SR0081 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0081 LRB104 10602 ECR 20678 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois has demonstrated a sustained commitment toward ensuring the realization of human rights for all, including rights for women, children, immigrants, and the homeless; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois has high aspirations and standards for its children and families and is constantly seeking ways to improve their lives and to ensure an environment that protects children's health; and

WHEREAS, The Convention on the Rights of the Child (the Convention) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on November 20, 1989 and became effective as an international treaty on September 2, 1990; and

WHEREAS, The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the only international human rights treaty aimed at protecting children from discrimination, neglect, and abuse by establishing a full range of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights; and

WHEREAS, Although the United States had considerable influence in drafting the Convention and subsequently signed it on February 16, 1995, the Convention has never been presented to the U.S. Senate for advice and consent, which is the necessary and final step to U.S. ratification; and

WHEREAS, Without U.S. Senate approval, the Convention has no effect on children living in the United States, thereby leaving them without the protections contained within this important treaty; and

WHEREAS, The adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child would enhance the State of Illinois' stature as a leader in promoting the well-being of children; and

WHEREAS, The adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the General Assembly would be consistent with Illinois' past support of securing fundamental rights for the most vulnerable; and

WHEREAS, The adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child would affirm Illinois' commitment to protect children and promote their rights; and

WHEREAS, The Convention would provide a single, comprehensive framework within which the diverse arms of the Illinois State government can assess and address, in a consistent manner, the rights and protections of our children; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we affirm our support for the Convention on the Rights of the Child; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge State agencies and the Illinois General Assembly to advance policies and practices that align with the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge President Trump to submit the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child to the U.S. Senate for its advice and consent without delay, and we further call on the U.S. Senate to move swiftly to approve the Convention.