Scottish government responds to UN children’s rights committee

The Scottish government has published its full response to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child’s list of issues.

The document highlights important differences in approach and opinion on key human and children’s rights issues from the UK Member State’s report, children’s minister Aileen Campbell has announced.

The publication sets out the actions taken to protect and promote children’s rights in Scotland, including “progress made in implementing many of the ground-breaking provisions” in the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014. It also reiterates Scotland’s opposition to the proposed repeal of the Human Rights Act by the UK government.

The response also includes:

The full response comes as the Scottish government launches a consultation on draft guidance to local authorities, health boards and other public bodies relating to duties around children’s rights and children’s services planning.

Ms Campbell said: “Publishing this report not only allows us to make clear Scotland’s different approach to the UK government, but to highlight all that this government has been doing to promote and support children’s rights in recent years.

“This government takes human rights very seriously. That is why this response reiterates our opposition to any attempt by the UK government to repeal the Human Rights Act or to replace it with a ‘British Bill of Rights’. We fundamentally disagree with the UK government’s stance on this issue, and I am pleased that our position on this matter enjoys not just the support of the Scottish Parliament, but also a wide cross-section of Scottish civil society.”

She added: “We made clear our commitment to children’s rights and wellbeing in our Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014. In June 2015, we introduced new duties on all Scottish ministers under the act to take account of children’s rights in developing policies and legislation.

“The draft guidance being consulted on today reflects the extension of duties on children’s rights to public bodies, ensuring the right preventions, safeguards and support is in place.”