CCRC

National Children’s Advocate before Parliament

Kathy Vandergrift — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:44:27 +0000

MP Marc Garneau introduced a private member’s bill to establish a National Children’s Commissioner in Canada. This is one tool for children’s rights that has worked well in other countries. The CCRC advocates for such an office with a strong mandate that includes investigating complaints from young people. Garneau’s bill will be debated in the House in June. Watch for more details. For news release: English: 2012-05-03 Press Release – Children-youth Commissioner. French: 2012-05-03 Communiqué – commissaire enfance

What’s MIssing in Budget 2012?

Kathy Vandergrift — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:50:34 +0000

Children are missing in a federal budget that focuses on preparing for Canada’s future. Investing in child and youth development is as important for a sustainable future as reviewing old age assistance. Developing the full potential of every child makes good economic sense as well as being the right thing to do. Read and share an analysis of Budget 2012 that focuses on longer-term impacts and missing pieces: Children and Budget 2012

Canadian Children on Agenda of UN Committee

Kathy Vandergrift — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:41:13 +0000

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child is reviewing Canada’s implementation of the Convention. This is the third review. The CCRC met with the commitee on February 6 to highlight the priorities in our report, Right in Principle, Right in Practice, and answer questions about the situation of children in Canada. Our report, according to members of the committee, provided a more real-life picture than the official government report, which they are also studying.

The next step is a request for more information from Canada on an extensive list of issues: CRC List of Questions for Canada. The CCRC can also provide additional information to the committee until August and highlight priorities for attention. They will address a full range of issues, in addition to those on the list.

In September the Canadian government will appear before the committee to answer questions. Then the committee will make recommendations to Canada. We plan to follow through this process to improve the real-life circumstances of children in Canada. Watch for updates and additional information on our website.

Appeal to Senate to Keep Youth Out of Jails

Kathy Vandergrift — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:54:16 +0000

Proposed changes to the youth criminal justice system will be reviewed by the Senate in February. They are part of Bill C-10, the omnibus crime bill. The CCRC is appealing to Senators to take a close look at the proposed changes for youth justice. In 2007 the Senate unanimously – all parties – adopted a major report on the rights of children. It said Canada needs to do better for our children. Bill C-10 will put more young people in jail rather than learning to be rights-respecting Canadians. It contradicts rather than advances the well-being and rights of children in Canada. Hopefully the Senate will stand up for our young people. For a copy of CCRC submission to Senate: Bill C-10 – CCRC Submission to Senate

Complaints Process Approved by UN

Kathy Vandergrift — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:37:04 +0000

On December 19 the UN General Assembly adopted a third Optional Protocol for the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Children will now be able to ask the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child for help if their rights are violated and there is no way for them to address their situation within their own country. This puts children’s rights on the same level as adult rights.

The CCRC will encourage the Canadian government to ratify the optional protocol, so that children in Canada can have access to this tool for pursuing violations of their rights.

Joint NGO release English:Complaint Mechanism – Joint NGO release French:Complaint Process – NGO Release -French

For more information on the complaints process, check out www.crin.org.

Bill C-10: Will the Senate protect childrens’ rights?

Kathy Vandergrift — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 03:10:54 +0000

Bill C-10, the omnibus crime bill, violates children’s rights. Proposed amendments in the House of Commons were rejected by the governing party. Now the bill goes to the Senate. In recent years the Senate has endorsed several reports in support of children’s rights. The CCRC is asking Senators to consider how Bill C-10 fulfills or violates the rights of children before passing it. Canada’s children need someone to stand up for their rights in parliament.

Polygamy ruling advances children’s rights

Kathy Vandergrift — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 02:17:07 +0000

The BC Supreme Court upheld the prohibition against polygamy to prevent harm against women and children. The ruling gives high priority to children’s right to protection from harm. It reinforces the positive obligations of the state to prevent violations of children’s rights. And it establishes a strong link between children’s rights under the Charter and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The ruling gave significant weight to the evidence and arguments put forward by the CCRC/David Asper Center during the hearing. It strengthens recognition of children’s rights in Canadian jurisprudence. For detailed statement: Statement on Polygamy Ruling

National Child Day: How is Canada celebrating?

Kathy Vandergrift — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:12:13 +0000

National Child Day on November 20 celebrates adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child more than 20 years ago. This year Canada will mark the occasion by pushing through changes to the youth criminal justice system that completely violate the Convention.

Canada ratified the Convention in 1991, but the government has not done a review of how Bill C-10 fulfills or violates its obligations under the Convention.

If Bill C-10 passes as it is, the government should notify the UN that it is no longer committed to articles 4, 37, 39, and 40 of the Convention. In essence, it no longer upholds the central principles of children’s rights. The CCRC has asked that all MPs be informed how the bill fulfills or violates the Convention before they vote on this bill.

Commentary on Bill C-10: Young People and Bill C-10 – CCRC Statement

National Child Day 2011

Kathy Vandergrift — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 03:12:17 +0000

Sunday, November 20, is National Child Day. We celebrate adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. How well are we putting it into practice? A new CCRC report shows that too many children in Canada lack the support they need to develop their full potential. It also shows why it would be smart for Canadians to pay more attention to children’s rights. As the title says, children’s rights are “Right in Principle, Right in Practice.” Check it out on the front page of the CCRC website.

Every Child Counts

Kathy Vandergrift — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:09:55 +0000

Canada needs to develop the potential of every child, rather than letting some fall through cracks in a fragmented social support system. That is the central message in a new comprehensive report on children’s rights in Canada. Check out a news release, key points, and the full report on the front page at www.rightsofchildren.ca.