Statements to the media from the Commissioner's office on current issues for the rights of children and young people in Scotland.
Blogs from the Commissioner, young people, staff and civil society.
Media releases issued by the Commissioner's office.
Read selected speeches given by the Commissioner and his staff.
Children’s Commissioner Nicola Killean launched a new illustrated book in Scots on human rights for very young children today. The book was published earlier this year and we are delighted that we now have a Scots edition. All children should be able to access information about their rights in their own language and this book will help teachers to have those first conversations – in Scots – about human rights with young children.
Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland Nicola Killean must make a four-year Strategic Plan to outline what issues the office will focus on. We’re asking children to tell us about important issues to shape our work.
Children and Young People's Commissioner Nicola Killean welcomes the UK Supreme Court judgment on the UK Government's Rwanda plan.
The European Network of Ombudspersons for Children (ENOC) is a collaborative platform for Children's Commissioners from 34 member countries to promote and protect children's rights. In 2023, the annual ENOC conference took place in Brussels, Belgium, where Young Advisor Helen represented Scotland alongside Commissioner Nicola Killean. Young Advisors from across Europe shared recommendations on Visibility, Accessibility, Engagement, and Powers. The adults pledged to take action based on these recommendations. Helen hopes to see tangible results from the conference's recommendations in the future.
Children's Commissioner Nicola Killean is hosting two live assemblies on World Children's Day. Children and young people can find out about rights and help shape our work for the next four years.
Discover a new illustrated Gaelic book on human rights for very young children, titled "A’ Coimhead air ar Còraichean (Let’s Explore Our Rights)," introduced by Children and Young People’s Commissioner, Nicola Killean. This beautifully illustrated book takes little ones on a journey to understand their rights, such as having a safe home, the right to be healthy, learn, and play. It's available in Gaelic and English, and an audio/video version has been recorded. Empower children with knowledge about their rights from an early age. Learn more about this valuable resource that's now available in Gaelic and how it's making an impact.
Children in Scotland who are homeless or seeking asylum must not be housed in unsuitable accommodation such as hotels, hostels, B&Bs, cruise ships or barges because their human rights may be violated, according to a new report by the Children’s Commissioner.
Commissioner Nicola Killean stresses the importance of incorporating the UNCRC into Scots law, emphasising the potential for a transformative culture shift that prioritises children's rights. Nicola delves into the bill's accountability measures and highlights ongoing support from children and young people. Despite concerns, Nicola concludes that the UNCRC (Incorporation) Bill is crucial for promoting and safeguarding children's rights in Scotland.
Children's Commissioner Nicola Killean took part in a conference on children's rights with 80 secondary school pupils from Midlothian.