International Children's Rights Day
The International Children's Rights Day is celebrated every year on 20 November. Adopted by the United Nations, it plays a central role in raising awareness of the fundamental rights of every child, everywhere in the world. This day is an opportunity to remember that millions of children are still deprived of their rights to education, health and a life free from violence and exploitation.
Throughout the world, this day serves to highlight the violations of children's rights and to remind governments of their obligations to promote and protect children's rights. By raising public awareness, International Children's Rights Day helps to strengthen efforts to guarantee a better future for every child.
What is the purpose of International Children's Rights Day?
The International Day of Children's Rights, celebrated on 20 November, aims to recall the rights of every child and to promote respect for them throughout the world. International Children's Rights Day is celebrated every 20 November, in memory of the adoption by the United Nations of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November 1989.
It is the first legally binding international treaty to define the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children. Now ratified by 197 countries, this founding text considers children as subjects of rights for the first time. Each year, on 20 November, the International Day of Children's Rights serves as a reminder of the progress made since 1989, but also of the many challenges that remain. Millions of children around the world are deprived of protection, education and a decent life. This day is therefore an ideal opportunity to remind governments of their obligations to protect and promote children's rights.
The UN has set a number of objectives for this day To raise public awareness of children's rights, encourage initiatives to improve their well-being, and remind governments of their obligations to protect and promote these rights. Since its creation in 1954This World Day has become a key event for assessing progress, highlighting persistent shortcomings and calling for collective action.
History and development of children's rights
The history of children's rights is marked by major legislative and societal advances that have transformed the way children are perceived and protected. The United Nations General Assembly played a key role in this development, notably with the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.
Before the mid-twentieth century, children were often regarded as extensions of their parents, with no recognised individual rights. The situation began to change in 1959 with the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which laid the foundations for international recognition of children's specific rights.
On 20 November 1989, after lengthy discussions, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the International Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Convention comprises 54 articles and puts forward 4 guiding principles: non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, the life, survival and development of children, and the participation of children in all matters affecting them.
Significant progress has been made since the adoption of the CRC. For example, many countries have introduced measures to guarantee free and compulsory primary education, protection against child labour and access to health services for all. However, challenges remain: millions of children around the world continue to have their fundamental rights violated.
In France, the CRC was ratified in 1990 and has since inspired numerous laws and public policies in favour of children. Despite this progress, there is still a long way to go. Visit children's rights, particularly those of girls, children from minorities or children living in contexts of war and crisis, continue to be violated. The application of children's rights is therefore a constantly evolving process.This requires constant vigilance and action to guarantee every child a life of dignity, free from any form of discrimination or abuse.
International Children's Rights Day 2024
International Children's Rights Day 2024 which will take place the Monday 20 November 2024 will mark the 35ᵉ anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations. This day will be an opportunity, throughout the world, to celebrate the progress made in protecting and promoting children's rights, but also to recall the challenges that remain.
In 2024, it is more important than ever to remember that every child has the right to a quality education, a life free from violence, and a present and future in which their rights are respected. By taking part in the day's events, you are helping to build a world where every child can develop freely and safely.
Action Educationin keeping with its mission, is inviting all its supporters, godmothers, godfathers and partners to take an active part in this day. Whether it's by organising local events, supporting awareness campaigns or making a donation to support the association, everyone can help make this a day to remember. mobilising for children's rights.
