Universal Children's Day: Canada reaffirms its commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of children

November 20, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today issued the following statement on Universal Children’s Day:

“We believe that children and youth are powerful agents of social change who need the resources and opportunities to be able to participate actively in the decisions that affect their lives and to make a difference in the world. That is why Canada works determinedly to protect and promote the rights of children worldwide.

“However, we still live in a world in which 263 million children and adolescents are out of school, 230 million children live in countries and areas affected by armed conflicts and an estimated one billion girls and boys are subjected to violence, exploitation or abuse. A world in which one in 10 girls experiences sexual violence at some point in their lives and 15 million girls are forced into marriage before their 18th birthday every year.

“As a leading advocate for the protection and promotion of the rights of children, Canada collaborates with partners to build a safer and more secure world; support youth at risk; prevent child, early and forced marriage; and protect children in emergencies, including natural disasters. We also firmly support the need to prevent all violations against children in all settings, including in situations of armed conflict.

“Canada also believes that every girl and boy should have access to high-quality primary and secondary education, as well as opportunities for lifelong learning. Education is not only a human right, but it drives hope of a brighter future for millions of young people around the world.

“It has been 25 years since Canada ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. In that spirit, Canada strives to help build a world in which every child has access to good health care, nutrition and education, is free from violence and exploitation, and enjoys the freedom to exercise their human rights. The kind of world in which every child has the opportunity to grow up to fulfill their boundless potential and make our world a better place.”

Contacts

Chantal Gagnon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
343-203-1851
chantal.gagnon@international.gc.ca

Bernard Boutin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-5977
bernard.boutin@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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