Mishall RehmanCelebrate the children in your life as the independent, vibrant, creative and intelligent individuals they are this National Child Day on Monday, Nov. 20.
Celebrated every year across Canada since 1993, National Child Day commemorates the United Nations’ adoption of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child, adopted on Nov. 20, 1959, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted on Nov. 20, 1989.
Both documents focus on the rights of children and ensuring that children are treated with dignity and respect, are protected from harm and are provided with their basic needs.
Canada ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Child in 1991.
As a military community, recognizing the children in our lives is of a special importance because military children heroically undergo various circumstances that their peers don’t.
Here are some ways you can celebrate National Child Day this year, according to UNICEF Canada:
Educate yourself and your children by downloading the official National Child Day activity kit Empower your children and the youth of your community to use their voice. Revisit the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, so they’re aware of what their rights are.
Raise awareness amongst your co-workers, family, and friends about National Child Day and its importance
Bring your MP to School Day: UNICEF Canada facilitates the Bring Your MP to School Day to connect children and youth with their elected officials.
Attend a National Child Day event in your area. Some provinces, such as Alberta, have their local events listed online.
Be sure to keep an eye on social media and use the hashtags #WorldChildrensDay, #KidsTakeOver and #KidsTakeOverSchools
