Next steps for online safety in the UK: 5Rights sets the criteria for legislative action

Date: 26th February 2026
Category: General measures of implementation, Access to appropriate information

The 5Rights Foundation has set out key criteria it says must shape the next phase of online safety legislation as UK Parliament prepares to debate tougher protections for children online. In its Next steps for online safety in the UK briefing, 5Rights urges policymakers to go beyond age-based platform bans.

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Use of stop and search - revised Code of Practice

Date: 26th February 2026
Category: Child justice system, General measures of implementation, Best interests of the child

Closing Date: 5 th May 2026

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Funding available for rent in advance, deposits, ID and removal costs

Date: 26th February 2026
Category: Funding, Child poverty

As part of their work to end homelessness, St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity offers the VRF: fast emergency grants to help people who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless.

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Report: conditioning power: devolved law-making after the Supreme Court’s s.28(7) rulings

Date: 26th February 2026
Category: General measures of implementation

This new report, written by legal and policy experts from England, Scotland and Wales, suggests recent decisions by the UK Supreme Court have introduced new and unexpected constraints on devolved law-making.

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EU anti-poverty strategy report adopted: Civil society welcomes Parliament’s vote but report still leaves many behind

Date: 26th February 2026
Category: Child poverty

After the European Parliament’s call for a comprehensive and adequately funded Strategy, Eurochild and Coalition partners urge the European Commission to ensure its 6 May 2026 launch delivers swift, decisive EU-level action to eradicate poverty and truly leave no one behind.

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How the costs of protecting children accumulate

Date: 26th February 2026
Category: Child poverty, Best interests of the child

Eurochild’s Finnish member Central Union for Child Welfare, releases its second report on child welfare costs which explores the connections between finances and the human experience by gathering real experiences of children and families.

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COP30's aftermath: Failure, confusion and hope

Date: 26th February 2026
Category: Right to a healthy environment

Held at the mouth of the Amazon in Belém, COP30 was billed as a turning point for real climate action. Instead, it delivered a mixed outcome of limited gains, persistent exclusion and a troubling silence on fossil fuels.

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New UNCRC Tribunal Rules Laid

Date: 23rd February 2026
Category: General measures of implementation

The instruments follow judicial review proceedings raised in May 2025 by the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland (CYPCS) against Scottish Ministers concerning the absence of tribunal rules to ensure UNCRC compatibility questions could be formally notified. Following a procedural hearing, Ministers committed to draft, consult on and lay the necessary rules within a specified timetable, and the present instruments arise from that process.

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Religious Observance and UNCRC Amendment Bill: Passed at Stage 3

Date: 19th February 2026
Category: General measures of implementation, Freedom of thought, conscience and religion

The Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament at Stage 3 on 17 February 2026. The Bill covers two main areas: changes to the law on religious observance in schools, and amendments to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 that intend to clarify how that Act operates.

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Latest children's rights news from Scottish Parliament - sign up to our mailing with Dentons

Date: 16th February 2026
Category: General measures of implementation

Scotland’s children’s rights landscape is changing fast. In partnership with Dentons law firm, our weekly Monitoring Report highlights key developments you won’t want to miss. It includes the latest debates in Scottish Parliament, motions, questions, updates on Bills, and upcoming consultations.

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