CYPCS

“We owe it to children not only listen, but to act”— Commissioner welcomes conclusions of Independent Care Review

CYPCS — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 11:21:56 GMT

Commissioner Bruce Adamson says Scotland must act on what care experienced children have told us after the Independent Care Review published its conclusions on Scotland’s systems of care.

A new report is calling for major changes to the youth justice system in Scotland

CYPCS — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 17:33:00 GMT

Children and Young People’s Commissioner Bruce Adamson has welcomed a groundbreaking new report that argues Scotland’s youth justice system needs reform if it is to be truly rights respecting.

Commissioner: Stop and search research highlights need for human rights-based approach

CYPCS — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 11:00:16 GMT

Children and Young People’s Commissioner Bruce Adamson has stressed the importance of a human rights-based approach to policing after a new report suggested high volumes of stop and search may have damaged perception of Police among Scotland’s young people.

Scottish Government heeds calls to protect children from unlawful restraint and seclusion in schools

CYPCS — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 00:01:00 GMT

Scotland’s most vulnerable children at risk of being restrained and secluded will have greater protection following successful action by the Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland (EHRC) and the Children and Young People’s Commissioner.

Are children in Scotland unlawfully deprived of their liberty? On #HumanRightsDay we’re launching an investigation to find out

CYPCS — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 10:59:23 GMT

On human rights day we're launching an investigation into whether children in Scotland are being unlawfully placed in secure accommodation and so deprived of their liberty.

New toolkit helps children act as human rights defenders

CYPCS — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:09:23 GMT

There's a new toolkit for adults across Scotland who work with children and young people. It explains work already done around child human rights defenders and contains practical activities that will let you carry out a project of your own.

Commissioner welcomes Scottish Government commitment to full and direct UNCRC incorporation

CYPCS — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 13:47:10 GMT

Commissioner Bruce Adamson has warmly welcomed the Scottish Government's 20 November commitment to fully and directly incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Commissioner writes to MSPs on UNCRC incorporation

CYPCS — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 10:50:37 GMT

To mark International Children's Day, the Commissioner has written to all MSPs urging them to ensure the full and direct incorporation of the UNCRC.

The UNCRC turns 30 today— there’s a lot to celebrate, but Scotland’s running out of time to incorporate it

CYPCS — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 00:01:00 GMT

There’s not much time left for Scotland's current Parliament to incorporate the UNCRC. That means our message on the Convention's birthday is both one of celebration and one of urgency.

Rights, Cake and a Birthday Party to remember: Our Young People's Human Rights Gathering 2019

CYPCS — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 15:14:06 GMT

Our office is fresh from the most exciting event in our year: the Young People’s Human Rights Gathering!

Our commitments to children: How are Scotland and the UK doing?

CYPCS — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

How are Scotland and the UK meeting their commitments to children and young people as we approach the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child?

Our Annual Report: A Journal for 2018/19

CYPCS — Wed, 30 Oct 2019 00:01:00 GMT

Our Annual Report for 2018-19 – covering Bruce Adamson’s second year as Commissioner – has been laid before the Scottish Parliament today, and we’re proud to share it with you.

Looked After children and young people and rights to education: Accessing the right to Coordinated Support Plans

CYPCS — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 14:39:57 GMT

For Care Experienced Week, we’d like to focus on the barriers preventing both Looked After children and other children with ASN from accessing their right to CSPs in Scotland.

Commissioner supports urgent action for children deprived of liberty

CYPCS — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 08:09:13 GMT

The Children and Young People’s Commissioner supports the Scottish Human Rights Commission and the UK’s National Preventative Mechanism network’s call for urgent action on children who are deprived of their liberty.

We’ll celebrate rights telling 7-word stories

CYPCS — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 14:38:33 GMT

To celebrate the 30th birthday of the UNCRC we want everyone to talk about why children’s rights matter, in a way that means people of all ages can take part. So we’re asking you to send us 7 word stories about the human rights of children and young people.

Former UN Special Representative on Violence against Children welcomes equal protection in Scotland

CYPCS — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 08:15:39 GMT

Scotland's children have been sent a letter by Marta Santos Pais to mark equal protection's passage through the Scottish Parliament.

Climate change is a human rights issue: Commissioner supports children on #ClimateStrike

CYPCS — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 09:45:29 GMT

Young human rights defenders across Scotland are preparing to join action on the global climate crisis, and they have the support of Children and Young People’s Commissioner Bruce Adamson.

Our human rights in a digital world: Beccie’s experience at the European Network of Young Advisers

CYPCS — Mon, 12 Aug 2019 10:36:00 GMT

14-year-old Beccie White is an ENYA adviser from Scotland and has been working hard on digital rights with our office. Here’s her ENYA story so far.

