National Child Day is a commemorative event that celebrates and promotes the rights and well-being of children. The day serves as a reminder of the significance of safeguarding children's rights and ensuring their healthy development. It is observed globally, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and protecting the younger generation.

The origin of National Child Day can be traced back to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Adopted on November 20, 1989, the CRC is a landmark international treaty that outlines the fundamental rights and protections due to all children. This comprehensive document encompasses civil, cultural, economic, political, and social rights, emphasizing the child's right to survival, development, and protection from harm. November 20th was subsequently designated as Universal Children's Day, with countries around the world adopting National Child Day to locally acknowledge and honor the principles enshrined in the CRC.

Canada signed onto the convention in 1991, aligning our country with the global commitment to prioritising the well-being and rights of children, recognising them as individuals with distinct needs and vulnerabilities. National Child Day provides an annual platform to raise awareness about these rights, advocate for their implementation, and celebrate the potential and resilience of children worldwide. It serves as a call to action to create a nurturing environment that fosters the growth, dignity, and happiness of every child.

If you are interested in learning more about the Convention on the Rights of the Child click here to review the rights directly listed on the United Nations website.

If you are interested in sharing with children about their rights click here to access infographics (available in many languages) provided by UNICEF that provides child friendly language describing each right. Click here to access the list of rights fully written as an english "Child's version" to support your use of the infographic.

If you are interested in a Canadian specific resource that is child (and teenager!) friendly that summarises the rights into four key principles click here.

There are resources every year to support every child, parent, caregiver, and educator's participation in celebrating National Child Day. One action to take is to wear blue on November 20th every year to acknowledge the importance of celebrating the rights of children everywhere.