Law Module
United Nations Convention on the Rights
of the Child
Questions & Answers
1) Are all students classified as children?
Only those who are
below the
age of 18 fit this definition in Canadian schools.
2) Upon what consideration should all actions concerning a child
depend?
The
best interest of the child shall be the primary consideration.
3) What limitations are placed on a child's right to expression?
Due
weight is given in accordance with the age and maturity of the
child.
4) What provisions and restrictions does the convention
extend to children with disabilities?
Provisions - enjoyment of a full
and decent life of dignity, self reliance and active community
participation.
- effective access to education
Limitations - subject to
the availability of resources and the circumstances of the
parents/caregivers
- free services when possible
5) What specific educational rights does the Convention provided
for?
Free compulsory primary
education.
Availability and
accessibility to secondary
education.
Accessibility to higher
education.
Availability and
accessibility of educational/vocational
information
Encouragement of
regular school attendance
Appropriate school
discipline.
Promotion of international
cooperation
in matters relating to education.
6) What protection is extended to children re: penal law
enforcement?
Right to prompt access to
legal assistance.
Right to an independent,
impartial court challenge of the law being enforced.
Prompt decisions on any
legal action (charges, rulings).
Treatment in a dignified
worthy manner.
Presumption of innocence.
Freedom of manadatory
testimony or confession.
Free interpretation to the
child's language.
Privacy
Alternative measures to
judicial proceedings
Alternatives to
institutional care.