In a success for children’s rights in Scotland, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill officially received Royal Assent on 16 January 2024 and will come into force on 16 July 2024.
Commenting on the announcement, Helen Forrest, Chief Executive of Children’s Health Scotland said:
This is a significant milestone in the journey towards ensuring the health and wellbeing of every child in the nation and builds on years of campaigning by organisations including Children’s Health Scotland and our coalition partners Together (the Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights). We have a proud history of supporting the right of every child to the best possible health and the UNCRC is clearly aligned with our work and values. By supporting this legislation, we form part of a society that actively upholds the rights of its youngest members, fostering a culture of compassion, understanding, and social responsibility.
What is the UNCRC?
The UNCRC is a legally-binding international agreement setting out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every child, regardless of their race, religion or abilities. It covers many rights for children and young people and the key ones that help to inform the work of Children’s Health Scotland include:
- Article 6: The right to be supported to live and grow
- Article 9: The right to live with a family who cares for me
- Article 12: The right to be listened to and taken seriously
- Article 15: The right to meet with friends and to join groups
- Article 16: The right to keep some things private
- Article 17: The right to get information in lots of ways, so long as it’s safe
- Article 24: The right to good quality healthcare, to clean water, and good food
- Article 27: The right to have a proper house, food, and clothing
- Article 28: The right to an education
The UNCRC also protects key areas such as good food and clean water which impact other human rights such as the right to a healthy environment, so has potentially wider implications for all individuals and not only children.
Looking ahead, the UNCRC Act will come into force in 6 months’ time. In partnership with Together, Children’s Health Scotland is looking forward to the tangible impact this legislation will have on the lives of children and young people and those who love and care for them. The incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots law is a testament to the power of working together to create a better future for generations to come.
Remember, Children’s Health Scotland provides resources, training and Workshops that support the health and wellbeing of children and young people and their right to the best possible health. If you would like further information on our work please email enquiries@childrenshealthscotland.org.
