North-east MSP chosen to lead Scottish Parliament Human Rights Committee

A NORTH-east MSP has been chosen to lead the Scottish Parliament's Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee.

Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam is the new convener of the committee, taking over the reins from Kaukab Stewart MSP who has been appointed as Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development in the Scottish Government.

Speaking to members of the committee after being chosen as convener, Ms Adam said, "It is an absolute honour to serve as Convener of the Scottish Parliament's Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee.

"I look forward to working with members of the committee over the coming weeks, months and years as we scrutinise some of the most important bills before the Scottish Parliament, including the forthcoming Human Rights Bill."

The committees comprise small cross-party groups of MSPs – ranging from three to 15 – who look at specific subjects such as health, education and justice.

The Scottish Parliament has some committees that must always exist. These are called mandatory committees and include the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee which considers matters concerning equal opportunities, human rights and civil justice issues including debt, evictions and family law.

Committees hold the Scottish Government to account, hold inquiries, examine bills (proposed laws) and decide on amendments. They also introduce their own bills and consider petitions suggested by the public. At the moment, the Human Rights Committee is undertaking an inquiry on asylum seekers in Scotland and Minimum Core Obligations, a baseline of social, economic and cultural rights that every state should implement immediately.

Later this year, the committee will also scrutinise the government's plans to end conversion practices in Scotland.

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