What formal mechanisms are in place to ensure that all ministers involved in children’s policy consistently apply the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child when making decisions and issuing guidance?
Wales was the first country in the UK to enshrine children’s rights in law through The Rights of Children and Young Persons (Wales) Measure 2011. The measure requires all Welsh Ministers to have due regard to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) when exercising any of their functions. The Children’s Rights Scheme is made under section 2 of the Measure and sets out the arrangements Welsh Ministers have made or propose to make for the purpose of securing compliance with the duty.
Children’s Rights Impact Assessments (CRIAs), as part of Integrated Impact Assessments, are the main mechanism Welsh Government uses to help give consideration (due regard) to the UNCRC in developing policies. The Integrated Impact Assessment helps officials to undertake a rounded assessment of the impact of a proposed action, including the social, economic, cultural and environmental effects. Since January 2020, CRIAs are published on the Welsh Government website to promote transparency.