On every 20th of November, the globe celebrates World Children’s Day with the aim of promoting international unity and consciousness among children worldwide, whilst also enhancing the welfare of children. This date holds particular significance as it was on this day that the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989.
The ‘Go Blue’ Campaign
To mark the 30th year anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the United Nation’s Children’s Fund (UNICEF) launched the ‘Go Blue’ campaign. On 20th November 2019, landmark buildings around the globe, including the Indian Parliament, were illuminated in blue to demonstrate their support of child rights.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child
Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child is a treaty that recognizes all individuals under 18 years old as children. It establishes a framework for the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of every child, irrespective of their race, religion or abilities. The Convention encompasses rights such as the Right to Education, Right to Rest and Leisure, and Right to Protection from both Mental and Physical abuse, including Rape and Sexual Exploitation. The Convention is the most universally ratified human rights treaty worldwide.
India’s Efforts for Child Rights
India, which celebrates its own Children’s Day every 14th of November, ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992.
| Year | Under-5 mortality rate (per 1000 live births) | Children with access to drinking water (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 117 | 62 |
| 2016 | 39 | 92 |
Notable policies and laws have been adopted to promote the rights of children, like the National Policy for Children, 2013, the Right to Education Act, 2009, and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. India is also running innovative programmes such as Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, child-friendly schools, child budgets and POSHAN Abhiyan to ensure that children are given adequate protection and opportunities for growth and development.
Moving Forward
The Indian Government needs to concentrate on children’s nutrition as currently, 21% of children under age five years are wasted, and 36% of children under age five years are underweight. It must also focus on securing education for more vulnerable differently-abled children to assure inclusive education. Efforts across the globe should continuously be made to respect, protect and fulfill the rights of every child.
