Scottish Human Rights Commission

We are proud that the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has singled out Scotland as an example of promising human rights practice.

Following a recommendation from the SHRC, the Scottish Parliament's Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee undertook proactive follow-up engagement with the Scottish Government on its international human rights commitments.

This practice has been called transformational by the OHCHR and is a great example of how to apply a human rights lens to parliament scrutiny work.

We hope to see this practice continue with the successor committee, as urged by the committee's legacy report.

Find out more on the UN website:
https://ow.ly/FQx750Z7gSS

Rosemary Agnew has been a Member of the Scottish Human Rights Commission since September 2025. How rights are applied and accessed in practice - particularly in relation to the under-represented or those experiencing vulnerability - is a thread running through all of Rosemary’s roles.

Prior to joining the SHRC, Rosemary was the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, Scottish Information Commissioner, CEO of the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission, and held roles with the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman in England. She also sits on the World Bank’s Access to Information Appeals Board.

Her comprehensive leadership history means that Rosemary brings with her invaluable experience in raising awareness of rights, good human rights practice, and how to challenge constructively where practice falls below acceptable standards.

Rosemary has a keen interest in human rights in in relation to health and social care, places of detention, and how compliance with rights is embedded in governance and policy making.

Find out more about the Members of the Scottish Human Rights Commission on our website:
https://ow.ly/vjny50Z52Vg

We were in Manchester last week for the annual meeting of the four National Human Rights Institutions for the UK and Ireland.

These meetings are an opportunity to discuss shared human rights and equality issues, share learning and work together on solutions.

Thanks to Equality and Human Rights Commission for hosting and to all in attendance for another productive meeting.

Irish Human Rights & Equality Commission Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission