Joint Brexit statement from European children's groups

Children In Scotland has joined 1,800 organisations across Europe to demand that the rights of young people will be respected as Brexit negotiations begin.

They issued a statement as negotiators met to discuss the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union.

The civil society groups say the rights of children should be brought into the heart of the negotiations.

Crucially, they want assurances that there will be no roll-back on the existing rights of children and young people in the UK and across the EU.

The joint statement reads: “Children and young people in the United Kingdom and across the EU will be the most impacted in the long term by the Brexit vote, yet they have had no opportunity to have their opinions heard on this issue by decision-makers.

“Together the UK, EU institutions and all EU governments have a role to play in ensuring the rights of children are prioritised at the negotiating table.”

The statement, which can be read in full here, was drafted by five national partner networks of Eurochild: Children in Northern Ireland, Children in Scotland, Children in Wales, Children’s Rights Alliance England and Children’s Rights Alliance, Ireland.

It is supported by Eurochild and by national partner networks across Europe and other organisations in the membership of Eurochild.