"Investing in children today secures a better future for them, and us all."
KEY TAKEAWAYS
World Children’s Day was established by the General Assembly on 14th December 1954, through Resolution 836(IX).
World Children’s Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).
Calls for global awareness and unified action to safeguard child rights to help build a society where all individuals can thrive and contribute to creating responsible, empowered future generations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Origin of the Day
Significance
Conclusion
INTRODUCTION
World Children’s Day, celebrated annually on 20th November, is an international day established by the United Nations to advance the welfare and rights of children. This day aims to promote global solidarity for children, raise awareness of their challenges, and encourage both governments and individuals to engage in impactful actions.
World Children’s Day serves as an important platform for international advocacy, highlighting the various challenges and opportunities that children encounter across the globe. It highlights the need for unified efforts from individuals, communities, governmental bodies, and international organisations to tackle issues such as child poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate access to education and healthcare, as well as protecting children from violence, exploitation, and discrimination.
ORIGIN OF THE DAY
On 14th December, 1954, the General Assembly passed Resolution 836(IX), encouraging all countries to establish a Universal Children's Day. This day aims to promote global unity and understanding among children. It also emphasises activities that support the principles and goals of the UN Charter and improve children's well-being around the world.
This date also marks the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. The Convention, recognised as the most ratified international treaty concerning human rights, outlines the rights that children are entitled to. These rights include the right to life, health, education, and play, as well as the right to family life, protection from violence, freedom from discrimination, and the opportunity for their opinions to be expressed and considered.
SIGNIFICANCE
World Children’s Day highlights the importance of children's rights. Children are acknowledged as active change agents rather than as passive objects of care. World Children's Day promotes the development of a society that values children's rights and prioritises their well-being.
Child rights constitute fundamental human rights that are unequivocal and cannot be compromised. However, in numerous regions around the world, these rights are frequently misinterpreted, neglected, or infringed and attacked. Ensuring the protection of these rights involves taking steps and preventative actions, such as establishing child-friendly laws, enforcing regulations against child exploitation and trafficking and ensuring access, to education and healthcare. Safeguarding children's rights is crucial to guarantee that every child can grow up in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment. When children are protected and their rights upheld, they are better positioned to reach their full potential, contributing positively to society as responsible and educated adults.
CONCLUSION
World Children’s Day is more than a day of celebration; it is a global call to action. Around the world, children face various challenges, from poverty and lack of access to quality education to forced labour, abuse, and discrimination. This day highlights the need to address these injustices and commit to protecting every child’s right to a safe, healthy, and fulfilling life. The protection of child rights is a cornerstone for building a just and equitable society.
“Because every child in the world has one thing in common - Their rights.” – UNICEF
FURTHER READINGS
The State of the World's Children: https://www.unicef.org/reports/state-of-worlds-children
Convention on the Rights of the Child text: https://www.unicef.org/child-rights-convention/convention-text
Humanitarian Action for Children 2024 Overview: https://www.unicef.org/reports/humanitarian-action-children-2024-overview
REFERENCES
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