Unite says Scotland's one million victims of crime need their voice
heard
3rd July 2009
Unite, Scotland’s biggest trade union, has called on the
Scottish government to put people first in its response to the
public consultation for a 'Victims Commissioner' for Scotland.
The proposals, put forward by David Stewart MSP, would create a
post in Scotland that can advocate, advance and assert the rights
of the one million people who are victims of crime in Scotland each
year.
There is currently no single body in Scotland tasked with
co-ordinating victims’ rights despite existing legislation at the
Scottish, UK and European levels. Research findings conducted by
the then Scottish Executive in 2006 described the service provided
to victims and their families as ‘patchy’.
Against the backdrop of the Scottish government’s attempts to
reform the Scottish civil justice agenda, Unite believes a victims
commissioner is essential and would be a positive step forward in
the fight to ensure Scotland’s justice system delivers for hard
working people and their families.
Unite Scottish secretary, John Quigley, said: “We are delighted
to support David Stewart’s proposals as it is vital that not only
do working people and their families have access to justice but
also to a justice system that actually works for them.
“We believe this is a crossroads moment as the Scottish
government’s proposals for civil justice reform aim to effectively
privatise our civil courts with the declared intention of making
our citizens ultimately pay 100 per cent of court fees prior to
accessing justice.
“Only last week the Health & Safety Executive (HSE)
published figures showing that there were 26 fatalities and 12,000
injuries at work reported across Scotland in the last year.
These deaths and injuries show that we need an accessible and
robust system more than ever, not one that puts profits
first.
"We urge the Scottish parliament to support these proposals. A
victims commissioner would be vital in creating a fairer system,
one which helps victims and their families in their pursuit for
justice and that firmly puts people before profit.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact Unite Scotland political
officer, Hugh Scullion, on 07768931308
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