NDP
VICTORIA – Claire Trevena, the New Democrat critic for children and families, introduced a motion this week that would see the rights of B.C. children are considered in all relevant government legislation under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“As legislators we have a duty to protect children and youth through ensuring what we do, and what we propose, will have a positive impact,” said Trevena, the MLA for North Island. “This motion asks that the House agrees that the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child should be used when considering the impact of legislation.”
Trevena said the motion was formed in accordance with the principles proclaimed in the Charter of the UN which recognizes all children as entitled to all the rights and freedoms set down in the charter, without distinction of any kind.
“Under the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child, the best interests of the child are central,”said Trevena. “The convention covers a range of issues, from guaranteeing a child’s rights to identity through to protection from sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, trafficking and economic exploitation.
“The convention also upholds fundamental principles, such as the right of every child to an education, and a standard of living adequate for the child’s physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development.”