Scotland to incorporate UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Scotland will become the first UK nation to incorporate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and put children's rights at the heart of decision making when the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act comes into force on Tuesday.  

The UNCRC Act requires public authorities to protect children's human rights in their decision-making and to ensure children and young people are at the heart of decisions which affect them.  

The Act will also support children to have the confidence and skills to influence decisions around them and enable children, young people and their representatives to use the courts to enforce their rights. 

Minister for Children and Young People Natalie Don said: 

“We want all young people to grow up loved, safe and happy and the UNCRC Act aims to do just that, ensuring young people have a voice and that their needs are met.  

“The Act coming into force on Tuesday is a landmark moment for children's rights in Scotland and I'm proud to be incorporating the UNCRC into law.”