Progressing the human rights of children in Scotland action plan 2018-2021: progress report 2019

Strategic Actions

Our Vision

A Scotland where children are recognised as citizens in their own right and where their human rights are embedded in all aspects of society is the Vision we aspire to; a Scotland where policy, law and decision making takes account of children's rights and where all children have a voice and are empowered to be human rights defenders.

Governance

Children's Rights Advisory Group

To provide a leadership space to discuss ideas and issues, to make children's rights real in Scotland and oversee the action plan.

Incorporation

We will incorporate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots law.

Actions:

• We will consult widely including with children, young people and families, local authorities and other public bodies across Scotland, as well as third sector partners on the right model of incorporation.
• We will also consider where it may be possible for Scots law to go further than the Convention requires, where that is demonstrably beneficial for children and young people.
• In the meantime, we will continue to consider ways in which rights under the UNCRC can be given better or further effect across individual policy areas.

Impact Assessment

We will evaluate the Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment (CRWIA) process and further support and promote its use.

Actions:

• We will update the templates, guidance and training materials for the CRWIA process and making these publicly available on the Scottish Government Website.
• We will encourage the use of the CRWIA materials by Public Authorities and children & young people's organisations
• We will develop an impact evaluation process for the CRWIA

Raising Awareness

We will develop and deliver through co-production, an ambitious programme to raise awareness and understanding of children's rights across all sectors of society in Scotland.

Actions:

• We will map existing rights-based awareness resources, programmes and training packages
• We will recruit a group of young leaders to organise and co-facilitate 6 unConference Events and local discussion groups in different locations across Scotland. Participants will be invited to attend from across different areas of society. Particular attention will be paid to engaging with those that are seldom heard.
• Where gaps or weaknesses have been identified we will, through co-production, develop resources and training programmes to strengthen rights awareness and understanding across all areas of society.
• We will work alongside Education Scotland to strengthen awareness and understanding of children's rights through a range of activities which supports the development of a right based culture and ethos in schools and early learning and childcare centres.

Strategic Approach to Participation

We will develop a strategic approach to children and young people's participation, as part of the YoYP legacy. Our aim is to mainstream the participation of children and young people in decision-making across Scottish society.

Actions:

• We will work in partnership with our stakeholders, and importantly with children and young people, to develop our strategic approach.
• We will make sure that we listen to 'representative' voices of children and young people, in particular ensuring that the voices of the seldom heard, vulnerable and younger children are routinely heard.
• We will consider resourcing and how participation is made sustainable.
• We will consider access, including digital technology, to support wider engagement.
• We will publish an evidence base of existing research, good practice and policy areas that have consulted with children and young people.

How will we know we are making progress?

We will provide an update on progress in taking forward these strategic actions each year.