Media Advisory - UN in Geneva to review Canada’s child rights record

UNICEF Canada available to comment on children's issues, reporting process and policy recommendations

TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2012 /CNW/ -

What					Canada committed to protect the rights and well-being of its seven million children by ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
					On September 26-27, the Canadian Government will be at UN Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland to discuss its progress in implementing the CRC and its challenges in fulfilling its responsibilities for all children.
					Canada can expect questions on why the government has still not established a national Children’s Commissioner, its record for Aboriginal children, and its policies on youth justice and child migration.
					For the first time, Canadians are able to witness the dialogue via live webstream. This dialogue is an important part of the monitoring process and should shape policies affecting Canadian children and youth.
					UNICEF Canada will be available to comment from Geneva on issues and policy recommendations outlined in its alternative report submitted to the UN Committee.
Who					Marv Bernstein, UNICEF Canada's Chief Advisor, Advocacy, will be available on September 25, September 27, September 28.
					Lisa Wolff, UNICEF Canada’s Director of Education and Advocacy, will be available to comment from Geneva, Switzerland on September 26-27.
When					Live webcast of the UN review
					Wednesday, September 26:
					3 pm to 6 pm in Geneva (9 am to 12 pm EST)
					Thursday, September 27:
					10 am to 1 pm in Geneva (4 am to 7 am EST)
					3 pm to 6 pm in Geneva (9 am to 12 pm EST)
					Commentary available each day following the UN review.
Where					CRC Dialogue Webcast available at www.treatybodywebcast.org.
					More information available at www.unicef.ca/turnupthevolume.
					Join the Twitter conversation with the hashtag #CdnUNCRC.

UNICEF
UNICEF has saved more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization. We work tirelessly to help children and their families, doing whatever it takes to ensure children survive. We provide children with healthcare and immunization, clean water, and food security, education, emergency relief and more.

UNICEF is supported entirely by voluntary donations and helps children regardless of race, religion or politics. As part of the UN, we are active in over 190 countries – more than any other organization. Our determination and our reach are unparalleled. Because nowhere is too far to go to help a child survive.

For updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook or visit unicef.ca.

 

SOURCE: UNICEF Canada

Andrea Ramhit
UNICEF Canada
(Office) 416 482-4444 ext. 8890  (Cell) 416 434-2877
[email protected]