A rights-based approach to peaceful assembly in Scotland.

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What do you think when you see this -

Whatever you feel, people in Scotland have a right to process and peaceful assembly.? ??We also want to live peacefully in our communities.

?A new report, published here - https://www.gov.scot/news/improving-the-planning-and-regulation-of-processions/ outlines a set of recommendations, which include - ?–

• extending a pilot programme - following successful evaluation in April 2024 - to train stewards and marshalls to build their capacity to plan, prepare and manage processions and other forms of public gathering in a safe way?
• developing a minimum standard for information provided on the notification process for processions
• providing consistent information on local authority websites that ensures transparency and confidentiality
• statutory organisations, including local authorities, Police Scotland and the Scottish Government, to work together so information they provide relating to marches is clear and easy to understand
• developing or improving training packages for local authority officials and elected members to enable the sharing of good practice to facilitate peaceful public processions and on how to protect human rights
• consideration of an annual review mechanism that contributes to the sharing of best practice and learning of the management of processions.?

The Action Group, set up to consider how to better facilitate processions, set out these which have been accepted by the Scottish Government, the local authority group COSLA, and Police Scotland.?

?I've been involved in this as the Scottish Community Safety Network’s Chief Executive Officer - I was a part of this group and it’s predecessor - ?Short Life Working Group on Processions in Scotland . It's been a pleasure and hugely interesting to be involved in this piece of work from the outset.? Processions and assembly are integral to Scottish civic life and these recommendations will protect that right, whilst offering practical and preventative measures to ensure that they happen safely and with regard to the rights of the communities they happen in.? As I approach my last week with the SCSN, its lovely to see the fruition of this important piece of work and the publishing of this helpful report.

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https://www.gov.scot/news/improving-the-planning-and-regulation-of-processions/

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