Full, direct, and urgent: Three key words for incorporating the UNCRC

CYPCS — Wed, 07 Aug 2019 10:28:00 GMT

The Scottish Government is putting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into law. But children need all of it. They need it as written. And they need the process to get started now.

UNCRC Incorporation must be full, direct and urgent: Our response to Scottish Government consultation

CYPCS — Fri, 02 Aug 2019 14:32:23 GMT

The office of the Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland has published our response to the Scottish Government's consultation on incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

A study underpinning raising Scotland’s age of criminal responsibility has won a prestigious award

CYPCS — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 11:55:49 GMT

A study underpinning our evidence around raising Scotland’s minimum age of criminal responsibility has won a prestigious Celebrating Impact Prize from the Economic and Social Research Council.

Commissioner: Mental Health Taskforce recommendations would bring about necessary change

CYPCS — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 13:30:25 GMT

The Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland has welcomed the recommendations of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Taskforce, which were published by the Scottish Government today.

Commissioner responds to Scottish Government statement on child poverty

CYPCS — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 15:49:51 GMT

The Commissioner responds to Scottish Government statement on child poverty

Commissioner supports call for urgent action on child poverty

CYPCS — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 05:35:28 GMT

Today, civil society organisations are calling on the First Minister to commit to key actions around child poverty in Scotland, in a letter which Commissioner Bruce Adamson supports.

Commissioner urges UK Government to end immigration detention of children

CYPCS — Fri, 21 Jun 2019 13:36:38 GMT

This morning our office has written to the Home Secretary Sajid Javid MP to call for the UK Government to end all detention of under-18s for immigration purposes.

Commissioner's statement on Scottish Government response to independent mental health review

CYPCS — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The Commissioner comments on Cabinet Secretary for Justice Humza Yousaf's response to the independent review of mental health support for young people in custody.

An amendment to the Planning Bill means children will be listened to less

CYPCS — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 11:19:46 GMT

As Stage 3 debate of the Planning (Scotland) Bill gets underway at the Scottish Parliament, we’re disappointed at an amendment that seeks to remove the obligation on local authorities to meaningfully involve children when preparing their Local Development Plan.

Scotland's largest teaching union calls for national guidance on restraint and seclusion

CYPCS — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Scotland’s largest teaching union, the EIS, has today called for national guidance on the use of restraint and seclusion in schools.

Scotland is consulting on incorporating the UNCRC. This is the most important thing we can do to protect children’s rights

CYPCS — Wed, 22 May 2019 12:50:31 GMT

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on the most important thing Scotland can do to protect children’s human rights: incorporating the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Statement on HMIPS Inspection Report into YOI Polmont

CYPCS — Tue, 21 May 2019 14:51:28 GMT

Statement from the office on HMIPS's inspection report of YOI Polmont, to which our office contributed as a guest inspector, focusing on the extent to which children’s human rights are respected, protected and fulfilled in the facility.

Holyrood must act now to protect children’s rights

CYPCS — Tue, 07 May 2019 11:08:14 GMT

Commenting in today’s Times, Commissioner Bruce Adamson highlights the urgency of incorporating the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots law.

Two Scottish teenagers are youngest ever to address UN Committee Against Torture

CYPCS — Mon, 06 May 2019 00:01:00 GMT

Two inspiring young human rights defenders from Scotland will address the UN in Geneva today when they give evidence on Scotland’s rights record to the UN Committee Against Torture.

Scottish rights statute set to end thirty year campaign

CYPCS — Mon, 29 Apr 2019 11:32:43 GMT

Children’s Commissioner Bruce Adamson today welcomed Nicola Sturgeon’s commitment to pass new legislation to fully protect the rights of children in Scotland within the next two years.

Children and young people defend our human rights— here are eight ways adults can help them do it

CYPCS — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 00:01:00 GMT

International Officer Kara Brown blogs on the eight recommendations made by young Human Rights Defenders in Promote. Protect. Defend, a report published by our office and laid before the Scottish Parliament.

Promote, Protect, Defend: Young human rights defenders demand those in power support them

CYPCS — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 00:01:00 GMT

A group of young people is demanding greater recognition of human rights in Scotland by calling on adults to make sure children can stand up and challenge decision-makers when they don’t keep their human rights promises.

Commissioner asks Scottish Government to be clear on when child rights become Scots law

CYPCS — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 13:14:09 GMT

Commissioner Bruce Adamson has written to Minister for Children and Young People Maree Todd MSP asking for her to be clear on when and how the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child will be incorporated into Scots law.

Report on children and young people’s mental health echoes young people’s voices

CYPCS — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 13:12:23 GMT

Today, Scotland’s Public Audit and Post-legislative Scrutiny Committee released their Report on children and young people’s mental health — and their suggestions echo what young people themselves have said.

Restraint and Seclusion: Scottish Government response to our Investigation and our reply

CYPCS — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 10:45:59 GMT

Today, we are publishing the Scottish Government’s initial response to our “No Safe Place” investigation report , along with our letter back to the Government.

