Children's tsar plan moves on

The commissioner would protect children's rights

Plans to appoint an independent children's commissioner for Scotland have moved a step closer following agreement among MSPs.

A Bill to establish a so-called children's tsar will be drawn up by the Scottish Parliament's education committee, following a vote in favour of the plan by MSPs.

Wales and Northern Ireland already have an official children's champion.

An independent and publicly funded commissioner would have a duty to promote and protect the rights of children.

The establishment of a commissioner will give a very clear message that all children matter in Scotland

Irene McGugan, SNP MSP

Their work would cover youngsters up to the age of 18, as well as those between 18 and 21 who are in care.

Each commissioner would be in post for between five and 10 years.

They would be responsible for commissioning research and would have investigatory powers.

Failure to comply with their requests for documents or witness statements would be a criminal offence.

Children's opinions

Holyrood's education committee will begin the process of introducing legislation later in the year and, provided it is passed before parliament dissolves for next year's elections, the children's tsar should be in post by the end of 2003.

Committee convener Karen Gillon said it was much better for children's opinions to be expressed through an independent tsar rather than being "sprayed on a wall".

Scottish National Party MSP Irene McGugan said the creation of the role was only slightly less significant than the establishment of the Scottish Parliament.

She said: "The establishment of a commissioner will give a very clear message that all children matter in Scotland, that their human rights are as important as those of adults, and especially that the views of children and young people will be heard and acted upon - something we know is very important to them."