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

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.

Date: 11th December 2024
Category: Civil Rights and Freedoms, Special protection measures, Child justice system

The Scottish Government has completed a public consultation on proposed changes to the Children’s Hearings System, with a strong emphasis on including the views of children and young people who have experienced the system.

Date: 11th December 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, Disability, Basic Health and Welfare

Organisations across the sector have welcomed the Scottish Government's decision to end the two-child benefit cap, calling it a significant step toward reducing child poverty. In this article we hear from Children in Scotland.

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

The Commission's first annual State of the Nation report to the Scottish Parliament was published on Human Rights Day – 10th December – 2024 and focuses on civil and political rights. Find the report here!

Date: 11th December 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, General principles

A new report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and Save the Children highlights major inequalities in childcare access across England, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the UK Government’s free childcare expansion for poorer families.

Date: 11th December 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, Disability, Basic Health and Welfare

During Homelessness Awareness Week this year, alarming figures reveal a growing crisis in Northern Ireland, with over 5,000 children now living in temporary accommodation—a 99% increase in five years.

Date: 11th December 2024
Category: General measures of implementation

To mark World Children’s Day 2024, Eurochild in collaboration with its 57 members across 31 European countries published a new report titled Children’s Realities in Europe: Progress & Gaps. The report examines how different nations are addressing children’s rights and highlights the diverse realities children face. While some progress has been made, the findings reveal that significant work remains across the UK. In this article, Children’s Rights Alliance for England (CRAE) reflects on the progress needed in England.

Date: 11th December 2024
Category: General measures of implementation

The Australian Centre for Child Rights has been launched to promote and protect the rights of children across the country. Led by 54 Reasons, part of the Save the Children Australia Group, the Centre will serve as a hub for sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices on child rights. It aims to inspire positive change by working with other leading organisations and creating a strong child rights community in Australia.

Date: 11th December 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, General principles

The 2024 State of the World’s Children report from UNICEF explores three major trends that will profoundly affect children’s lives by 2050: demographic changes, the climate and environmental crises, and advances in technology. It urges global action to shape a better future for children based on the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

Date: 11th December 2024
Category: General measures of implementation

Closing Date: 21st February 2025

Date: 9th December 2024
Category: Funding

On Human Rights Day, we are delighted to announce in partnership with Clan ChildLaw that we have been awarded funding from the Independent Human Rights Fund for Scotland, managed by the Corra Foundation. This partnership will support action to realise and defend children’s rights and tackle immediate rights issues affecting children and young people across Scotland.

Date: 6th December 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, Respect for the views of the child, Civil Rights and Freedoms, Violence against children, Disability, Basic Health and Welfare, Family Environment and Alternative Care, Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities, Special protection measures

Over 200 babies, children and young people have shared their powerful stories of what life is like for them. 

Date: 20th November 2024
Category: General measures of implementation

This report provides an update on the delivery of commitments outlined in Scottish Government’s action plan ‘Progressing the human rights of children in Scotland: action plan 2021 to 2024’.

Date: 20th November 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, Child poverty, Childcare

To mark World Children’s Day, Eurochild has published a new report that compiles information gathered from 57 Eurochild members in 31 countries across Europe and provides an overview of children’s realities in these countries. The report aims to identify promising practices, working solutions, and country-specific recommendations for EU decision-makers and national governments. Together worked with Children in Scotland to shape the chapter on developments in Scotland.

Date: 19th November 2024
Category: General measures of implementation

Tickets are now on sale for The Right Start conference on 6th March 2025, hosted by Starcatchers in partnership with Together and Children in Scotland. This will be a day filled with discussion, workshops and talks to learn and celebrate the potential of babies and early years children.

Date: 19th November 2024
Category: Disability, Basic Health and Welfare

New research suggests that UK austerity policies have led to a noticeable increase in babies being born smaller or prematurely in Scotland, particularly in the most socioeconomically deprived areas. Experts believe that cuts to benefits and services are key factors driving these changes.

Date: 19th November 2024
Category: Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities

A new Nordic-style "Open Kindergarten" is being tested in Scotland, with plans for possible expansion across the country. It was launched at a special event in Bonnyrigg, bringing together early childhood experts, local decision-makers, charities, and parents.

Date: 19th November 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, Reporting to and monitoring the UNCRC, Funding

In a recent parliamentary debate, MSPs reviewed findings from the Finance and Public Administration Committee’s inquiry into Scotland’s growing number of commissioner roles, focusing on issues of cost, accountability, and potential overlap.

Date: 19th November 2024
Category: Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities

The Scottish Parliament’s Education, Children and Young People Committee has heard evidence from civil society and NHRIs on the proposed Education (Scotland) Bill. The legislation seeks to replace the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) with a new body, Qualifications Scotland (QS), and create an independent Chief Inspector of Education.

Date: 19th November 2024
Category: Civil Rights and Freedoms, Other human rights treaties and mechanisms

In a joint letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Amnesty International alongside Together and other human rights defenders are calling on the Scottish Government to review the Prevent strategy, raising concerns that it harms human rights in Scotland.