This year’s theme for World Children’s Day is “For every child, every right”.
The theme emphasizes the universality of child’s rights and the need to guarantee rights for all children equitably. It is a wake-up call to ensure that all children receive their fundamental rights which are non-negotiable.
Article 3 of United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that the best interests of the child shall be of primary consideration in all actions. This serves as a reminder that we need to put in the work to ensure this is achieved.
Universal Children’s Day is a United Nations (UN) initiative that emphasizes the fundamental rights of children. It was established to promote and protect children’s rights as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The United Nations’ (UN) Children’s Day is commemorated on the 20th of November every year to promote global awareness about children.[1]
The significance of Universal Children’s Day includes;
- Promoting child welfare worldwide;
- Human solidarity through a global reminder of the universality of child’s rights;
- Upholding Child’s Rights as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child[2].
The commemoration of this day provides an opportunity for individuals, governments and organisations to engage in activities that support children’s rights. It also highlights pressing issues affecting children across the globe which include:
- Ending Discrimination : Children face discrimination worldwide based on gender, race, nationality, disabilities, etc and the Universal Children’s Day spotlights prejudices that threaten child rights and childhoods. It is a call to action to end all forms of discrimination.
- Climate Action: Environmental harm exacerbates poverty, hunger, displacement, and health issues that disproportionately affect children. On International Children’s Day, young activists demand action on climate change to protect their future.
- Mental Health: Mental health issues like anxiety, depression and eating disorders are rising amongst children and youth globally. International Children’s Day brings attention to this issue, the need for greater awareness and youth mental health services.
- Quality Education : Access to quality education is a fundamental human right. Yet barriers like child labour, early marriage, disability, displacement, poverty and gender, amongst others, hold back progress. International Children’s Day focuses on making quality education truly available to all.[3]
Here are some ways to commemorate the Universal Children’s Day:
- Organising educational events that create awareness of children’s rights and the importance of quality education,
- Advocate for children: Advocate for policies and actions that protect and support children’s well being.
- Support child- focused organizations: Contribute to organizations that work to improve the lives of children through education, health care and social programs.
- Promote inclusivity: We must ensure that regardless of gender, religion, color, race, etc. Children have access to information and are given equal opportunities to exercise their rights and seek redress.
- International collaboration: Support global efforts to improve the lives of children and address issues such as child poverty, child labour and child trafficking.[4]
[1] When is Universal Children’s Day 2024? National Today (2017-2024)
https://nationaltoday.com/universal-childrens-day
Accessed 19th November, 2024
[2] WoKung Operation Team, International Children’s Day 2024: History, Significance, Celebrations(4th June,2024)
Accessed 14th November, 2024
[3] Ibid.
[4] Awareness Days Limited, Universal Children’s Day 2024(2024) November 20
https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/universal-childrens-day-2024
Accessed 14th November, 2024
