The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 comes into effect in Scotland on 16 July 2024.
This new legislation marks a strengthening of the protection of the human rights of children and young people across Scotland. Public bodies, such as local authorities and health boards, will be required to act in a manner that is compatible with the UNCRC when delivering functions conferred under Acts of the Scottish Parliament. They will also need to report every three years on the actions that they are taking, and planning to take, to protect and respect children’s rights.
Scottish Ministers have new duties to publish an annual Children’s Rights Scheme outlining the activities that they will undertake to advance children’s human rights in Scotland. Importantly, the legislation also means that children and young people, and their representatives, can take a case to court if they feel that their rights have been breached.
The ambition behind the new legislation is to deliver a proactive approach to children’s human rights across Scotland, ensuring children’s human rights are respected, fulfilled and advanced. Giving children and young people a say in decisions that affect them, child-friendly complaint processes, child-friendly information and children’s rights budgeting are all key areas that local authorities are currently working on to ensure that they are meeting the ask for the new legislation.
Incorporation of the UNCRC is so important because we need to show children and young people in Scotland today that their rights are serious, they are meaningful, and they are set out in law.
The Improvement Service is working with local authorities to provide advice and support on preparing for the requirements of the new legislation. Please visit our UNCRC webpage to learn more about the resources available and get in touch if you would like support.