The legislation to create the Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) was passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2006.
Find out more: Scottish Commission for Human Rights Act 2006
The SHRC exists to promote human rights and, in particular, to encourage best practice in relation to human rights among public authorities. It is independent from government, being instead accountable to the Scottish Parliament. The Commission can give general advice, although it cannot advise on individual cases.
Find out more: the Scottish Human Rights Commission website