The Commission on Human Rights and Youth Rights (CDPDJ) today released a damning report on the protection of children in Nunavik.
“The situation is still critical. It has even deteriorated,” emphasized in an interview with The Press the vice-president of the CDPDJ, Suzanne Arpin. The CDPDJ had already issued a report on the protection of young people in Nunavik with several recommendations, more than 15 years ago.
An alarming situation
The report highlights living conditions that are still difficult for children and families, including social problems and trauma resulting from colonization, exacerbated by precarious socio-economic conditions and a serious shortage of housing.
“What children and families are experiencing in Nunavik would be totally unacceptable for any child in Montreal, Saguenay or Gaspésie. But we tolerate it for the children of Nunavik,” says Suzanne Arpin.
She mentions the example of families who can live up to 15 people in a 4 ½, without drinking water and without being able to eat properly – the grocery basket costing 55% more in Nunavik than anywhere else in Quebec, recalls. she said.
Nearly one child in five is taken care of by youth protection services in Nunavik. This is six times more than for all of Quebec, while more than a third of the territory’s population is under 14 years old. Due to a lack of manpower, these services often act urgently, without being able to carry out regular monitoring of children.
The government called to act
According to the report, actions have been taken in recent years by various stakeholders, but these are largely insufficient to remedy the situation. “Several issues identified in the 2007 survey are still relevant,” we can read.
The CDPDJ calls on the government to tackle the problem head on and work hand in hand with local populations. It formulates seven new recommendations in its report, to better guarantee the protection of children.
“All the courses of action that we give are made with the greatest respect for the right to self-determination of the Inuit,” affirms Suzanne Arpin. “The solutions must come from the communities […], but with the help of the government. They must work together in this search for solutions. »
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Minister responsible for Social Services Lionel Carmant
Contacted by The Press, the office of the minister responsible for Social Services, Lionel Carmant, indicated that it was aware of the report. “We know that there are important issues in Nunavik and we are continuing our efforts to ensure that services are there,” he said by email. “With the Minister responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit, Mr. Lafrenière, we recently met with the people of Makivvik and our collaboration is full and complete. »