Crichton Conversation with Bruce Adamson

Bruce Adamson
The Open University in Scotland Lecture
Tuesday 18^th January 2022, 7:30pm

What next? Children’s Rights in Scotland

Bruce Adamson is a lawyer with over 20 years of experience in human rights. He has been the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland since 2017, responsible for promoting and safeguarding the rights of children and young people across Scotland.

Prior to his appointment as Commissioner, he was a member of Scotland’s Children’s Panel for 13 years, working directly with children in need of care in protection or in conflict with the law, listening to their experiences and making decisions about their safety and wellbeing. Bruce co-chaired the Rights working group of Scotland’s Independent Care Review and is a former Chair of the Scottish Child Law Centre.

Over the last four years the Commissioner’s office has worked closely with children and young people to secure legislative change in relation to the age of criminal responsibility, comprehensive protection for children from physical punishment, and the incorporation of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child into Scots law. They have undertaken strategic litigation on issues relating to child poverty and care experienced children. They have carried out investigations into restraint and seclusion in schools, and children whose liberty is at risk.

Bruce has been Chairperson of the European Network of Ombudspersons for Children (ENOC), which links 43 independent offices for children from 34 countries across Europe, and continues to serve as a member of ENOC’s Bureau.

Bruce has acted as an international expert for the United Nations, Council of Europe, European Union, OSCE, and during the Covid-19 pandemic has advised the WHO on children’s rights.

Bruce has been a member of international advisory groups on issues such as child human rights defenders, strategic litigation, and reform of the European Court of Human Rights. His research interests include the development and strengthening of Independent Children’s Rights Institutions and the role of national parliaments as human rights guarantors.

Bruce was previously the United Nations representative for the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions.

This is a virtual event, held via Zoom. The virtual doors will open at 7:15pm and the webinar will commence promptly at 7:30pm. To book a place, please contact:

Crichton Foundation, Browne House, Bankend Road, Dumfries DG1 4ZZ

Tel: 01387 702048 or 07871 475930       Email: mail@crichtonfoundation.com

There is no charge to attend although, during these challenging times, you support is vital to allow us to continue to achieve our charitable aims. Donations are always welcome and can be made in the following ways:

The Foundation wishes to thank its sponsor for the lecture, the Open University in Scotland: