The UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 is officially in full effect! This is a historic moment for children’s human rights in Scotland, with key duties under the Act commencing today, 16^th July 2024.

The Act says that people like teachers, police, doctors and community planners amongst others will have a duty to act compatibly with children’s rights.

Children and young people campaigned for incorporation for over a decade, and as we celebrate today, we are reflecting on why incorporation is so important to children and young people as told in their own words.

Members of the Children’s Parliament, aged 9 – 12, shared that:

“If adults obey these rules, then millions of children could have much better lives than at present.”

“I think that children’s rights should be a law because if a kid can’t get their rights, it can ruin their day or even their life.”

“Children’s rights are important because they are essential to make a child’s life liveable.”

“Rights should be part of the culture of life.”

“Please make people follow children’s rights better and make an effort to enforce them in Scotland. Then we will inspire other nations to do the same.”

Children are clear about the importance of their human rights, including their right to be involved in decisions that affect them, whether that be in their own lives, their communities, nationally or internationally:

“Our views are important. We see the world in an imaginative and positive way. We need to be valued for what we can offer the world now as children and not just as citizens to be.”

“Children should have a say in the country they grow up in!”

Past and present Members of the Scottish Youth Parliament have also been clear about what incorporation means to them, and why this change is so important:

Incorporation will mean protections that need to be guaranteed and safety for children and young people. It is easier to look at a written document that says that these are the things I should have, rather than kind of guessing what you think you should have. This is empowering for me as a young person.” Imogen

“Incorporation offers that minimum line under which the standard of living for children young people should not fall below. It’s not just about making sure that children and young people have the best lives possible, but also making sure that they get that bare minimum standard of what a decent life should be. Incorporation will help protection of rights and it will help children and young people know what their rights are and what they are entitled to. Personally, growing up in the east end of Glasgow, I’ve seen so many cases of children and young people who have grown up in poverty, with massively reduced life chances and opportunities just because of where they grew up and the families they were brought up in. Incorporation would equalise that opportunity, level out the playing field and make sure that every child or young person has the same chance to have a good life. It will mean the world to the children and young people in my area.” Suki

“this bill is just the beginning. The culture change aspect is really more important now and what would really put children and young people’s minds and at ease is that they think that adults are respecting their rights  – and that it’s something that’s natural and not just because it’s required by law.” Ellie

On this day of celebration, we want to thank children and young people along with their allies for all of their work to make sure that children’s rights in Scotland are respected, protected and fulfilled.

To see what else children and young people are saying about incorporation, have a look at our Twitter/X @Together_SCAR where we will be sharing quotes from our members who work with children and young people or check out #UNCRCScotland

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