UNICEF Calls for Global Action on World Children’s Day, Highlighting Climate Change and Child Rights Protection
As the world gears up to celebrate World Children’s Day on November 20, UNICEF is urging societies to address critical issues affecting children, ranging from climate change and violence to the inclusivity of those with disabilities. In an effort to create a better society, UNICEF emphasizes the importance of listening to children’s voices, as their ideas and demands play a crucial role.
During an Arts festival held in Mathare, Nairobi on Saturday, UNICEF-Kenya’s Communication Specialist, Dan Oloo, emphasized the significance of protecting every child’s rights and recognizing their transformative potential in shaping a better world. Oloo stated that these issues were raised by children from all 47 counties in Kenya through the Children’s Communique from the 2023 Children’s Devolution Conference, highlighting the need for tangible action.
World Children’s Day, observed annually on November 20, serves as a reminder of the commitment made by world leaders to uphold children’s rights. Originally established as Universal Children’s Day in 1954, the occasion aims to promote international unity, raise global awareness of children’s issues, and enhance children’s well-being. This date holds historical significance as it marks the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989 by the UN General Assembly.
The event held at MCEDO Primary School in Nairobi’s Mathare area is part of a series of activities leading up to November 20. Children expressed their thoughts through various artistic mediums, including storytelling, music, dance, and visual arts. Dan Oloo emphasized the importance of providing meaningful platforms for children to express themselves, acknowledging that they may choose artistic expressions when speeches are not feasible. He stressed the significance of both listening to children’s voices and taking concrete actions based on their inputs.
UNICEF encourages the active involvement of various stakeholders such as parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, government leaders, and civil society activists in making World Children’s Day relevant to their respective communities and nations. The day serves as an opportunity for advocating and celebrating children’s rights, fostering dialogue and actions that contribute to a better world for children.
While children already possess the same human rights as adults, the UN General Assembly’s proposal in November 1989 aimed to further enhance child welfare and promote global collaboration towards building a better world for children.
On World Children’s Day, let us unite and listen to the voices of children, for they hold the power to shape our future. Let us take concrete actions and protect their rights, addressing crucial issues like climate change, violence prevention, and inclusivity. Together, we can create a world where every child can thrive and realize their full potential.
