In North Lanarkshire, 22% of the people are children, age 18 or under. That’s almost 74,000 children and young people.  

Around a quarter of out children (26%) live in poverty. Some children have things in their lives that affect how well they are cared for. Their voices are not always heard. All children have rights that help to make sure they are safe, protected, treated fairly and heard.

It’s important that children, young people and adults understand children's rights and what they are.

The Youth Council's survey

The North Lanarkshire Youth Council carried out research in January 2021 which highlighted that:

• 96% of young people in North Lanarkshire said that they were aware that children and young people have rights.
• 38% said they knew nothing at all about the UNCRC.
• only 7% said they knew a lot.

It’s important that all children and young people know they have rights, what those rights are, and what they can do with them. We are committed to ensuring the protection of children’s rights in their decision-making and service delivery.  

North Lanarkshire Children’s Services Partnership

Following the survey about children’s rights, the young people involved concluded that a campaign around children’s rights was needed.

This action is included in our Children’s Services Plan 2021-23, which is published every 3 years by North Lanarkshire Children’s Services Partnership. The Children’s Services Partnership brings together public bodies, youth representation, and community and voluntary sector representation. Its work is underpinned by the UNCRC.

In North Lanarkshire our ambition is to support all children and young people to realise their potential. To do this we must all ensure all of their rights are upheld all of the time.