Family Law Sub-Committee
Joint Committee on Human Rights Call for evidence
The Family Law Sub-Committee has responded to a call for
evidence on the rights of children by the UK Parliament's Joint
Committee on Human Rights. As well as scrutinising Bills and drafts
for human rights implications, the joint committee also undertakes
inquiries into human rights issues during which it seeks evidence
from a wide range of groups and individuals with relevant interests
and experience, such as the inquiry into children's rights.
In its call for evidence, the joint committee provided a list of
areas of particular interest relating to children's rights. The
Family Law Sub-Committee's response focused on three areas:
children in detention; decriminalisation of children and children's
right to express views in relation to education.
Scottish Government consultation on forced marriages
The sub-committee has responded to the Scottish Government's
consultation on forced marriages. The consultation focussed on the
question of whether Scotland should introduce a specific and
positive civil remedy to deal with forced marriages. The paper
distinguished between forced marriages which lack the consent of
the spouses and arranged marriages where the families are heavily
involved in choosing a marriage partner but the arrangement is
consensual. In its response, the committee did not favour the
introduction of a specific remedy, but instead suggests that those
involved should have the means and support to access the remedies
available.