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 December 10, 2010, it had been ratified by 193 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's Third and Fourth Reports were submitted on November 20, 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 December 10, 2010, it had been ratified by 139 countries. Canada ratified the Optional Protocol on July 7, 2000. Canada submitted its First Report on September 16, 2004. This first report was reviewed by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in June 2005.

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 December 10, 2010, it had been ratified by 142 countries. Canada ratified the Optional Protocol on September 14, 2005. Canada submitted its First Report on February 3, 2009.

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.