Equality and Human Rights Mainstreaming Strategy: Consultation

Ministerial Foreword

This government is focussed on achieving our four key priorities: eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling the climate emergency, and ensuring high quality and sustainable public services. As the First Minister set out in the Programme for Government to succeed in these priorities ‘we must take action to tackle persistent inequality and to advance equality of opportunity for everyone in Scotland, supporting those who are most disadvantaged and who face the greatest barriers to realising their rights’.

We are aiming to make Scotland a leader in equality and human rights increasing fairness, tackling inequality, and removing societal and cultural disadvantages.

It has long been recognised that a fundamental factor in achieving positive change and a fairer, more equal Scotland for everyone who lives here, is the ability of the public sector including the Scottish Government, to embed equality and human rights in everything that we do. Ensuring equality and human rights are fully considered throughout the work of the public sector and policymaking, described as ‘mainstreaming’, is a long-established approach. There is more to be done to make this a reality, however, we cannot tackle systemic inequalities without recognising our part in sustaining them.

I am pleased to introduce this consultation exercise on the Equality and Human Rights Mainstreaming Strategy. The Strategy will set out a framework for embedding equality and human rights across all that we do in government and supporting the wider public sector in Scotland to do the same.

This Strategy represents a milestone in our journey towards a fairer and more equal Scotland but is only one part of the sustained effort that will be required. It builds on the strong foundations we have laid over the past decade. At its heart is a commitment to listen to, and learn from, the lived experiences of individuals and communities facing discrimination and exclusion and the greatest challenges in accessing their human rights. Their voices must guide and shape government policies and the delivery of public services if we are to make a meaningful difference.

There are no quick fixes to complex and deep-rooted inequalities but I know that through sustained leadership, participation, and perseverance we will enhance Scotland's position as a progressive human rights leader that promotes and drives equality. The Strategy will set out a framework to get us there; support systemic and cultural change within the Scottish Government and the wider public sector; and demonstrate that the people of Scotland can actively participate in the development of policy that affects them. 

That is why the work to date has been developed through extensive engagement with stakeholders, drawing on their considerable expertise. This framework has already undergone some critical evaluation and we have explored specific topics with stakeholders to inform its development. Critically this includes a recognition that more support and guidance can and should be offered to those responsible for delivering services and making decisions.

I thank everyone who has participated so far for their contributions. In this consultation, we are seeking your views to collaboratively shape the final version of the Strategy to address the needs and interests of the people of Scotland. Together, we will create a modern Scotland that embodies equality, inclusivity, and human rights at the core of its day-to-day activities.

Collaborative working is vital to deliver the significant change required across society. I welcome your engagement so far and urge all our partners – in the public, private, and third sectors – to continue to work with us on this journey. Together, we can build a Scotland where everyone can participate equally, freely and confidently in all aspects of life.

Kaukab Stewart MSP

Minister for Equalities