Written by Together (Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights) Director, Juliet Harris

Today, on World Children’s Day, we celebrate a historic moment for Scotland: the first World Children’s Day since the incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots law through the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024. This milestone reflects the culmination of years of effort by generations of children and young people who campaigned relentlessly for their human rights to be recognised in law. They have shown us, time and again, what it means to be human rights defenders.

From the earliest stages of the #UNCRCScotland campaign, children and young people across Scotland led the way. They shared their experiences, stood up against injustices, and advocated for a better world. Their courage and determination have shaped Scotland’s journey to becoming a place where all babies, children, and young people can grow up with their rights respected, protected, and fulfilled. 

But our work doesn’t stop here. The value of the UNCRC lies not just in its incorporation into law but in how it transforms lives. Together with our members, we are committed to ensuring that the ambition of the Act becomes a reality for every baby, child, and young person across Scotland. This means tackling Scotland’s #RightsOnTrack “to-do list,” addressing the many issues raised by children and young people—from tackling the climate emergency and mental health crisis to securing access to justice and addressing poverty. 

World Children’s Day is also a moment to remember that children’s rights are global. Children and young people around the world are standing up as human rights defenders, calling for dignity, equality, and respect for all. It is their courage and vision that inspire us to keep going, even in challenging times. The international human rights framework reminds us that we are stronger when we work together—across borders, cultures, and generations—to create a better world now and for the future. 

Today, we also want to acknowledge the incredible contributions of Together’s membership. Whether you’re a volunteer, youth worker, CEO, policy officer, or part of a large national charity or a small local organisation working in rural or urban communities, your commitment to embedding children’s rights into everything you do is extraordinary. Scotland’s progress toward becoming a nation that respects and protects children’s rights would not be possible without your dedication, creativity, and tireless efforts. 

We also recognise the work of government officials and politicians who are championing children’s rights. While there is still much to be done to ensure that children’s rights are at the heart of decision-making, we welcome the steps already taken and the collaborative spirit many have shown. 

But most importantly, and above all, we want to thank the babies, children, and young people who inspire us every day with their actions, ideas, and determination to make a better world for themselves and others. 

As we celebrate, let us also commit to action. Only by working together can we ensure that children’s human rights are not just recognised in law but become a lived reality. Together, let’s make Scotland a place where every baby, child, and young person grows up in an atmosphere of happiness, love, and understanding.

Sign-Up and Become a Together Member (Individual or Organisational)

• Would you like to find out further information about joining Together’s Membership?  Then visit our website page ‘Become a Member’ for further information.

#RightsOnTrack

• Our #RightsOnTrack campaign will provide you more about our campaign and register to our mailing list.

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