World Children’s Day is an international day observed annually on November 20 to promote the protection of children’s rights, enhance their well-being, and foster international solidarity. The day aims to draw attention to the recognition and realization of children’s fundamental rights, including education, health, shelter, protection, and participation.
Dünya Çocuk Günü (Anadolu Ajansı)
History
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1959, and thirty years later, on the same date in 1989, approved the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This convention became the first international legal instrument to recognize children not merely as individuals in need of protection, but as rights-holders in their own capacity. Having been ratified by almost all countries in the world, the convention has achieved universal status.
With the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, November 20 began to be commemorated annually around the world as World Children’s Day. Since 1990, this date has been celebrated as the anniversary of both the Declaration and the Convention.
Children’s Rights and the Content of the Convention
Children’s rights encompass all entitlements that every child inherently possesses, including the right to education, health, shelter, protection, and self-expression. The Convention on the Rights of the Child assigns responsibilities to states, families, and society to safeguard these rights. Article 6 of the Convention affirms every child’s inherent right to life, while Article 24 guarantees the right of every child to enjoy the highest attainable standard of health. States are obliged to provide protection, treatment, and rehabilitation services for children who suffer from neglect, abuse, or violence.
The Role of the United Nations and UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is responsible for coordinating World Children’s Day and for promoting global awareness of children’s rights. UNICEF defines this day as a “global day of action for children, by children.”
UNICEF creates platforms through which children can make their voices heard and contribute to decision-making processes. Within this framework, annual celebrations are held in various countries with diverse activities and themes. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has described World Children’s Day as “a day to advocate for children’s rights and to shape the future.”
Children (Anadolu Ajansı)
World Children’s Day Celebrations in Türkiye
Türkiye ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990. Since then, World Children’s Day has been celebrated annually on November 20 through various activities. UNICEF Türkiye and its partner institutions organize “Children’s Forum” events, where children are given the opportunity to express their views. Within the framework of UNICEF Türkiye’s 75th anniversary celebrations, a Children’s Forum was held in Ankara from 18 to 20 November, where child representatives from all 81 provinces presented their recommendations and expectations regarding climate change to decision-makers. As in previous years, a girl and a boy selected from each province presented a declaration to officials of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. Within the same scope, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, several historical landmarks — including Ankara Castle, Akdamar Church in Van, Aspendos Theatre, Bodrum Castle, the Trojan Horse, Mount Nemrut statues, the Sümela Monastery, and the “Three Beauties” fairy chimneys in Cappadocia — were illuminated in blue. This symbolic gesture aims to draw attention to children’s rights and a sustainable future.
UNICEF Türkiye Representative Regina De Dominicis, in a statement on the 2023 theme “Climate Change and Children,” emphasized that the climate crisis poses a serious threat to children’s lives, development, and future potential.
Child Health Practices in Türkiye
The Ministry of Health in Türkiye implements a wide range of national programs to protect and promote child health. Within the framework of the Health Transformation Programme, maternal and child health remain among the top priorities. Efforts focus on reducing infant and child mortality rates, decreasing disability rates, and expanding early diagnosis practices.
Every newborn in Türkiye is monitored free of charge by family physicians nine times during the first year after birth and a total of sixteen times up to the age of six. These follow-ups include immunization, screening tests, nutritional counseling, child safety, and growth and development monitoring services. Such practices aim to support children’s healthy growth and development and to ensure the early detection of potential health problems.
