About
Defence for Children International
Defence for Children International (DCI) is an independent, grassroots organization, founded in Geneva, Switzerland in 1979. Its mission is to promote and protect the rights of the child through international action.
DCI played a significant role in the creation and the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was adopted November 20, 1989. DCI has national sections in 45 countries. DCI has consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, the ILO, UNICEF, UNESCO and the Council of Europe.
Defence for Children International-Canada
The Canadian Section of DCI was recognized as part of the Defence for Children International movement in June 1989 and incorporated in Canada as a non-profit organization in 1990.
DCI-Canada monitors governments’ compliance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child both in Canada and around the world. We also promote the full implementation of the Convention through research, education, development and youth participation projects.
Board of Directors
Directors and officers elected at the Annual General Meeting 2024
Irwin Elman (President)
Irwin served as Ontario’s Child Advocate until 2019 drawing on the strength of young people, working to fill the gap between what government, service providers and policy-makers intend, and the reality experienced by some of the most vulnerable children and youth in Ontario. Irwin led the Canadian Council of Child and Youth Advocates for 10 years as the President of the Council
Irwin brings an extensive background as an educator, counsellor, youth worker, program manager, policy developer and child and youth advocate to the position –borrowing from the courage and hope of the young people he served to create innovative approaches for others in Ontario, Ukraine, Jamaica, Hungary and Japan. Prior to becoming the Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth, Irwin was the Manager of the Pape Adolescent Resource Centre in
In 2023 Irwin was appointed as an Officer of the Order Of Canada the highest civilian recognition by Canada. Irwin is a proud but admittedly often tired Husband and Father to two early teen boys who command his love and doting attention
Dr. Wraychel Gilmore
Dr. Wraychel Gilmore, Ph.D., advocates, consults, writes, and teaches based on her 25+ years in children and youth services with a focus on youth political consultation and systemic change. She has worked internationally alongside colleagues from Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean, advocating politically and building strengths in policy development and programming.
Her work establishing a legislated child and youth advocate office tasked her with oversight of government services including sexual and physical assault responses from social services, exposing systemic racism and sexism within education, child protection and family violence issues, death investigations and complex mental health access for tens of thousands of children and youth.
Dr. Gilmore co-pioneered the first paid-cooperative education program for Indigenous youth in Canada. She served as an expert witness for The Senate of Canada on a National Commissioner, being the only adult to bring youth delegates into the proceedings. Dr. Gilmore is a current Director for Defence For Children International, appointed as the Canadian Observer for the European Region.
Her advocacy approaches have been recognized nationally including features on CBC’s Peter Mansbridge podcast, The Bridge, Global News, and the Ellected political podcast. Dr. Gilmore is an internationally requested speaker with appearances in Greece, Sweden, Hawaii, Miami, and a UNESCO conference at Cornell University. This year, she has requests in Morocco, South Korea, Spain, and Yellowknife.
Michael Fedchak
Mike Fedchak He/Him social service worker and psychotherapist. Psycho educator and advocate for mental health, housing rights, and other social justice matters working on challenging and changing culturally constructed and socio cultural narratives.
Peggy Lau
Peggy Lau is a public servant with extensive experience in children's services. For the past 12 years Peggy has led inter-divisional and inter-departmental teams to design and operationalize practical solutions to contentious and complex issues, particularly with problems crossing silos and functions within government service programs and policies serving vulnerable populations, implementing them to major program policy and legislative changes.
Dylan Ungerman
Dylan is a policy leader and advocate for children’s rights, with deep experience in child protection, safeguarding, and violence prevention. She has strengthened policies, programs, and accountability mechanisms across global and national contexts to uphold children’s rights and well-being. With a background in international development, Dylan brings expertise in advocacy, systems thinking, and cross-sector collaboration to keep children’s voices and best interests at the center.
She holds an MSc in Human Rights from the London School of Economics and a BA in Women's Studies from McGill University. In her personal time, Dylan loves to rock climb, thrift, read, and spend time in nature. As a board member of Defence for Children International - Canada, she is excited to work alongside human rights defenders to advance justice for children and hold systems accountable for their protection.
Bill Sparks
Bill Sparks is Board Chair of the Canada Nepal Community Foundation, Board Chair of The Bright Future Afghanistan, and Board Member of Defense for Children International-Canada Section. He is Retired Professor Centennial College and Humber College in Post Graduate International Development Studies. Past President of the Ontario Council for International Cooperation (OCIC), Past certified member of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and retired member of the Ontario College of Social Workers. retired ASIST Trained safeTALK Trainer. Past Compassion Fatigue Education & Cognitive Behavioural Counsellor. Retired Executive Director of the John Howard Society of Ontario with twenty years at JHSO. Retired Coordinator Management Advisory Service (MAS) and their current Practice Co-Lead in NFP Governance. His continuing interest is the integration of the clinical, organizational and international in holistic, inclusive, sustainable human development.
Eric Plato
Eric is a CPA, CMA who has over 30 years’ experience working in the non-profit sector. He has previously worked for the YMCA of Greater Toronto and United for Literacy. Now self-employed with his own consulting business, Eric’s goal has always been to support people feel more confident and comfortable managing matters of financial management. He is currently supporting organizations in the indigenous community, social service sector as well as grass roots organizations. In addition to his consulting business, he has taught financial management for NGO’s at Centennial College. He has previously served on the board of North York Community House and the Ontario Council for International Cooperation. Eric is passionate about being a member of DCI-Canada and contributing to the achievement of its vision.
Jason Maher
Jason Maher is a seasoned content creator and digital strategist with over two decades of experience in online community development and accessible media. Since 1999, he has led the creation and ongoing evolution of ConnectABILITY.ca, an innovative online resource that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their families, and support networks. Jason brings a strong background in producing, shooting, and editing web-based content, with a focus on accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful social impact. His work reflects a deep commitment to using technology as a tool for connection and empowerment.
Agnes Samler
Agnes Samler is a founding member of Defence for Children International–Canada and served as its volunteer President from its inception in 1989 until 2023. A passionate advocate for the rights of vulnerable children and youth in Canada and globally, she has championed the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child throughout her career.
Agnes began her work with young people as a front-line worker with young offenders, later holding leadership roles including CEO of Thistletown Regional Centre. She played a key role in advocating for children's rights before the Supreme Court of Canada and led efforts to close large institutions for youth and individuals with intellectual disabilities, replacing them with community-based supports.
She also served as Executive Director of Community Living Toronto, promoting person-centered care, and was appointed Ontario’s first independent Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth in 2007. Agnes holds a BA in Psychology and a Master’s in Sociology and Criminology from the University of Toronto.
Patrons Council
DCI-Canada is proud to present our Patron’s Council. The Council is made up of individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to the rights of children in Canada and across the world.
All of our current Patrons are previous Grant Lowery Lecturers. Patron’s Council members lend their names to demonstrate their support for Defence for Children International-Canada and for the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
- Dr. Cindy Blackstock
- Dr. Clive Chamberlain
- Gordon Cressy
- Muzvare Betty Makoni
- Senator Kim Pate
- Judge George Thomson
