By: Gloriose Ntirenganya
CHILDREN’S DAY – 20 NOVEMBER 2024
World Children’s Day is an annual celebration held on November 20th to promote children’s welfare and uphold their rights globally. This important day was established in 1954 by the United Nations General Assembly as Universal Children’s Day. Over the decades, it has also become known as Children’s Rights Day and the International Day for the Rights of the Child.
November 20th holds special significance as it marks the date in 1959 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. It is also the date in 1989 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The theme for 2024 is “For Every Child, Every Right,” emphasizing the universality of children’s rights and the need to guarantee these rights for all children equitably. Global observances of Children’s Day include initiatives by key international organizations like UNICEF and various child rights NGOs, who mark the occasion through major campaigns and events. UNICEF’s annual World Children’s Day campaigns mobilize governments, schools, civil society groups, and individuals to promote child rights.
The United Nations also hosts discussions and events at its headquarters in New York and its offices worldwide.
Children face discrimination globally based on factors like gender, race, nationality, disability, and more. This Children’s Day highlights prejudices that threaten children’s rights and childhoods, urging action to end all forms of discrimination.
Children Raising Their Voices for Change
From climate change, education, and mental health to ending racism and discrimination, children and young people are speaking out on issues that matter to their generation, calling for adults to help create a better future.
Climate Action
Climate change is a child rights crisis, bringing hunger, displacement, and health challenges that disproportionately affect children. On World Children’s Day, young activists demand climate action to protect their futures.
Mental Health
Mental health issues, such as eating disorders, are rising among children and youth globally. Children’s Day brings attention to this crisis and highlights the need for increased awareness and youth mental health services.
Education
Education is a fundamental child right, yet barriers like child labor, early marriage, disability, poverty, and gender discrimination hinder progress. Children’s Day focuses on making quality education truly accessible to all, including free primary and secondary education.
What is the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child?
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child oversees the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Some major child rights issues affecting developing nations include lack of access to education, child labor, early marriage, malnutrition, poor health and sanitation, the impact of humanitarian crises, and armed conflict.
A Message for Children’s Day
Warm greetings and best wishes for a happy Children’s Day. Let’s celebrate this day with joy and appreciate the gift of childhood.
World Children’s Day is a time to focus the world’s attention on uplifting children everywhere through global solidarity. It recognizes the universality of child rights and our shared duty toward the youngest members of the human family.
Mothers, fathers, teachers, nurses, doctors, government leaders, civil society activists, religious and community elders, corporate moguls, media professionals, young people, and children themselves all play a crucial role in making World Children’s Day meaningful for societies, communities, and nations.
This World Children’s Day, it’s more important than ever for the world to listen to children’s ideas and demands.
