The commissioner, expected to be in post by the start of 2004, will act as an independent 'voice' promoting and safeguarding the interests of children and making recommendations directly to the Scottish Parliament.
Cathy Jamieson, minister for education and young people, said, 'The Scottish Executive is working hard to improve co-operation between the agencies currently working to support children. At present too many children get lost in the bureaucracy of children's services.'
Alison Davies, programme director for Save the Children Scotland, praised the openness of the consultation process that preceded the bill, which had involved children and young people. She added that the commissioner would have 'the capacity to defend children's interests and be a powerful advocate for children to help them speak up for themselves.'
Central to the commissioner's role will be two key principles stipulated by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - the need to consider children's best interests and to listen to their views.
Issues discussed as part of the commissioner's remit could range from the availability of schools, under the right to education, to children's representation in the media, under the right to non-discrimination.
The commissioner's job will include visiting schools to promote awareness and understanding of rights and reviewing law, policy and practice to evaluate how the Scottish Executive's policies affect children's rights.
There are national watchdogs monitoring, promoting and safeguarding children's rights in nearly 20 countries worldwide. Wales became the first country in the UK to appoint a Children's Commissioner in April 2001 and a recruitment campaign is currently underway to appoint a commisioner in Northern Ireland. Last month, the Children's Rights Alliance launched a major campaign for a commissioner in England, backed by 120 organisations.
