Scotland has become the first nation of the UK to incorporate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into domestic law.
The Convention comes into effect today (Tues 16th July), and grants everyone under the age of 18 a comprehensive set of rights – to health, education, family life, play and recreation, and protection from abuse and harm – and sets a legal requirement for public authorities to comply with them.
This landmark legislation also means that the views of children and young people must be taken into consideration in decisions which affect them.
Bertie Summers, one of two Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament (MSYPs) for Shetland, said: “Both Joe (Smith) and I are very pleased to see that the rights of children and young people will be taken more seriously. We feel that that young people will now be more able to express their views and concerns on matters affecting them.”
“We’re asking young Shetlanders to design new logos related to the UNCRC articles, that reflect the rights young people now have locally. More details are available on the social media pages of the Council’s Youth and Employability Service.”
Emma Macdonald, Leader of Shetland Islands Council said: “As a local authority, we are always mindful that our children are our future, and work to support and protect them in everything we do. The UNCRC now places a legal responsibility on us as a local authority to put children’s rights right at the very heart of our decision-making, and we welcome the incorporation of the Convention.”
Details of the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 can be found here