Together urges MSPs to remember children on Human Rights Day

Date: 11th December 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, Other human rights treaties and mechanisms

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Ahead of the Scottish Parliament debate on Human Rights Day yesterday, Together provided a briefing for MSPs urging children’s rights to be recognised as human rights, to address constitutional barriers to enable rights to be fully embedded, and to bring back the Human Rights Bill for Scotland.

The debate spotlighted challenges faced by children in education, care, and justice systems and several MSPs voiced their support for bringing back the Human Rights Bill highlighting the Bill’s potential to safeguard those whose rights are disproportionately at risk. 

MSPs also spoke about the progress achieved through the passage of the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act but reflected on the constitutional challenges this had faced. 

The debate underscored the importance of advancing legislation that reflects Scotland's commitment to a progressive human rights framework. However civil society organisations, including Together, are calling for accelerated action to translate these commitments into tangible protections like resolving the constitutional barriers which limit Scottish Parliament’s legislative capacity and working closely with the UK Government to ensure consistent human rights protections apply across all devolved legislation.