Universal Children's Day

Universal Children's Day History

Universal Children's Day aims to promote children's welfare, rights, and happiness. It is a day dedicated to advocating for children's rights and celebrating their achievements while raising awareness about their challenges. This special day encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to come together and work towards creating a better environment for children.

The origin of Universal Children's Day dates back to 1954 when the United Nations General Assembly established it to promote international cooperation for children's welfare and encourage countries to take appropriate action. For India, this day holds great significance as children constitute a large proportion of the population, making securing their rights, education, and overall well-being essential to ensure a brighter future for the nation. India has made notable progress in recent years by implementing various schemes and policies to improve access to quality education and healthcare and reduce child labour.

Universal Children's Day is observed in India with much enthusiasm, featuring various activities and programs organized by government bodies, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and community groups to raise awareness about children's rights and their issues. Events include workshops, seminars, cultural performances, and fun-filled activities, allowing children to express themselves and be recognized for their achievements. While the global observance of Universal Children's Day occurs on the 20th of November, India also celebrates its own Children's Day in remembrance of Jawaharlal Nehru, the country's first Prime Minister. The 14th of November is a special day in India. Since it marks the late Prime Minister's birthday, he was known for his love and dedication towards the welfare of children.

Universal Children's Day facts

• The UN General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in November 1989. The United States drafted and signed the treaty, however it is the only member county that has not ratified it, meaning that the US is not legally bound by the Convention. Ratifying the treaty would go against certain laws in the US, most notably, the treaty forbids life imprisonment without parole for children under 18.
• According to UNICEF, 22,000 children worldwide die every day as a result of poverty, often due to preventable diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia.
• According to the UN, in 2023, about 78 million children worldwide did not go to school at all due to conflict, climate disasters, and displacement.
• Malnutrition is a major issue affecting children in India. According to the Global Hunger Index 2021, India ranks 101 out of 116 countries. Over 34% of Indian children under five years suffer from stunting, and 17% are wasted.
• Despite being illegal, child labor is still a prevalent issue in India. According to UNICEF, there are around 10.1 million working children in India, aged 5-14 years.

In the News and Trending in India for Universal Children's Day

Top things to do in India for Universal Children's Day

• Spend the day playing with your children, your nieces and nephews, your grandchildren or other children that you know. Take them to the beach, a playground, a movie, or any other outing of their choosing.
• Donate to support organizations that work with underprivileged children here in the US and abroad. These organizations ensure that children have access to education, basic health care, food, water and a safe home. SOS USA, UNHCR and UNICEF all provide care and protection to children domestically and internationally.
• Offer your time and skills by volunteering at local NGOs or children's homes. You can assist in teaching, organizing recreational activities, or providing emotional support to children in need.
• Use your voice and platforms to advocate for children's rights. Write blog posts or articles highlighting the importance of safeguarding children's well-being, and share them on social media to spread awareness.