6-07-13 Omnibus 2 – Children’s Rights
As Compiled by the Resolutions Committee
Submitted by Outremont, London—Fanshawe, London West
Part 1
WHEREAS the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted in 1989 and recognizes the right of all children in the world, without discrimination, to such protection and care as is necessary to their well-being, as well as the opportunity to be heard on any matter that concerns them;
BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP expressly recognize the International Convention on the Rights of the Child by adding a new Subsection 6.1 entitled Children’s Rights specifying that, with regard to the application of such rights in Canada, the following points are of primary importance:
New Democrats believe in:
a. Upholding the rights of children set out in the UN Convention and in particular the right to life, development, and non-discrimination, and respecting the priority accorded to the child’s best interest, and to children’s right to be heard in all matters affecting them; and ensuring such rights are upheld consistently and uniformly across Canada and, eventually, expressly incorporated into Canadian law;
Part 2
WHEREAS the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted in 1989 and recognizes the right of all children in the world, without discrimination, to such protection and care as is necessary to their well-being, as well as the opportunity to be heard on any matter that concerns them;
BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP expressly recognize the International Convention on the Rights of the Child by adding a new Subsection 6.1 entitled Children’s Rights specifying that, with regard to the application of such rights in Canada, the following points are of primary importance:
New Democrats believe in:
a. Instituting a National Children’s Advocate, appointed by Parliament, to promote and protect the rights of children under federal jurisdiction including aboriginal children, immigrant and refugee children, and children in the youth criminal justice system, to work alongside children and youth advocates of the various provinces and territories;
b. Restoring and further developing a system for gathering and compiling specific information on child welfare so the government can effectively and comprehensively evaluate children’s situations and any shortfalls in in upholding children’s rights;
Part 3
WHEREAS the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted in 1989 and recognizes the right of all children in the world, without discrimination, to such protection and care as is necessary to their well-being, as well as the opportunity to be heard on any matter that concerns them;
BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP expressly recognize the International Convention on the Rights of the Child by adding a new Subsection 6.1 entitled Children’s Rights specifying that, with regard to the application of such rights in Canada, the following points are of primary importance:
New Democrats believe in:
a. Having the government of Canada immediately produce, as part of its work with the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and in collaboration with the provinces and territories as well as concerned non-profit organizations representing civil society and children, detailed and transparent reports on the status of children’s rights in Canada, and share the Committee’s findings and recommendations with Parliament and with the Canadian public with a view to better meeting its obligation under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, all to better honour Canada’s obligations under the UN Convention.
Part 4
WHEREAS the Rights of the Child are clearly defined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and has been ratified by Canada; and
WHEREAS 1 out of 6 children in Canada live in poverty;
BE IT RESOLVED THAT Children’s Rights be specifically identified in the NDP Policy Book by adding 6.2 Children’s Rights to the policy book with the following sections:
New Democrats believe in:
6.2 a. The Rights of the Child as expressed in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child ratified by Canada December 13, 1991
6.2 b. Governing to provide an economically and ecologically sustainable and peaceful future for generations to come
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all subsequent sections be renumbered accordingly.