Coimiseanair na Cloinne a’ cur goireas mòr-chòrdte mu chòraichean air bhog sa Ghàidhlig

CYPCS — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 00:01:00 GMT

Tha Coimiseanair na Cloinne a’ cur air bhog fear de na goireasan as mòr-chòrdte do chloinn mu chòraichean daonna, ann an Gàidhlig an-diugh.

Children’s Commissioner launches popular rights resource in Gaelic

CYPCS — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 00:01:00 GMT

The Children’s Commissioner’s office is launching one of its most popular human rights resources for children in Scots Gaelic today.

Children must be kept safe in no-deal Brexit Britain, UK Commissioners say

CYPCS — Tue, 19 Feb 2019 17:01:00 GMT

A joint letter issued today by the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland with the Children’s Commissioners for Wales, England and Northern Ireland, has been sent to the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union calling for an urgent response on significant issues affecting the safety of children in the case of a no-deal Brexit.

Young human rights defenders on climate strike

CYPCS — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 16:08:33 GMT

Commissioner Bruce Adamson on the young human rights defenders taking part in today's climate strike.

Scotland’s making progress for care experienced people. Here are three ways we need to go further

CYPCS — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 11:53:00 GMT

In this blog for Care Day 2019 , Children and Young People’s Commissioner Bruce Adamson highlights three ways Scotland needs to get better at protecting the human rights of its care experienced citizens.

We pride ourselves on rights but we are failing children

CYPCS — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 11:10:37 GMT

In this article which originally appeared in the Times, Commissioner Bruce Adamson writes on how Scotland's proposed new age of criminal responsibility at 12 falls below international human rights standards.

Defending your human #Right2Food— Scotland’s young people take their food fight to our Parliament

CYPCS — Tue, 22 Jan 2019 15:51:34 GMT

On Thursday, young people from Glasgow are travelling to the Scottish Parliament to demand that those in power listen to their experiences of food poverty— and to act so that their human right to food is met.

“Shout as Loudly As You Can”— young #HumanRightsDefender Clara writes for Children in Scotland Magazine

CYPCS — Tue, 18 Dec 2018 14:31:53 GMT

17-year-old human rights defender Clara Gray writes in this month's Children in Scotland magazine about human rights, listening to young people and her experience travelling to this year's conference of the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children.

Restraint and Seclusion in Scotland’s schools: Commissioner publishes first investigation report

CYPCS — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 01:00:00 GMT

We have published the report of our first formal investigation— into Restraint and Seclusion in Scotland’s Schools. We used the Commissioner’s legal powers to investigate this issue.

Championing rights from a new address: We’ve moved to Bridgeside House

CYPCS — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 00:01:00 GMT

From today we’re based in Bridgeside House at 99 McDonald Road, Edinburgh.

Raise age of criminal responsibility to 16, says independent expert panel on youth justice

CYPCS — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 12:08:34 GMT

An independent enquiry jointly commissioned by our office and Action for Children has recommended raising Scotland’s minimum age of criminal responsibility to 16.

Statement: Court of Session ruling on the Children's Hearings System and ECHR

CYPCS — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 16:03:56 GMT

Commissioner Bruce Adamson's statement on today's decision that the way the children’s hearings system considers brothers and sisters is compatible with Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Incorporation is not just a legal process— it’s a way to take action on poverty

CYPCS — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 15:17:28 GMT

As the Scottish Parliament hears the findings of the UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty, we blog on what incorporation of the UNCRC is one way we can put real legal powers in place here in Scotland to take action against what poverty does to our children.

Statement on the Equality and Human Rights Committee Report on Human Rights and the Scottish Parliament

CYPCS — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 09:15:05 GMT

We welcome the publication of the Equalities and Human Rights Committee report on the role of the Scottish Parliament as a human rights guarantor.

Commissioner and Together present Ministers with draft Children's Rights (Scotland) Bill

CYPCS — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 17:06:26 GMT

The Children and Young People Commissioner and Together (Scottish Alliance for Children's Rights) have presented the Scottish Government with a draft Children's Rights (Scotland) Bill which shows clearly how the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) could be incorporated into Scots law.

Statement on UN Extreme Poverty and Human Rights Expert's visit to Scotland

CYPCS — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 12:06:22 GMT

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, Professor Philip Alston, has today completed his two-week factfinding mission to the United Kingdom to investigate government efforts to eradicate poverty and how this relates to its obligations under human rights law.

Briefing: Detention of children— the human rights issues

CYPCS — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 10:46:50 GMT

Article 37 of the UNCRC states that children who are deprived of their liberty must be treated with humanity and respect for their human dignity. We have produced a briefing on the human rights issues raised by the detention of children.

