Children’s rights and independent advocacy

Date: 20th August 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, Special protection measures, Civil Rights and Freedoms

This article is about children’s right to independent advocacy. Children with mental health issues have a legal right to this service in Scotland. However, CAPS notes that most children can’t access it. The incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots law is an important step forward for children’s rights – it is important that those rights can be realised.

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New Briefing: Lifelong learning and skills reform

Date: 20th August 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities

This latest publication from YouthLink Scotland highlights that Education Reform must deliver changes to the structure and culture of Scottish education with youth work included as a fundamental entitlement for every young person.

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Children’s Commissioner responds to UK Government decision not to abolish two-child benefit cap

Date: 20th August 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, General principles, Family Environment and Alternative Care

The new UK Government has announced a new child poverty taskforce as part of its strategy to tackle the rise in child poverty rates. The new Prime Minister also said he would “consider” scrapping the two-child benefit limit.

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Proposal for new UNCRC Optional Protocol approved

Date: 20th August 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, UNCRC Optional Protocols and General Comments, Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities

The UN Human Rights Council has approved a proposal to draft a new Optional Protocol to the UNCRC that guarantees every child the right to free early childhood, preprimary, and secondary education. Led by Luxembourg, the Dominican Republic, and Sierra Leone, and supported by 46 other countries, this will build on the rights enshrined in the UNCRC which currently ensures free and compulsory primary education.

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Children’s hearing redesign

Date: 20th August 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, Special protection measures

Closing date: 28th October 2024

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An update on progress of our State of Children's Rights Report 2024

Date: 8th August 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, General principles, Reporting to and monitoring the UNCRC

We are excite d to announce that the Engagement Phase for our State of Children’s Rights Report 2024 has come to an end. This marks an important step in the development of the report. We had twelve organisations who participated by facilitating story gathering sessions and engaging children and young people across Scotland in various activities. This is to help inform the report about what life is like for them and changes they would like to see to help them grow happy, healthy and safe in Scotland. Additionally, we made an open call across our social media platforms for children and young people who would like to participate either through an organisation or individually. Overall, we have had contributions from over 150 babies, children and young people!

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UNCRC Act is now in force!

Date: 24th July 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, General principles

Tuesday 16 th July 2024 marked a historic day for children’s rights in Scotland with the commencement of the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024. This landmark legislation puts children’s rights at the heart of Scots law, creating legally binding duties for public authorities.

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Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs responds to joint letter on families affected by imprisonment

Date: 24th July 2024
Category: General measures of implementation, Family Environment and Alternative Care

The Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs has responded to a joint letter coordinated by Families Outside, supported by organisations including Together. The letter called for urgent cross-portfolio recognition and response to the challenges facing families when travelling to visit loved ones in Scottish prisons.

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Early Moments Matter polling briefing

Date: 24th July 2024
Category: Disability, Basic Health and Welfare, General measures of implementation, General principles

Early childhood is a critical time for development, and experiences in the earliest years have an exponential impact on a child's future outcomes. However, this research demonstrates that families up and down the country are not getting the support they need.

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What does the new UK Government have planned for children?

Date: 24th July 2024
Category:

The Labour Party’s manifesto included a range of commitments for children. This article looks at what was said alongside more recent statements. Together will be working closely with our sister organisations across the UK to hold the new UK Government to account.

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