In a statement about the launch of the office’s new Strategic Plan, Commissioner Bruce Adamson said: “Children and young people identified key human rights issues for urgent attention including poverty, mental health, education, supporting human rights defenders, particularly those working on climate justice, and making sure their rights are better protected in the law.

“Our focus will remain on children whose rights are most at risk such as care experienced children, disabled children, black and minority ethnic children, children in conflict with the law, or whose liberty is being restricted.

“Incorporation of the UNCRC is the single most important thing Scotland can do to protect children’s human rights. It will give children and their families the ability to seek justice when children’s human rights are breached and will focus the minds of decision-makers on ensuring they deliver on children’s human rights. 

“A key part of this strategic plan over the four years will be ensuring that the new law is passed and fully implemented. New duties on public bodies will provide a framework for our work across Scotland for holding those in power to account and building a strong human rights culture.

“With Covid-19, we have been reprioritising our immediate work as we support children and young people directly negatively affected by the global pandemic. Children and young people whose rights are most at risk due to Covid-19 remain our priority. 

“We are engaging with the emergency legislation enacted at UK level as well as the planned Scottish Bill for tomorrow. Our focus is on ensuring that the rights of children and young people in Scotland are respected, protected and fulfilled by the Scottish Government.”