As government unveils roadmap to enshrining UN charter on children’s rights in Scots law, youngsters will have their say
Children will give evidence on new legislation to enshrine a United Nations convention in Scots law.
The Scottish Government announced plans to ensure the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is covered in its Programme for Government outlined in September.
As part of the stage one process of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child( Incorporation )( Scotland) Bill, thee qualities and human rights committee will hold a number of virtual calls with different groups of children.
The calls, which will be hosted by children's organisations, involve speaking to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgen-der( LGBT) young peop le, those who have been in care and people with disabilities among others in sessions with Who Cares? Scotland, LGBT Youth Scotland and the Scottish Commission for Learning Disability.
The legislation, which the Scottish Government aims to pass by the end of the parliamentar y session, will ensure public authorities will have to act in accordance with the convention and uphold the rights enshrined within it.
New powers would also be handed to the Children and Young People' s Commissioner to take cases to court on behalf of a child whose rights may have been infringed.
Committee convener Ruth Maguire said :" This legislation has the potential to transform the way public bodies approach the needs and rights of children and young people in Scotland.
"It is therefore vitally important that we hear from those children who, by reason of ethnicity, gender, religion or disability, are most likely to face discrimination and who may not normally have an opportunity to express their views."
A call has also been issued more generally for views from the wider public.
Meanwhile the Faculty of Advocates has cast doubt on the cost of implementing the legislation .
A financial memorandum published alongside the Bill shows Scottish Government estimates of £2.085 million for the legislation to be implemented over three years. In a submission to the committee, the faculty said the estimates are "likely to be underestimated”.