The First Minister’s Advisory Group on Human Rights Leadership: A New Path Forward on Incorporation of Economic, Social Cultural and Environmental Rights

Abstract

In January 2018 the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, established an advisory group to consider the way in which Scotland could exhibit leadership in the protection of human rights. The First Minister’s Advisory Group (FMAG) on Human Rights Leadership was formed. The remit of the group was guided by three overarching principles: (1) how to ensure non-regression from those rights currently guaranteed; (2) how to keep pace with future rights developments; (3) and how to continue to demonstrate leadership in human rights as part of Scotland’s future. The FMAG issued its recommendations to the First Minister on 10 December 2018. The recommendations included a new contemporary framework to ensure practical implementation and accountability for an array of international human rights, including economic, social, cultural and environmental rights (ESCER). This paper explains the approach taken and the measures proposed to achieve this change in the context of Scotland’s multifaceted human rights journey.