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Canada’s Obligations Under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocol, Including Reference to Omar Kadar

2012:04EI CANADA’S OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE UN CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD AND ITS OPTIONAL PROTOCOL, INCLUDING REFERENCE TO OMAR KHADR

Whereas 1

The Government of Canada has failed to live up to its commitment as a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Optional Protocol in the case of Omar Khadr, and to treat him according to the ‘need to protect’ as outlined in this UN Convention, specifically by failing to:

  1. Prevent him from being tortured
  2. Seek repatriation for him
  3. Make any effort to prevent him from facing a military trial

Whereas 2

Child soldiers have generally been exposed to violence and danger and have not been socialized to live in peace with others, and therefore require training and basic education, necessary to live in peaceful society, and care and help to deal with trauma and to develop trusting relationships; and

Whereas 3

Although

  1. Khadr’s plea bargain was accompanied by statements both from U.S. and Canadian officials agreeing to look favourably on his transfer to Canada after he had spent one year in Guantanamo;
  2. The said year was completed by November 1, 2011; and
  3. The necessary process to facilitate repatriation has already been completed by the U.S. government,

There are no real signs of movement to follow through on Canadian undertakings; therefore be it

Resolved 1

That the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that the treatment of children involved in areas of armed conflict or engaged as child soldiers follow the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Optional Protocol; and be it further

Resolved 2

That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to honour its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Optional Protocol by ensuring that all steps are taken to repatriate without delay Canadian children engaged as child soldiers or involved in armed conflict, and ensure rehabilitative care and training is available following their release.