Dundee backs Forces Children’s Rights Charter

Dundee City Council has unanimously agreed to adopt the Forces Children’s Rights Charter, recognising the particular challenges that can be faced by children and young people from Armed Forces families. A motion brought forward by Councillor Craig Duncan and seconded by Councillor Michael Crichton received the unanimous backing of councillors at the City Governance Committee on Monday 24th August.

The motion highlighted the important contribution made by Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families to Dundee, while recognising that children from regular, reservist and veteran families can face challenges as a result of parental deployment and separation, mobility and transitions between schools and communities.

The Forces Children’s Rights Charter was developed by Forces Children Scotland, working in partnership with children and young people from Armed Forces families. A growing number of Scottish councils have already formally adopted the Charter.

As a result of the motion, Dundee City Council will adopt and endorse the Charter, promote awareness of it through Dundee schools and relevant Dundee Partnership organisations, and ensure appropriate awareness of the needs and rights of Forces children when relevant council services are developed and delivered.

The council’s Chief Executive will also engage with Forces Children Scotland on the practical implementation and promotion of the Charter in Dundee. 

Councillor Craig Duncan said :

“I am delighted that there was unanimous support for our motion and that Dundee will now formally adopt the Forces Children’s Rights Charter. 

“Children and young people in Armed Forces families can face circumstances that many of their classmates will never experience – from a parent being deployed away from home to having to move between schools and communities."

“It is important that their voices are heard, their rights are understood and that our schools and council services recognise the particular challenges they can sometimes face. I am particularly pleased that the council will now work with Forces Children Scotland to ensure that adopting the Charter leads to practical action and greater awareness across Dundee.”

Councillor Michael Crichton added :

“Dundee has a proud connection with our Armed Forces community and it was excellent to see councillors from across the chamber unite behind this initiative. The Charter is about listening to children and young people themselves and ensuring that their experiences and needs are properly understood. Its unanimous adoption sends a very positive message to Forces families across Dundee.”