Gary Seath 2 years ago
Forces Children Scotland looks forward to working with Scotland’s new First Minister to amplify the voice of over 12,500 children and young people from armed forces and veteran families.
These children and young people feel seldom-heard and are often overlooked in policy decisions, so it is vital that the new First Minister works with us to listen to their lived experiences.
Decision-makers need to listen to these voices, especially as we look toward the incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots Law.
We signed an open letter to the leadership candidates which called for urgent action on the two-year anniversary of this unanimous, historic decision.
We cannot wait to work with the First Minister to push for the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill to be brought back before the Scottish Parliament as a priority.
“During his campaign, Humza Yousaf focused on committing his time to dealing with the consequences of the cost-of-living crisis and the growing impact of poverty. He also advocated the need for the need to protect, respect and fulfil the rights of everyone in Scotland.
“We welcome any commitment to protect the rights of children and their families to provide the tools they need to thrive in life. While children in armed forces and veteran families often feel a sense of pride in their identity, we cannot take our eyes off the very real implications it can have on their childhood.
“Implications which can serve to disrupt education, routines and friendships, due to the highly mobile lives of many in the armed forces community, that lead to separation from a serving parent during periods of deployment, increased caring responsibilities and much more.
“We look forward to working with the new First Minister to incorporate the UNCRC into Scots Law and to ensure Mr Yousaf hears from children and young people from armed forces and veteran families, to ensure their unique needs are understood.”
Once again, we welcome Humza Yousaf into his new role and look forward to working together for a more inclusive and rights-respecting Scotland.
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