Canada working with partners to provide a safer and more secure future for children
November 20, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
In honour of Universal Children’s Day and the 25th Anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, announced today, funding to help end violence against children. This announcement was made during a joint school event with the International Child Protection Network of Canada (ICPNC).
“I am very pleased to announce funding for initiatives that will make a real difference to better protect children, especially girls, from violence, exploitation, abuse and discrimination,” said Minister Paradis. “These initiatives will also help to increase children’s access to education because for thousands of children, violence in homes, communities and schools is a barrier preventing them from attending school and receiving a safe and high-quality education.Violence against children continues to be a significant concern, with anywhere between 500 million and 1.5 billion children lacking protection and enduring some form of violence, exploitation or abuse.”
The announcement was made during the Removing Barriers and Promoting Protection in and Around Schools discussion panel, which took place at York Street Public School in Ottawa. The event brought together experts from the ICPNC and youth ambassadors in an interactive discussion to engage young people on violence, exploitation and abuse as barriers to education. The discussion also highlighted how strong, country-owned child protection systems help to facilitate access to education.
“In honour of Universal Children’s Day and the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, I want to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of children around the world,” said Minister Paradis. “I would also like to encourage all Canadians to get involved in their schools, communities and places of work to raise awareness about children’s rights. Together, we can help all children be healthy, go to school, and secure the kind of present and future they deserve.”
Twenty-five years ago, Canada played an instrumental role in negotiating the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Canada has continued to champion children’s rights and child protection ever since. As the most vulnerable members of society, children have a right to safe and secure environments in which to grow, learn, and play. Without addressing protection and security issues, investments in health, education and other sectors may not yield sustainable improvements in the lives of children and youth. Investments in the protection of children are consistent with the Government of Canada`s commitment to Maternal Newborn and Child Health, Canada`s top development priority.
Maxime Robert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6238
maxime.robert@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATD_DEV
Like us on Facebook: Canada is Dedicated to International Development - DFATD
