All Scouts in Scotland can now achieve the new human rights badge, including those between 14 and 18, the Explorers group.

The Rights Challenge Badge has been opened up today for the older age group – meaning every child in Scouts Scotland can learn about, understand, and demonstrate their knowledge about human rights. 

The Rights Challenge Badge – created by the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland and Scouts Scotland – is already offered to younger age groups in Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts. 

Explorers can undertake a range of activities to earn the badge. These include creating a communications project around human rights, campaigning for a change in their community, and learning and sharing information about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). 

Children and Young People’s Commissioner Nicola Killean said: “We are absolutely delighted that Explorers can join the Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, and Scouts in completing their Rights Challenge Badge. We’ve developed these activities so that each section now has their own engaging and age-appropriate activities to help them learn about and understand human rights. 

“As Scotland is on the cusp of incorporating the UNCRC which applies to every child in Scotland up to 18, it feels special to be able to launch this final offer to all children in Scouting. Children are never too young, or too old, to learn about their rights, question what’s happening in their own communities and the wider world, and ultimately be empowered to claim their rights and help other children claim theirs. 

“I’m really looking forward to seeing what discoveries about children’s human rights Explorers share with me as they work through the badge.” 

Mollie Reid, Scouts Scotland Youth Commissioner, said: “The Rights Challenge Badge is an opportunity to empower our young people to have a greater understanding of their human rights during crucial years of their life. The badge criteria and work that has gone into its creation will help foster a generation that not only envisions change but is a transformative force in actively shaping a more compassionate world.”