The Scottish Government is seeking views on how best to incorporate the UN’s ‘gold standard’ for children’s rights into Scots Law and improve the lives of children and young people.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is the most complete statement of children’s rights ever produced and sets out the rights of every child, irrespective of where they live, the religion they follow or the make-up of their society. This includes rights to be treated fairly and equally, the right to be as healthy as possible, and the right to be heard.
Incorporating the UNCRC will strengthen existing work to protect and respect children, and the consultation seeks views on the best way to do this within the context of Scots law, and the powers of the Scottish Parliament.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “The UNCRC is recognised internationally as the ‘gold standard’, and we believe it is time to incorporate the UNCRC into domestic law.
“This will ensure that children’s rights are woven into policy, law and decision-making. Children will be empowered toknow and understand their rights and, if necessary, defend them in court.
“This will improve outcomes for children and young people and help make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up.”
The city council’s Education Vice Convener Cllr Alison Dickie has welcomed the public consultation on incorporating the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scottish Law.
The announcement was made as Deputy First Minister John Swinney visited Sciennes Primary School, chosen as the venue for the launch of the consultation as it is has a gold award for being a UNICEF Rights-Respecting School.
Cllr Dickie said: “The UNCRC sets out the rights of every single child, irrespective of where they live, the religion they follow or the make-up of their society. This includes the right to be treated fairly and equally, the right to be as healthy as possible, and the right to be heard.
“I was delighted today to be at Sciennes PS, in my own ward, to listen to members of the Children’s Parliament confidently present Mr Swinney with their ‘Wee Book of Promises’ and a copy of their ‘What Kind of Edinburgh’ magazine, as presented at our Education Committee just yesterday.
“As a Council we’ve been at the forefront of a rights based approach with our What Kind of Edinburgh work. We need to embed children’s rights into everything we do as a society so it can change our culture and ensure we get it right for every child.
“I’m really pleased the public are being asked for their views and I would urge everyone to take part in the consultation especially our young people.”
During his visit to the school Mr Swinney congratulated pupils on the work they have done to develop and champion children’s rights at a special assembly with Members of the Children’s Parliament. The pupils also discussed their Right to Clean Air project with Mr Swinney and Lucinda Rivers, Head of UNICEF UK in Scotland.
We are committed to making Scotland the best place to grow up and learn.
That’s why we want to hear views on incorporating the #UNCRC into Scots law.
Have your say in our consultation before 14 August 2019.
👉 https://t.co/PFN6hUJ34L pic.twitter.com/u0FS7C13bp
— ScotGov Education (@ScotGovEdu) May 22, 2019
Children’s rights are human rights and apply to everyone under the age of 18. Children’s rights set out within the UNCRC include the right to:
- Life, survival and development
- Protection from violence, abuse or neglect
- An education that enables children to fulfil their potential
- Be raised by, or have a relationship with, their parents
- Express their opinions and be listened to
A guide for children and young people to the UNCRC can be viewed here.
The Programme for Government 2018-2019 committed the Scottish Government to consulting on incorporating the principles of the UNCRC into domestic law.
The consultation runs until 14 August. Following consultation, the Scottish Government intends to deliver legislation in this parliamentary session.
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