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Children Must Be a Priority in Canada: UNICEF Canada Says

UNICEF Canada Calls for National Children's Commissioner to Protect Children's Rights

Despite the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child 18 years ago, children in Canada continue to live in poverty and their voices remain largely unheard, Nigel Fisher, President & CEO of UNICEF Canada, said today at a forum on children's rights.

"UNICEF Canada is committed to improving the welfare of all children, in Canada and around the world," said Fisher. "As it stands, Canada's 9.6 million children and young people - that's a quarter of our population - have no say and no mandated representation in our federal government. They deserve better. That is why UNICEF Canada is calling for a national Children's Commissioner in Canada."

Currently, there are no mechanisms in place to ensure the needs and rights of children are considered a priority by government when making decisions on budgets, policies and services.

"Too many children are falling through gaps and living below international standards. A Children's Commissioner would help ensure that children's needs and interests are considered in federal law, policy and programmes," Fisher said.

Canada is one of the few industrialized countries without a Children's Commissioner. Already, more than 60 independent institutions promoting children's rights have been established in other countries. A Commissioner in Canada would work to raise awareness about children's rights and improve health, education and protection of children. The Commissioner would also work with provincial child and youth advocates to encourage all levels of government to advance children's rights.

Fisher made the call for a Children's Commissioner today at a forum that included Members of Parliament, children's advocates and organizations, and young people. The forum, organized by members of the Canadian Coalition on the Rights of Children including UNICEF Canada, World Vision, Justice for Children and Youth, Students Commission and Defence for Children International and others, took place at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Law. The purpose of the forum was to advance specific recommendations on how the Government of Canada should respond to the Senate report, Children: The Silenced Citizens.

UNICEF Canada has launched a petition on its web site calling for a Children's Commissioner in Canada. To sign the petition, go to www.unicef.ca/18at18.

About UNICEF

UNICEF is on the ground in156 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. In industrialized countries, UNICEF works to raise national awareness on children's rights and advocates for child friendly laws, policies and programmes. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

judythpiazza@newsblaze.com