Society

Since 1954, this date has been known as Universal Children's Day. It also marks two important anniversaries for the protection of children worldwide.

On November 20, 1959, the UN Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. 30 years later, on November 20, 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child was signed. This coincidence of dates is no coincidence, as November 20 has been Universal Children's Day since 1954. An opportunity to remember the 12 rights that every child on our planet should have:

- the right to equality

- the right to an identity

- the right to live in a family

- the right to health

- the right to education and leisure

- the right to privacy

- the right to age-appropriate justice

- the right to protection in times of war

- the right to protection from all forms of violence

- the right to protection from all forms of exploitation

- the right to express his or her views and to be heard on matters that concern him or her

- the right of children with disabilities to live with and like others.

More work to be done

Unfortunately, these rights are not respected everywhere in the world. Especially in conflict zones and dictatorships. Nor are they respected by all adults, some of whom abuse minors through violence and exploitation for personal, criminal, military or financial gain. So everyone - parents, teachers, the medical profession, authorities, activists, religious leaders, artists, influencers, the business world and the media - can play their part in remembering and spreading these fundamental rights. Raising awareness also means remaining vigilant and reporting abuses to the authorities or NGOs.

(MH with Olivier Duquesne - Source : UN & Défenseur des droits de la République française - Picture : © picture alliance / AA | Metin Aktas)