Today is Child and Youth Day in B.C., to mark Universal Children's Day and Canada's adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The convention informs government on their responsibilities to children and in child development. It includes 54 articles on child rights that are guided by four principles:

• Non-discrimination: Letting kids be who they are and treating everyone equally.
• Right to life, survival, and development: Kids are entitled to the basic things to live, survive and develop.
• Best interests of the child: Always ask yourself if what you're doing or the decision you are making is good for kids?
• Engaging children and youth: Kids need to be heard when decisions are being made that affect them.

The B.C. government has taken a number of steps to uphold the rights of young people, including creating the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth and forming the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth.

Quote:

Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development -

"Today is not only a day to recognize the importance of honouring child and youth rights, it's also a time for all of us to ensure that young people grow up in the best environment possible. Children represent the future of our province. Everyone, including families, communities and government, has a role to play in supporting children to reach their full potential."

Learn More:

UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in child-friendly language:http://www.unicef.org/southafrica/SAF_resources_crcchildfriendly.pdf

To learn about the rights of children and youth in government care, go to: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/foster/pdf/know_your_rights.pdf

Contact:

Sheldon Johnson
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-1639