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Celebrating the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
National Child Day is celebrated on November 20 each year as enacted in Bill C-371, otherwise known as the Child Day Act, by the Parliament of Canada in 1993.
It commemorates the United Nations adoption of two landmark documents concerned with the human rights of all children and youths. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of The Child that took place on November 20, 1959, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1989.
The Convention spells out the basic human rights to which children (under the age of 18) everywhere are entitled. The purpose of National Child Day is to promote awareness about the Convention to Canadians. It is also a day to support Canadian children’s rights by voicing your concerns about Canadian children’s rights violations to the politicians of Canada and to educate our children about their rights and responsibilities.
Canada’s future depends on healthy development of our children. Recognizing National Child Day shows that you believe Canada’s children deserve prime consideration in all economic, social and political decisions, policies, programs and expenditures.
Some Ideas for Celebrating National Child Day
1. Attend a special event with a child.
2. Ask a child for advice.
Get involved with your community Early Childhood Development Committee.
Send a card to a child, caregiver or teacher in honor of the day.
Explore ways to make your neighborhood a safer place for children.
Reflect on the rights of children.
Send a package of toys, clothes or books to children in need.
Raise awareness for children’s issues by talking to local politicians.
Tell a neighbor or friend about National Child Day.
Consider ways you can make Canada a better place for children.
In the East Kootenay we are fortunate to have Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiatives such as Success By 6, Children First and ECD Committees established in seven communities. The regional initiatives and community committees work together collaboratively towards making our communities a place where all children are valued, respected, nurtured, loved and given the opportunity to develop to their full potential.
For more information on your local ECD Committee and initiatives happening round the East Kootenay go to www.EKkids.ca.
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