The programme
The Dignity in School programme is creating a range of content for the Hub that is based on our direct work with adults and children in early years and primary schools.
Building on our first year and partnerships with St John’s RC Primary Edinburgh and Stoneywood PS Aberdeen we are now working with clusters of schools in Clackmannanshire and Dundee. A children’s human rights-based approach can:
- Improve relationships
- Improve teaching and learning
- Improve school planning and policies
Use the Dignity in School Hub as a way to follow us in making rights real.
What is human Dignity?
Every human being is important and special. We call this human dignity.
Respect for human dignity means that we should be friendly and kind to others and it is wrong to hurt other people or make them feel bad about themselves.
No matter how others treat you, they never have the right to take away your human dignity.
When you learn what human dignity means to you, you are less likely to accept when other people hurt, discriminate or put someone down.
Why is human dignity at the heart of our work?
All human rights treaties help us understand that: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
When children talk about what enhances their human dignity they talk about playing, having a cuddle, making someone proud, being good at something, helping someone else. They also say that human dignity is undermined when they are left out, shouted at, when they are frightened, hurt or bullied. As we deepen understanding about children’s human rights, both children and adults begin to understand that all children have a right to experiences and relationships which build and bolster their human dignity.
Philosopher Martha Nussbaum says that to understand a life lived with dignity we need to reflect on what the individual is actually able to do and to be. Thinking about the experience of school and learning, when adults and children put human dignity at the heart of everyday experiences we will know we are making rights real.
All about UNCRC Incorporation
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
The UNCRC is a legally-binding international agreement setting out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every child.
It applies to every child from birth to 18, regardless of their race, religion, abilities or family circumstances.
The UNCRC comprises of 54 articles. These articles are universal, unconditional, inherent, inalienable and indivisible.
UNCRC incorporation in Scotland
On 16th March 2021 Scottish Parliament unanimously voted to incorporate the UNCRC into Scots law. Once it has made its way through the legal procedure it will become incorporated into domestic law.
What does this mean?
Incorporation gives more power to the UNCRC. It will empower children to know about their rights and seek redress when their rights are infringed. Implementing the UNCRC will support a culture change in Scotland that ensures children are valued, loved and respected.
When the UNCRC passes into law it will mean that Scottish Government and duty bearers can be taken to court if they fail to uphold the UNCRC.
Begin your Rights Based Journey
This is a simple self-assessment tool that can be used with both adults and children in school to help you discover your strengths and areas that may need a bit more support when it comes to rights-based practice.
The tool involves two questionnaires, one for adults and one for children. It will guide you through how to carry out the questionnaires, how to analyse your results and what your next steps could be as a result.
