Today, MSPs in the Scottish Parliament voted to pass the UNCRC Incorporation (Scotland) Bill following years of campaigning by children, young people, and human rights defenders. The main purpose of the Bill is to bring the UNCRC into Scots law. You can read more about what the Bill does on the Together (Scotland’s Alliance for Children’s Rights) website.
The Bill passed unanimously, again showing support from across political parties in Scotland for children and young people’s rights.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (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. The UNCRC was drafted in 1989 and is the most widely and rapidly ratified human rights treaty in history. In total, 196 countries have ratified it – including the United Kingdom on 16th December 1991. However, fewer countries have incorporated the UNCRC into their own law. You can read more about the UNCRC on the Children and Young People’s Commissioner for Scotland’s website.
Following the passing of the Bill, Mollie McGoran MSYP, Chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament said:
“The passing of the UNCRC Incorporation Bill is an important step in Scotland’s human rights journey. Whilst there has been challenges, this is a momentous day for the children and young people who have long campaigned for their rights to be respected in law and I want to thank and congratulate everyone who has worked for UNCRC incorporation.
“Decision makers and duty bearers in Scotland must now work towards embedding and respecting children and young people’s rights in every aspect of Scottish life. We want Scotland to be the best place in the world to grow up and this is now an incredible opportunity to make that a reality.”
Together (Scotland’s Alliance for Children’s Rights), live-tweeted the debate in the Scottish Parliament which included a number of MSPs recognising and highlighting the work of children and young people in campaigning for this moment.
MSPs from across Scotland voting to recognise the rights of children and young people in law gives a genuine opportunity for a culture change in how adults act to make rights real for children and young people.
