MONTRÉAL, May 17, 2024
/CNW/ - Inuit children and families are still not receiving the
social and youth protection services to which they are entitled,
according to a report published today by the Commission des droits
de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse. Although programs and
initiatives have been established in recent years, child protection
is still not fully guaranteed. An immediate and concerted action by
the government in collaboration with the Inuit authorities,
respecting right to self-determination of the Inuit is
required.
The Commission's report reviews the recommendations made in its
systemic investigation over 15 years ago. It identifies persistent
and worsening issues and their devastating effects on children. It
in particular highlights the urgent need to rethink services based
on the needs of Inuit children and their families, to meet labour
needs by eliminating current barriers to recruitment and retention
of both Inuit and non-Inuit employees., and to increase the
pace of residential construction by maximizing collaborative design
approaches.
"Nearly one in five children is under the care of youth
protection services in Nunavik. This is unacceptable. We note that
several issues identified in the 2007 investigation persist. The
effectiveness of the measures implemented is greatly impeded by
numerous unresolved issues, including the adverse living conditions
of children and families, and the chronic staff shortage in social
services." said Philippe-André Tessier, President of the Commission.
"Everything must be done to prevent children from falling under the
responsibility of the youth protection system, and when they do,
children and families must have full access to the services to
which they are entitled," he added.
The Report seeks to highlight what has been done in response to
its 2007 recommendations. It also aims to identify remaining
barriers to implementing these recommendations and issues requiring
coordinated efforts from the relevant authorities and organizations
are a priority.
The Commission not only makes recommendations in its report, but
it also sets out the commitments that it pledges to better
contribute to the protection of the rights of Nunavik's
children. These commitments include working more closely with Inuit
authorities and organizations.
In addition, the Commission plans to seek authorization to
intervene in the class action brought by two Inuit women,
authorized by the Superior Court on April
30, 2024, concerning the chronic underfunding of
childcare services for Indigenous youth, allegedly as
a result of systemic discrimination.
The Commission's mandate is to ensure that children's rights are
respected and that the interests of all Québec children, including
Inuit children, are protected. It has played this role for several
decades, and since 2010 has conducted more than 100 youth
protection investigations in Nunavik. The Commission offers its
collaboration to all organizations working to promote and protect
the rights of children in Nunavik.
The Report on the Implementation of the Recommendations of
the Report on Youth Protection Services in
Nunavik is available online at :
www.cdpdj.qc.ca/en/publications/report-nunavik-2024
The Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la
jeunesse promotes and upholds the principles of the Québec Charter
of Human Rights and Freedoms. It also ensures that the
interests of children are protected and that their rights under the
Youth Protection Act are promoted and upheld. The Commission is
also responsible for administration of the Act respecting equal
access to employment in public bodies
Contact:
Halimatou Bah
438 867-4074
medias@cdpdj.qc.ca
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SOURCE Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la
jeunesse