Every year, on November 20, the world comes together to celebrate Universal Children’s Day. This special day was established in 1954 by the United Nations to emphasize the crucial importance of promoting respect and the fundamental rights of children. It also marks two historical moments: the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 by the United Nations General Assembly and the signing of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.
Since 1990, November 20 has become a symbolic day, commemorating the anniversary of the adoption of these foundational texts. This day is not merely a commemoration; it represents a precious opportunity to raise awareness about children’s rights, to advocate for them, and to highlight the challenges they face. It is also a chance to turn these ideals into concrete actions for children worldwide.
A Shared Responsibility
The protection and respect for children’s rights are not solely the responsibility of governments but also of every individual and community. Mothers and fathers, teachers, nurses and doctors, leaders and civil society activists, religious leaders, business executives, media professionals, as well as youth and children themselves, all have a crucial role to play in achieving this goal.
Education as the Keystone
As part of Semlex For Education’s commitment to children’s rights, we firmly believe that education is one of the cornerstones to ensure these rights. Access to quality education is essential for the development, fulfillment, and protection of children. Education not only enlightens minds but also opens doors to a better future.
However, it is essential to remember that millions of children worldwide still lack access to quality education. Whether due to poverty, discrimination, armed conflicts, or other factors, too many children are deprived of their fundamental right to education. On this Universal Children’s Day, we call for collective action to eliminate these barriers and ensure that every child has the opportunity to fulfill their full potential through education.
Taking Action Today for a Better Future
On this Universal Children’s Day, let us commit to taking concrete actions to defend and promote children’s rights. This can range from raising awareness in our local communities to broader initiatives at the national and international levels.
We can contribute to changing children’s lives by supporting organizations working for children’s education or by taking initiatives within our own communities.
Together, we can transform this day into a meaningful event for our society, community, and country. By uniting our efforts, we can build a better future for children worldwide, where their rights are respected, their potential is nurtured, and their future is filled with hope.
Together, let’s build a world where every child can grow safely, learn, play, and dream because every child deserves a promising future.
Source :
Nations Unies (2022). « Journée mondiale de l’enfance 20 novembre ». Available here: https://www.un.org/fr/observances/world-childrens-day
