SASKATOON – November 20th is National Child Day, a celebration of children and youth in Canada, and a reminder of Canada’s pledge to uphold children’s rights. Canada became a signatory to these rights by ratifying the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1991.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child outlines 54 articles that cover a range of special rights and protections for children, including the right to education, health care, protection from abuse and exploitation, and the right to participate in decisions that affect them. National Child Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the rights children hold.
The Canadian Council of Child and Youth Advocates (CCCYA) is a national organization made up of representatives from Canadian provinces and territories who work collectively to promote and protect the rights of children and youth.
“It has been an extremely difficult year for children’s rights in Canada, including trends that will limit their right to being supported in expressing their identity” stated Dr. Lisa Broda, President of the CCCYA. “However, while we continue to focus our attention on national advocacy, we acknowledge and celebrate the many achievements of our young people. From their creativity and imagination to their resilience and determination, children and youth are a source of inspiration and hope for us all,” added Broda.
“The voice and input of young people are critical to our understanding of their issues and concerns, and crucial for our ability to address the issues they face,” stated Dr. Broda. “Our Council members across Canada hear the messages and realities of children and youth daily, and we will build better futures for all of us by listening to, respecting, incorporating their ideas in policy and practice.
On National Child Day, November 20th, and every day – let us all commit to doing our part to support the next generation by upholding children’s rights.
Learn more about National Child Day and the UNCRC at cccya.ca
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The Canadian Council of Child and Youth Advocates is an association of children's Advocates, Representatives, and Ombudspersons from across Canada who are independent of the legislatures in their respective jurisdictions, with legislated mandates to promote and protect children’s human rights through complaint resolution, advice to government, amplification of child and youth voices, and public education functions.
For more go to www.cccya.ca
Media contact: Karen Topolinski
Director, Communications and Public Education