Children's rights

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is an international agreement that protects the human rights of children under the age of 18.

The UNCRC was ratified by the UN General Assembly in 1989 and on the 16th December 1991, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland formally agreed to make sure that every child in the UK has all the rights as listed in the convention.

Human rights are guarantees that protect individuals and groups from actions that affect their freedom and human dignity. Human rights are things that everyone is entitled to by simply being a person.

Important articles

The UNCRC contains 54 articles which protect the human rights of children.  In Scottish Borders we are fully committed to the implementation and promotion of the UNCRC.  Most significant to our local activities are the following articles:

• Article 2 - The Convention applies to everyone whatever their race, religion, abilities, whatever they think or say and whatever type of family they come from.
• Article 12 - Children have the right to say what they think should happen when adults are making decisions that affect them and to have their opinions taken into account. 
• Article 23 - Children who have any kind of disability should have special care and support so that they can lead full and independent lives.
• Article 31 - All children have a right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of activities
• Article 42 - The Government should make the Convention known to all parents and children.

UNCRC and the Scottish Borders

The UNCRC influences our local policy and strategy development.  Children's Rights are contained within our Scottish Borders Children and Young People's Service Plan. 

We have recently worked alongside Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People to raise awareness of Children's Rights through activities such as The Right Blether.  We have also worked with the Children's Parliament and Together Scotland.