United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - concluding observations 2023: SG initial response - child-friendly version
This report explains how the Scottish Government (SG) is responding to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child’s concluding observations. These were published in 2023. This document will tell you about some of the things we are doing to make things better for children and their families in Scotland
General Measures of Implementation
What we are doing to help children experience their rights.
The UN said…
Scotland should make the UNCRC law as soon as it can.
Scottish Government said…
On 16th July 2024, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act will become law. This means that the Scottish Government and other public authorities must listen to children and protect their rights when making decisions. This includes public authorities like schools, councils, police and health services.
Children can already go directly to public authorities if they are worried about their rights. The Act means that children can now also ask the Scottish courts to help them with these problems too.
What's next?
The UNCRC Act will become law on 16 July 2024. We will make sure that public authorities get support and guidance. This will help them understand the Act and make sure they are following what it says.
The UN said…
Children should be able to make a complaint in a way that works for them.
Scottish Government said…
We want to make sure that children and young people can complain if they feel their rights are not being respected.
What are we doing?
We have given money to The Scottish Public Service Ombudsman (SPSO). The SPSO helps people who are unhappy with services like schools, hospitals, and councils. The SPSO is working with children and young people to make the complaints process easier for children.
What's next?
The SPSO will share the full child-friendly complaints process in April 2024. This is to make it easier for children to complain if they think their rights are not being respected. Public authorities will learn how to follow the child-friendly complaints process and where to get help if they need it.
The UN said…
Scotland should have a plan for telling people about children's rights.
Scottish Government said…
It's important that children, young people, families, and public services know about children's rights. Our goal is to make sure everyone understands and supports children's rights.
What are we doing?
We give money to UNICEF UK for their Rights Respecting School Award (RRSA). This helps schools know more about children rights and make sure everyone feels safe and respected.
We also made a booklet to help families learn more about Children's Rights. We give money to organisations like the Children's Parliament too. This helps them raise awareness with the children they work with.
What's next?
In 2024, we will keep sharing information about children's rights. We'll focus on sharing this information with children and young people who need it most. We will also share this information with parents and families.
Contact
Email: UNCRCIncorporation@gov.scot
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