Children in Canada have less protection against violence than adults do. Current plans to reform Canada’s criminal justice system provide an opportunity to make the right of children to be free from all forms of violence, Article 19 in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, part of Canadian law. Stated plans to transform the criminal justice system to better reflect human rights is also an opportunity to respond to recommendations Canada received in its last review to better protect the rights of children involved in the criminal justice system. In addition, a CCRC submission supports the stated objective of expanding the use of restorative justice options within the criminal justice system.
