SNAP 2 (Scotland’s National Action Plan for Human Rights) is built on core human rights principles that guide every action and decision. It aims to create a fairer, more inclusive Scotland by ensuring everyone’s rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.
Guiding Principles:
Participation & Collaboration
- Everyone has the right to be involved in decisions that affect their lives.
- SNAP 2 is a joint effort between individuals, civil society, and public bodies.
- Participation must be accessible, inclusive, and meaningful, with information provided in understandable formats and languages.
Accountability
- Public bodies (duty bearers) must understand and uphold their human rights responsibilities.
- Effective laws, policies, and remedies are essential for accountability.
- Transparency and monitoring are key to ensuring standards are met.
Non-discrimination, Equality & Intersectionality
- All people are equal in dignity and rights, and discrimination must be actively prevented and eliminated.
- SNAP 2 prioritises those most at risk of having their rights denied due to discrimination or inequality, such as people from minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, migrants, and others facing barriers.
- In SNAP 2, ‘intersectionality’ refers to how different personal characteristics and identities can overlap, creating complex and interconnected experiences of discrimination, disadvantage, and power. For example, a disabled woman from a minority ethnic background may face unique barriers that are different from those experienced by disabled men or women from the majority population.
Empowerment
- People should be able to understand, claim, and shape their rights.
- SNAP 2 promotes equal and empowering participation in policy and decision-making.
- Rights holders are encouraged to be active contributors to change.
Legality
- Human rights must be legally protected and enforceable.
- SNAP 2 supports strengthening laws and preparing for the incorporation of international human rights into Scots law.
SNAP 2 Priorities
SNAP 2 focuses on eight key areas to improve lives and uphold rights:
- Achieve a decent standard of living
- Improve health, wellbeing, and the environment
- Enhance education and work
- Protect private and family life
- Ensure justice
- Learn from COVID-19
- Realise a human rights culture
- Plan and support incorporation of human rights into law
These priorities are deeply interconnected. Progress in one area supports progress in others, reflecting the interdependence of human rights.