Children's Rights
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) applies to everyone under the age of 18. It is an international agreement, ratified by 196 countries, which sets out the rights all children are entitled to. The Convention contains 54 articles covering every aspect of a child’s life, including their civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.
In Scotland, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act strengthens the protection of these rights by embedding them in Scottish law.
CALA is fully committed to ensuring that children’s rights underpin all of our work with and for children and young people.
On this page you will find:
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Tools and resources to share with children and young people.
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Useful guidance, resources and websites to help practitioners implement children’s rights in practice and raise awareness with parents and carers.
Highland Whole Family Wellbeing: The Children’s Rights and Participation Improvement Group are a multi-agency group of practitioners working together to further the incorporation of the UNCRC across organisations. Check out their website to find information, resources and tools.
The UNCRC is a legally-binding international agreement setting out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every child, regardless of their race, religion or abilities. This PDF document is aimed at young people, and describes the Convention in easy to understand language.
The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland has produced a colourful and simplified UNCRC poster. It presents the 42 articles using relatable symbols and easy-to-read language, helping children, young people and adults better understand children’s rights in a clear and engaging way.
The 7 Golden Rules for Participation are a set of principles that anyone working with children and young people can use to support meaningful engagement. They help guide adults in creating opportunities where children and young people feel listened to, respected, included and able to share their views safely and confidently.
The International Play Association (IPA) is an international non-governmental organisation founded in 1961. They have produced a poster designed to help children understand Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The poster uses child-friendly language and is available in a range of different languages.
The UCRC is the fundamental basis for children’s rights in international law. If children are to enjoy all their human rights, it is vital that a broader understanding of the UCRC is developed across the world.
This booklet explains the concepts behind Article 31 of the UNCRC – Children’s Right to Play.
Together (Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights) is an alliance of over 400 NGOs, academics and professionals promoting children’s rights in Scotland.
Their LOIPR highlights key human rights issues and reflects the views and experiences of children and young people.
This resource is aimed at anyone who wants or needs to better understand children’s rights.
The resource provides a broad overview of children’s rights & the many rights-based frameworks & legislation which support them in Scotland & internationally.
Their specialist solicitors focus on children’s rights & child law, helping families understand rights & options safely while influencing long-term policy change.
