Today is National Child Day, and the Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth is speaking out about the importance of children’s rights.

In a news release, the Saskatchewan Advocate for Children and Youth stated that today is an opportunity to raise awareness about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The UNCRC is an international treaty ratified by Canada in 1991 which outlines the rights of all young people under 18 and ensures that they are respected and fulfilled by governments.

The Saskatchewan government made a commitment to the UNCRC when it adopted the Saskatchewan Children and Youth First Principles in 2009, however, it not incorporated into provincial law.

Lisa Broda, Saskatchewan’s advocate for children and youth, says “it has been extremely challenging for many young people in this province, and we must commit to hearing and incorporating their voices where decisions are being made that affect them.”

Because of this, the Advocate for Children and Youth office created a Youth Advisory Council, where children share feedback on projects and initiatives. These very children helped develop the awareness campaign for National Child Day over the past few years.