20 November: A Symbol of the Global Fight for Children’s Rights

20 November holds a significant place in the context of protecting children’s rights worldwide. On this day, two pivotal events occurred that have become milestones in the history of safeguarding the youngest members of society. In 1959, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which for the first time codified the fundamental rights of children. Three decades later, in 1989, on the same date, the Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted – the most widely ratified international human rights treaty.

The Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 was a groundbreaking document that gave a new dimension to the protection of children’s rights. It stated that every child, regardless of their origin, race, religion, or social status, is entitled to equal opportunities and adequate care. Key provisions included the right to education, health protection, love, and care, as well as protection against exploitation and violence. Although the Declaration was not legally binding, it laid the groundwork for future legislative and policy measures.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989 marked a significant milestone in the international system of child protection. This document not only expanded the provisions of the Declaration but also gave them legal force, obligating signatory states to implement and uphold them. The Convention established four core pillars for the protection of children’s rights: the right to survival, the right to development, the right to protection, and the right to participation. These principles were designed to ensure that children are recognised as full-fledged citizens with their own rights and needs requiring special protection.

While the adoption of these documents was a milestone, contemporary challenges still demand intensive efforts. According to UNICEF, approximately 385 million children globally live in extreme poverty, and 160 million are forced into labour, in direct violation of the Convention’s principles. These figures serve as a stark reminder of how much remains to be done to fully realise the goals envisioned by the authors of these historic documents.

The International Human Rights Commission – IHRC has long been engaged in efforts to protect children around the world. The organisation not only monitors the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in various countries but also supports humanitarian projects that provide children with access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for comprehensive development. The IHRC also conducts informational and educational campaigns aimed at raising awareness of children’s rights and encouraging local communities to take active steps to safeguard them.

20 November, observed as Universal Children’s Day, is an occasion not only to reflect on past achievements but also to remind ourselves of our collective responsibility for the future of children. It is a day that mobilises the international community, governments, and non-governmental organisations to redouble their efforts to make the world a more child-friendly place. As an organisation committed to promoting and protecting human rights, the IHRC calls for increased cooperation and the initiation of efforts that will help build a world where every child can enjoy their full rights and opportunities.

In the face of contemporary challenges, it is imperative that the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of the Child do not remain mere historical records but become a lived reality. Recalling these documents is not only a tribute to the work of generations who fought for children’s rights but also a commitment to continuing their mission. Only through collective efforts can we create a world where every child can grow up in dignity, free from violence, poverty, and discrimination.

Dawid Szablowski
Head of IHRC Press Department