World Children's Day: Promoting Children's Rights and Well-being

Happy World Children's Day! November sparks joy in Children like no other month, well, except maybe for their birthday month. But why is November special? Well, it’s the month of children’s day. One day of the year when Children can go to their schools in colourful clothes and have fun seeing their teachers perform for them. November 14th is a day all children wait for around the year. Wait! November 14th? That’s not World Children’s Day; that’s India’s Happy Children’s Day. Well, what’s the difference? Let’s find out.

Celebrating World Children's Day: A Global Tribute to Children! This day is not just a celebration; it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of nurturing, protecting, and empowering children around the globe. World Children's Day is observed annually to raise awareness about children's rights and well-being, fostering a brighter future for every child. At Vedantu, we believe in the potential of every child and are committed to providing quality education and support. Join us as we explore the significance of this day, share inspiring stories, and highlight initiatives aimed at creating a world where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.

World Children’s Day

What is World Children’s Day?

World Children’s Day is observed/celebrated on November 20th every year. The United Nations established November 20th as Universal Children’s Day in 1954. Over the years, the UN has also adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20th, 1959 and 1989, respectively. The reason World Children’s Day is celebrated is so that the world can

• Discuss how to improve children’s welfare around the world

• Promote international comradery and togetherness

• Bringing awareness about children’s problems from around the world

So, now you know the story behind World Children’s Day. Did you know that even in India, Children’s Day used to be celebrated on November 20th up until 1964? There is a very interesting history as to how the concept of a children’s day came up and how India adopted its very own. So, let’s explore the world of Children’s Day history.

Also Read: Children's Day Essay

Why is Universal Children’s Day Celebrated?

The history of Children’s Day runs back almost 200 years. In the US, there was a priest, Reverend Dr Charles Leonard, from Chelsea, Massachusetts. On the 2nd Sunday of June in 1857, he organised and dedicated a service to Children. He named it Rose Day. Later on, the day was renamed Flower Sunday and, ultimately, Children’s Day.

The first time Children’s Day became accepted as a national holiday was in the Republic of Turkey in 1920 on April 23rd. The government and the local papers in Turkey at that time declared the day dedicated to children. To make it official, the government came up with justifiable reasoning to clarify the celebration of Children’s Day in Turkey in 1929.

The United Nations picked up the baton from there, and in 1954 they declared November 20th as Universal Children’s Day. For the 5th Universal Children’s Day in 1959, the United Nations adopted an extended form of a document drafted by the then League of Nations in 1924. The document was the declaration of the rights of the child. The adoption of this document by the United Nations and the resolution proposed by the delegation of Afghanistan ensured the rights mentioned in the document would have to be honoured and upheld by governments across the world to the best of their abilities.

This is a brief history of why Universal Children’s Day is celebrated. But, this still does not answer how India got its own Children’s Day date and what happened in 1964. So, let’s answer these questions now.

World Children's Day 2024 Theme

As the foremost authority on childhood, Save the Children is honoured to collaborate with the United Nations in observing Universal Children’s Day, established in 1954.

So, the burning question is, when is Children’s Day? Is it not on November 14th? No need to worry; yes, it is on November 14th in India. For the rest of the world, except for some countries like Australia, South Africa, and Russia, Children’s Day is on November 20th.

Now, tracking back to the fact mentioned previously that India too celebrated Children’s Day on November 20th before 1964, so what happened in 1964? In 1964, the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, passed away. He was known to love kids a lot, and kids lovingly called him “Chacha Nehru”.

The theme for 2023 was “For every child, every right.” World Children’s Day, originally established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day, is celebrated annually on November 20th. This day aims to promote global unity, raise awareness of children's issues, and improve their overall well-being.

The theme for World Children's Day 2024 is "Investing in our children is investing in our future."

When is Universal Children’s Day?

Universal Children’s Day, also referred to as World Children’s Day, is celebrated on November 20th. This date marks the anniversary of the UN General Assembly's adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959, as well as the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) stands as the most widely accepted human rights treaty in history.

This year, Universal Children’s Day commemorates the 31st anniversary of the UNCRC. Here are four key points to consider:

1. The UNCRC is founded on the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, created by Eglantyne Jebb, the founder of Save the Children.

2. In 1919, when Eglantyne established Save the Children, her belief that every child deserves access to food, healthcare, education, and protection from exploitation was groundbreaking.

3. The Declaration on the Rights of the Child asserted that these fundamental rights should apply to all children and emphasised the international community's responsibility to prioritise children’s rights in planning efforts.

