20 NOVEMBER 2014

(Fredericton, NB) - Today, National Child Day, marks the 25th anniversary of Canada adopting The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Green Party leader David Coon says it's time New Brunswick's Legislature stands up for the rights of children and youth.

In ratifying the convention, Canada made a commitment to ensure all children are treated with dignity and respect. The Convention spells out the basic human rights to which children and youth are entitled.

New Brunswick's State of the Child Report was released just two days ago by the provincial Child and Youth Advocate. Green Party leader and Fredericton South MLA David Coon says the report's findings concerning violence, child poverty, bullying and abuse underline the need for urgent action.

"If we are to uphold the human rights of our children and youth, there must be a legal obligation on all members of Cabinet to have due regard for the Convention on the Rights of the Child in everything they do," said Green Party leader David Coon. "This should reduce child poverty and help protect children from family violence, abuse and environmental hazards," he added.

Mr. Coon will champion the need for New Brunswick's Cabinet to have due regard for the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child when the Legislative Assembly resumes sitting on December 3, 2014.

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