World Children’s Day 2023
“History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children.”
World Children’s Day is an annual observance on November 20th, commemorating the United Nations’ adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This day is dedicated to promoting international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children’s welfare. The convention serves as a platform to spotlight the essential needs, rights, and challenges confronting children on a global scale.
Despite commendable progress in recent years, certain statistics remain disconcerting. As per a recent press release by UNAIDS, approximately 9.2 million individuals, including 660,000 children living with HIV, lack access to crucial treatment. Tragically, children continue to be deprived of life-saving interventions, quality education, and basic essentials such as nutrition and safety. Historically marginalized in crucial decision-making processes due to their age, children find themselves excluded or sidelined regarding matters related to their health, safety, and future. In navigating a swiftly evolving world of technology, social media, epidemics, and globalization, children also grapple with a unique set of challenges affecting their daily lives.
Recent years have witnessed a promising surge in young changemakers globally, advocating for justice, equality, and the right to have a voice. It is evident that children play pivotal roles as leaders in discussions encompassing gender equality, climate change, health access, and child safety. Their unique perspectives challenge norms and have the potential to significantly reshape policy approaches.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) underscores provisions and policies ensuring access to the highest standard of healthcare. Additionally, it encourages active child participation in all matters concerning them, emphasizing respect for their views and prioritizing their best interests in institutional, legislative, administrative, and social welfare decisions.
Advocacy for the well-being, safety, and education of children is paramount. TeachAids, has purposefully championed children’s health, making it a top priority. Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of the CoviDB for Kids resource aimed at educating children on safe practices exemplifies this commitment. TeachAids has also built highly effective, culturally-appropriate HIV content to educate children across the globe. Recognizing that health education should be comprehensive and inclusive, the platform provided content that was relevant, engaging, and timely, addressing not only physical health but also mental health resources for both parents and children.
Building a more inclusive and equitable future for children requires collective action from all of us. As future stakeholders in today’s policies, children’s lived experiences, concerns, and insights must be integral to the design of effective policies and programs. This year, we extend an invitation to renew your commitment, urging you to listen to children, advocate on their behalf, and take concrete actions to ensure every child has the opportunity to dream, explore, and thrive. Through the empowerment of children and the amplification of their needs and rights, we collectively contribute to securing a happier, healthier world for all.