By Early Childhood Council

Defending the rights of children

Canada’s National Child Day, November 20th

Nov 14, 2019 | 9:26 AM

National Child Day has been celebrated across Canada since 1993 to commemorate the United Nations’ adoption of two documents centered on children’s rights: the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child on November 20^th, 1959 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20^th 1989.

These outline Canada’s commitment to our Children in making this a better place for children to live. Almost every country has agreed to these same rights.

The Convention of the Rights of the Child has 4 key principles. First, that all children have rights and they must be protected without discrimination for race, ethnicity or ability.

These are basic rights to food, safety and shelter. Second, decisions made that impact children should take into account what is best for them.

Third, children should be protected from harm, and live and be supported to live and grow to be the best they can be.

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Finally, children have the right to give their opinions in all matters that affect them and to have their voices heard. Their views should always be taken seriously and they should have more say as they grow older.

The Prince Albert Early Childhood Council works to promote and support children’s rights in our community. The creation and adoption of the Prince Albert Children’s Charter in 2011 gave our community leaders a lens through which decisions impacting children should be made.

All of us as a community should acknowledge and support the principle that our children are a vital part of our community and that their needs should be a priority for all of us.

Celebrating National Child Day is about celebrating children as active participants in their own lives and in communities, as active citizens who can and should meaningfully contribute to decision-making. Regardless of who you are, you play a vital role in the healthy development of our children.

For more information on the Children’s Charter and the Early Childhood Council go to www.paecc.ca. For more information on National Child Day go to www.childday.gc.ca.