A Children and Young People’s Rights Approach

The UK signed up to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1991. This international human rights treaty outlines the rights every child deserves. In 2023, the Scottish Parliament passed the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill, which was granted Royal assent in January 2024. This means that most of its provisions have been enforced from 16 July 2024. 

When a Convention is incorporated into Scots law, it has more power to bring about change. This change often occurs through shifts in culture. Additionally, it gains strength because the law can be applied in Scottish courts. Children and young people in Scotland led the campaign for incorporation for more than a decade. They emphasised that enshrining their rights in law was an important demonstration of how Scotland values them.

YTAS is keen to play our role in supporting progress brought about by the UNCRC’s incorporation into Scots Law. While Article 31 of the UNCRC establishes a right to leisure and participation in cultural life and the arts, we concentrate on the wider and more comprehensive role that arts and culture can play in fulfilling the rights of children and young people.

We strongly believe that engaging in a quality experience of arts and culture is crucial for the wellbeing, development, and future success of children and young people. It also contributes significantly to achieving broader educational goals by:

• Providing safe environments for expressing emotions and opinions, as well as developing an understanding of others.
• Building resilience, confidence and overall wellbeing, including mental and physical health.
• Ensuring their right to an education which nurtures their unique personalities, talents and skills.
• Fostering creativity and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for progression towards meaningful employment, and empowering them to become active participants and change-makers in society.

Our research into the Long-Term Impact of Youth Theatre Participation confirms this belief. It identifies six significant impacts that youth theatre involvement can have over time:

1. Increased confidence (or self-belief)
2. Increased emotional intelligence (or ability to empathise with others)
3. Increased resilience (or ability to respond well to stress and/or pressure)
4. Improved teamwork and leadership skills
5. Improved emotional wellbeing
6. Broadened horizons

YTAS integrates a commitment to Children and Young People’s Rights throughout our mission, aims, activities, and outcomes. To ensure we live up to our commitment and goals regarding Children and Young People’s Rights, we regularly evaluate, consult, and research within our sector.

You can find more information about the Rights of Children and Young People, including various useful guides and tools on this topic at:

The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland

Together (the Scottish Alliance for Children’s Rights), of which YTAS is a member.

Children’s and Youth Arts Advocacy, of which YTAS is a lead member.