United Nations has designated every November 20 as Universal Children’s Day. Though Universal Children’s Day was established by the United Nations in 1954, 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, it is also on this date in 1989 the UN adopted this document as its own statement of children’s rights. As per the text of document, the child must be given the means requisite for its normal development, both materially and spiritually. The child that is hungry must be fed, the child that is sick must be nursed, the child that is backward must be helped, the delinquent child must be reclaimed, and the orphan and the waif must be sheltered and succored. The child must be the first to receive relief in times of distress. The child must be put in a position to earn a livelihood and must be protected against every form of exploitation. The child must be brought up in the consciousness that its talents must be devoted to the service of its fellow men.
For the expanded version, the UN adopted 10 additional principles with an accompanying resolution, calling for governments to recognize these rights, strive for their acceptance, and publicize the document as widely as possible.
It is important to observe Universal Children’s day as it raises awareness.
It’s a time to promote internal togetherness around the world, awareness of the problems children face in every corner of the globe, and improve the welfare for all children.
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. Millions of children around the world who don’t have access to education, healthcare, should get opportunities.
In order to observe Universal Children’s Day, we must pledge to spend some time in the community. You can 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. Even you can sponsor a child. 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, make today the day to do it.
Since 1956, India had also been celebrating Children’s Day on November 20 on the UN declared date, but after the demise of JawaharLal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister in 1964, a resolution was got passed by the Congress Party in Parliament to celebrate Children’s Day on November 14 and since then in India it is celebrated on November 14, being birth anniversary of JawaharLal Nehru who was born on November 14, 1889.
To fall in line with date ie; November20 as Universal Children’s Day as designated by United Nations and being observed on this day worldwide, the Government may think to observe it on 20th November as it does not justify to observe it on the birth anniversary of a particular leader.
