This year’s report explores how organisations across Scotland have taken a children’s human rights approach in their work. The report highlights case studies where organisations have used the five principles of the children’s human rights approach — embedding, equality and non-discrimination, empowerment, participation, and accountability — to shape good practice and bridge the gap between law and implementation.
Every year, Together publishes the State of Children’s Rights in Scotland report which aims to monitor implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in Scotland. Each report takes a different approach to looking at whether enough is being done to fulfill the human rights of children living in Scotland.
Research for State of Children’s Rights reports is undertaken through a variety of methods, including seminars, surveys, and desk research. We undertake extensive engagement with our membership throughout this process and much of the evidence we collect for the report draws from our members’ work in policy and practice.
This year’s State of Children’s Rights Report is dedicated to exploring case studies of organisations across Scotland taking forward aspects of a children’s human rights approach in their work, in the hope of sharing learning and ideas.
Scotland took the momentous step to incorporate the UNCRC into Scots Law in 2024 – but this, on its own, does not guarantee change. The gap between law and practice can be bridged when organisations and individuals use the five principles of a children’s human rights approach to shape culture, leadership, policies, services and relationships.
The report is designed to be used as a practical and ongoing reference tool. By using the Contents page, readers can navigate directly to areas of interest, whether exploring the principles of a children’s human rights approach, learning from case studies, or accessing reflections and top tips. Case studies span public bodies, third sector organisations and community groups, providing insight into how a children’s human rights approach can look practically in a range of contexts.