Rights Awareness Program

On November 20th 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) was passed by the United Nations' General Assembly. The UNCRC sets out international standards for the healthy development and well being of children.

Canada was a leader in developing the UNCRC, and one of its first signatories. When Canada ratified the UNCRC in 1991 it became bound by the provisions of the Convention and the way they are implemented at the federal and provincial/territorial levels. Provincial and territorial governments also agreed to implement the provisions of the UNCRC prior to Canada signing on.

The UNCRC is a powerful tool that organizations can use for improving the laws, policies and services affecting children from birth to age eighteen. One hundred and ninety five States from around the world have ratified the UNCRC. In fact, only two more States are left - Somalia and the USA - making the UNCRC the first nearly universally ratified human rights treaty in history.

SCY has been engaged for many years in the promotion of the UNCRC. Our work includes public policy research, surveys, forums, workshops, presentations and the development of education, implementation and monitoring tools.