4. Jebb’s Declaration was adopted by the League of Nations in 1924.

The UNCRC consists of 54 articles, each outlining various rights essential to children, ranging from the right to survive (Article 6) to the right to be shielded from dangerous work that hampers their education or health (Article 32). It also stipulates how governments should collaborate to ensure these rights are accessible to every child.

Currently, 194 countries have ratified the UNCRC, binding them under international law to implement its provisions, with oversight conducted by the Committee on the Rights of the Child.

Unique to the UNCRC, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like Save the Children have a formal role in monitoring its enforcement, as stipulated in Article 45a.

Every child is entitled to specific rights as defined by the UNCRC, which must be respected, protected, and fulfilled, even in times of crisis.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted and, in some instances, infringed upon children's rights, including their right to express their opinions. Even before the pandemic, 258 million children and young people were not attending school.

He famously said that “the children of today will make the India of tomorrow. The way we bring them up will determine the future of the country.” He even established the Children’s Film Society India to create cinema exclusively for kids. Upon his demise in 1964, it was decided that India would celebrate Children’s Day on his birthday November 14th in his memory and to honour him.

Also, quick side note, if you are interested in learning when Australia, South Africa, and Russia celebrate their Children’s Day, it is on November 7th, August 4th, and June 1st, respectively. Bonus fact, June 1st is also officially known as International Children’s Day. Now that you are clear about how India got its own Children’s Day celebration. Now let’s learn some facts about Universal Children’s Day.

Also, Read About: the Children's Day Speech

Facts About Universal Children’s Day

• The United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20th, 1989. This document spoke in detail about the rights of a child and ratified it in international law.

• On November 20th, 2012, the then United Nations Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki Moon, launched a campaign to help every child across the world to be able to go to school. This campaign was to achieve its goal by 2015.

• Universal Children’s Day is celebrated to bring light to children’s issues worldwide. From children going through child labour to children stuck in war-torn countries, this day is used to bring light to their stories.

World Children’s Day Activities

World Children’s Day is celebrated with a variety of activities aimed at promoting children's rights, well-being, and awareness of global issues affecting young people. Here are some popular World Children’s Day Activities:

1. Educational Workshops: Schools and organisations host workshops to educate children about their rights and responsibilities.

2. Art Competitions: Children are encouraged to express their ideas on themes like equality, rights, and the future through art, poetry, or essays.

3. Charity Drives: Communities organise donation drives, collecting toys, books, and essentials for underprivileged children.

4. Sports Events: Inclusive sporting activities are held to promote physical well-being and teamwork among children.

5. Parades and Marches: Public parades and rallies are organised to raise awareness of children’s rights and celebrate their importance in society.

6. Cultural Programs: Performances, plays, and cultural exhibitions involving children highlight diversity and inclusion.

7. Storytelling Sessions: Libraries and community centres host storytelling events focusing on themes of hope, equality, and empowerment.

8. Engagement with Leaders: Children are given a platform to meet with government and community leaders to share their views and advocate for their rights.

9. Virtual Campaigns: Social media and online platforms are used to spread messages about children's rights and raise awareness globally.

10. Volunteering and Outreach: Individuals and organisations participate in volunteer activities, visiting children’s homes, hospitals, or shelters to engage with and support young people.

World Children’s Day Quotes

1. "Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future." – John F. Kennedy.

2. "Every child you encounter is a divine appointment." – Wess Stafford

3. "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." – Frederick Douglass

4. "Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world." – Malala Yousafzai

5. "Children are not things to be moulded, but are people to be unfolded." – Jess Lair

6. "Children must be taught how to think, not what to think." – Margaret Mead

7. "The soul is healed by being with children." – Fyodor Dostoevsky

8. "We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today." – Stacia Tauscher

9. "The best way to make children good is to make them happy." – Oscar Wilde

10. "There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than how it treats its children." – Nelson Mandela

Significance of World Children’s Day

World Children’s Day holds immense significance as it serves as a global platform to advocate for children's rights, promote their well-being, and raise awareness about the issues affecting children worldwide. Celebrated annually on November 20th, it highlights the importance of creating a better future for children through education, healthcare, protection from exploitation, and equal opportunities. This day fosters unity among nations to ensure that every child's voice is heard and their rights are respected, empowering young minds to thrive in a safe, supportive environment. It also encourages individuals and organisations to take action and contribute to improving the lives of children across the globe.

So, that concludes all you need to know about World Children’s Day. Now, you know the World Children’s Day date as well as when International Children’s Day is celebrated across the world. So, this universal children’s day, enjoy yourself to the fullest and remember to nurture the children around you and inside you to help make the world a better place. Happy World Children's Day