Scottish Government reports on its approach to children’s rights during COVID-19

Date: 27th May 2020
Category: Disability, Basic Health and Welfare, Civil Rights and Freedoms, Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities, Family Environment and Alternative Care

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Scottish Government has published two documents on the steps it is taking to promote, protect and respect children’s human rights during the current pandemic. The reports were prepared in response to the statement by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in April which set out 11 recommendations on what governments should do to take a children’s rights-based approach to the crisis.

Broadly, the UN Committee’s recommendations cover:

1. Limiting restrictions on children’s rights
2. The right to rest, leisure, play, cultural life and the arts
3. Online learning and the right to education
4. Access to food, including free school meals
5. Access to basic services including healthcare
6. Child protection, support and services
7. Protecting vulnerable children
8. Protecting children in detention
9. Children in breach of government rules
10. Child-friendly information
11. Children’s participation in decision-making related to the pandemic.

You can find out more about the recommendations on our website here.

Scottish Government’s report from 5^th May 2020 and the update published on 19^th May highlight a range of actions Scottish Government has taken, including provision of additional funding and setting up new support schemes. Scottish Government has committed to give regular updates on its actions while the crisis continues.

Drawing from feedback received from members, Together has produced an analysis of Scottish Government’s responses, welcoming those actions that go some way towards satisfying the UN Committee’s 11 recommendations while also highlighting areas where further work or information is needed.

We will update this analysis on a regular basis to ensure this report provides a framework for action and feedback to Scottish Government in its response to COVID-19. If you are aware of additional issues that should be included, please make a submission here.

• Read Together’s analysis here.
• Read Scottish Government’s report dated 5^th May 2020 here.
• Read Scottish Government’s report dated 19^th May 2020 here.