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.