Speaking today in the Kelvin Gallery to an audience of Glasgow University law students and invited guests, Deputy First Minister, Jim Wallace, outlines the key building blocks for a Scottish Human Rights Commission.

He outlines, ' What we want to see in today's Scotland are human rights as an integral part of our daily lives. The Scottish Human Rights Commission has the capacity to make a difference to everyone living in Scotland now, and in the future, by helping to develop a culture of human rights through the promotion and protection of our rights.'

It is hoped that the Commission will be able to tackle matters relating to health, education, and environment and it will have the ability to hold both Government and public authorities to account.

Mr Wallace continues,

' The Commission we propose will be a balanced Commission. It will have a strong educational and awareness raising role coupled with an investigatory role backed up by powers to ensure those investigations can be effective. I know that many of those who have led the campaign for a Commission will welcome the statutory access to information powers this new public body will have.'

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First published: 4 February 2003