Voice of London

Today, once again, the world is celebrating United Nation’s very important declaration that ‘mankind owes to the child the best it has to give.’

Children are the most important part of this world. They bring joy into homes, have the purest of souls, and their smile could light up anyone’s mood. 64 years ago, United Nations formally declared Children’s Day as an international event which was followed by the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the legislation adoption thereafter on 20th November 1959. Since then, this day has brought together all the nations to promote and work for child welfare.

It is a sad reality that little souls in many parts of the world are still being robbed of their childhoods as a result of famishing, poverty, conflicts between developed and developing nations, and gender inequality. A new report from Save the Children Charity has highlighted toughest challenges faced by suffering children which include child labour, health issues, lack of education, illiteracy, poverty, and gender bias in many parts of the world.

One of the most chronicle examples is of Iraq where children have faced violence, threats and are often being separated from their families at a very small age due to rage and immense violence. The infrastructure in Iraq is of a poor quality, and therefore, there’s no access to proper health and educational centers. They are being forced to live in desperate conditions in camps which are overflowing. So yes, a lot of attention is needed. More plans need to be put in place to give them the life they deserve.

Every year UNICEF sets a theme for Children’s Day. This year its #Goblue where they have asked people, schools, and corporates worldwide to go blue to help build a world where every child gets what’s best for them. Celebrity stars and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors – Millie Bobbie Brown, Orlando Bloom, Dua Lipa, Liam Neeson, and performance artists Blue Man Group have stood up for this cause in the ‘Go Blue This World Children’s Day’ video by UNICEF USA. Millie Bobbie Brown told Forbes, “World Children’s Day is a fun day with a serious message.” She also changed her name on her Instagram profile to Millie Bobby Blue to mark this occasion.

People of the world can sign a petition started by UNICEF which aims to call out all the world leaders and demand for their commitment to fulfill rights of every child and acknowledge that these rights are non-negotiable.

How does the general population around the world mark this special day?

Children’s Day is celebrated differently in every country in the world. In Bulgaria, Children are motivated to take part in musical parades and play instruments of their choice. In Ukraine, communities organise baby races where the kid who reaches the finish line first, wins. In North Korea, all children dress up to celebrate. In Afghanistan, they wear traditional outfits. While in India, Children’s Day is celebrated on 14th of November instead of the 20th. Why? The first Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru was born on 14th of November. He was fondly called ‘Chacha Nehru’ for his love for kids. He was very fond of kids and absolutely adored and loved them. Thus after PM Nehru’s Death in 1964, it was unanimously decided that 14th November will be celebrated as Children’s Day in India instead of 20th of November. All the professors and teachers at schools prepare surprises for students, and sometimes also do plays, choir, and dances for them.

Voice of London collaborated with the University of Manchester’s UNICEF Committee to celebrate and wish every single child on this globe, a very happy Children’s Day by making this video.

President of UNICEF on Campus Anas Seddafi told Voice of London, “Future doesn’t exist without children. They’re going to grow up to be the leaders of this world. It’s not fair for them to suffer or go through any pain. So yes, we need to act, the governments of every nation need to act and understand this is one thing which cannot be ignored. It’s time to think about consequences before starting a riot or a war. Think about those innocent lives which will be affected because of it.”

UNICEF on Campus has organised many events like the Bake sale, and educational talks on campus over the years to raise money for the same cause. The money collected from these events is then donated to UNICEF UK for the well-being of the kids.  

Children’s rights are human rights. Voice of London completely supports UNICEF’s new campaign. The attention of authorities and government bodies worldwide is essential for our future generations to come.

Today, the world will #GoBlue.

Words and Video: Peony Hirwani | Subbing: Lucija Duzel