CCRC

Senate Report endorses CCRC proposals

Kathy Vandergrift — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:14:04 +0000

A new report by the Senate Human Rights committee calls for major change in the way Canada implements its international human rights obligations.S Several of its recommendations reflect ideas presented by the CCRC. This is the fourth parliamentary report that has called for major change since 2007.

The CCRC is working with other human rights groups to promote increased public accountability for all human rights through regular reporting and open dialogue with stakeholders. We have proposed that the current third review of children’s rights be used to show the benefits of an improved system.

Khadr: Justice Denied Again

Kathy Vandergrift — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In the last week a fourth court judgment called on the federal government to take action to protect the rights of Omar Khadr. Khadr is a Canadian child soldier, who was recruited into the Afghanistan conflict at age 10, captured on a battlefield at age 15, tortured, and imprisoned without a fair trial at Guantanamo Bay for the last eight years. Once again the federal government refused and appealed the ruling, which may not be heard before Khadr faces trial before a military commission.

The CCRC has repeatedly asked the government to bring Omar Khadr home to Canada and deal with him under international law for child soldiers.

Sebastien, AB, and Ashley: Justice for All Young People

Kathy Vandergrift — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:28:10 +0000

The CCRC recommends major changes to Bill C-4 in its submission to the House of Commons Justice Committee. The CCRC will appear before the committee on Thursday, June 10. At stake, argues the CCRC, is the heart of Canada’s youth justice system, respect for the rights of children under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and effective approaches to public safety. Read the full submission in English or French :ccrc-submission-on-bill-c-4-final; ccrc-submission-on-bill-c-4-french-translation

Complaints Procedure Moves Ahead

Kathy Vandergrift — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 23:47:26 +0000

The campaign to establish a complaints procedure for children’s rights scored a win at the UN. On March 24 the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution to begin drafting an optional protocol that would provide a complaint mechanism under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Check a news release from the NGO Committee: English: news-release-on-resolution-for-complaints-procedure-english. French: news-release-on-resolution-for-complaints-procedure-french. To read the resolution: resolution-for-complaints-procedure

Children and Parliament

Kathy Vandergrift — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:43:08 +0000

How do children fare in the new parliamentary agenda? Check out an analysis of the Throne Speech and Budget, based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child. children-and-parliament-2010

Throne Speech and Budget for Children

Kathy Vandergrift — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:48:51 +0000

The CCRC has five sugggestions for this week’s Throne Speech and Budget. To prepare for an aging population, the CCRC proposes specific investments to develop the full potential of all Canada’s children. See commentary: canadas_children__in_the_throne_speech_and_budget

Omar Khadr: Best Interests of the Child Key to Court Decision

Kathy Vandergrift — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:50:16 +0000

A small phrase in the Supreme Court Decision on Omar Khadr is key for an appropriate reponse by the government. It is the principle of the Best Interests of the Child. Read CCRC commentary: omar-khadr-decision-commentary

Aboriginal Child Welfare Appeal Delayed Again

Kathy Vandergrift — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:59:24 +0000

The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal has delayed again the hearing on the claim of discrimination in funding for aboriginal child welfare. And the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs has applied again to dismiss the case. The CCRC sent a letter to the Prime Minister, asking him to take leadership of this matter, withdraw the motion to dismiss, and move to resolve the claim as soon as possible. This would be a good example of giving priority to the best interests of the aboriginal children in need of help.

If you would like to write the PM or your MP, you are welcome to use the CCRC letter as example. letter-on-aboriginal-child-wlfare-hearing

Niagara Region Report a Good Example

Kathy Vandergrift — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:52:41 +0000

The Niagara Region adopted a Children’s Charter of Rights, modelled on the UN Convention on the Rights of Children. It has 10 guiding principles. Now they issued a report on the state of children 0-6, based on their Charter.

It is an excellent example of useful reporting. It is also an example of leadership on children’s rights at the regional level. Link to Executive Summary: niagara-early-childhood-rights-

Third Report on Children’s Rights Released

Kathy Vandergrift — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:34:45 +0000

The government’s third report on implementation of the Convention was submitted on November 20, 2009. The CCRC will review and respond to it; we invite you to let us know your thoughts when you have read it: canadas-third-and-fourth-report-on-crc