The Role and Impact of Civil Society upon Child Rights in Canada

Summary

This case study summarises some findings about how civil society in Canada has affected policy efforts in relation to children and highlights the challenges it confronts. In sum, research has found that most advances that Canada has made in implementing child rights have been strongly influenced by the efforts and dedication of actors in civil society, the non-profit and charitable sector as well as academics and research organisations. However, this sector is increasingly vulnerable to budget cuts and other adverse factors. The article examines on the status of several general measures of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which are the structures and processes that the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child considers to form part of the general obligations of State parties. Discussion concentrates on four general measures namely: law reform, budgeting, monitoring, and education and awareness-raising. The article concludes with several recommendations.