Statement from Minister Bibeau on Universal Children's Day
Statement
November 20, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today issued the following statement:
“On Universal Children’s Day, Canada reaffirms its commitment to girls and boys all over the world, who deserve to enjoy the full spectrum of rights. Children should grow up in an environment free from discrimination and exploitation where they have access to education, health care and proper nutrition, as well as opportunities to play.
“If we are to build a peaceful, just and prosperous world where no one is left behind, investing in children and youth is essential. Canada champions children’s rights and protection so that boys and girls in developing countries can realize their full potential. Our development programs focus on child survival, access to quality education and protection from violence, exploitation and abuse.
“Together with national and international partners, Canada’s focus on maternal, newborn and child health will be driven by evidence and outcomes, not ideology. We are working to improve the survival rates of mothers and children by providing life-saving interventions across the full continuum of care—from pre-pregnancy through pregnancy, childbirth and early childhood.
“Canada is especially concerned about the safety and security of girls and young women in developing countries. We support efforts to make schools safe and secure so that every child can learn and develop. And we help to build national child protection systems that will prevent and respond to all forms of violence against girls and boys, including child trafficking, labour and sexual exploitation. We are also working to end child, early and forced marriage—a harmful practice that violates girls’ human rights, disrupts their education and jeopardizes their health.
“Young people are especially vulnerable in emergencies and to the destabilizing impact of climate change.
“Our humanitarian assistance programs help meet the immediate needs of children in dire situations through emergency food assistance, health care, access to safe drinking water and sanitation, shelter, education and protection. Canada works at many levels to protect the rights of children living in situations of armed conflict, where they risk being drawn into fighting, which puts them in danger, denies them their childhood and erases opportunities for a better future.
“We will also help vulnerable countries mitigate the effects of climate change, using innovative approaches, such as climate financing, to create a more stable environment for youth.
“As we work to meet the targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, children and young people must be at the heart of our development efforts. That is why Canada is continuing to deliver on its promise to work toward safer and healthier lives for children around the world.”
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