International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression: History, Significance and Celebrations

When Is International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression?

The United Nations' (UN) International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed on June 4 each year. The purpose of the day is to acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world who are the victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse. This day affirms the UN's commitment to protect the rights of children.

Quick Facts - Time & Date

This year: Fri, 4 Jun 2021
Next year: Sat, 4 Jun 2022
Last year: Thu, 4 Jun 2020
Type: United Nations observance

The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression celebrates the millions of individuals and organizations working to protect and preserve the rights of children. Through education and social development programming, Salesian missionaries in more than 130 countries around the globe work to ensure that all youth know their rights, are able to fully participate in their communities, and receive the support they need in the aftermath of trauma and abuse.

History of International Day of Innocent Children

On 19 August 1982, at its emergency special session on the question of Palestine, the General Assembly, appalled at the great number of innocent Palestinian and Lebanese children victims of Israel's acts of aggression, decided to commemorate June 4 of each year as the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, as cited by Time and Date. According to the United Nations in China, the statistics of child abuse include:

- More than two million children killed in conflict in the last two decades.

- About 10 million child refugees cared for by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

- In the Latin America and in the Caribbean region about 80 thousand children die annually from violence that breaks out within the family.

Child abuse is now in the spotlight of global attention and the UN is working hard to help protect children around the world. One key factor is the process of international negotiation and action centered around the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

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Significance of International Day of Innocent Children

It is a sad reality that in situations where armed conflict breaks out, it is the most vulnerable members of societies – namely children, who are most affected by the consequences of war. The six most common violations are recruitment and use of children in war, killing, sexual violence, abduction, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access.

The day signifies its acknowledgment of the pain suffered by children throughout the world due to the physical, mental, and emotional abuse they went through. The day also affirms the United Nation’s commitment to protecting the rights of children the world over. It carries out its work under the guidance of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which is the most rapidly and widely ratified international human rights treaty in history.

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression: History, Significance and Celebrations
Photo: Fresherslive

Celebrations of International Day of Innocent Children

The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression celebrates the millions of individuals and organizations working to protect and preserve the rights of children. For example, the Global Movement for Children, with leadership from Nelson Mandela and Graca Machel, is an inspiring force for change that involves ordinary people and families worldwide. The ''Say Yes for Children'' campaign, endorsed by more than 94 million people, calls for 10 positive actions to be taken to improve the lives of children.

This day is a time for individuals and organizations all over the world to become aware of the impact of the monstrosity of abuse, in all its forms, against children. It is also a time when organizations and individuals learn from or take part in awareness campaigns centered on protecting children's rights, reported India.

Six grave violations to report on violation against children

1. Killing or maiming of children

2. Recruitment or use of children as soldiers

3. Sexual violence against children

4. Abduction of children

5. Attack against school or hospitals

6. Denial of humanitarian access for children

World Day for Child Victims of Aggression Observances

Year Weekday Date Name Holiday Type
2016 Sat 4 Jun World Day for Child Victims of Aggression United Nations observance
2017 Sun 4 Jun World Day for Child Victims of Aggression United Nations observance
2018 Mon 4 Jun World Day for Child Victims of Aggression United Nations observance
2019 Tue 4 Jun World Day for Child Victims of Aggression United Nations observance
2020 Thu 4 Jun World Day for Child Victims of Aggression United Nations observance
2021 Fri 4 Jun World Day for Child Victims of Aggression United Nations observance
2022 Sat 4 Jun World Day for Child Victims of Aggression United Nations observance
2023 Sun 4 Jun World Day for Child Victims of Aggression United Nations observance
2024 Tue 4 Jun World Day for Child Victims of Aggression United Nations observance
2025 Wed 4 Jun World Day for Child Victims of Aggression United Nations observance
2026 Thu 4 Jun World Day for Child Victims of Aggression United Nations observance

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