The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has warned that many people in Scotland are unable to realise essential human rights, particularly in the areas of economic, social and cultural rights. The findings are set out in the Commission’s State of the Nation 2025 report, the second comprehensive annual assessment of human rights across Scotland.
The report identifies healthcare access as a major concern, concluding that services are not consistently available when needed. It highlights ten key areas where Scotland is falling short, including inadequate support for people with learning disabilities and autism, and disability related social security benefits that fail to provide a decent standard of living.
According to the SHRC, the ongoing housing crisis is denying many people access to safe, affordable and adequate accommodation. The report also points to food insecurity, unaffordable basic necessities, and welfare changes that disproportionately disadvantage marginalised individuals and families. Caring responsibilities for children, disabled people and older persons are described as unfairly recognised and distributed.
The Commission further concludes that when economic, social and cultural rights are not realised, individuals often lack access to effective justice or remedies. It raises concerns that public funding allocated to essential areas such as housing, social security, health, education and food programmes is insufficient to meet minimum human rights standards.
Professor Angela O’Hagan, Chair of the SHRC, said that economic, social and cultural rights are the foundation of a dignified life, yet remain inaccessible for many. She warned that difficulties in heating homes, feeding families and accessing basic services are contributing to growing frustration within communities. She urged public bodies and the Scottish Parliament to use the report as a basis for improved decision making in legislation, budgeting and service delivery, emphasising that human rights set the minimum standards people should be able to rely on, particularly during periods of economic and social pressure.
Click here to read the SHRC’s State of Nation Report 2025