Minister hails ‘landmark moment for children’s rights’ in Scotland

Scotland will become the first part of the UK to incorporate a UN charter on children’s rights into law in what has been hailed as a “landmark moment”.

Legislation passed by Holyrood to incorporate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) comes into force from Tuesday.

MSPs had originally approved a Bill to achieve this back in 2021 – but the UK Supreme Court later ruled this would have an impact on Westminster legislation.

Changes were made, with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill first to go through a reconsideration stage in the Scottish Parliament.

The amended legislation was subsequently passed by 117 votes to zero in December 2023 – with Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville making clear at the time she was confident the revised Bill would not be referred again to the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile Natalie Don, the minister for children and young people, spoke about the importance of the legislation coming into effect.

She said: “The Act coming into force on Tuesday is a landmark moment for children’s rights in Scotland and I’m proud to be incorporating the UNCRC into law.”

The Act will require public authorities in Scotland to seek to protect children’s human rights in their decision-making, and to ensure children and young people are at the heart of decisions which affect them.

The Scottish Government also believes the legislation will support children to have the confidence and skills to influence decisions around them and enable children, young people and their representatives to use the courts to enforce their rights.

Ms Don stated: “We want all young people to grow up loved, safe and happy and the UNCRC Act aims to do just that, ensuring young people have a voice and that their needs are met.”