Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean
C.C., C.M.M., C.O.M., C.D.
Governor General of Canada
For a number of years now, members of the International Bureau for Children's Rights (IBCR) have applied all their knowledge and expertise to help children fully enjoy all the rights they have been given.
I think one of today's greatest tragedies is the abuse of children and young people. All over the world—even in an egalitarian and progressive country like ours—society's most vulnerable citizens are not always protected from negligence and violence. It is our duty to shelter them from all forms of abuse. We need more dialogue between experts and policy makers, and between young people and those working to help them. There is no doubt in my mind that this situation is urgent.
The IBCR and its partners play a significant role in improving the quality of life of children and young people here in Canada and abroad. Their research in this area is invaluable and helps shed light on the nature of a problem to which concrete solutions must be found. Through their efforts, they give hope to those most in need and enable them to realize their dreams.
I would like to recognize the will and commitment of the women and men who work tirelessly to stop all forms of violence against young people. They are true champions and I am so proud of their accomplishments.
Michaëlle Jean
2007
