scottish Government’s strong commitment to human rights. I am sorry that Jenny Marra found that objectionable in some way. I spoke about what we are doing to make rights a reality for all and about our future aspirations in this field. I will conclude today’s debate by linking that further to Scotland’s first national action plan for human rights.
I join other members who have spoken today in commending the Scottish Human Rights Commission for its achievements. The SHRC is Scotland’s A-rated national human rights institution. It is statutorily independent of Government and Parliament. The commission has a key role in promoting and protecting the human rights of everyone in Scotland. I do not know whether everyone here is aware of how widely well regarded the SHRC is across the whole of Europe. It is considered to be an extraordinarily important institution, and it is held in great regard across Europe. We need to commend the commission for its work in getting to that position.
In the same item of business
The Presiding Officer (Tricia Marwick)
NPA
The next item of business is a debate on motion S4M-08544, in the name of Roseanna Cunningham, on human rights.14:38
The Minister for Community Safety and Legal Affairs (Roseanna Cunningham)
SNP
Today marks the launch of “Scotland’s National Action Plan for Human Rights: 2013-2017”—Scotland’s first national action plan for human rights—and I am delig...
Jenny Marra (North East Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
I ask the minister for clarification on that point. Would an independent Scotland take the Human Rights Act 1998 and embed it in the Scottish constitution or...
Roseanna Cunningham
SNP
We would be looking at exactly the kinds of rights that most countries in Europe and the wider world regard as human rights. I do not want to disappoint Jenn...
Stewart Stevenson (Banffshire and Buchan Coast) (SNP)
SNP
Would the minister care to commend Mary Robinson—who is a former President of a small country: Ireland—for her significant contribution to human rights in re...
Roseanna Cunningham
SNP
I am sure that Stewart Stevenson would expect me to endorse that, as I have met Mary Robinson and know the huge impact that she had internationally—not just ...
Jenny Marra (North East Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
It is particularly appropriate that we gather in the chamber today on international human rights day, and on a day that is marked by such a momentous occasio...
Sandra White (Glasgow Kelvin) (SNP)
SNP
I thank Jenny Marra for taking an intervention. I know of her interest in the subject. When I was a member of the Equal Opportunities Committee we inquired i...
Jenny Marra
Lab
I got the numbers from the Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson, who said just a few weeks ago in the chamber that 3,000 women are at risk in Scotlan...
Jean Urquhart (Highlands and Islands) (Ind)
Ind
I think that everybody will agree with what Jenny Marra said about the crime that she has described. However, forced marriages are still happening in Scotlan...
Jenny Marra
Lab
Presiding Officer, can I have a little more time to address that?
The Presiding Officer
NPA
I will tell you when you should stop.
Jenny Marra
Lab
Thank you.We have lodged our amendment because I do not believe that FGM is specifically mentioned in the human rights strategy and, given recent press repor...
Alex Johnstone (North East Scotland) (Con)
Con
I welcome the publication of the national action plan for human rights. There is certainly a strong element of consensus on the topic across the chamber and—...
John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Ind)
Ind
About 15 years ago, the Northern Constabulary issued a book to young people about knowing your rights when dealing with the police. Is it not a positive thin...
Alex Johnstone
Con
It is, of course, positive that that sort of thing happens, but we must remember that we have to take the public along with us. If we concentrate merely on t...
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Elaine Smith)
Lab
Conclude, please, Mr Johnstone.
Alex Johnstone
Con
As we come to the end of the opening speeches, I look forward to an in-depth discussion about the action plan, and to summing up at the end of the debate.15:03
Jamie Hepburn (Cumbernauld and Kilsyth) (SNP)
SNP
It is right to have the debate on this, the 65th anniversary of the signing of “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights”. As the minister said, it is appos...
Malcolm Chisholm (Edinburgh Northern and Leith) (Lab)
Lab
It is particularly important that we are debating Scotland’s first human rights action plan on international human rights day and the day on which we remembe...
Alison McInnes (North East Scotland) (LD)
LD
I join colleagues in celebrating international human rights day and in welcoming the publication of Scotland’s national action plan on human rights. I pay tr...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
Lab
I remind members to use full names when they are referring to colleagues.15:15
John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Ind)
Ind
First, I congratulate the Scottish Human Rights Commission on the publication of its national action plan. It is significant that it had Scottish Government ...
Alex Johnstone
Con
It should be made clear that in what has been an interesting if short debate we will not have time to raise a number of points. Nevertheless, as John Finnie ...
Elaine Murray (Dumfriesshire) (Lab)
Lab
I am pleased to close for Scottish Labour in this short but important debate on Scotland’s national action plan for human rights and concur with members’ com...
The Deputy Presiding Officer
Lab
Before I call Roseanna Cunningham to respond to the debate, I advise members that this afternoon’s debates are on a follow-on basis. I remind members who wis...
Roseanna Cunningham
SNP
It is amazing how wide a variety of views can be encompassed even in a short debate such as this. Practically all the speeches have been constructive in addr...
Jenny Marra
Lab
Will the minister commit to voting tonight for a strategy on female genital mutilation?
Roseanna Cunningham
SNP
I will come to the Labour amendment later in my speech.The Government has enjoyed a productive, constructive relationship with the commission on a wide range...
Malcolm Chisholm
Lab
I am very sorry to hear what the minister is saying. Does she understand that Jenny Marra’s addendum accepts all the wording of the minister’s motion, but th...