SCOTLAND will be the first nation in the UK to enshrine into law a UN convention on children’s rights.

During the Programme for Government announcement, Nicola Sturgeon said the forthcoming bill would be “one of the most ambitious pieces of legislation in the 20-year history of devolution”.

The UNCRC (Incorporation) Bill will, if passed, ensure that the experience of young people and their families and representatives will be consistent across all public services in Scotland.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child – which has 54 separate articles laying out the rights of children throughout their early life – covers the right to play, to be free from violence and to an education, among others.

Delivering the update to the Scottish Parliament yesterday, the First Minister said: “I can confirm that we will shortly introduce one of the most ambitious pieces of legislation in the 20-year history of devolution. We will – to the maximum extent possible – fully and directly incorporate into Scots law the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

“This will mean public authorities – including the Scottish Government – will be required by law to act in ways compatible with the convention’s requirements to recognise, respect and be accountable for the rights of children in what we do.

“The implications of this bill will be profound, far-reaching and long-lasting.”

She added: “It is a commitment that exemplifies the importance this government attaches to the rights, opportunities and future of all our young people.”

The UN’s children’s charity Unicef welcomed the First Minister’s pledge, with chief executive Henrietta Fore saying: “On behalf of Unicef, I congratulate the Scottish Government on its legislative proposal to incorporate the Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots law.

“Now more than ever, as children’s lives are disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic, it’s vital that their rights are upheld ...

I discussed this issue with the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last year and I am delighted to now see this pivotal announcement for the children of Scotland.”

Scotland’s Children’s Commissioner Bruce Adamson also welcomed the announcement, saying: “Rights must be enforceable to be effective and governments are often reluctant to pass laws which allow us to hold them to account.

“Which is why this new bill incorporating the UNCRC into Scots law is so momentous.”

As well as legislation to enshrine the convention in Scots law, the First Minister announced three other bills to be put forward before next year’s election.

This includes the Budget Bill and legislation allowing St Andrews University to provide medical and dental degrees.

The final proposal aims to tackle domestic abuse, allowing emergency orders to be placed on those accused of abuse to protect victims.