The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024, came into effect on 16 July 2024. This ensures that Children’s rights are legally recognised and protected in Scotland. Public authorities, including the NHS, must respect and uphold these rights in their work.
Watch the following video to hear more about children’s rights in Scotland:
NHS Borders is committed to ensure all babies, children, young people and their families have their rights valued and respected. We want to make children’s rights a reality—every day, in every service. Under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, all children have an explicit right to:
- achieve their developmental potential
- sustain the highest possible standard of health
- appropriate health services to help meet these goals
NHS Borders aims to provide the very best evidence-based practice that supports prevention and treatment opportunities. This includes supporting staff with training and appropriate skills development in the provision of children’s services and providing support to all parents, carers and guardians to make the decisions in the best interest of a child.
In the Scottish Borders, a multi-agency working group — including NHS Borders, Scottish Borders Council, and local organisations — collaborates to protect and promote children's rights.
Find out more about the UNCRC & the collaborated work by following the link: UNCRC | Scottish Borders Council.
Childrens & Young Peoples Comissioner Scotland - UNCRC Poster