20th anniversary of the international Convention on the Rights of the Child today

Nov 20 2009

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the international Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted by the United Nations on November 20, 1989. The CHU Sainte-Justine and The Montreal Children's Hospital of the McGill University Health Centre are joining forces to highlight the importance of this day, a reminder of the many injustices committed against children around the world.

The UN Convention stipulates that children are not simply vulnerable beings who need protection; they are also people who have the right to an education, healthcare and protection, regardless of where they were born. They also have the right to play, learn and express themselves. This day aims to advocate children's basic rights, thereby promoting and protecting the health and welfare of all children and adolescents. While Canada is generally a great place to live, our children are not immune to disease, poverty or violence. "At Sainte-Justine, ensuring the welfare of our children is one of our responsibilities and is a testimony to the tremendous respect we have for our patients," stated Fabrice Brunet, Executive Director of the CHU Sainte-Justine. "Bringing a human dimension to healthcare is something we strive to do daily," he added.

"Quebec is a land of plenty, thus collectively we have a moral obligation to ensure that every baby, child and adolescent is free from poverty, hunger, disease and suffering. We owe this to our children, our most vulnerable citizens," says Dr. Harvey Guyda, Associate Executive Director of The Montreal Children's Hospital. "The Montreal Children's Hospital vows never to waver from this obligation."