P. A. Chacko
World Children’s Day is celebrated annually on November 20th to promote the well-being and rights of children around the world.
This universal observance is aimed at recognizing “the importance of fostering a safe and supportive environment where children can thrive and reach their full potential.” (WHO)
In 1954 the UN General Assembly recommended the celebration of the Children’s Day.
The adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child took place in 1959. In 1989 the UN Assembly adopted the Convention of the Rights of the Child.
Global situation :
264 million children do not go to school.
90% of children with disabilities do not go to school due to barriers such as stigma, ignorance, lack of infrastructure, materials, or trained teachers.
It is estimated that there are one billion people around the world with disabilities, and at least 1 in 10 are children.
150 million children worldwide are engaged in child labor. Their right to childhood is denied to them.
Historically, Children’s Day began on the second Sunday of June in 1857 by Reverend Dr. Charles Leonard. He was a pastor of the Universalist Church of the Redeemer in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Leonard held a special service dedicated to, and for the children. He named the day Rose Day, but it was later named Flower Sunday, and then named Children’s Day.
Children’s Day was first officially declared a national holiday by the Republic of Turkey in 1920.
Every country is encoraged to have its own Children’s day too.
India celebrates it on 14 November, the birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru whom children lovingly called Chacha Nehru.
“History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children.”
(Nelson Mandela)