Today, 27 August 2026, Disability Equality Scotland joined over 50 civil society organisations in a joint letter urging John Swinney MSP, Scotland’s First Minister, to make the Human Rights Bill a legislative priority.
As the letter notes, we believe that disabled people should not have to fight for support. Everyone – including disabled people – should be recognised as rights-holders, with public authorities accountable for respecting, protecting and fulfilling their rights.
Our CEO, Lucy Mulvagh, adds:
“While the Scottish Government is making important progress through initiatives like the Disability Equality Plan and Improving Access Fund, more can be done to realise disabled people’s equality and human rights. Our research demonstrates the destructive impact that barriers to services and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis have on disabled peoples’ lives. A robust Human Rights Bill is an opportunity to give maximum effect to disabled people’s rights in Scotland, including the right to independent living. We support calls for the Human Rights Bill to be introduced this parliamentary term and urge all MSPs to work together to ensure its adoption into law.”
Read the joint letter (PDF format)
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