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Background Information

Convention on the Rights of the Child

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was opened for signature by the UN General Assembly on November 20, 1989. It entered into force on September 2, 1990. As of June 3, 2005, it had been ratified by 192 countries.

Canada signed the CRC on May 28, 1990, and ratified it on December 13, 1991. The CRC requires an initial report covering the first two years following ratification and further reports every five years thereafter. Canada submitted its First Report in June 1994. This first report was reviewed by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in May 1995. Canada's Second Report was submitted on April 26, 2001, and was reviewed in September 2003. Canada expects to submit its next report in January 2009.

Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict

The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (CRC-OP-AC) was adopted by the UN General Assembly on May 25, 2000 (resolution A/RES/54/263). It entered into force on February 12, 2002. As of June 3, 2005, it had been ratified by 97 countries. Canada ratified the Optional Protocol on July 7, 2000.

The Optional Protocol sets new standards on the involvement of children in armed conflicts. It requires States to take concrete measures to ensure that members of their national armed forces who are under the age of 18 do not take direct part in hostilities. It also addresses issues of recruitment, compliance, implementation and international co-operation and assistance.

Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography

The Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography (CRC-OP-SC) was adopted by the UN General Assembly on May 25, 2000 (resolution A/RES/54/263). It entered into force on January 18, 2002. As of June 3, 2005, it had been ratified by 95 countries. Canada ratified the Optional Protocol on September 14, 2005.

The objective of the Optional Protocol is to expand upon the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the areas of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse of children, and the abduction, sale and traffic of children. It requires States parties to prohibit the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography through criminal or penal legislation, to develop public awareness measures in this respect and to put in place measures for the protection of child victims. In the Protocol, the "sale of children" is defined as: sexual exploitation (including child prostitution and child pornography); the transfer of organs for profit; and adoption involving consent that is improperly induced by an intermediary and contrary to applicable international standards.