Promoting equality and respect for all: Commissioner welcomes LGBTI positive education

CYPCS — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 16:22:24 GMT

Commissioner Bruce Adamson has welcomed the news that Scotland will become the first country in the world to have LGBTI inclusive education embedded in the curriculum.

Our annual report for 2017-18 covers our office’s journey

CYPCS — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 16:16:24 GMT

We’re glad to share our Annual Report for 2017-18 covering Commissioner Bruce Adamson’s first year in post, which was laid at Scottish Parliament today.

Getting your views on our draft BSL plan

CYPCS — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 10:37:17 GMT

Our office has produced a draft plan for British Sign Language (BSL) — and we’re looking for feedback from as many people as possible.

Vulnerable children don’t always have human rights respected, warns Commissioner following new report

CYPCS — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 13:47:42 GMT

The human rights of some of Scotland’s vulnerable children aren’t being respected, protected, and fulfilled. "That’s highlighted in Is Scotland Fairer?" A report released today by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

Every care experienced child should be able to have contact with siblings— we must make sure they can do so

CYPCS — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 09:46:37 GMT

Every care experienced child should be able to have meaningful contact with a sibling they want an ongoing relationship with— and they should be properly supported to do so. That’s what we’re saying in our statement to mark the first ever Care Experienced Week .

Let’s Talk Young: Let’s Talk About Mental Health – ENOC 2018

CYPCS — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 14:21:33 GMT

Clara Gray, 16, is one of a group of young people from Scotland who created recommendations around mental health to take to Europe’s Commissioners for Children and Young People. Last month, she went to Paris for the annual conference of the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children, and this is how her experience went.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation says Scotland must take decisive steps to end child poverty. We agree.

CYPCS — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 11:58:44 GMT

The Scottish Government needs to tackle child poverty in a sustained, systemic and human rights-based way. That’s the message of Commissioner Bruce Adamson in endorsing the findings of Poverty in Scotland 2018 , a report released today by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) during Challenge Poverty Week in Scotland.

Children are people too— their rights should be in law

CYPCS — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 15:53:36 GMT

Commissioner Bruce Adamson's message at the first Rhodri Morgan lecture is that children are active members of society: and human rights are a way of making that clear.

Scotland’s National Health Survey includes food insecurity for first time— here’s how to share your experiences

CYPCS — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 13:05:14 GMT

As the 2017 Scottish Health Survey includes questions on food insecurity for the first time, a UK-wide Inquiry wants to hear your experiences of when children haven't had enough food.

Commissioner Bruce Adamson to give first Rhodri Morgan Annual Lecture

CYPCS — Mon, 24 Sep 2018 15:25:01 GMT

Children and Young People’s Commissioner Bruce Adamson will give the first Rhodri Morgan Annual Lecture at the Senedd – the National Assembly of Wales – on Tuesday September 25.

Children and young people can be Human Rights Defenders: This new website explains how

CYPCS — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 11:59:00 GMT

All over Scotland children and young people are protecting and promoting human rights— and we’ve launched a new Rights Defenders website so that more of them feel able to do so.

Commissioner's position on proposed Children (Equal Protection from Assault) (Scotland) Bill

CYPCS — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 10:36:12 GMT

My position is simple. It is never okay to assault a child for the purposes of punishment. That’s why I commend John Finnie for introducing his Member’s Bill to remove the defence of ‘justifiable assault’ from the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003.

Commissioner welcomes broad political support for equal protection as Member’s Bill lodged in Parliament

CYPCS — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 00:01:00 GMT

Commissioner Bruce Adamson has welcomed today’s publication of John Finnie MSP’s Member’s Bill to give children equal protection from assault.

Healthy diets “increasingly unaffordable” for 220,000 of Scotland’s children, says new research

CYPCS — Wed, 05 Sep 2018 12:22:00 GMT

220,000 children in Scotland now live in households where a healthy diet is increasingly unaffordable, according to research published today by the Food Foundation and funded by the Commissioner.

Young people empowering rural communities: Commissioner speaks at international conference in Dumfries

CYPCS — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 11:18:51 GMT

The Commissioner’s giving a keynote speech at an international conference in Dumfries today, as part of this week’s Amaze Me LEADER series of events.

“A significant legal step”— Commissioner welcomes ruling for sibling participation in children's hearings

CYPCS — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 12:00:13 GMT

The Commissioner has welcomed the Court of Session’s ruling that a 14-year-old boy should be able to apply to participate fully in his brother's children's hearing.

The 31st article on the 31st Playday: UK Commissioners celebrate the right to play

CYPCS — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 00:01:00 GMT

For the UK’s 31st National Playday, we’re celebrating all children’s right to play— which is laid out in the 31st article of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In tweets: #ENYA2018 and what needs to change to support young people's mental health

CYPCS — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 12:52:23 GMT

This year's conference of the European Network of Young Advisers illustrated by tweets from the event.

