Incorporation of the UNCRC
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill passed unanimously in the Scottish Parliament in March 2021, meaning the UNCRC will become a part of Scots law.
Child poverty
Growing up in poverty is the biggest human rights issue facing children in Scotland.
Fuel Poverty
Children’s right to an adequate standard of living includes having a warm home and hot nutritious food. Energy insecurity can have a direct impact on the right to life, on physical and mental health, and on education, socialisation and play.
The Right to Food
Access to food is a basic human right, but one that isn’t met for all Scotland’s children and young people.
Mental health
Just like anybody else, children and young people have the right to the best mental health possible.
Climate justice
Climate justice is a human rights issue for children and young people now, and they've told us it should be a priority for our office.
Cross-border placements
Learn about the pressing issue of cross-border placements in Scotland, where children and young people are placed in care settings far from their homes.
Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility
While legislation has passed that will raise Scotland's Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility from 8 to 12, this is still below the minimum acceptable standard of 14.
Equal protection
Equal protection from assault is something our office has been calling for since 2004, and we’re delighted it's now the law in Scotland.
Domestic abuse
Our office has been working on the rights of children who experience domestic abuse for a number of years.