Issues, Briefs, and Reports on Child Rights

Newer reports

Reports on Children’s Rights in Canada for the 5th/6th Review of Canada

Canada is currently undergoing its 5th/6th review of how it implements children’s rights.  The CCRC and other civil society groups have submitted reports that analyze progress, based on the experience of children and research on issues that affect how well children in Canada can realize their rights.  These reports provide useful information on the situation of children in Canada.  

Age-based Rules and Children’s Rights

Canada has a wide variety of age-based laws for children, without consistency or clear justification.  Parents, schools, and other institutions also use age as a basis for rules for children.  The CCRC advocates for basing all minimum ages and ages of eligibility on all the provisions in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.   They should be justified, using a Child Rights Impact Assessment, and reviewed periodically to determine if restrictions are required for the legitimate protection of children or whether they are barriers to the full development of children and full exercise of their rights.

Age-based Rules:  A Discussion Starter outlines questions to ask and principles in the Convention to consider for making age-based rules for children.

Age and Children’s Rights:  CRIN Discussion Paper prepared by the Children’s Rights International Network (CRIN),  provides more detailed analysis of basic principles,  relevant provisions in the Convention,  international research on the use of minimun ages in legislation, and suggestions for policy-makers.

Children’s Rights Can Make Canada Work Better for Young People 

This discussion paper addresses the challenges of implementing children’s rights in Canada’s federal system of government.  It turns around the common perception that federalism prevents  implementation to illustrate how greater attention to children’s rights could improve how federalism works.  Children’s Rights Can Make Canada Work Better for Young People.

Family Law and Children’s Rights in Canada:  A submission by the CCRC proposes changes in Canada’s family law to better protect the rights of children impacted by the processes and decisions made in the family court system.

Best Interests of the Child

In 2009 the Coalition hosted a symposium to explore the meaning and application of the Best Interests of the Child, a central principle in the Convention.  The report identifies key questions and makes recommendations for a wide range of areas where the Best Interest principle applies.

Report:  Best Interests of the Child: Meaning and Application in Canada (English)

Report in French:  L’interest superieur de l’enfant

News Release for Best Interests of the Child Report

Child Rights Impact Assessments

In 2013 the CCRC sponsored a symposium on the use of Child Rights Impact Assessments (CRIA) to improve public decision-making  that affects children. The CCRC continues to research and apply the learnings of this symposium, along with international colleagues.

Fact Sheet on Child Rights Impact Assessments

Report: Child Rights Impact Assessments: A Tool to Focus on Children

Discussion Paper before Symposium

General Measures for Implementation of Children’s Rights: Not There Yet:  Canada’s Implementation of CRC General Measures 

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