Extended deadline! Share your views on draft General Comment 27

Date: 27th May 2025
Category: General measures of implementation

---

Together has extended its call on members to contribute to our collective response to the current draft of the General Comment 27.

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child is currently inviting feedback on the draft of General Comment 27, focusing on children’s right to access to justice and to an effective remedy. This is a significant opportunity to influence international standards and ensure children’s voices are heard in justice systems around the world.

We welcome feedback that directly engages with the content of the draft, particularly in relation to how it addresses children’s access to justice and effective remedies in practice.

To support member organisations in contributing, we have now developed three focused questions based on the areas where Together's initial response has not been fully reflected in the draft. We would be grateful if you could share your views on the questions below:

1. Independent Advocacy as a legal right

 The draft General Comment 27 acknowledges the need for supportive adults and legal assistance but does not explicitly endorse a child's statutory right to independent advocacy. 

 Question: Does this go far enough? 

Optional: Why/Why not?

2. Inclusion of babies and toddlers in access to justice

 The draft makes general references to young children but lacks specific guidance on ensuring access to justice for babies and toddlers as well as support for caregivers.

 Question: Does this go far enough? 

Optional: Why/Why not?

3. Co-design of complaints mechanisms with children

 While the draft encourages children's participation, it does not explicitly call for the co-design of complaints mechanisms with children.

 Question: Does this go far enough? 

Optional: Why/Why not?

Please send all inputs/submissions to info@togetherscotland.org.uk

The deadline for submissions is now the 18^th of June 2025

• Read the call for submissions on the draft of general comment No. 27 here.
• Access information for children by Child Rights Connect and UNICEF.
• Access background information about the general comment.