Universal Children’s Day 
On Dec. 14, 1954 the UN General Assembly recommended that all countries institute a Universal Children’s Day, to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding of children. The Day was to be observed also as a day of activity devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the Charter now the Convention on the Rights of the Child. November 20 also marks the day that the Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Rights of the Child in 1959. This became the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) on Nov. 20, 1989. It is an international human rights treaty for all children.
All nations except for the United States have ratified this treaty and each are working on various projects to improve some condition in their country. The U.S. is not eligible to participate in any of these global committees.
OMEP-USA’S Children’s Day & Universal Children’s Day
November 20th
In 2003, the United States Committee of OMEP (World Organization for the Education of Young Children) declared November 20 as a special day each year to honor and support all children in the U.S. and worldwide and to promote a better understanding of their needs and rights throughout the year. November 20th coincides with the United Nations signing of the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC). OMEP-USA celebrates and supports Universal Children’s Day every November 20th.
How Can You Celebrate Universal Children’s Day ?
- ADD UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY to your home and school calendar, websites, social media pages and agendas. Send a letter to your local newspaper and flyers to your library.
- PLAN A PARTY with your CHILDREN on or close to NOVEMBER 20! Honor and celebrate children by using this time to teach them about the importance of helping other children and understanding their rights and responsibilities.
- CHOOSE A THEME FOR YOUR PARTY! You can use one of the Children’s Rights such as the right to play, have friends and peaceful gatherings, or have a name and identity as a theme to connect your children to other children. For older children, design or join an existing essay contest o n Universal Children’s Day.
Have Fun!
CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
- The CRC has 42 articles or rights supporting children summarized into 4 categories- the right to survival, the right to develop to the fullest potential, the right to protection from abuse, neglect and exploitation, and the right to participation in family, cultural, and social life.
- The CRC provides the framework for basic conditions for healthy development that all children need but too many do not have. These global standards are also guidelines for parents, families, teachers, private and government agencies, and industries.
- Let’s make every day UNIVERSAL CHILDREN’S DAY, a day we can support and celebrate all children. It would improve conditions for children and promote a Culture of Peace for All.
SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH YOUR COMMUNITY!!!
Find out if there are other schools and programs celebrating Universal Children’s Day. Don’t forget to send in your information to shared our Universal Children’s Day page.
Follow OMEP-USA on Twitter and Facebook
Other web sites:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-childrens-day
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children’s _Day
For more information contact:
Dorothy Sailor: OMEP-US Advocacy Chair for Child Rights and Universal Children’s Day
Ebony Cray: OMEP-US Advocacy Committee Member