Aims To understand when Universal Children’s Day is. To understand some of the key facts about this day. To begin to become familiar with some of the Rights of a Child.

Universal Children’s Day When is Universal Children’s Day? Why do we have this celebration? What did the UN begin on the 20th November? What are Children’s Rights? What are some of these rights? What do people do on Universal Children’s Day? What are Children’s Rights? Is every child living a good life? Are there other Children’s Days? Do other countries celebrate children?

When is Universal Children’s Day? The United Nations’ Universal Children’s Day is on 20th November. This important, worldwide celebration happens every year. Return

Why do we have this celebration? In 1954, the UN (United Nations) thought it would be good for all countries and religions around the world to come together on 20th November in a joint celebration. It is a day for everybody to think about children, help create a friendly world for every child and to help children know their own rights. Return

What did the UN begin on 20th November? On 20th November in 1959, the UN started to use a document called the ‘Declaration of the Rights of the Child’. On 20th November in 1989, they also started to use the children’s rights listed in the ‘Convention on the Rights of the Child’. Unicef works very hard to protect these rights around the world. Return

What are Children’s Rights? Children’s Rights are things that every child should have or be able to do. Most countries follow these, but not all. There are 54 Children’s Rights in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Return

What are some of these rights? Some of the Children’s Rights are: The right to be alive (Article 6) The right to give your opinion (Article 12) The right to food, clothing, a safe place to live and to have your basic needs met (Article 27) The right to an education (Article 28) The right to play and rest (Article 31) The right to protection from work that harms you, and is bad for your health and education (Article 32) Return

What do people do on Universal Children’s Day? You could learn about children’s rights. You could take part in fundraising activities to raise money for children’s charities like ‘Save the Children’. You could learn about and research other children around the world, maybe living a very different life to your own. Return

Is every child living a good life? Can you think of a child who: doesn’t get a good education? doesn’t get good food, clothing or a safe place to live? It may be someone you have heard about in the news, on TV or from somebody else. Think about how we can help and protect other children who may be in need. Return

Are there other Children’s Days? There are other days that celebrate children like ‘Children’s Day’ in July. That day began in 1856, when Reverend Dr Charles Leonard held a special service just for children. It was called ‘Rose Day’ and then ‘Flower Day’. Return

Do other countries celebrate children? Other countries also celebrate children on different dates too. For example: In Thailand, they celebrate on the second Saturday in January. In New Zealand, they celebrate on the first Sunday of March. In India, they celebrate on 14th November. Can you find out the dates of more Children’s Days? Return