The United Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill has passed stage 2— with a series of amendments made which strengthen the Bill.
We’re really pleased that the Equalities and Human Rights Committee at the Scottish Parliament have amended this Bill:
- to strengthen requirements to communicate to with children in a way they can understand,
- to improve children’s participation in decision making about remedies, and
- by strengthening the interpretation of UNCRC by courts by adding reference to the work of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and other UN Human Rights Treaties.
We’re particularly delighted that the Committee has listened to the powerful arguments made about the importance of this Bill coming into force as soon as possible and put a commencement date of 6 months after royal assent on the face of the Bill!
Bills are proposed laws that are being examined by the Scottish Parliament.
Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) discuss them to decide if they should become law.
More in the Rights questions and answers section
MSP Briefing: UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill – Stage 2
February 2021. Our briefing ahead of Stage 2 debate on UNCRC incorporation highlights the amendments to the Bill which we support and oppose.