Omar Khadr: A Lesson in Children’s Rights

The case of Omar Khadr shows the importance of recognizing and protecting the rights of every child.  Early recognition of Khadr’s rights as a child could have prevented harm to him and the need for redress and financial compensation now.  In a public statement the Canadian Coalition for the Rights of the Child (CCRC) explains …

Children with Disabilities: Recommendations for Canada

The rights of children with disabilities received attention during the first review of how Canada implements the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.  The Concluding Observations includes recommendations relating to: inclusive education and teacher training; services for parents so disability is not a reason to put a child in care; access to services for …

Upcoming Review of Children’s Rights in Canada

Governments in Canada are starting to prepare for the next review of children’s rights and so is the CCRC.  July 2018 is the deadline for Canada to submit an official report on implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Canada.  A key focus is action on the recommendations Canada received in …

Children and Canada’s Poverty Reduction Strategy

A specific focus on children and the use of multiple indicators of deprivation are recommendations made by the CCRC for Canada’s Poverty Reduction Strategy.  The CCRC also recommends short-term rolling targets to measure progress, a mix of income support and community programs, and youth participation.  The submission highlights the importance of food security as a …

Young People in the Workplace: Rights, Rules, Safety, and Fairness

Young people benefit from work experience, but they can also be exploited in the workplace.  Knowing about the rules, their rights, and how to report unsafe working conditions or unfair treatment is essential for all young people.  The Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children (CCRC) is asking all governments, federal and provincial, to ensure …

Children’s Rights and Bill S-206

The Senate will begin debate on Bill S-206 this week.  The bill, sponsored by Senator Murray Sinclair, will repeal Section 43 of the Criminal Code.  It will protect the right of every child, as well as every adult, to not be hit by anyone.  It is an important step in implementation of children’s right to …

25th Anniversary of Ratification of CRC in Canada: How Are We Doing?

2016 is the 25th Anniversary of Canada’s Ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child – time to ask about progress in implementation.  Substantive progress in some areas is combined with no action in others, based on recommendations to Canada in the last review of children’s rights in 2012.  The CCRC offers this …