Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children

Promoting Children’s Rights in Canada

The Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children (CCRC) works to achieve full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Canada and around the world.    

This report is a comprehensive review of children’s rights in Canada.  It assesses how well Canada implements the Convention on the Rights of the Child and makes recommendations for major changes.

Canada needs to focus on developing the full potential of every child, to help address the challenges of its aging population.  That is the central theme of the report.  Too many children face obstacles to realizing their full potential.

Specific actions to help vulnerable children are suggested as a top priority.  The report also proposes systemic changes to ensure that the best interests of children are considered in all government decisions that affect them.

News Release:  News Release -Children’s Rights – CCRC Alternative Report

Summary of key points: Key Points about the CCRC Alternative Report

Full Report in English: CCRC report on rights of children in Canada

Full Report in French:   Mise en oeuvre de la Convention relative aux droits de l’enfant

OTHER CURRENT PROJECTS

Jails Are Not for Young People 

The CCRC analyzed the proposed changes for youth justice in the omnibus crime bill and found many of them to be contrary to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.  We are asking the Senate to do a full child impact assessment before passing the bill.  We have also proposed amendments, based on good practices in youth justice.   See:

Young People and Bill C-10:  Public Statement: Young People and Bill C-10 – CCRC Statement.  Submission to the Senate on Bill C-10: Bill C-10 – CCRC Submission to Senate.  Submission on earlier Bill C-4 in French: CCRC_Submission_on_Bill_C-4__-_French_translation.  English: CCRC_submission_on_Bill_C-4_final.

New Complaint Process for Children’s Rights

Young people will soon have a new tool to seek help when they rights are violated.  In November the UN General Assembly adopted an  Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child that will allow children to send a complaint to the UN Committe on the Rights of the Child, if they have tried all avenues in their own country.

Canada needs to ratify the Optional Protocol before young people in Canada can use it. The CCRC will work for ratification.  In addition, we hope to inform young people about other mechanisms they can use to pursue their rights.  This is all part of a key message that children’s rights are just as important as adult rights!   See NGO news release on OP: Complaint Mechanism – Joint NGO release. In French: Complaint Process – NGO Release -French.