Scottish Government seeks views on children’s rights ahead of new action plan

Child playing with toys - Image credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA

The Scottish Government is seeking views on children’s and young people’s rights ahead of producing a new three-year action plan later this year.

Under the Children and Young People Act, ministers are required to report to the Scottish Parliament every three years on progress in promoting young people’s rights and plans for the next three years.

A consultation opened today on the delivery of a three-year programme to raise awareness of children’s rights across Scottish society, the development of a participation framework for young people and an audit of the most effective ways of embedding the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into law in Scotland.

It also covers plans for an evaluation of how children’s rights and wellbeing are considered in the development of new Scottish Government policy and legislation.

As well as the consultation, the Scottish Government will seek feedback from children and young people directly on the plan for 2018 to 2021.

Children and Young People Minister Maree Todd said: “We want to ensure children’s rights remain at the forefront of decision making which is why we are seeking views on our plans.

“This consultation has been developed following conversations with a number of children and young people, and I am looking forward to hearing from them further on the proposed content and format of the action plan.  

“The measures in the action plan will also ensure that the legacy of this Year of Young People 2018 continues into the future.”

The consultation runs until 26 September 2018.