The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 16 March 2021. It marks the first time the Scottish Parliament has created enforceable domestic law rights by reference to an international treaty.
It will introduce significant changes, including:
- Giving public authorities a legal duty to act compatibly with the UNCRC and with potential impacts for charities and others delivering services to children on behalf of central and local government
- Empowering the Children and Young People's Commissioner in Scotland to take legal action if children's rights are breached
- Empowering courts to strike down past legislation that is incompatible with the UNCRC, and make declarations of incompatibility in relation to future legislation
This session discusses how this Bill will affect charities and the third sector.
