Looking back and looking forward: Children’s rights require action

A message from the CCRC Board of Directors. As we approach the end of 2024, we want to thank you for your continued support and advocacy for children’s rights. Together, in the past year, we have advocated for a number of critical initiatives, including the full implementation of the CRC, banning corporal punishment, ending violence against children, protecting children from online harms, use of Children’s Rights Impact Assessments (CRIA) for policy makers, and ensuring that children and youth are active participants in all processes.

CCRC Membership Renewal or Becoming a New Member

As we continue on this journey advocating for concrete action on children’s rights and the full implementation of the CRC, your support is essential to our strength as a Coalition. We encourage you to renew your CCRC membership or become a new member in 2025. CCRC annual membership is from January 1-December 31.

Visit CCRC page on CanadaHelps at:

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/canadian-coalition-for-the-rights-of-children-coalition-canadienne-des-droits

4th Annual Children's Rights Writing and Expression Contest

The CCRC has launched its 4th Annual Children's Rights Writing and Expression Competition!

Submission deadline: March 20, 2025.

For more information and to access the English and French child friendly posters, visit the CCRC website.

Canada’s reporting under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)

Canada will be presenting its combined second and third reports (submitted November 2022) before the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at the 32nd Session on March 10 & 11, 2025 at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland. Civil Society organizations can submit parallel/alternative reports. The deadline for submitting written information is January 24, 2025.

Children’s Rights and Safety Cannot Wait for Politics

There are two Bills in particular that risk falling victim to the present politics. The first is Bill C-273 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (Corinne’s Quest and the protection of children), which would ban corporal punishment. Bill C-273 is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action # 6, and asserts that children are entitled to live in an environment free from physical punishment, violence, and fear. The other Bill we’ve been watching closely is Bill C-63 The Online Harms Act. Introduced in February of this year and is currently at second reading. Use of the internet is a part of most children’s daily lives, and can be a tremendous tool for them to learn, connect, and play. But those positives don’t come without significant risks.

General Comment No. 27: CCRC submission

The Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children (CCRC) submitted its report (August 22, 2024) to the Committee on the Rights of the Child for General Comment No. 27 addressing the serious obstacles and struggles that children in Canada face while trying to access justice and effective remedies when their rights have been violated.

Congratulations to Kathy Vandergrift, Children’s Rights Advocate and Past Chair of the CCRC

The CCRC would like to congratulate Kathy Vandergrift, Children’s Rights Advocate and Past Chair of the CCRC on receiving the Kings Coronation Medal for advocacy on children's rights and community service on December 12, 2024 in Ottawa.

Congratulations to Cheryl Perera, Founder and President of OneChild and CCRC Director

The CCRC would like to congratulate Cheryl Perera, Founder and President of OneChild and CCRC Director, on receiving the inaugural Cherry Kingsley Commemorative Award on behalf of OneChild on National Child Day at the Landon Pearson Resource Centre for the Study of Childhood and Children’s Rights, Carleton University, Ottawa.

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