World Children’s Day:

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Why in the news?

World Children’s Day is celebrated on 20 November annually. It is also known as Universal Children's Day.

Objectives:

• The purpose of this day is to improve child welfare worldwide, promote and celebrate children’s rights and promote togetherness and awareness amongst all children. 
• This day is promoted and coordinated by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) which works towards the improvement of children’s welfare.
• The United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959.
• The UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.

Key highlights:

• World Children’s Day 2021 Theme: A Better Future for Every Child.
• The theme focuses on raising the voice on the issues that matter to the generation of children and young people and calling for adults to create a better future. 

History:

• It was first established as Universal Children’s Day in 1954.
• Later it was officially adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 14 December 1954 by adopting resolution 836 (IX). 
• This day is also devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the UN Charter and the welfare of the children of the world.
• On this date, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the child in 1959.
•  It is also the date when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.
• Therefore, since 1990, World Children's Day marks the anniversary of the date when the UN General Assembly adopted both the Declaration and the Convention on children's rights. 

About Convention on the Rights of the Child? 

• In 1989 World leaders came together and made a historic commitment to the world's children. 
• It is the world's most widely ratified human rights treaty in history. On 20 November several countries came together and promised to protect children's rights. 
• The Convention focused on who the children are, what are their rights, and the responsibilities of governments. It also states that all rights are connected and cannot be taken away from children.
• The Convention inspired governments to change laws and policies and make investments to take care of the health of the children and nutrition that is required by the children to survive and develop.

What are the importances of World Children's Day?

• It guarantees rights to the children.
• The day raises awareness and spreads the knowledge of what actual children face globally. There are millions of children who don't have access to education, healthcare, or opportunities.
• This day emphasizes the education of children.
• UNICEF's flagship report examines the issue of children, food, and nutrition and provides a fresh perspective on a rapidly evolving challenge.
• It supports immunization programs for childhood diseases and programs to prevent spread of HIV/AIDS.
• It also provides funding for health services, educational facilities and other welfare services.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF):

• Formerly known as United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund is a special program of the UN devoted to aiding national efforts to improve the health, nutrition, education, and general welfare of children.
• It was created in 1946 to provide relief to children in countries devastated by World War II.

It is headquartered in New York City.