Universal Children's Day

Universal Children's Day is celebrated on 20th November every year in most of the countries. The day is commemorated to promote international togetherness and awareness among children all across the world. On December 14th 1954, the United Nations General Assembly recommended that a day should be adopted to encourage fraternity and understanding between children. All the nations were suggested to choose a single date to mark the occasion. It was then that November 20th was finalized as Universal Children's Day to be observed annually. The day is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. Go through the following lines to know about the traditions of Universal Children's Day and how it is celebrated.

Universal Children's Day Celebrations
Although Universal Children's Day is celebrated on November 20th, there are countries, such as India and Australia that observe Children's Day on different dates of the year. The 'Declaration of the Rights of the Child' was adopted on November 20th, 1959 by the United Nations General Assembly. Furthermore, the General Assembly adopted the 'Convention on the Rights of the Child' on November 20th, 1989. Hence, since 1990, November 20th is celebrated to commemorate the anniversary of the date when the UN General Assembly adopted both the declaration and the convention on children's rights, apart from the Universal Children's Day.

Universal Children's Day forms a part of the social work undertaken by UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund. Ever since the Convention on the Rights of the Child has been adopted by the UN, many countries have come forward and signed the convention. The main idea behind the convention is to address the rights of children and youth below the age of 18 years. Through this, the kids are able to identify their basic human rights and get additional protection from harm. This creation of the convention and the Universal Children's Day simply allows children to celebrate the day for being themselves.

The day reminds parents and caretakers that kids require love and respect and need to be heard and loved for what they are. It gives parents an opportunity to spend time with their kids and improve their understanding. Numerous programs, events and activities are organized on this day throughout the countries where the occasion is marked. Though the programs differ from nation to nation, the objective behind commemorating the occasion is the same throughout. Activities, such as buses for free, visiting zoo or going out for special movies, etc. mark the Children's Day celebrations in certain countries. Kids also get to see equipments, vehicles and aircrafts of the military.

In Sri Lanka, gifts and sweets are distributed to students by the schools and educational institutions. In Romania and Nigeria, schools remain closed. Kids in Romania visit museums and zoos for free, while in Nigeria, a special march is arranged for the kids where they are selected and perform. Competitions and fashion shows mark Children's Day celebrations for kids in Bangladesh to enhance their skills and create awareness. Kids in Germany are privileged to be a part of tours to museums, zoos and field trips.