Call to silence ‘mosquito’
MSP backs campaign
Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse MSP Christina Mckelvie has called for a ban on the controversial‘mosquito device’ at Hamilton Central train station.
As reported in the Advertiser, a war of words erupted over the use of the controversial anti-loitering device at the station back in July.
Its installation came after increasing reports of anti-social behaviour and youth disorder in the area, with the station being dubbed the “worst in Scotland” after being overrun by teenage gangs.
Ms Mckelvie met with The Children and Young People’s Commissioner for Scotland, Bruce Adamson, and chairperson of the Scottish Youth Parliament, Amy Lee Fraioli MSYP, to discuss the ongoing protection of children and young people in Scotland last week.
On the agenda was the topic of the mosquito device. The device has received widespread condemnation from the Youth Parliament, who argue the devices breach the human rights of young people.
Ms Mckelvie said: “The Scottish Youth Parliament and the Children and Young People’s Commissioner are at the forefront in the protection of the rights of the child in Scotland.
“Central to our discussions was the mosquito device at Hamilton Central train station – which I have been a vocal opponent of.
“The Youth Parliament has done great work in calling for the mosquito device to be banned and I am happy to strongly support their campaign.
“The recent Programme for Government has reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to human rights and the rights of the child.
“I look forward to continuing this close relationship with the Scottish Youth Parliament and the Children and Young People’s Commissioner as we entrench further the protections and human people.”
Ms Fraioli was delighted to have the local politician’s support. She said: “I was delighted for the opportunity to meet with Ms Mckelvie alongside Mr Adamson to discuss the use of mosquito devices, which are essentially torture devices targeting those aged 25 and under.
“Taking such measures in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour does nothing to address the root cause of the problem.
“All it does is send a message to all young people that their presence in a public space is not welcome.
“This is neither helpful, constructive.”
Children and rights of our Young young nor People’s Commissioner for Scotland, Mr Adamson, added: “The use of mosquito devices to disperse children and young people from our public spaces is disproportionate and degrading and is a breach of their human rights.
“I fully support the Scottish Youth Parliament’s campaign to have the mosquito banned in Scotland and I’m pleased that Ms Mckelvie has lent her public support to this.
“Amy Lee Fraioli and her peers at SYP are taking on this issue with passion and commitment and the Scottish Government and our public bodies need to listen to them and, more importantly, act upon the views of Scotland’s children and young people.”