National Child Day 2006 - The Right to Be Heard!
This year National Child Day celebrates the Right to Be Heard. This theme emphasizes each child's right to have a voice in matters that affect them. The importance of children's participation is highlighted in the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child  (CRC). Article 12 of the Convention states that children have the right to express their own views in all matters that affect them appropriate to their age and maturity.
This year the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child has chosen “The Right of the Child to be Heard” as the theme for the Day of General Discussion . The discussion emphasized the importance of children speaking, participating and deciding - all vital elements of Article 12.
Through active participation, children are empowered. They learn new skills and build self-esteem. Listening to children and respecting their views promotes tolerance and leads to decisions made in the child's best interest.
We invite you to celebrate Canada's commitment to children by building awareness of our children's right to be heard! See suggested activities on the National Child Day Activities page. Download your participation certificate here.
UN Day of General Discussion
On September 15, 2006, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child hosted a Day of General Discussion (DGD) in Geneva, Switzerland. The theme of the Day of General Discussion coincides with our theme for National Child Day: The Right to Be Heard. The purpose of the Day of General discussion was to promote child participation, focus on identifying gaps and best practices, and explore the meaning and implications of Article 12. Following the DGD, the Committee is expected to adopt recommendations on September 29th, 2006.
For more information on the UN Day of General Discussion, please click here.
What is National Child Day?
This day marks the adoption by the United Nations of the Convention
on the Rights of the Child.
In 1993, the Government of Canada enacted Bill C-371, otherwise known as the Child Day Act, and designated November 20th of each year as a national day of the child in order to promote awareness in Canada of the Convention.
The Convention spells out the basic human rights to which children (under the age of 18) everywhere are entitled.
Find out more about the history of National
Child Day.
What are Children's Rights?
National Child Day marks the day of the adoption of the United Nations Convention
on the Rights of the Child. By ratifying this Convention in 1991,
Canada made a commitment to ensure that all children are treated with
dignity and respect. This commitment includes that they be given the
opportunity to have a voice, be protected from harm and be provided
with their basic needs and every opportunity to reach their full potential.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child is based on four cross-cutting principles:
- that the best interests of the child should be the first consideration
for actions that affect him or her;
- that all children have the right to life, survival and development;
- that all children have the right to participate;
- and that all rights belong to all children without discrimination
or exception.
Some examples of rights are:
- the right to have a voice in matters that affect children;
- the right to special education and care;
- the right to play and rest;
- the right to health; and
- the right to special protection.
The Convention also acknowledges the key role of parents and
families in the lives of children and young people.
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