City Council Meeting: 5-11-2010 Santa Monica, California

RESOLUTION NUMBER (CCS)

(City Council Series)

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA ADOPTING THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

WHEREAS, the City of Santa Monica has demonstrated strong commitment toward ensuring the realization of human rights for all; and

WHEREAS, Santa Monica has high aspirations and standards for its children and families and is constantly seeking ways to improve their lives and ensure an environment that protects children’s health; and

WHEREAS, The Convention on the Rights of the Child 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 to recognize the vital role of the family and the parent child relationship; and

WHEREAS, the United States and Somalia are the only two countries that have not ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child; and

WHEREAS, the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child enhances Santa Monica’s stature as a municipal leader in promoting the care and well-being of children; and

WHEREAS, the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the City Council is consistent with Santa Monica’s past support of securing fundamental rights for the most vulnerable; and

WHEREAS, the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child affirms Santa Monica’s commitment to protect children and promote their rights; and

WHEREAS, the members of the Santa Monica City Council strongly support the efforts of the Human Rights Watch Student Task Force to educate their communities and the City of Santa Monica about the Convention on the Rights of the Child; and

WHEREAS, the Convention would provide a single, comprehensive framework within which the diverse arms of the Santa Monica city government can assess and address, in a consistent manner, the rights and protections of our children.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The City Council of Santa Monica does hereby affirm its support of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

SECTION 2. The City of Santa Monica will respect and effectuate the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in all City work affecting the City's children.

SECTION 3.The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution, and thenceforth and thereafter the same shall be in full force and effect.

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

_________________________

MARSHA JONES MOUTRIE

City Attorney