News and stories

ENYA 2023: The role of Children’s Rights Institutions (CRIs) in the protection and promotion of children’s rights

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.

Is incorporation of the UNCRC still worth it? Yes it is.

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.

Stopping child trafficking: what UK and Scottish governments must do now 

The OSCE Special Representative for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings has released new report on trafficking in the UK. Policy Officer Cameron-Wong McDermott explains its recommendations to the UK and Scottish governments.

Commissioner: We need urgent action on UNCRC incorporation, not just words

On the second anniversary of the Scottish Parliament voting for children's rights to be in law, Commissioner Bruce Adamson calls on the next First Minister to make the Bill an urgent priority.

Putting rights into law: a tale of prevarication and delay 

This Human Rights Day, Commissioner Bruce Adamson shares his deep frustration that despite Scottish Government assurances, children still do not have their rights protected in law.

Parliament party banished the nerves  

Our Young Adviser Lewis was really brave when he agreed to compere our 18th birthday at the Scottish Parliament in April. At first, Lewis was ready to pull out, but he went ahead and delivered a fantastic event with jokes, applause, and improvised deviations from the script. Now, Lewis finds himself more confident, taking a lead more often and being able to stand up and be heard. As part of our Human Rights Day celebrations, Lewis writes on overcoming his fears and the benefits of leaping into the unknown. Thank you to Lewis for hosting a fantastic event.

Human rights are under threat: Why we must protect them  

As we launch our new report on the Human Rights Act, Policy Officer Cameron-Wong McDermott writes about the importance of the Human Rights Act and the danger of proposed changes.

Unsure about how to involve children in decision-making? This new guide is for you

As we launch Listen, Engage, Have Fun: Guide On Involving Children in Child Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) and Child Rights Impact Evaluation (CRIE), Information Officer Gillian Munro blogs on the importance of children’s participation.

Moving your body is good for your mind

In the first of our Putting The World To Rights series – where young people blog about issues that matter to them – Farrell, 15, writes about the right to the best possible health, focusing on his love of exercise.