Celebrate November 20th, 2009

National Child Day and 20th Anniversary of the UNCRC

This day marks the adoption by the United Nations of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.

National Child Day was proclaimed by the Government of Canada on March 19th, 1993 to commemorate two historic events for children: the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the Child in 1959, and the UN adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1989.

In 1993, the Government of Canada enacted Bill C-371, otherwise known as the Child Day Act, and designated November 20th of each year as a national day of the child in order to promote awareness in Canada of the Convention.
The Convention spells out the basic human rights to which children (under the age of 18) everywhere are entitled.

 

Children's Rights and Child Care

By ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991, Canada made a commitment to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect.This commitment includes that they be given the opportunity to have a voice, be protected from harm and be provided with their basic needs and every opportunity to reach their full potential.

The Convention is based on four principles:

• Article 3 : The best interests of the child should be the first consideration for actions that affect a child
• Article 6 : All children have the right to life, survival and development
• Article 12 : All children have the right to participate; and,
• Article 2 : All rights belong to all children without discrimination or exception.

The Convention also acknowledges the key role of parents and families in the lives of children and young people.

Links provided from this Web site to other Web sites are presented as a convenience to the site users. The Office of the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth neither endorses nor accepts any responsibility for the content found at these Web sites.

Presentations

Irwin Elman's speech at the Anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child - University of Ottawa November 20, 2009

Publications

A Canada Fit for Children

A World Fit For Children

Your Voice Matters

Say It Right

Convention on the Rights of the Child

Web-based activities for children:

Activities Prepared by UNICEF Canada BBC – A World For Children UNICEF Child Friendly Activities United Nations Cyber School Bus

Links and resources for children and youth

Bad Guy Patrol Cybertip Deal.org Family Violence Get Web Wise Internet 101 Kids Internet Safety Alliance Our Right to be Protected from Violence United Nations Secretary We're on 2 U