The SNP Government has published its plan on how to achieve further progress on the human rights of children in Scotland.
Progressing the Human Rights of Children in Scotland: An Action Plan 2021 – 2024 builds on SNP Government’s efforts of the past years – which were sadly been stifled by the UK Tory Government’s decision to stop implementation of a Bill unanimously passed by the Scottish Parliament aimed at enshrining the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots Law.
The SNP Government remains committed to the incorporation of the UNCRC to the maximum extent possible as soon as practicable, and the majority of work in relation to implementation of the UNCRC can, and is, continuing.
Furthermore, after hosting the UN Conference of Youth ahead of COP26, the SNP Government also the UNICEF declaration on children, youth and climate action, a commitment to honour the rights of children in the fight against the climate crisis.
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“The SNP Government believes children should be put front and centre of a fair and prosperous Scotland and every child should be able to have the same opportunities in life.
“Of course it was hugely disappointing to see the Tories challenge the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill – despite their own MSPs voting in favour of it – and never once questioning our Parliament’s competency on the matter.
“The SNP Government take children’s rights extremely seriously, which is why children and young people have helped shape the Action Plan. Wider groups on children and young people, including those who are seldom heard, will continue to be consulted as the Action Plan and specific policy initiatives are taken forward.”
The main aims of the plan are:
To incorporate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) to the maximum extent possible as soon as practicable.
To enable all children in Scotland to be aware of and understand their rights.
To ensure all children in Scotland experience public services consistently upholding their rights.
To bring about a fundamental shift in culture in Scottish society which will deliver a revolution in children’s rights.
Read the Human Rights of Children in Scotland: An Action Plan 2021 – 2024 here.
ENDS
