Universal Children’s Day: Protect the Rights of Every Child

Children affected by dust and air pollution at the RMN Foundation free school for deserving children in Delhi. Photo of November 2016 by Rakesh Raman

“Universal Children’s Day is more than a day to celebrate children everywhere. It is an annual opportunity to recommit ourselves to protecting the rights of every child,” said UNICEF executive director Anthony Lake today.

United Nations Universal Children’s Day was established in 1954 and is celebrated on 20 November each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children’s welfare.

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On 20 November 1989 the UN General assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“On this Children’s Day, we must confront the uncomfortable truth that around the world, the rights of millions of children are being violated every day. Children are the victims of violence, abuse and exploitation,” said Anthony Lake.

“When we protect their rights, we are not only preventing their suffering. We are not only safeguarding their lives. We are protecting our common future,” Anthony Lake added.