Scotland: Children’s rights enshrined in law in historic passing of Bill

MSPs voted unanimously for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill to become law on 16 March, which means that public authorities will be bound by law to uphold the rights of children and young people under the age of 18 - and children, young people and their representatives will be able to go to court to enforce their rights.

To mark the landmark ruling, the Scottish Government buildings of St Andrew’s House and Victoria Quay in Edinburgh, along with the SSE Hydro in Glasgow, are being lit up in the Unicef colours of blue and white from 16 to 18 March.

The Bill will commence six months from Royal Assent, signalling a culture shift that has the potential to transform children’s lives in Scotland.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon previously described the Bill as ‘one of the most ambitious pieces of legislation in the 20-year history of devolution’.

Speaking prior to the Bill being passed, deputy first minister John Swinney said, ‘This legislation will transform how we listen to children and take their rights into account. It will put children’s voices at the heart of decision-making that affects their lives and it will require public authorities to comply with children’s rights.

‘I am proud that Scotland stands to be the first nation in the UK to fully and directly incorporate the UNCRC into domestic law, to the maximum extent possible within the powers of the Scottish Parliament.’

Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association, said, ‘The passing of the UNCRC incorporation Bill represents a historic landmark for children’s rights in Scotland. The fact that the legislation had cross party support shows the level of commitment across the political spectrum.

‘Early learning and childcare providers like nurseries have a strong history of focussing on children’s rights and getting the best outcomes for the children in their care. At NDNA our quality vision is strongly founded in the UNCRC articles already. Throughout the pandemic, early years settings have supported children and families and we’re proud of everything nurseries do to support children’s development in their earliest years.

‘As we move forward with roll-out and implementation of the new law, NDNA Scotland will be focussing on supporting members with any new requirements and translating this into nurseries’ policies and procedures but also day to day practice.’