View United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/crc.htm
What is the purpose of this act?
What powers are conferred on the state or its agents?
How does this act benefit society?
List governmental and community based agencies that work within this legislated act.
What issues may be associated with the administration of this act?
How would you support and advocate for your clients in relationship to this act?
Identify community resources in your area that may assist clients to navigate through legal systems.
Describe and explain current or historical events as seen through the media that relate to this act, convention or charter. Provide a related link or copy of a newspaper article.
It’s time for Canada to improve its grades when it comes to children’s rights
By Marv Bernstein, The Star, Toronto, October 14, 2012
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/1271039--it-s-time-for-canada-to-improve-its-grades-when-it-comes-to-children-s-rights
Last September the UN Committee reviewed Canada’s record on adherence to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and issued a report last week. The UN Committee recognized the strengthening on child exploitation laws but commented on the “fragmentation and inconsistencies in the implementation of child rights” across all jurisdictions. They commented on the lack of progress in the child poverty rate and the overrepresentation of Aboriginal children involved in the child welfare and youth justice systems. The article concluded with recommendations from the UN Committee, including a collaborative approach encompassing all person and all levels of government to improve the lives of children and youth.
What is the purpose of this act?
- To protect the rights of every child, without discrimination of race, sex, language, abilities, religious or political affiliation.
- The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is an extension of the UN Declaration of Human Rights specifically detailing the rights of the child. It outlines the responsibilities of government and recognizes children as separate individuals with unique needs, both in terms of care and development.
What powers are conferred on the state or its agents?
- Power and authority over the Act are carried out by the UN Committee which has the authority to invite specialized agencies with appropriate expertise to provide advice on the implementation of the Convention, including the UN Children’s Fund.
- The UN Committee consists of a General Assembly to address concerns and report changes or implementations to State Parties. The General Assembly may request the Secretary-General of the UN to study issues and report back to the General Assembly.
- This convention is part of International Law.
How does this act benefit society?
- By outlining the inherent rights of each child to be raised in a culturally relevant and developmentally appropriate environment so as to become functioning members of society.
- It provides global regulations and expectations of care for all children; however, any country can choose to place a reservation on what they consent to within the Convention.
- It allows children, if aware of their rights, the ability to exercise those rights.
List governmental and community based agencies that work within this legislated act.
- The Public Health Agency of Canada: http://www.publichealth.gc.ca
- The Department of Justice: http://www.justice.gc.ca
- The Ministry of Children and Family Development: http://www.gov.bc.ca/mcf
What issues may be associated with the administration of this act?
- Religious or cultural values and practices may be in conflict with certain provisions of the Convention. Ex. the Republic of Afghanistan declared a reservation against the Convention stating that as a country they would adhere to the Convention with the exception of any provisions that are not compatible with the laws of Islamic Shari’a. For more information on the matter, reference the document at the bottom on this page.
How would you support and advocate for your clients in relationship to this act?
- By supporting and advocating for clients in relationship to this Convention by ensuring their awareness of their own rights.
- By actively increasing public awareness which would help facilitate accountability.
- By advocating for all schools and classrooms to post the child friendly version of the Convention available through the Government of Canada, and if possible introduce and explain during class time.
Identify community resources in your area that may assist clients to navigate through legal systems.
- The BC Representative for Children and Youth: http://www.rcybc.ca/Content/AboutRCY/WhoWeAre/WhoWeAre.asp
- ORCA Children’s Advocacy Centre Society: http://www.orcacentre.ca
- The Canadian Council of Child and Youth Advocates: http://www.youthincare.ca
Describe and explain current or historical events as seen through the media that relate to this act, convention or charter. Provide a related link or copy of a newspaper article.
It’s time for Canada to improve its grades when it comes to children’s rights
By Marv Bernstein, The Star, Toronto, October 14, 2012
http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorialopinion/article/1271039--it-s-time-for-canada-to-improve-its-grades-when-it-comes-to-children-s-rights
Last September the UN Committee reviewed Canada’s record on adherence to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and issued a report last week. The UN Committee recognized the strengthening on child exploitation laws but commented on the “fragmentation and inconsistencies in the implementation of child rights” across all jurisdictions. They commented on the lack of progress in the child poverty rate and the overrepresentation of Aboriginal children involved in the child welfare and youth justice systems. The article concluded with recommendations from the UN Committee, including a collaborative approach encompassing all person and all levels of government to improve the lives of children and youth.
The following video was put out by The Children's Rights Alliance, its an informative, yet informal way of delivering the concepts of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, narrated by a youth, for youth!
The following poster, is an incredible resource for practitioners to have up in their office or practice setting. It is a great visual which will assist youth in understanding their rights in a language that they will understand.
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File Size: | 201 kb |
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