UNICEF (aka the United Nations’ Children’s Fund) created Universal Children’s Day on November 20, 1954 to raise awareness of the vital work of the international organization. On this date in 1959, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. Also, on this date in 1989, the UN General Assembly adopted the 54 articles in Convention on the Rights of the Child (30 years ago). These include protection, education, health care, shelter, and nutrition.
World Children’s Day is both important and special: “For every child, every right.”
Why is it important? Because living in a world where the following statements are not supported by action should not be tolerated by people of any nation, religion, political party, or economic status. Imagine a young child you know and read:
- Every child has the right to grow up in a safe and inclusive environment.
- Every child has the right to survive and thrive.
- Every child has the right to learn.
Is that so much to ask? NO! Is that hard to deliver? YES! Should we try? OF COURSE.
Why is it special? NGO’s around the world work every day to ensure that children’s rights are respected and, ideally embraced – what could be more special than that?
About my connection to the UN Rights of the Child, please indulge me: My husband and our four offspring, are grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Holocaust survivors – specifically Jews who were rescued by Catholics in southern France. The Hartz kids attended an International School, where UN Day blew past Halloween for energy, costumes, attendance, and deep meaning for most of the families. We had a Parade of Nations on the soccer/futbol field, replete with anthems, costumes, and flags; the students recited the (main) Rights; then families gathered for a celebration of traditional foods from around the globe. Each year, I was moved to tears as I shot many rolls of film [yes, I just ‘dated’ myself], and marveled at the diversity of our world, our city, and our children’s school community. How lucky we all were and are.
For the children in every nation struggling with or unaware of their human rights,
DO SOMETHING TODAY!
Make a donation to a global charity.
Build relationships with people with other backgrounds and beliefs.
Write to your lawmakers.
Learn about the connection between environmental degradation and hunger.
Share the list of Rights of the Child with your children to remind them of the blessings in their lives.
REMEMBER:
Protection, Education, Healthcare, Shelter, and Nutrition