Established in 1954, the United Nations’ (UN) Universal Children’s Day is celebrated on November 20 every year “to encourage fraternity and understanding between children all over the world and to promote the welfare of children.”

Individual countries were asked to choose an appropriate date for this occasion. Many of them chose to observe the Day on November 20, the day in 1959 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child (DRC), and also the day in 1989 when it adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). A few other countries, like Australia and India, chose different dates during the year to celebrate Universal Children’s Day.

Leading in the promotion and coordination of this special day, which works to advance the cause of improving children’s welfare, is the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The celebration is among the oldest UN days and carries a particular significance in the 21st century due to the prominence of children’s issues in the Millennium Development Goals.

Twenty years ago today, the UN adopted the CRC and the world began to be aware of the rights of children, who are defined as “individuals who are 18 years and below who have the same general human rights as adults.” Children comprise a vulnerable segment of the world’s population, especially during times of emergencies and conflicts. The CRC accords every child, regardless of birthplace, ethnicity, gender, economic status of the family, among others, to full opportunity to become contributing members of society and enjoy the right to speak up and be heard. The convention has initiated a process of social change, founded on the perspective of a world where all rights for all children are to be guaranteed and protected.

For today’s observance, many schools will host special events and activities geared to making children aware of their rights in accordance with the DRC and CRC. In countries where the rights of children are well respected, teachers draw students’ attention to situations in countries where these rights are not upheld. UNICEF also organizes events intended to stimulate media interest around the world in campaigns on the importance of immunizations and breastfeeding.

Let us build “a world fit for children” that will allow them to fully enjoy their childhood spared from experiences that may have serious detrimental effect on their person, safe from unscrupulous individuals and from threats to life and limb.