Every child has the right to physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health and development, to parents who love them and protect them from violence, to rest and relaxation, to healthy and nutritious food, and to play.

November 20 is National Child Day. It is a day to acknowledge and celebrate children’s rights as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which was adopted in 1989. The UNCRC outlines 54 articles that describe children’s rights and the support they need to grow, learn, feel safe, and be included. Canada ratified the UNCRC in 1991, committing to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect and have every opportunity to thrive.

Based on the UNCRC, children’s rights can be understood through three pillars.

• Protection: Every child has the right to be safe from harm.
• Provision: Every child has the right to have their basic needs met, including access to health care, nutritious food, and education.
• Participation: Every child has the right to express their views, be heard, and take part in decisions that affect them.

To celebrate children’s rights and to recognize National Child Day, you can wear blue to show your support, share information about children’s rights, or start a conversation with colleagues, friends and family about what children need to thrive.

Everyday actions can help ensure all children feel safe, valued, and included. Celebrate children’s rights on November 20 and throughout the year.

To learn more about children’s rights, visit: hwww.unicef.org/child-rights-convention/convention-text-childrens-version.