What are human rights?
Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms which everyone is entitled to. We are all entitled to human rights in order to live with dignity.
Human rights demand recognition and respect for the inherent dignity and value of every human being, and provide the shared values and the legal basis to ensure that everyone is protected against abuses which undermine their dignity, and give the opportunities they need to realise their full potential, free from discrimination.
What about children?
Children’s rights are protected under law by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The UNCRC gives rights to children from birth to 18 years and has been ratified by all but 2 of the world’s governments (including our own) and all main religions.
In Scotland we have a Commissioner for Children and Young People (SCCYP) and his job is to protect the rights of children and young people, make sure that children know they have rights and to empower them to take an active role in issues concerning them.
The Scottish Government plan to introduce a Rights of Children and Young People Bill. This Bill will place a duty on Scottish Ministers to take account of children's rights (as expressed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) in everything they do.
How do children learn about their rights?
West Dunbartonshire educational services work in partnership with UNICEF to support schools and early years establishments to become Rights Respecting Schools.
The UNICEF Rights Respecting Schools Awards scheme aims to:
Several of our schools and early years centres are taking part in this scheme. More information can be found at Rights Respecting Schools Award.
