Human rights

Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms to which everyone is entitled. They ensure that people are treated fairly and with dignity and respect, enabling them to live freely, flourish, reach their full potential and participate in society.

While health and social care organisations lead the health agenda, all sectors have a responsibility to improve and protect our population’s health. We must all work together to combat inequalities and discriminatory practices so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of good health.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this section you will be 

• aware of statutory equality and human rights requirements
• able to champion the main human rights frameworks.

Cathy Asante, Scottish Human Rights Commission, outlines a human rights based approach to non-executive board member decision making.

Additional resources

Now take some time to explore these additional resources below. If you would like to remain on the learning hub and open the links in a new tab press control when clicking the links.

Human rights and the right to health

Scotland’s National Action Plan (SNAP) Case Study

Cathy Asante - Examples        

Cathy Asante - Accountability   

AAAQ Framework

PANEL Principles

Call to action

• Identify approaches you will take to ensure that human rights agenda is core to the planning and delivery of goals in your organisation.
• Outline what you will do to influence a shift towards a better understanding, positive attitude and practice amongst staff in relation to human rights. 
• Determine the actions you will take to foster partnership working with community planning partners, the third sector and others.