Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Their idea is to act as a kind of independent body, to be somewhat separate from the government but to provide consultation in terms of advice for different decisions that are being made. One of the best things I could suggest is that I provide some documentation that outlines the specific duties a commissioner would have, that I provide that to you at a later date based on the commission, because that's not entirely my area of expertise.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  The idea is kind of a two-part role. They are to look at specific cases that serve as examples of.... Sorry; let me start over. First I'll start by listing some countries. There are the U.K., Norway, and New Zealand. I'm blanking on some. There's a long list of countries. I think there are about 15 countries that have federal advocates who are child commissioners.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  I think so. Yes.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Other countries have implemented a child commissioner at the federal level to help monitor children's rights. It allows for more dialogue with children and integration into the curriculum so children are more aware of their rights. Then they can report and know that there's somebody they can go to if there is a rights-based issue with children.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Thank you. The Canadian Coalition for the Rights of Children appreciates the opportunity to speak with you about Canada's implementation of international human rights agreements. My name is Samira Ahmed, and I am a student board member with the coalition, filling in today for Kathy Vandergrift, our chairperson, who is in Vancouver speaking on the rights of the child.