As a result of their deliberations committees may make recommendations which they include in their reports for the consideration of the House of Commons or the Government. Recommendations related to this study are listed below.

Recommendation 1

That, through the international assistance it provides for education during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, which should be at least 10% of its budget for bilateral development assistance, the Government of Canada provide targeted support for children in situations of vulnerability to access education, whether following a disruption or for the first time, including girls, children with disabilities, orphaned children, children in remote areas, children affected by conflict, and children who have been displaced, with the goal of increasing and sustaining access to high-quality and inclusive education for all.

Recommendation 2

That the Government of Canada fully fund the “Together for Learning” campaign and explore ways to support refugee-led responses to education challenges and disruptions, including by considering new funding mechanisms that could be delivered as part of an augmented campaign.

Recommendation 3

That the Government of Canada ensure that its international assistance for education integrates mental health and psychosocial support services for children dealing with conflict, sexual and gender-based violence, displacement, and other forms of trauma.

Recommendation 4

That, in designing, implementing and monitoring the international assistance it provides in support of education, the Government of Canada take into account the specific pressures and vulnerabilities facing girls who may be at risk of dropping out of – or being pulled from – school, forced into marriage and work, or endangered by sexual and physical domestic violence, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

Recommendation 5

That the Government of Canada increase the emphasis in its international assistance on child protection services and systems.

Recommendation 6

That the Government of Canada devote more resources and engage with partner countries and organizations toward the implementation of the Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers.

Recommendation 7

That the Government of Canada expand funding and implement partnership mechanisms, investigatory capacity, and legislative tools more proactively to combat child sexual exploitation.

Recommendation 8

That the Government of Canada prioritize legislation that would strengthen supply chain integrity and combat modern slavery in global supply chains, and that it continue to strengthen enforcement of Canada’s obligations around supply chain integrity.

Recommendation 9

That, while acting in accordance with the best interests of the child, ensuring their well‑being and working in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, the Government of Canada pursue all options possible to repatriate the Canadian children detained in the al-Hol and Roj camps in northeast Syria.

Recommendation 10

That, with due regard for the safety of Canadian government employees and national security considerations, the Government of Canada make every effort to provide consular services to all Canadians detained in northeast Syria; and, that it pursue with the international community a response to the detainees that is compliant with international human rights, humanitarian and criminal law, while pressing for accountability for any crimes that may have been committed, understanding that it is a Criminal Code offence to travel abroad to engage in terrorist activity.

Recommendation 11

That, in using all the diplomatic tools at its disposal, the Government of Canada advocate for unhindered humanitarian access in all situations where children are affected by armed conflict and displacement, including in Syria.

Recommendation 12

That the Government of Canada work with its partners to develop, finance, and implement an ambitious, inclusive, and holistic agenda for children as part of the global response to and recovery from COVID-19.