OP3 CRC updates - New signatories and ratifications, steering committee changes and new coalition members

Date: 13th October 2015
Category: UNCRC Optional Protocols and General Comments

Argentina became the 17th state party to OP3 with its ratification on 14 April followed by Chile, on 1st of September and Mongolia on 28 September. In addition, following elections in April two new members have joined the steering committee and the Ratify OP3 coalition welcomes 7 new members.

New signatories and ratifications: Argentina, Chile, Mongolia and Czech Republic

Argentina became the 17th state party to OP3 with its ratification on 14 April followed by Chile, on 1st of September and Mongolia on 28 September. The Protocol will enter into force in these countries 3 months after the date of the deposit of its own instrument of ratification or accession.

Current state parties include: Albania, Andorra, Belgium, Bolivia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Gabon, Germany, Ireland, Monaco, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain Thailand, and Uruguay.

Luxembourg has also concluded the process of adoption of OP3 in August. Prior official entry into force, the deposit of the ratification instrument must be done in New York at the UN headquarters.

On 30 April Czech Republic signed the Protocol joining other states who have indicated their support and intention to ratify the Protocol. The full list of signatories can be consulted here.

Steering Committee Changes

Following elections in April two new members have joined the steering committee: the Global Movement for Children - LAC Chapter from Latin America, represented by Giovanna Brazzini, and Defense for Children, MENA region, represented by Sukaina Khalawi.

Plan International, Terre des Hommes and CRIN left the steering committee while remaining committed to the coalition and achievement of its aims. Two member organisations nominated new representatives: Juan Martín Pérez García, for Redlamyc, and Mieke Schuurman for Eurochild.

Chairmanship of the steering committee is currently held by CRC Asia. The Steering Committee includes 9 members including regional focal points for West Africa, Southern Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean and members with expertise with UN processes, national, regional and international advocacy.

New Ratify OP3 Coalition members

Ratify OP3 Coalition are delighted to welcome the following new members:

• Hope for Children" UNCRC Policy Center - Cyprus
• International Social Service Australia (ISS Australia)
• Asociación Nacional de Magistrados, Funcionarios y Profesionales de la Justicia de Niñez, Adolescencia y Familia - Argentin
• ADENICAT (Asociacion para la Defensa de los Derechos de las Niñas y los Niños de Cataluña) - Spain
• Burundi Child Rights Coalition - Burundi
• Rede da Criança - Mozambique
• European Roma Rights Center - Hungary

Together's Recommendation

Together have issued a recommendation for OP3 in our NGO UN report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child, as follows below:

"UK Government has not signed the Optional Protocol on a Communication Procedure, stating that the UK has effective laws under which individuals may seek enforceable remedies in the courts if their rights have been breached. However, the failure to incorporate the UNCRC into a domestic law means that it cannot be relied on directly in the courts. The importance of giving children theright of individual petition to the UN Committee through the ratification of the Optional Protocol has been highlighted by the JCHR."

Recommendation

"UK Government should sign and ratify the Third Optional Protocol to the UNCRCon a Communications Procedure with immediate effect."

Together expresses a profound disappointment that there has still been no movement regarding the ratification of OP3.

• Access Together's NGO report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child here.