On World Children’s Day, we celebrate the youngest members of our human family. But today is also a moment to recognize the enormous challenges children face in our deeply divided, tumultuous and often violent world.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres
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World Children’s Day, celebrated annually on November 20, is a global occasion to promote and advocate for children’s rights, well-being, and opportunities. First established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day, this day marks the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) by the United Nations.
This occasion is not just about celebrating children but also about reflecting on the critical issues they face and taking action to build a better world for every child.
Children’s Rights: A Framework for Change
The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) is the most widely ratified human rights treaty, emphasizing four core principles:
- Non-discrimination: Every child is entitled to the same rights, regardless of race, gender, or background.
- Best interests of the child: Children’s welfare must be the primary consideration in all decisions affecting them.
- Right to survival and development: Children have the right to life, health, and education.
- Participation rights: Children have the right to voice their opinions and be heard.
Despite its near-universal ratification, millions of children worldwide continue to face challenges that violate these principles.
The Challenges Facing Children
Globally, 356 million children live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $1.90 a day (UNICEF & World Bank, 2020). Poverty deprives children of access to basic necessities like food, clean water, healthcare, and education, perpetuating cycles of inequality and limiting their potential.
Education is both a fundamental right and a pathway out of poverty. Yet, according to UNESCO, 244 million children and adolescents were out of school in 2021, with girls, children with disabilities, and those in conflict zones disproportionately affected (UNESCO, 2022).
3. Child Labor and Exploitation
An estimated 160 million children—about 1 in 10 worldwide—are engaged in child labor, with many working in hazardous conditions that jeopardize their safety and future (ILO, 2021). Addressing child labor requires stronger enforcement of labor laws and initiatives that support families economically.
Climate change is emerging as one of the greatest threats to children’s rights. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and resource scarcity disproportionately affect children, particularly those in vulnerable regions. A report by UNICEF (2021) revealed that 1 billion children are at extremely high risk of the impacts of climate change.
A Call to Action
World Children’s Day serves as a call to action for individuals, organizations, and governments to prioritize children’s well-being. The day highlights the importance of fostering inclusive societies where children can thrive, regardless of their circumstances.
Investing in education has a ripple effect on multiple aspects of children’s lives. Programs that focus on improving access to quality education, particularly for marginalized communities, are essential. Additionally, initiatives like digital literacy programs can bridge gaps in regions with limited infrastructure.
Improving healthcare access is another critical step. Universal immunization campaigns, maternal healthcare programs, and investments in clean water and sanitation can significantly reduce preventable deaths. According to WHO, vaccines alone prevent approximately 4–5 million deaths annually.
Empowering children to have a voice in decisions that affect them strengthens their sense of agency and responsibility. Platforms that amplify children’s voices—such as youth parliaments, advocacy campaigns, and community engagement programs—foster leadership and awareness among younger generations.
Celebrating Progress
While challenges persist, World Children’s Day is also a time to celebrate the strides made in advancing children’s rights. Since the adoption of the CRC, global child mortality rates have halved, and significant progress has been made in expanding access to education and healthcare (UNICEF, 2022). However, sustained efforts are necessary to continue this trajectory.
World Children’s Day reminds us that children are not just the future; they are also the present. Investing in their well-being and rights today creates a foundation for a better, more equitable tomorrow. Whether through individual actions or collective efforts, everyone has a role in ensuring that no child is left behind.
Photo courtesy of UN website:
https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/decolonization
By: Touska Gholami Khaljiri