UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 - part 3: statutory guidance

1. Introduction

This statutory guidance is issued by Scottish Ministers to provide further information on Part 3 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 (‘the UNCRC Act’ or ‘Act’). It fulfils Scottish Ministers’ duty under section 20 of the Act to issue guidance on the reporting duty of listed authorities under Part 3, section 18 of the Act.

This guidance must be read in conjunction with the legislation to which it relates. It is not intended as a substitute for direct reference to the Act itself and its explanatory notes. It should also be read in conjunction with the Part 2 guidance relating to the duties on public authorities under that part of the Act. Interpretation of the Act and its duties will ultimately be for the courts to decide in the event of any proceedings raised before them. If a listed authority is unclear on how to fulfil its section 18 duty, it should seek independent legal advice.

The Act received Royal Assent on 16 January 2024. Section 20 commenced on 31 January 2024 and the remainder of Part 3 of the Act came into force on 16 July 2024.