Universal Children's Day which is also known as World Children's Day is annually celebrated on 20th November worldwide. This day is celebrated in honour of children and promotes child welfare and care across the world.
Mothers and fathers, teachers, nurses and doctors, government leaders and civil society activists, religious and community elders, corporate moguls and media professionals, as well as young people and children themselves, can play an important part in making Universal Children's Day relevant for their societies, communities and nations.
This day offers each of us an inspirational entry-point to advocate, promote and celebrate children's rights, translating into dialogues and actions that will build a better world for children.
| Event | Universal Children's Day |
|---|---|
| Date | November 20, 2022 |
| Day | Sunday |
| Significance | The day promotes child welfare and care across the world. |
| Observed by | World wide |
Universal Children's Day History:
Children's Day began on the second Sunday of June in 1857 by Reverend Dr. Charles Leonard, pastor of the Universalist Church of the Redeemer in Chelsea, Massachusetts in the United States, Leonard held a special service dedicated to, and for the children. Leonard named the day Rose Day, though it was later named Flower Sunday, and then named Children's Day. Children's Day was first officially declared a national holiday by the Republic of Turkey in 1920 with the set date of 23 April. Children's Day has been celebrated nationally since 1920 with the government and the newspapers of the time declaring it a day for the children.
International Children's Day was first proclaimed in Geneva during the World Conference on Child Welfare in 1925. On 4 November 1949, 1 June was established as the International Day for Protection of Children by the Women's International Democratic Federation in Moscow. Since 1950, 1st June is being celebrated as Children's Day in many Communist and posted Communist country. On 14 December 1954, a joint resolution by India and Uruguay was passed in the UN General Assembly to encourage all countries to institute a Universal Children's Day, firstly to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and secondly to initiate action to promote the ideals of the UN Charter and the welfare of the world's children.
Though Universal Children's Day was established by the United Nations in 1954, actually it wasn't until November 20, 1959 that the UN General Assembly adopted an extended form of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. Originally acquired in 1924 by the League of Nations, the UN adopted this document as its own statement of children's rights. For the expanded version, the UN then adopted 10 additional principles with an accompanying resolution, proposed by the delegation of Afghanistan, calling for governments to recognize these rights, strive for their acceptance, and publicize the document as widely as possible.
On November 20, 1989, The UN General Assembly adopted the Convention of the Rights of the Child. The CRC is a human rights treaty setting out the civil, political, economic, social, health, and cultural rights of children. The document deals with child-specific needs and rights, requiring all nations that ratify it are bound to it by international law and must act within the best interests of the child. Later, in In September 2012, the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon of the United Nations led the initiative for the education of children. He firstly wanted every child to be able to attend school, a goal by 2015. Secondly, to improve the skill set acquired in these schools.
Universal Children's Day Significance:
Today's children are tomorrow's scientists, politicians, doctors and teachers. Today's children will inherit all of what humanity has managed to accomplish since the beginning of its existence, both the good and honorable deeds and the cruel wars and terrible failures. It is the children of today that will be charged with protecting the weak and vulnerable of this world, and making even the hardest of decisions in order to do so. Who then, if not our children. This special day is dedicated to all of the children, so that they may enjoy these carefree years while they last and be ready for the responsibilities that await them.
It is rightfully said that the children are the future of our world and that's why to have a prosperous and secure world tomorrow it is necessary to take care of our children in the best way possible today. In typical government documents, the rights given to people are generally understood to be for adults. However, thanks to the UN, governments around the world have adopted treaties that guarantee children the right to life, health, education, play, family, protection from violence, discrimination, and suppression. All of these rights are basic for child development and every children of this world deserves this right, this is the message of this day.
There are many problems in our world that we may often complains about but we need to understand that changes take time. And by time, we mean generations. If we want to ensure a stable, safe, sustainable future for our planet, it starts with the children of today. That's why early education is imperative, and that's what UN aims to convey through this occasion. Universal Children's Day seeks to spread the knowledge that there are millions of children around the world who still lacks their basic rights on having access to education, healthcare, or opportunities.
Universal Children's Day is not just a day to celebrate children for who they are, but to bring awareness to children around the globe that have experienced violence in forms of abuse, exploitation, and discrimination. Children are used as laborers in some countries, immersed in armed conflict, living on the streets, suffering by differences be it religion, minority issues, or disabilities. Children feeling the effects of war can be displaced because of the armed conflict and may suffer physical and psychological trauma. Hence all of these issues needs to be taken seriously.
Universal Children's Day Celebrations:
Every year, the UN sponsors events that bring together children and adults to raise awareness. In recent events, some of the world's most prominent writers gathered to craft extremely short stories that highlight the problems the world's poorest children face. Many of the UN's subsidiaries also hold their own events for the day. So do try to attend or watch such events to know more about the issues.
You can also use this opportunity to host your own event meant to help adults spend quality time with the kids from the community. This can be as simple as meeting in a local park, or it could be a more elaborate party organized by the local counsel. Either way, the point is to show the children how important it is to build a bond with the community for their overall growth and development.
UNICEF and other organizations have made it easier than ever to donate or even sponsor a child at a fixed price every month. A small donation can go a long way in changing the life of a child. If you’ve ever thought about sponsoring a child, or donating to an international organization, use this day as an excuse to fo it now.
Universal Children's Day Theme:
From climate change, education and mental health, to ending racism and discrimination, children and young people are raising their voices on the issues that matter to their generation and calling for adults to create a better future. This Universal Children's Day, it is more important than ever that the world listens to their ideas and demands. On 20 November, kids will stand up for a more equal, inclusive world.
Most Searched FAQs on Universal Children's Day:
1. When is Universal Children's Day celebrated?
Universal Children's Day is annually celebrated on 20th November.
2. What is the meaning of Universal Children's Day?
The United Nations established Universal Children's Day in order to promote internal togetherness, raise awareness among children worldwide, and improve children's welfare.
3. What is the theme of Universal Children's Day 2022?
The theme of Universal Children's Day 2022 is "Inclusion, For Every Child".