International Children’s Day, celebrated every year on 20th November, is a clear reminder of our shared responsibility to nurture and protect the world and our most precious asset – children. This day holds significant importance because it commemorates the Convention on the Rights of the Child, an important international treaty that recognizes the inherent human dignity and equal rights of every child. Let’s explore why this day is more than just a date on the calendar and why it demands our attention and action.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child:
Adopted in 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child outlines a blueprint for a better world for children and contains a comprehensive set of rights to which every child is entitled. These include the right to survival, development, protection, and participation. World Children’s Day is a forum to reflect on the progress made in protecting these rights and to address the challenges that remain.
A call for global unity:
Children are the architects of the future of our world and their well-being is intertwined with the well-being of society as a whole. World Children’s Day calls for global unity and encourages individuals, communities, and governments to prioritize and invest in the health, education, and overall development of children. It is a day to recognize the potential of every child and ensure that no child is left behind.
Education as a main pillar:
Education stands out as a fundamental right that shapes the child and the future. On World Children’s Day, it is imperative to recognize the progress made to ensure quality education for all children. But this day also encourages us to address the differences that exist and try to remove barriers to education such as poverty, discrimination, and conflict.
Protection against damage:
The world should be a safe place for children to grow, learn, and explore. Unfortunately, many children are at risk of violence and abuse, up to and including discrimination and neglect. World Children’s Day calls on us to support policies and practices that protect children from harm and ensure that they grow up in environments that support their physical and mental well-being. Allow children to participate: Children are not passive recipients of care; they are active makers of their lives and promoters of the world. World Children’s Day emphasizes the importance of giving children the opportunity to participate in decisions that affect them. It encourages creating an environment where their voice is heard and valued.
Conclusion:
As we celebrate World Children’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where every child and all rights are respected and protected. By investing in their well-being, education, and empowerment, we not only ensure a brighter future for them but also promote a fairer and more compassionate world for all. Together, we will create a legacy of hope, opportunity, and equality for every child, ensuring they can thrive and reach their full potential.
- The writer is a seasoned researcher and a criminologist currently working as a Senior Project Manager at the International Commission on Human Rights (ICOHR), a Human Rights NGO in Pakistan.
