National Islands Plan: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment

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?

Based on the evidence gathered and analysed against the full range of UNCRC requirements, the National Islands Plan is expected to have an overall positive impact on children’s rights. The Plan’s strategic focus on addressing inequalities, improving access to services, supporting sustainable communities and promoting participation aligns with key UNCRC principles, including non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, the right to development and the right to be heard. While the Plan does not introduce measures that exclusively target children, its place-based and inclusive approach is likely to contribute to improved outcomes for children and young people living in island communities. No negative or disproportionate impacts on children’s rights have been identified at this stage, and any specific impacts will continue to be considered through the development and delivery of individual policies and actions, supported by further CRWIAs where appropriate.

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 National Islands Plan has the potential to protect, respect and fulfil children’s rights in Scotland by embedding a place-based, inclusive approach to policy development and delivery that recognises the specific circumstances of island communities. By addressing the wider determinants of wellbeing such as access to services, housing, transport, digital connectivity, environmental quality and household income, the Plan supports children’s rights to health, development and an adequate standard of living. The Plan also promotes participation and engagement, including with children and young people, supporting their right to be heard and to influence decisions that affect their lives. Through its focus on reducing inequalities, improving access to opportunities and strengthening community resilience, the Plan respects children’s rights by avoiding discrimination based on geography and fulfils its duty to progressively realise children’s rights over time.

Therefore, the plan has the potential to impact articles:

• Article 2 – Non-discrimination
• Article 3 – Best interests of the child
• Article 6 – Right to life, survival and development
• Article 12 – Right of the child to be heard
• Article 18 – Parental Responsibilities and State Support
• Article 23 – Rights of children with disabilities
• Article 24 – Right to health and health services
• Article 27 – Right to an adequate standard of living
• Article 28 – Right to education
• Article 29 – Aims of Education
• Article 30 – Rights of Minority and Indigenous Children
• Article 31 – Right to play, leisure and cultural life

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

There are potential risks that some children and young people may not benefit equally from the Plan. If investment is uneven across islands or communities, existing inequalities may be reinforced. Increased reliance on digital solutions may disadvantage children from low-income households if affordability, access to devices or digital skills are not addressed. Changes to service delivery that require increased travel distances for education or healthcare could negatively impact children’s wellbeing, particularly in more outlying islands. Housing or economic pressures resulting from increased demand or limited supply may disproportionately affect families with children if not carefully managed.

Mitigation and enhancement measures

To maximise positive impacts and minimise risks, implementation of the National Islands Plan should take a child-centred approach. This includes considering affordability and accessibility for families with children, ensuring transport and digital solutions are inclusive, and explicitly assessing impacts on children when developing and delivering actions. Targeted support for children experiencing poverty or additional barriers will be important, as will the promotion of child-friendly design in housing, community spaces and services. Ongoing collaboration with local partners can help ensure mitigation measures are responsive to local circumstances.

10. 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: Yes

Healthy: Yes

Achieving: Yes

Nurtured: Yes

Active: Yes

Respected: Yes

Responsible: Yes

Included: Yes

If yes, please provide an explanation below:

The National Islands Plan has the potential to influence all aspects of children’s wellbeing as described by the SHANARRI indicators. Improvements to housing quality, transport and community infrastructure may enhance children’s safety and reduce risks associated with isolation or poor living conditions. Actions to improve access to healthcare, including digital services, and to reduce social isolation may support children’s physical and mental health. Improved digital connectivity, education access and skills development opportunities may support children to achieve and reach their potential, although transport barriers and limited subject choice remain challenges in some island contexts.

Support for families through affordable housing, employment opportunities and access to services may strengthen nurturing environments, while investment in community facilities and outdoor spaces may increase opportunities for physical activity, play and recreation. The Plan’s emphasis on community engagement creates opportunities to support children and young people to feel respected, included and able to participate in decisions affecting their communities. However, there is a risk that children from low-income households or with additional support needs may be excluded if affordability, accessibility and targeted support are not prioritised.

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

The impact of the National Islands Plan on children’s rights and wellbeing will be communicated to children and young people through existing engagement networks, such as the Young Islands Network, schools, youth forums, and community organisations. Plain-language summaries, infographics and interactive content will be used to ensure that the information is accessible, understandable and meaningful for different age groups.

The CRWIA will also be published on the gov.scot website so those wishing to access it can do so. Attempts have been made to make the content and language as accessible as possible for those reading the CRWIA to understand its content and the impact as assessed. This includes children and young people who may read it.