Scottish Parliament to mark 70th anniversary of Human Rights Declaration today

The Scottish Parliament is to mark the 70th anniversary of the United Nations adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with a special one-day conference today.

The conference, ‘Human Rights Take Over!’, will be hosted by Deputy Presiding Officer Christine Grahame MSP, and will include:

• Addresses from the First Minister; the Convener of the Equalities and Human Rights Committee, Ruth Maguire MSP; and Bianca Jagger, Founder, President and Chief Executive, Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation;

• a panel discussion with human rights defenders from around Scotland;

• a reception for the Scottish Human Rights Commission’s (SHRC) 10th anniversary.

Conference attendees will include charities and voluntary organisations with experience of using human rights to achieve change; human rights experts; and members of the public who have engaged with parliamentary inquiries into human rights. All attendees will take part in workshops throughout the day.

Speaking ahead of the Conference, Deputy Presiding Officer Christine Grahame MSP, said: “Seventy years ago this week, the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

“After the horror and inhumanity of World War II, the declaration established the human rights of all people – the freedom of expression, the freedom from torture, the right to equality before the law.  It proclaimed all humans are born equal with inalienable rights.

“It was a defining moment in our modern history and the foundation of international human rights law.

“We’ll mark the 70th anniversary by contemplating the here and now and by considering Scotland’s challenges and leadership in the field of human rights.”

Equalities and Human Rights Committee Convener, and host of the SHRC reception, Ruth Maguire MSP, added: “While our conference will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the universal declaration, we are acutely aware the human rights landscape is about to change significantly as the UK prepares to leave the EU.   

“As parliamentarians and lawmakers, we have a never-ending responsibility for the rights of all.  I look forward to joining fellow human rights champions and guarantors as we reflect on how far we have come and the road that lies ahead.”