Human Rights Tracker Scotland: Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment (FSDA)

Summary of evidence

The introduction of a digital Human Rights Tracker in Scotland provides an opportunity to promote equality and improve outcomes for individuals and communities experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. The tool will increase transparency, enable public scrutiny and enhance the implementation of international human rights recommendations. Strengthening the implementation of human rights could benefit people from all socioeconomic backgrounds but is particularly likely to benefit those from low income households who may be more likely to experience barriers to having their rights realised. The Tracker could also help overcome barriers to human rights awareness and participation, supporting people to know and claim their rights.

The Tracker is an online tool with a primary target audience of policy professionals from government, the wider public sector and civil society. Therefore, its effectiveness depends on digital access for these groups. Nevertheless, there are also wider benefits to broader public engagement with the Tracker and important implications for individuals and communities who experience digital exclusion.

The evidence of this assessment shows that socioeconomic disadvantage is a factor in digital exclusion, but it also highlights significant progress and opportunities to address these inequalities. Households in the most deprived areas remain less likely to have internet access, with cost being the most common barrier, particularly for those earning under £10,000. However, national initiatives such as Connecting Scotland have already supported tens of thousands of low-income households by providing free devices, connectivity, and digital skills training. These interventions have improved mental wellbeing, reduced isolation, and enabled better access to education, employment and public services.

While older adults, disabled people, and those in social rented housing are more likely to experience digital exclusion, programmes that include tailored digital skills training and community-based support, such as the Digital Champion model, are helping to close these gaps. Evidence shows that many participants would not have been able to get online without this assistance, which has boosted confidence and independence. Similarly, infrastructure investments like the Reaching 100% (R100) programme and social tariffs for broadband are reducing geographic inequalities by improving connectivity in rural and remote areas.

Children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those in care, face particular challenges but policy shifts such as the Scottish Government’s commitment to provide devices at household level rather than only through schools are helping to ensure that families have the tools they need. This approach supports learning continuity and digital engagement beyond the classroom, which is essential for tackling educational inequalities.

The evidence also highlights that groups facing multiple barriers, such as minority ethnic women, people with learning disabilities, and those in supported accommodation, stand to gain the most from inclusive digital initiatives. Intersectional approaches and culturally responsive platforms are increasingly recognised as key to ensuring that digital inclusion strategies reach those who need them most.