Correspondence Following Meeting of Tuesday, January 16, 2024 : Universal

During the session, Paul O’Kane MSP asked the panel for views on the UK’s response to the 4th cycle of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and the dialogue between the UK and Scottish Governments in responding to the recommendations. [...] Our general reflection on the process is that the UK Government was open to dialogue with the Commission as Scotland’s NHRI, and we welcome the regular opportunities to meet with UK Government officials in preparation for the UPR, alongside the other UK NHRIs and representatives from devolved administrations. [...] I am sure that the Committee will share the interest of the Commission on the implications of the UPR in a Scottish context. [...] Since the Commission provided evidence to the Committee, the Scottish Government has published its own response to the recommendations. [...] The Commission welcomes the Committee’s interest in the role of United Nations monitoring activity in supporting the protection and promotion of the human rights of the people of Scotland, and any further opportunities to build on our engagement with the Committee in this area.