International Children’s Day: When, Why And How To Celebrate In Covid-19

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The International Children's Day is for children, and as suggested by its name. As children are the future of mankind, the event sends adults a reminder about taking better care and protection towards their beloved kids.

Also, this day specially marks the start of summer vacation—the occasion when children truly enjoy as they are free from school and homework.

What is International Children's Day?

International Children's Day is a public holiday observed in some countries on June 1st.

The origin of this holiday goes back to 1925 when representatives from different countries met in Geneva, Switzerland to convene the first "World Conference for the Wellbeing of Children".

After the conference, some governments around the world designated a day as Children's Day to highlight children's issues. There was no specific date recommended, so countries used whatever date was most relevant to their culture.

The date of June 1st is used by many ex-Soviet countries as 'The International Day for Protection of Children' was established on 1 June 1950 following the Women's International Democratic Federation's congress in Moscow that took place in 1949.

With the creation of World Children's Day, UN member states recognized children, regardless of race, colour, sex, religion, and national or social origin, the right to affection, love, understanding, adequate food, medical care, free education, protection against all forms of exploitation and growing in a climate of universal peace and brotherhood.

International Children's Day - Universal Children’s Day and which day is right?

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There is some confusion as to what day Children’s Day is officially celebrated, even to the point that when you click on the Google Doodle itself you will see that it says Children’s Day is on June 1. November 20 each year marks the official international Children’s Day as it was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1959 with the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

International Children’s Day, which is not the same as Universal Children’s Day, is celebrated annually on June 1. Although widely celebrated, many countries do not recognize June 1 as Children’s Day.

In the United States, Children’s Day is typically celebrated on the second Sunday in June. The tradition dates back to 1856 when the Reverend Dr. Charles Leonard, pastor of the Universalist Church of the Redeemer in Chelsea, Massachusetts, held a special service focused on children.

Over the years, several denominations declared or recommended an annual observance be held for children, but no government action has been taken. Past presidents have periodically proclaimed a National Child’s Day or National Children’s Day, but no official yearly celebration of National Children’s Day has been established in the United States.

The International Day for Protection of Children is also observed on June 1 and has helped elevate June 1 as the internationally recognized day to celebrate children. The International Day for Protection of Children became universally established in 1954 to protect children’s rights, end child labor and guarantee access to education.

Universal Children’s Day, as set out by the UN, exists to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children’s welfare.

World Children’s Day on November 20 as recognized by the UN is celebrated by Canada, New Zealand, and the UK.

In Australia, celebrations for this day are held on the fourth Wednesday in October, and in India, the day is marked on November 14.

The US does not observe Universal Children’s Day but they have National Child’s Day on the first Sunday of June. In the UK, Children’s Day is celebrated nationally on May 14, so as to give children the chance to go outside during the summer for Children’s Day.

Even though Google is clearly celebrating today as Children’s Day and adhering to the UN international standard when you click on the Doodle it appears that Children’s Day is on June 1.

How to celebrate International Children's Day in Covid-19

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Usually, on this day various entertaining events are arranged for children: contests with gifts, concerts, exhibitions, quizzes. However, this holiday is more focused on adults, because the main goal is to talk about the problems and difficulties of children around the world, to emphasize the importance of protecting their rights.

On June 1, anti-abortion campaigns are taking place in many countries around the world. There can be marches, rallies, prayers, etc. However, in 2021 on this day will have to do without mass actions due to the coronavirus epidemic and quarantine restrictions.

In addition, funds are being raised for the treatment of children with cancer.

On this day, the international community also calls to stop domestic violence, conducts educational campaigns for children to teach them where they can go if their rights are violated.

In connection with the hostilities, the world faced new challenges in the field of protecting the rights of children. Today, the issues of orphans, IDPs, children from single-parent or dysfunctional families are very acute.

The main appeal of the majority of actions that are held on this day in more than 60 countries of the world is that only adults can solve the problems of children.

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