Islands Resilience Fund: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA)

Conclusion

7. As a result of the evidence gathered and analysed against all UNCRC requirements, what is the potential overall impact of this proposal on children’s rights?

Whilst there is no direct impact from the fund on children, the economic support provided will indirectly benefit them by supporting local economies.

8. If you have identified a positive impact on children’s rights, please describe below how the proposal will protect, respect, and fulfil children’s rights in Scotland.

The Scottish Government's Islands Resilience Fund has a generally positive, though largely indirect, impact on children's rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

The most significant connection is to Article 27 (Adequate Standard of Living). By helping businesses remain viable and protecting local employment, the fund contributes to family income stability and supports children's access to housing, food, clothing, and other essentials required for an adequate standard of living.

The fund will support Article 6 (Life, Survival and Development) by helping to maintain sustainable island communities where children and young people can grow, develop, and access the services and opportunities they need. Strong local economies and resilient communities create conditions that support children's long-term wellbeing and development.

There is also a positive link to Article 2 (Non-discrimination). Children living in island communities can face disadvantages due to geographic isolation and transport challenges. By targeting support to communities disproportionately affected by ferry disruption, the fund helps reduce inequalities between island and mainland populations.

In addition, the fund contributes to Article 3 (Best Interests of the Child) by supporting family stability and community sustainability. Although children are not the direct beneficiaries of the fund, measures that help maintain local jobs, services, and economic resilience are likely to promote outcomes that are in children's best interests.

The fund may also indirectly support Article 26 (Social Security) by reducing financial pressures on families and communities through the protection of livelihoods and economic activity. This can help prevent hardship and contribute to household financial security.

Overall, the strongest UNCRC links for the Islands Resilience Fund are Articles 2, 6, and 27, as the fund's primary purpose is to address the disproportionate challenges faced by island communities, support livelihoods, and strengthen community resilience, all of which have positive knock-on effects for children and young people living in those communities.

9. If a negative impact has been identified please describe it below. Is there a risk this could potentially amount to an incompatibility?

No impact.

10. Mitigation Record

What options have been considered to modify the proposal in order to mitigate a negative impact or potential incompatibility?

Please summarise mitigation actions taken below

Any potential negative impacts or incompatibilities within the scope of the fund will be monitored and addressed throughout the duration of the fund

11. As a result of the evidence gathered and analysed against all wellbeing indicators, will the proposal contribute to the wellbeing of children and young people in Scotland?

Safe: N/A

Healthy: Yes

Achieving: Yes

Nurtured: Yes

Active: Yes

Respected: N/A

Responsible: N/A

12. How will you communicate to children and young people the impact that the proposal will have on their rights?

This CRWIA will be published on gov.scot so those wishing to access it can do so.

The Scottish Government's Islands Resilience Fund has a generally positive, though largely indirect, impact on children's rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) across the following:

Article 27 (Adequate Standard of Living).

Article 6 (Life, Survival and Development)

Article 2 (Non-discrimination)

Article 3 (Best Interests of the Child)

Article 26 (Social Security)

Overall, the strongest UNCRC links for the Islands Resilience Fund are Articles 2, 6, and 27, as the fund's primary purpose is to address the disproportionate challenges faced by island communities, support livelihoods, and strengthen community resilience, all of which have positive knock-on effects for children and young people living in those communities.