Commission welcomes financial redress for survivors of historic abuse

The Scottish Human Rights Commission has welcomed today's commitment from the Scottish Government to financial redress for survivors of historic abuse.

Judith Robertson, Chair of the Commission, said:

"We welcome today's commitment to making financial redress available to survivors of childhood abuse. This is an essential component of their access to justice. Anyone subjected to sexual abuse and serious physical or emotional abuse or neglect has a human right to access an effective and fair remedy.

"We are pleased that the Scottish Government has listened to and accepted recommendations made on this issue by the Historic Abuse InterAction Action Plan Review Group. In particular, we welcome that legislation is to be progressed before the end of this parliamentary term, and that advance payments will be made to survivors over 70 and those who are approaching the end of their life through ill-health.  

"We also welcome the unreserved apology made by the Deputy First Minister on behalf of the Scottish Government to all those who were abused as children while in care. The state has an obligation to protect the rights of anyone in care. While historic abuses cannot be reversed, it is right that today's government takes all possible action to deliver justice for those affected, and to prevent further abuses in the future."

ENDS