What we do

The Commission has a vision of a modern, outward-looking and fairer Scotland – where human dignity, equality and participation are guaranteed for all. We have a range of Duties and Powers as part of our remit.

Our duties

• To promote all human rights – economic, social, political, cultural and civil rights to everyone, everywhere, in Scotland.

• To promote best practice on human rights in Scotland. To achieve this we can provide education, advice and training.

• We can publish information and conduct research.

Our powers

• We can review and recommend changes to any area of law in Scotland, or changes to any policies and practices of any Scottish public authority.

• We can work with others – co-ordinating, acting with, or assisting.

• We can conduct inquiries into the policies or practices of public authorities in Scotland, either those working to deliver a particular service, or public authorities of a particular description, i.e. those working on certain issues or a particular description.