Amendments to legislation incorporating the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child will deliver a clear, coherent and workable Bill that provides some valuable protections for the rights of children in Scotland.
The UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill was passed unanimously by the Scottish Parliament in 2021 but certain provisions within it were later ruled outwith the parliament’s legislative competence at the Supreme Court.
The Bill requires all Scotland’s public authorities to take proactive steps to protect children’s rights and gives children, young people and their representatives a new ability to use the courts to enforce their rights.
Changes will be brought forward after the parliamentary recess which will mean public authorities will only be required to comply with the UNCRC requirements when delivering duties under powers in an act of the Scottish Parliament.