Together gives evidence on the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill

Date: 9th December 2020
Category: Incorporation

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Together’s Director, Juliet Harris, delivered Stage 1 evidence to the Equalities and Human Rights Committee, alongside members Who Cares? Scotland, YouthLink Scotland, SCLD and Scottish Youth Parliament.

The evidence session on 26^th November highlighted the broad welcome that the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill has received. Members agreed that making children’s human rights part of the law was a significant first step towards ensuring these rights are protected, respected and fulfilled for all children across Scotland.

Together and its members highlighted some areas where the Bill could be further strengthened. This included ensuring courts and Scottish Government use documents from across the UN treaty bodies to help them interpret children’s human rights - such as General Comments and Concluding Observations; strengthening the Children’s Rights Scheme and a call to place the commencement date on the face of the Bill.

The Bill is due to complete Stage 1 by 22 January 2021. Scottish Government’s commitment is to ensure it passes through all stages by the end of March 2021.

• Read the full transcript here.
• Watch a recording of the evidence session here.
• Read our summary of the key questions and member’s responses here.
• Learn more about how new laws are passed here.