What needs to change around mental health in Scotland? Young people bring their views to Barcelona

CYPCS — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 10:19:25 GMT

Holly and Fergus – two young people who’ve been working with us recently – are on their way to Barcelona to deliver recommendations about mental health to their peers across Europe.

European children’s rights institutions express deep concern over U.S child detention policy

CYPCS — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 12:22:19 GMT

A network of Independent Children’s Rights institutions has expressed deep concerns at the USA’s current ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy.

Speaking up for #HumanRightsDefenders— Parliaments host a DGD Hub

CYPCS — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 15:34:11 GMT

http://www.childrightsconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/DGDHubsGuidelines_EN-1.pdf?x37799

Children and young people take to Parliament to defend what’s right

CYPCS — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 00:01:00 GMT

Superheroes, protectors and guardians dominate this summer’s blockbusters— and today the Scottish Parliament will host its own group of youthful defenders.

The challenges you face, the vision for your future: Commissioner speaks to Perth and Kinross young people

CYPCS — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 08:37:18 GMT

Commissioner Bruce Adamson will speak at Breadalbane Academy today at their Pupil Council’s conference on pupil voice, which pupils from across Perth and Kinross will attend.

“Drive and demand change”— Commissioner travels to Highland Youth Parliament

CYPCS — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 00:02:00 GMT

Commissioner Bruce Adamson’s at the Highland Youth Parliament ’s annual conference today.

On our way to Mallaig: Visiting Lady Lovat Primary School

CYPCS — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 09:08:13 GMT

The Commissioner's travelled to Lady Lovat Primary School today, to get advice from the children who study there and hear their views.

Drawing our rights: 6 pictures from children at Grampian Women's Aid

CYPCS — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 11:06:47 GMT

We've been sent drawings from children that illustrate some of the rights laid out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Helping us work for you: Young advisors lay our revised Strategic Plan

CYPCS — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 12:26:14 GMT

The Young Advisors who helped us create our revised Strategic Plan have helped lay it at the Scottish Parliament today.

It’s the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination— here are 4 links to help tackle racism

CYPCS — Wed, 21 Mar 2018 17:04:16 GMT

Links that may help tackle race discrimination in Scotland.

Meet 11-year-olds Hannah and Cameron— Global Ambassadors to the United Nations

CYPCS — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 08:55:24 GMT

Two Scottish children have travelled to Geneva to help the United Nations plan September’s Day of General Discussion on children’s human rights.

Scotland’s age of criminal responsibility is rising to 12. Now, it needs to go higher than the “absolute minimum” acceptable

CYPCS — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 12:36:14 GMT

The age of criminal responsibility in Scotland is set to rise from 8 to 12— but the Children and Young People’s Commissioner has said it still has further to rise.

How should Scotland’s care and justice system be improved for children and young people? A new enquiry aims to find out

CYPCS — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 08:00:00 GMT

Children and Young People’s Commissioner Bruce Adamson has co-established an enquiry into how well Scotland supports children and young people in trouble.

We’re meeting some of Europe’s most prominent human rights defenders. What do you think we should ask them?

CYPCS — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 13:44:51 GMT

We're meeting some of Europe's most prominent human rights defenders next week— find out how you can get your questions to them.

Free Symbols resource to help children participate

CYPCS — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 12:22:17 GMT

Our office has created a Symbols resource that helps children and young people participate— and we’ll send it for free to anywhere in Scotland.

Blog: Children deprived of their liberty and alternatives to detention— my experience of the European Forum on the Rights of the Child

CYPCS — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 10:55:31 GMT

Our Enquiries Officer blogs about her experience at the 11th European Forum on the Rights of the Child.

Whatever our age, #OurRightsAreHumanRights— 5 universal rights for Human Rights Day

CYPCS — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 00:01:00 GMT

To celebrate #HumanRightsDay, we've put together a list of five of the many rights all human beings have, whatever age we are.

Commissioner becomes Champion of smoke-free spaces for children

CYPCS — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 00:01:00 GMT

Back in stock: Free resources on young people's human rights

CYPCS — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 10:14:09 GMT

Our office's free resources around children and young people’s rights are back in stock— and we’ll send them for free to anywhere in Scotland.

Make it clear this human rights day— #OurRightsAreHumanRights

CYPCS — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 13:01:10 GMT

Human rights apply to everyone— and we’re asking children and young people to help us make this clear.

Commissioner welcomes ScotRail ban on rights-breaching devices

CYPCS — Sat, 18 Nov 2017 10:42:19 GMT

The Commissioner has welcomed news that ScotRail has banned the use of mosquito devices at stations.

Young people gather in Linlithgow for human rights weekend

CYPCS — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 10:57:14 GMT

Our office is running a three-day workshop with over 50 children and young people from around Scotland to ensure their priorities are included in the Commissioner's forthcoming strategic plan.

