What is 'Universal Children's Day': History and Celebration

Universal Children’s Day. Photo: child rights focus

UNICEF coordinates this special day and encourages us to participate in improving the welfare of children all over the world.

WHAT IS UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY?

Because investing in our children is an investment in the future, the United Nations has declared November 20 to be Universal Children's Day each year. It's a time to encourage global cooperation, raise awareness of the issues kids face everywhere, and enhance the welfare of all kids.

HISTORY OF UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY

Although the UN established Universal Children's Day in 1954, the extended Declaration of the Rights of the Child was not ratified by the UN General Assembly until November 20, 1959. The League of Nations first acquired this document in 1924, and the UN later adopted it as its own declaration of children's rights. The text in the original is as follows:

The child must be provided with the resources needed for normal physical and spiritual development.

The needy child must be fed, the sick child must be cared for, the disadvantaged child must be assisted, the delinquent child must be reclaimed, and the orphan and the waif must be provided with shelter and sustenance.

When a child is in distress, relief must be given to them first.

The child must be given the opportunity to support themselves and must be shielded from all forms of exploitation.

The idea that one's talents should be used to benefit one's fellow humans must be instilled in children from an early age.

In the expanded version, the UN adopted 10 additional principles along with a resolution that called on governments to uphold these rights, work toward their acceptance, and make the document as widely known as possible. The resolution was proposed by the Afghani delegation.

The UN General Assembly ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child 30 years later, on November 20, 1989. A human rights treaty known as the CRC outlines children's civil, political, economic, social, cultural, and health rights. The agreement deals with the needs and rights of children, and all states that ratify it are bound by international law and are required to act in the child's best interests, as defined by today's national laws.

HOW TO CELEBRATE

Parents can help even though their teachers will talk to the students about their rights. The Toy Blog has frequently advocated that education should begin at home. And our ability to communicate with them and help them understand is the cornerstone of helping your children comprehend the world in which they live.

They should be aware that there are kids out there who don't go to school, who don't have access to doctors or hospitals, or who don't have food to eat. When they become aware, we can persuade them to take part by lending a hand.