Making children’s rights real: Juliet Harris answers Changing our World’s questions

8 May 2025

Our children and young people’s advisory group, Changing our World, sent their burning questions to Juliet Harris, Director of Together (Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights), to learn more about her keynote address and how she will be preparing for Children in Scotland’s Annual Conference later this month. Here's what Juliet had to say:

What are you going to be talking about at the conference?

I’ll be talking about how we’re making sure Scotland’s new children’s rights law brings real change to the lives of babies, children and young people. I’ll be sharing stories that show it needs to be about more than just words - we need action! I’ll also talk about how adults can work with babies, children and young people to make sure their rights are respected every day, everywhere - so that Scotland becomes a place where every baby, child and young person grows up in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding.

Why are you passionate about this subject?

I’m passionate about children’s rights because involving babies, children and young people doesn’t just help them feel valued and included - it helps to make Scotland (and the world!) a better place, shaped by their brilliant ideas. And it’s really fun too!

Do you have any on the day rituals to prepare for presenting a speech?

Before a big presentation, I try to speak with children or young people to see if they have any ideas that could help make it better. I also think about how I’d explain it to someone in my family who doesn’t always understand why children’s rights matter - if I can find a story that helps them get it, I know it’s a good one to share. And on the day itself… I always hold a pen while I speak! I never use it to write but having it in my hand somehow helps me feel a bit less nervous.

Juliet Harris will be presenting a keynote address on making children's rights real at Children in Scotland's Annual Conference on 28-29 May. To join us, please visit our conference hub.