The landmark legislation on the rights of the child will officially come into force on 16 July 2024.
We are delighted to publish a comprehensive update on the progress of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) incorporation into Scots Law.
Our latest policy briefing paper includes an update on the implementation of UNCRC into Scots Law and the role of youth work in this process; training opportunities for youth workers wishing to learn more and how incorporation works in practice; and information on next steps for progressing the legislation.
Download our UNCRC Policy Briefing.
The UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 1 September 2020 and was passed unanimously on 16 March 2021, the primary purpose being to bring the UNCRC into Scots law.
The landmark Bill officially received Royal Assent on 16 January 2024 and will come into force on 16 July 2024.
This new policy briefing is aimed at youth workers, policy professionals and elected representatives. It highlights The General Principles[1] of the UNCRC (Articles 2, 3, 6, 12), as the essence of what youth work exists to do. Followed by a focus on particular areas (Articles 28, 29, 31) relevant to our sector, clustered together in the Framework for Children’s Rights Reporting[2], as “Education, Leisure and Culture”.
It acknowledges the unique positioning of youth workers within the heart of our local authorities and across the third sector as advancing the rights of children and young people.
Offering suggestions of what you might want to do now within your organisation/area to continue to support children’s rights and promote the youth work sector as an equal partner in delivery and resourcing during the implementation of the Treaty.