ALBA - SNP GOVERNMENT SET OUT POSITIVE AGENDA FOR YOUTH
The Scottish government have outlined some of its positive policies to promote an agenda for Youth. They were responding to a query from the Celtic League General Secretary, Rhisiart Tal-e-bot.
"Children, Young People and Social Care Directorate Positive Futures Division
14 July 2008
Mr Tal-e-bot
Thank you for your letter of 10th June to the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture. I would like to respond on her behalf.
The Scottish Government recognises that our young people are today's citizens as well as tomorrow's and supports them to be heard locally, nationally and internationally on the issues that are important to them, their families and their communities. With that in mind it was a great pleasure for Scotland to host the 3rd World Youth Conference in 2005, and subsequently to host the Civicus Youth Assembly in Glasgow for the last two years. The Scottish Government has also provided funding to send a delegation of young people from Scotland to the World Congress in Quebec this year. This delegation will proudly represent Scotland's young people, on the international stage, showing them to be successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors.
Your letter specifically asks if Scotland has its own Youth Council. I can tell you that while Scotland does not have a Youth Council, it does have its own Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP). The SYP has been in existence since 1999 and its main aim is to work towards a Scotland in which all young people can realise their potential, are full and active citizens and are able to play a key part in all decisions that affect them. The SYP has 135 Members (MSYPs) who represent 23 of Scotland's Local Authorities. The SYP works to a Committee structure, much the same as the Scottish Parliament itself. It has ten subject committees ranging from Enterprise, Employment and training to External Affairs. MSYPs also meet regularly with the Scottish Government Ministers whose policy areas their committee shadows.
The SYP was also a member of the UK International Representation Committee (UKIRC). This project worked in conjunction wit the UK and other devolved Governments to maximise the impact of the UK representation on international platforms, including the European Youth Forum (EYF). And while the Scottish Youth Parliament is not formally represented on the EYF, it has participated in many events organised by the EYF.
The Scottish Government also works closely with Young Scot (YS), the national youth information and citizenship agency for Scotland to actively engage young people in the Government's work. One current example of how Young Scot is getting young people in Scotland involved in international issues is the Commonwealth Games 2014 legacy consultation. Through online questionnaires, peer-led research and a national discussion day, young people are being asked to think about how they can shape the legacy of the games and the opportunities for international engagement that they will bring.
Another partner that the Scottish Government works closely with is Youthlink, the National agency for youth work in Scotland. One of the aims of Youthlink is to improve provision in local areas, giving youth work providers more opportunities to network, train, share expertise and work together to identify and fill gaps in provision for young people. On an international level, Youthlink are planning to hold a symposium with its members to ascertain how they might develop better links with European and international partners.
You also mention in your letter the report recently published by the Scottish Children's Commissioner to the United Nations. The Commissioners report highlights a number of important issues; it responds to the substantive report on implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in Scotland that the Scottish Government submitted in July 2007. The Government supports the provisions of the UNCRC and are actively considering what steps it can take to ensure better implementation of the Convention in Scotland. The Government will consider the recommendation in this report alongside recommendations from the UN on implementation of the Convention, which are due in the autumn.
I hope this reply is helpful.
Yours sincerely
Claire McGuigan Positive Futures – Young People Children, Young People and Social Care Directorate Area 2-B North, Victoria Quay"
See related article on Celtic News at:
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
03/08/08
■