The SNP has welcomed Scottish Parliament passing the historic
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Bill -
incorporating the right of the child into Scots Law.
The UNCRC sets out the specific rights that all children have to
help fulfil their potential, including rights relating to health
and education, leisure and play, fair and equal treatment,
protection from exploitation and the right to be heard.
The Bill has been widely supported by campaign groups, human
rights experts and equality organisations as it strengthens the
rights of children in Scotland.
SNP MSP and Chair of the Scottish Parliament’s Equalities, Human
Rights and Civil Justice Committee Kaukab Stewart marked the
occasion by dedicating a poem to the chamber.
said:
“The incorporation of the UN Convention of the Rights of a Child
into Scots law is a landmark day for Scotland.
“This Bill will ensure that children’s rights are at the heart of
how we fund, design and deliver policy – as well as delivering
the highest protection to children’s rights in the UK.
“As a teacher with decades of experience working with children,
and as chair of the committee which took evidence on the Bill, I
am fully aware of just how vital these additional protections for
children will be.
“Actions such as the passing of this Bill, the baby box, and the
poverty tackling Scottish Child payment show the SNP is
delivering our promise to make Scotland the best place to grow
up.”