Five priorities for tackling prejudice-based bullying in Scotland’s schools

CYPCS — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 15:06:55 GMT

The Commissioner’s office has outlined our top 5 priorities for tackling prejudice-based bullying and harassment against children and young people in Scottish schools.

It's #NotAFavour to give cigarettes to young people

CYPCS — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 14:26:00 GMT

The Commissioner has lent his voice to ASH Scotland's #NotAFavour campaign, which reminds Scots that giving cigarettes to young people isn't doing them a favour.

Benefits changes will push too many children into poverty, Commissioners say

CYPCS — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 09:49:16 GMT

Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland Bruce Adamson – together with the other three UK Children’s Commissioners – has today called on the Chancellor to reverse changes to the benefits system.

Commissioners raise concern on the impact of Brexit on children

CYPCS — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 11:17:00 GMT

A network of Children’s Commissioners and children’s rights institutions have issued a joint letter raising concern around how Brexit will impact on children and children’s rights.

Five things we're proud of in our 2016/17 annual report

CYPCS — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 00:01:00 GMT

Today we publish our 2016/17 annual report, which covers the last year of Tam Baillie's time as Commissioner.

Three ways the BSL National Plan can help young signers realise their rights

CYPCS — Tue, 24 Oct 2017 10:04:57 GMT

Today, the Scottish Government launches its BSL National Plan, which sets out the actions it aims to take to make Scotland a better place for those whose first or preferred language is British Sign Language (BSL).

Commissioner welcomes backing for equal protection of children

CYPCS — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 17:12:28 GMT

The Commissioner has welcomed the news that the Scottish Government and Scottish Labour Party have backed proposals to give children equal protection from assault to adults under Scots law.

It’s National Care Leavers’ Week— these are your rights to care

CYPCS — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 00:01:00 GMT

For National Care Leavers' Week, access resources we've produced around your rights to care.

For #WorldFoodDay, your right to food explained

CYPCS — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 15:07:27 GMT

Today is World Food Day, when organisations around the world help raise awareness of the need to ensure food security and nutritious diets for everyone on Earth.

Brexit threat to legal rights of 1 in 10 children, report finds

CYPCS — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 10:26:49 GMT

The Commissioner has stressed children’s rights must be UK politicians’ priority in the Brexit process, as a report finds 1 in 10 children could risk losing significant protections in relation to cross-border family law.

Take decisive action and ban Mosquito devices, Commissioner urges Scottish Government

CYPCS — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 08:41:19 GMT

The Commissioner has demanded the Scottish Government take action to outlaw Mosquito devices in Scotland.

Order new resources to help teach children’s human rights

CYPCS — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 11:23:55 GMT

Our office has produced new, free resources around children and young people’s rights— and we’ll send them for free to anywhere in Scotland.

What to know about your right to know

CYPCS — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 12:59:30 GMT

Today is International Right to Know Day , when the world celebrates our right of access to information.

Tell us your views for our Strategic Plan review

CYPCS — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 09:52:43 GMT

We’re reviewing our Strategic Plan— and we’d like to hear your views as part of the process.

Making good on our promises— the UK Universal Periodic Review and children’s human rights in Scotland

CYPCS — Thu, 21 Sep 2017 00:01:00 GMT

Today, the UK Government is set to face significant condemnation at the United Nations over its failure to support more than 100 human rights recommendations made through the UK Universal Periodic Review (UPR).

Important to be informed: The 21st ENOC Conference gets underway

CYPCS — Tue, 19 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Children’s Commissioners from across Europe are meeting in Helsinki today as the 21st ENOC Conference gets underway.

Stop excluding children from Brexit dialogue, Commissioner and Scottish children’s sector groups tell UK parliamentarians

CYPCS — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 08:15:24 GMT

Children must be heard and their views sought on Brexit, representatives from Scotland’s children’s sector and the Children & Young People’s Commissioner will tell parliamentarians at a special event at Westminster today.

Mosquito devices and human rights: a rights-based approach to protecting young people

CYPCS — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 09:47:51 GMT

A human rights-based approach for the protection of young people moved a step closer last week in a meeting at the Scottish Parliament.

16-18-year-olds: Tell us what to do— influence and inspire our Strategic Plan review

CYPCS — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 12:35:34 GMT

The Commissioner’s office is reviewing our Strategic Plan— and we’re looking for six Young Advisers to help us shape the process.

Welcome to our office: Nick Hobbs, Head of Advice and Investigations

CYPCS — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 09:36:54 GMT

We’ve been glad to welcome Nick Hobbs to our office, who joins our team in the new role of Head of Advice and Investigations.

Position statement: The use of Mosquito devices in Scotland

CYPCS — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 17:16:00 GMT

The Commissioner has published a position statement that calls for Mosquito devices in Scotland to be banned.

