Resolution on the Rights of the Child
WHEREAS, The State of Illinois developed the world's first juvenile court in 1899 out of concern that children be removed from adult prison and receive a second chance, and has consistently been a leader in protecting children and promoting their rights; and
WHEREAS, the Illinois legal innovation of a juvenile court was rapidly adopted throughout the world, and
WHEREAS, The State of Illinois, based on its history and tradition of human rights and responsibilities, is committed to the human rights of children, including those children in conflict with the law; and
WHEREAS, in the 1980's, the United States participated in a working group, along with nearly eighty other nations, to draft a Convention on the Rights of the Child; and
WHEREAS, On November 20, 1989, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was drafted with the specific purpose of promoting and protection the well-being of all children, including those in conflict with the law; and
WHEREAS, The Convention on the Rights of the Child has been ratified by all of the world's nations, except the United States,. making it the most widely ratified human rights document in history.
WHEREAS, The United States formally signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1995, signifying its intent to ratify the Convention and
WHEREAS, The Illinois Ninety-Ninth General Assembly adopted HR 1143 in 2010, urging the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and
WHEREAS, November 20, 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the convention on the Rights of the Child, and
WHEREAS on October 8th, 2019 The United Nations will receive the first international report on the Global Study, on Children Deprived of Liberty along with updated recommendations on when and under what conditions children should be detained and deprived of liberty; and
WHEREAS, the Global Study notes that one of the most positive developments in juvenile justice worldwide has been the adoption of a separate court for juveniles, first developed in Illinois in 1899/ and
' WHEREAS, the State of Illinois, home of the world's first juvenile court, is committed to continuing its global leadership in justice for children and adolescents, ensuring that all Illinois children receive all recognized human rights; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by the City of Chicago, that we call upon all government agencies in the city, in particular those concerned with juvenile justice, to review their policies and practices in comparison to the recommendations of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Global Study on Children Deprived of Liberty.
Sincerely,
Michael D. Rotjnguez Alderman, 22nd Ward