World Children's Day

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely ratified treaty in history. Signed 36 years ago today, it affirms a simple truth: When we protect the youngest members of the human family, we build a better world. But right now, children’s rights are under attack. Poverty and emergencies are stealing education. Climate chaos is jeopardizing futures. And new dangers lurk in the online world. Too many children already carry burdens far beyond their years, earning income or caring for siblings. And famine and war have robbed thousands of the most basic right of all: The right to life. Every child’s circumstances are unique. But every child has the same rights, no matter who they are or where they live. This World Children’s Day , let us listen to children. And let us amplify their voices as they stand up for their rights. The future is defined by how we care for the next generation. We must unite to build a safe and equal world for every child. António Guterres.

World Children’s Day is UNICEF’s global day of action for children , by children, marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child . Child rights are human rights . They are non-negotiable and universal. But in too many places today children’s rights are being misunderstood, disregarded or even denied and attacked. Upholding children’s rights is the compass to a better world – today, tomorrow and into the future. This November 20th , World Children’s Day, join us and listen to the future. By listening to children we can fulfil their right to self-expression , understand their ideas for a better world and include their priorities in our actions today. Discover what’s happening and take part . Looking for inspiration?  See the  highlights  from World Children’s Day last year.

Seated in the foreground from left to right are Jan Martenson (Under-Secretary-General for Human Rights and Director, United Nations Office in Geneva), Audrey Hepburn (UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador) and James Grant (Executive-Director of UNICEF).  On 20 November 1989, the General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child without a vote. 

By resolution 836(IX) of 14 December 1954, the General Assembly recommended that all countries institute a Universal Children's Day, to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children. It recommended that the Day was to be observed also as a day of activity devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the UN Charter and the welfare of the children of the world. The Assembly suggested to governments that the Day be observed on the date and in the way that each considers appropriate. The date 20 November marks the day on which the Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child , in 1959, and the Convention on the Rights of the Child , in 1989. The Convention, which is the most widely ratified international human rights treaty, sets out a number of children’s rights including the right to life, to health, to education and to play, as well as the right to family life, to be protected from violence, to not be discriminated, and to ha...