The Commissioner’s office has raised concerns over the impact of Scotland’s hotel quarantine policies on children’s human rights.
We’ve also said the Scottish Government should have carried out a Children’s Rights Impact Assessment around these policies.
Since 15 February, everyone entering Scotland from abroad must isolate in a hotel for 10 days.
But this has meant some children haven’t been able to see their parents, where they live in different countries.
And that affects several of their human rights as set out in the UNCRC and the ECHR.
UNCRC Article 10
I have the right to see my family if they live in another country
Head of Advice and Investigations Nick Hobbs said:
“It is legitimate for the Scottish government to seek to protect rights to life and health by acting to restrict the opportunities for the virus to spread, however, restrictions on other human rights, particularly for children, must be necessary, proportionate and time-limited.”
“Managed isolation engages a wide range of children’s rights, including the right to respect for private and family life, and to support when removed from the family environment as well as the right to liberty and freedom of movement.”
“We have raised the issue with the Scottish government and have been assured that they will actively consider providing an exemption to unaccompanied children in respect of managed quarantine.”