20th of November is World Children’s Day, a global day of action for children, by children, marking the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
World Children’s Day is celebrated every year on the 20th of November, celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. It is an opportunity for communities, schools, organisations and decision-makers to champion children’s rights and work together to create a better future for all children and young people.
Why is World Children’s Day important?
At its heart, World Children’s Day is about recognising that every child has rights, including the right to play, the right to be safe, healthy, heard, included, educated and able to reach their full potential. It reminds us that children are not only the future, but active citizens whose views, experiences and ideas matter today.
The day encourages adults, organisations and governments to listen to children, understand their experiences and take action to improve their lives. It is also a chance to celebrate children’s achievements, recognise the challenges they face, and renew our commitment to creating communities where they can thrive.
Celebrating World Children’s Day is particularly important as Manchester has recently been recognised a Child Friendly City. Manchester is committed to putting children and young people at the heart of decision-making and creating a city where all children can grow up healthy, safe, happy and able to achieve their potential.
World Children’s Day provides an opportunity to showcase how Manchester is working alongside children and young people to shape services, influence policy and improve communities. It highlights the importance of listening to children’s voices and ensuring they can participate in decisions about issues that affect them, from education and play to health, safety and the environment.
This day also reminds us that…
becoming a truly child-friendly city is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you work in education, health, transport, housing, culture, community services or the voluntary sector, the decisions adults make every day influence children’s experiences and opportunities. By considering the impact of those decisions through a child-rights lens, we can help make Manchester a better place for children and young people.
How can people get involved?
Everyone can play a part in celebrating World Children’s Day. Schools, early years providers, community groups, youth organisations, services and workplaces can:
- Learn more about children’s rights.
- Create opportunities for children to share their views.
- Celebrate children’s achievements and contributions.
- Hold activities, events or discussions focused on issues that matter to children.
- Encourage decision-makers to listen to and act on children’s voices.
- Promote a culture where children’s rights are understood, respected and embedded in everyday practice.
World Children’s Day is more than a celebration; it is a call to action. As Manchester continues its journey as a Child Friendly City, it is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every child is valued, included and able to influence the city in which they live.
By listening to children, respecting their rights and working together to remove barriers to opportunity, we can help make Manchester a place where every child can thrive, today and in the future.
For more information or if you would like to promote any activities please email childfriendlycity@manchester.gov.uk