What Scotland can learn from Nordic countries on children’s rights

Date: 10th August 2026
Category: General measures of implementation

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The UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act came into force in 2024, giving children’s rights greater legal protection. However, the next challenge is making sure these rights lead to real changes in children’s everyday lives.

In this article, Shared Parenting Scotland highlights the importance of protecting children’s relationships with both parents when families separate. Under the UNCRC, children have the right to maintain relationships with both parents, while both parents continue to share responsibility for their upbringing.

Looking at the experiences of other countries can provide useful lessons for Scotland. In Sweden, the experience of incorporating the UNCRC shows that legislation needs to be supported by clear guidance and practical systems. Norway has strengthened children's participation and uses mediation to help reduce conflict between separating parents. Iceland has also taken steps to give children a greater voice in decisions that affect them.

These examples show that passing laws is only the beginning. For children’s rights to make a real difference, children must be listened to in decisions affecting them, parental conflict should be reduced where possible, and practical barriers to maintaining relationships with both parents should be addressed.

Shared Parenting Scotland is calling for stronger leadership on family policy, improvements to the family justice system and practical changes that support shared parenting. It also highlights the need for schools and public services to better understand and apply children’s rights when families separate.

Read more on Shared Parenting Scotland webpage.