Holiday hunger is a human rights issue— Scotland’s children have the right to food

CYPCS — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 13:33:54 GMT

Our Head of Policy Máire McCormack writes about children from low-income families going hungry during the school holidays.

“Bullying cuts to heart of human rights of children”— Commissioner responds to Parliament report

CYPCS — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 12:27:41 GMT

The Commissioner has responded to a new report from the Equalities and Human Rights Committee at the Scottish Parliament which raises serious concern about prejudice-based bullying in Scotland.

Evidence: The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill

CYPCS — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Our office is giving evidence around the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament's Justice Committee from 10am today.

Commissioner welcomes call to teach LGBTI issues in schools

CYPCS — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 11:13:01 GMT

The Commissioner has welcomed the news that Scotland's largest teaching union has backed calls for LGBTI issues to be taught in schools.

Free CPD sessions to improve your understanding of sectarianism in Scotland

CYPCS — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 11:00:03 GMT

Sense Over Sectarianism and YouthLink Scotland are offering free continuing professional development sessions around resources exploring sectarianism in Scotland.

Announcing the winners of the baby blether prize draw

CYPCS — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 13:45:49 GMT

We're happy to announce the winners of our baby blether prize draw.

Commissioner's briefing on Child Poverty (Scotland) Bill

CYPCS — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The Commissioner's office has produced a briefing ahead of a debate on the Child Poverty (Scotland) Bill.

Designed with children and young people, for children and young people— launching our new-look office

CYPCS — Wed, 24 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, we invited children and young people from Edinburgh and Blantyre to the opening of the Commissioner's new-look office.

Feeling affected by events in the news

CYPCS — Tue, 23 May 2017 08:49:39 GMT

Links that may help if you're feeling affected by the recent events in the news.

Bruce Adamson becomes new Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland

CYPCS — Thu, 18 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Bruce Adamson has begun work as the third Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland.

New resources around your rights to care

CYPCS — Tue, 16 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Who Cares? Scotland and the Commissioner have launched a selection of resources aimed at helping care experienced young people understand their rights to care.

MSP briefing on petition PE01548: National guidance on restraint and seclusion in schools

CYPCS — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 07:39:00 GMT

The Commissioner’s office and ENABLE Scotland have produced an MSP Briefing around petition PE01548: National Guidance on Restraint and Seclusion in Schools.

Your rights in Lego: 5 children's rights built out of blocks

CYPCS — Mon, 20 Mar 2017 14:48:20 GMT

See Lego models about children's rights built by pupils from Clermiston Primary School.

Parliament to nominate Bruce Adamson as new Children’s Commissioner

CYPCS — Fri, 10 Mar 2017 09:44:20 GMT

The Scottish Parliament will next week be invited to nominate Bruce Adamson to Her Majesty the Queen for appointment as the new Commissioner for Children and Young People in Scotland.

New report: How are Scotland's young carers #CopingWithCaring?

CYPCS — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 08:47:00 GMT

A new study published by the Commissioner today explores the mental health and wellbeing of young carers in Scotland— and reveals that more than one in four are doing the caring on their own.

Statement from the Children and Young People’s Commissioner’s Office

CYPCS — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 17:30:44 GMT

The Commissioner's office has released a statement following the Deputy First Minister’s statement on Tuesday 31 January that he will not create a new statutory power for teachers to search pupils for weapons in school.

Blog: Children, food insecurity and the Right to Food

CYPCS — Wed, 14 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Elli Kontorravdis is Policy and Campaigns Manager at Nourish Scotland. In this blog, she looks at the impact food insecurity has had on Scotland's children.

These videos explore what Scotland's young people think about mental health

CYPCS — Mon, 12 Dec 2016 09:37:00 GMT

Two new films have been launched exploring how young people think mental health issues affect equal opportunities in education.

New Symbols resource to help children know their rights

CYPCS — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT

The Children’s Commissioners of Scotland, England and Wales have joined forces to produce a new version of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

This booklet helps children and young people understand why their rights matter

CYPCS — Tue, 15 Nov 2016 14:04:38 GMT

Our office currently has several free copies of a booklet explaining the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to children and young people.

Watch: Young people from six countries explain what matters in education

CYPCS — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 12:40:45 GMT

Young people from six European countries have produced a film about equal opportunities in education— and the barriers that get in their way.

Young people to talk to Commissioner about how mental health impacts their education

CYPCS — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 10:25:04 GMT

Young people from East Ayrshire are meeting the Commissioner today to talk about how mental health impacts their education.

The right approach: Scotland’s Charter for a Tobacco-free Generation

CYPCS — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 11:16:30 GMT

Connie Bennett is Development Officer at ASH Scotland. In this blog for us, she explains why protecting children from the effects second-hand smoke matters from a rights perspective.

