United Nations(UN) World Children’s Day is observed annually on November 20 to promote international togetherness and awareness among children globally. The day also aims to improve the welfare of children. This day is UNICEF(United Nations Children’s Fund)’s annual day of action for children, by children.
Focus theme of World Children’s Day 2020- ‘Reimagine a better future for every child’.
Commemorates the anniversary of Declaration and Convention the Rights of the Child
Since 1990, the World Children’s Day commemorates the anniversary of the date when the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in 1989.
Campaign:
During the World Children’s Day 2020, ‘Go Blue’ campaign was launched. In line with the campaign all the Major world landmarks globally are “going blue” to stand for the rights of every child.
Background
World Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day by General Assembly’s resolution 836(IX) of 14 December 1954.
World Children’s Day 2020 Events:
i.UNICEF launches a six-point plan to protect our children
ii.The plan proposes a set of practical and concrete actions to reunite the world around a common cause: the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
COVID-19 Crisis Result in a Child Rights Crisis
The COVID-19 crisis has resulted in a child rights crisis. It is to be noted that the costs of the pandemic for children are immediate and if they are not addressed and go unnoticed, the effects may last a lifetime.
Significance of World Children’s Day
i.The day supports, promotes and celebrates children’s rights, translating into dialogues and actions that will build a better world for children.
ii.As per UN, Mothers and fathers, teachers, nurses and doctors, government leaders among others play a vital role to make the day relevant for their societies, communities and nations.
Children’s day in India
Children’s day in India also known as ‘Bal Diwas’ is celebrated annually across India on November 14 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India.
International Days related to children:
i.International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression 2020- June4
ii.World Day Against Child Labour 2020- June 12
iii.International Youth Day 2020- August 12
iv.International Day of the Girl Child 2020- October 11
