Children’s rights will ‘now be at the heart of decision making in Scotland’ as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) (Incorporation) Act comes into force today.
The UNCRC Act requires public authorities to protect children’s human rights in their decision-making when delivering functions conferred by Acts of the Scottish Parliament. This ensures that children and young people must be consulted on policy changes, and will now have their access to education, housing and other basic rights enshrined in law.
It aims to mainstream the participation of children and young people in decision making across society, with public services playing a vital role in delivering for children, young people and their communities.
Minister for Children and Young People Natalie Don said: “This is a milestone for advancing children’s rights in Scotland, delivered by the SNP Scottish Government.
“We want all young people to grow up loved, safe and respected and the UNCRC Act aims to do just that.
“We all have a responsibility to ensure that children and young people are at the heart of decisions that affect them and that they have the confidence and skills to get involved.
“The Scottish Government is proud that we are the first devolved UK nation to incorporate the UNCRC into law, helping to make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up.
“From today access to education, housing and other basic human rights for young people will be enshrined into law – that is the SNP taking action to ensure that the voices of children and young people are heard throughout policy making.
“From the baby box, to free school meals and tuition, the SNP has prioritised supporting young people, and from today we have taken another step towards meeting our goal of making Scotland the best possible place for them to grow up.”
Joanna Barrett, NSPCC Associate Head of Policy for the nations, said:
“Today( July 16) is a momentous day for babies, children and young people in Scotland, as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is incorporated into law.
“This is a significant milestone in making sure that all children’s rights are recognised, respected and upheld.
“Among its provisions, the Convention sets out children’s right to be safe and their right to access support services to help them recover from abuse or neglect.
“Enshrining these rights in law should lead to significant changes for Scotland’s children, be it better including recognition of infants’ rights and lived experiences in the Children’s Hearing System, more protection for children from abuse online or suggest and better provision of therapeutic services for children across the country who have suffered abuse.”
Photo: Natalie Don MSP taking part in a library bookbug session last year