UNCRC incorporation 'to the max' is right and welcome

22 November 2019

We have responded to the Scottish Government’s announcement on Wednesday that ministers are committed to a ‘maximalist’ approach to incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Amy Woodhouse, our Joint Acting Chief Executive, said:

“We are delighted that the Scottish Government has made a comprehensive commitment to incorporation.

“In our consultation response, we called for full, direct and fast incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots law – and it’s encouraging that this message, made in tandem with so many other rights organisations across Scotland, seem to have been heeded.

“We believe that full incorporation will bring multiple substantive benefits for children, young people and families.

“In terms of the everyday protection of children’s human rights, it is potentially transformative – poverty and inequality being one crucial area where progressing rights could lead to strengthened social justice.

“As Action for Children recently argued (click to read), incorporation will mean young people can hold the government to account by making clear that living in poverty does not respect, protect or fulfil their rights as set out by the UNCRC.

“However it's also important to reiterate that the UNCRC is the minimum standard of rights for children and young people, and incorporation into Scots Law should be seen as a great opportunity for further action to progress children’s rights. The Scottish Government needs to go above and beyond the UNCRC to be recognised as a world leader in human rights.”

“So as we mark the 30^th anniversary of the UNCRC, let’s acknowledge how far we’ve come, look forward to supporting this vision for incorporation, and work to ensure that the Scottish Government delivers on its commitment.”