Kevin Kane, Policy and Research Manager, shares what YouthLink Scotland are up to as we head towards the full incorporation of UNCRC into Scots Law and explains how you can get involved.
YouthLink Scotland’s manifesto #YouthWorkChangesLives published in 2016 called for the ‘”Full incorporation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots Law” and the third sector has been campaigning for this for a long time.
We therefore welcome the recent launch of the Scottish Government’s consultation on incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots law. It is pleasing to see this clear commitment to children and young people. This means that the next few months will be crucial in shaping the early developments on what full incorporation entails for young people and the youth work sector.
As part of the engagement process, we look forward to hosting events during the 12 week formal consultation (closing on Wednesday 14th of August), including facilitating a Scottish Government consultation event for young people and youth workers (more details of which will follow). We will also provide space at one of our policy seminars on the 28th of August to encourage input and reflection on the principles of the UNCRC, the role of youth work and any potential impacts as we move towards incorporation.
All of this is important as incorporation will mean that the rights of children and young people will be integral to law making at all levels of Government. The challenge of full incorporation of the UNCRC and advancing the legacy of the Year of Young People in 2018, will place an expectancy on a range of sectors – including youth work.
Youth work is embedded within numerous policy areas, so this creates an opportunity for the youth work sector and it is why we look forward to working with our members, partners, elected representatives and Government to ensure that the UNCRC is fully incorporated into Scots Law.
If you are a young person or youth worker and enthusiastic about why full incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots Law matters – please tweet @YouthlinkScot your thoughts and join the conversation as we raise awareness and understanding of children’s rights and how the youth work sector can be involved in its development. You can also submit a response to the Scottish Government consultation on the UNCRC which can be found on their website.
If you’d like to discuss the work YouthLink Scotland is doing in relation to the UNCRC, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.