November 20 is Children's Rights Day

November 20 is World Children’s Rights Day, a special day observed annually on November 20 to raise awareness of children’s rights and promote their protection worldwide. The date was chosen because on November 20, 1989, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

History

• On November 20, 1959, the Declaration of the Rights of the Child was issued.
• On November 20, 1989, the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
• Today, November 20 is used to raise awareness about the universal recognition and protection of children’s rights.

Purpose

• To emphasize that all children have the fundamental rights to life, health, education, shelter, protection, play, and participation.
• To bring attention to the negative impacts of child labor, abuse, neglect, war, and migration on children’s rights.
• To remind states, civil society, families, and individuals of their responsibility to protect children’s rights.

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Observance and Significance in Türkiye

• In Türkiye, this day is commemorated through events organized by public institutions, civil society organizations, and educational institutions. For example, the Türkiye Human Rights and Equality Institution (TİHEK) issued a press statement highlighting the need to protect children’s rights.
• In statements made in our country, the theme of “protecting children who are struggling to survive in regions affected by war, poverty, and destitution” is prominently emphasized.
• Events focus on issues such as the right to play, the right to education, and the right to protection, while informing various stakeholders.

Core Principles

The following principles form the foundational elements of children’s rights:

• Non-discrimination: Every child has rights regardless of race, color, language, religion, social origin, gender, or any other distinction.
• Right to life and development: Children must have the conditions necessary for their physical, mental, and emotional development.
• Right to participation: Children have the right to express their views and be heard in matters affecting them. (As provided for in the Convention.)
• Right to protection: Children have the right to be protected from neglect, abuse, war, displacement, and other situations that create vulnerability.

Challenges Today

• Violations of children’s rights remain severe worldwide: Children living in conflict zones face issues such as economic hardship and lack of access to education.
• In Türkiye, civil society highlights issues such as juvenile detention centers, abuse, and neglect, and calls such as “close juvenile detention centers” are being made.

What Can Be Done?

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• Families: Talk to children about their rights and guide them to understand and claim them.
• Educational institutions: Organize activities focused on children’s rights and create spaces where children can voice their opinions.
• Society: Develop approaches that uphold children’s rights, such as access to play, safe living conditions, and equitable education.
• States and institutions: Enact legal frameworks to protect children’s rights, monitor implementation, and increase public awareness.