How complex healthcare needs can be met in Scotland's schools

CYPCS — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 14:08:00 GMT

The Scottish Government is currently reviewing its guidance on meeting healthcare needs in schools. We’ve produced a briefing around what we think the new guidance should include.

Child refugees are suffering. Our governments must take action now

CYPCS — Wed, 15 Jun 2016 14:12:24 GMT

Máire McCormack is Head of Policy in the Commissioner’s office. In this article, she looks at what the UK Government’s done for Europe’s unaccompanied minors— and the measures which it still has to take.

Blog: Young voices spoke up at the UN— now, we must make sure that we’re heard

CYPCS — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 10:32:32 GMT

Ewan McCall MSYP is a Trustee of the Scottish Youth Parliament. Recently, he attended the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child’s assessment of how well the UK’s governments uphold the rights of children and young people. In this blog, he talks about his experiences on the day.

Blog: “We need to continue to speak up for our rights, and hold decision makers to account”

CYPCS — Mon, 23 May 2016 09:54:06 GMT

Ewan McCall MSYP is a Trustee of the Scottish Youth Parliament. This week, he’s heading to Geneva for a UN assessment of how well the UK’s governments uphold the rights of children and young people.

4 links that can help on Eating Disorders Awareness Week

CYPCS — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 15:55:00 GMT

This week is Eating Disorders Awareness Week, which aims to raise awareness of the conditions and their physical, mental and social impacts.

Affected by alcohol? Here’s how your rights can help

CYPCS — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 13:23:53 GMT

This week – the 16th to the 22nd of November – is Alcohol Awareness Week. It’s a time to think about the effects that alcohol can have, on both the people who drink it and those who their drinking impacts.

4 great videos that explain your rights at court

CYPCS — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 14:03:30 GMT

Going to court or a hearing can be a challenging thing, but these videos show how your rights can help.

Children’s health and welfare up in smoke

CYPCS — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 14:39:41 GMT

David Robertson is Partnerships Development Lead at ASH Scotland. In his blog for us, he discusses the economic effects that smoking has on children.

Child poverty has no place in a fairer Scotland

CYPCS — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 14:04:31 GMT

Carla McCormack is Policy and Parliamentary Officer for The Poverty Alliance. In her blog for Challenge Poverty Week, she focuses on steps that can be taken in Scotland to improve the lives of children and families living in poverty.

UN endorses statement on violence against children

CYPCS — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 13:21:06 GMT

The United Nations have endorsed recommendations put forward by the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children (ENOC) on tackling violence against children in Europe.

Putting children and young people first

CYPCS — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 23:00:00 GMT

Our name – like our work – now starts with children and young people.

The past, present and future of child poverty in Scotland

CYPCS — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 10:11:57 GMT

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be running a short series of blogs on child poverty in Scotland from voices across the children’s sector. In this first piece, our Head of Policy Máire McCormack gives an overview of the past, present and possible future of the issue.

Votes at 16 pass into Scots law

CYPCS — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 10:53:58 GMT

16 and 17 year olds in Scotland will be able to vote in elections from next year as the Scottish Elections (Reduction of Voting Age) Act 2015 received Royal Assent on 24 July.

NGOs report on UK’s rights record

CYPCS — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 15:11:48 GMT

A report on the UK Government’s compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child signed by 66 non-government organisations was submitted to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child on 1 July.

UK Children’s Commissioners urge UK Government to protect children from austerity measures

CYPCS — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 08:38:32 GMT

All four UK Children’s Commissioners have called on the UK Government to stop making cuts to benefits and welfare reforms, in order to protect children from the impact of its austerity measures.

Five rights issues for professional youth footballers

CYPCS — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 11:43:11 GMT

The rights of talented young footballers aren’t always considered when they sign with a professional club, according to a new report from Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People.

Golden Rules: Symbol resource launched

CYPCS — Wed, 27 May 2015 08:31:00 GMT

The Commissioner has launched a new version of his 7 Golden Rules for Participation resource that will allow more of Scotland’s children to communicate about what participation means to them.

Europe’s Commissioners express “deep concern” over migrant tragedies

CYPCS — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 10:34:41 GMT

The European Network of Ombudspersons for Children has expressed deep concern and grief at the continued loss of life of migrants in the Mediterranean Sea.

What the Education (Scotland) Bill means for children’s rights

CYPCS — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 09:58:05 GMT

The Education (Scotland) Bill was introduced to Parliament on 23 March 2015. It aims to change a number of things about the educational experience for children and young people in Scotland.

Commissioners receive response from Joint Committee on Human Rights

CYPCS — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 10:43:55 GMT

The Children’s Commissioners of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have received a response to their co-written letter to the UK Government’s Joint Committee on Human Rights.

Corporate parenting: what it is and why it matters

CYPCS — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 10:25:52 GMT

With Scotland's looked after children and young people getting several new corporate parents from April, we have a look at what the concept's about.