A 12-year-old old schoolgirl from Scotland has become the “youngest moderator” in a United Nations discussion on children’s role as defenders of human rights.

Hannah Richardson and Cameron Butchart, from the town of Tranent in East Lothian, took leading roles in the UN Day of General Discussion in Geneva, which focused on the issue of protecting and empowering children as “human rights defenders”.

Hannah, who goes to Ross High School, was part of a group of 12 children aged 11-13 from Tranent, who are the only children from the UK represented.

Kara Brown, who works for the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, said on social media: “12-year-old Hannah from East Lothian is making history today at the United Nations. She is the youngest moderator at the first-ever global discussion on children as human rights defenders.”

A video has been released today about Hannah’s experience on Saturday, in which she exhibits the requisite chairing skills, telling one delegate, “Excuse me, I need to ask you to finish up.”

“Human rights defender” is a term used to describe people who, individually or with others, act to promote or protect human rights, which could cover discrimination, environmental concerns or access to education.

The UN Day of General Discussion will be the first ever global discussion focusing on children as human rights defenders.