November 20 is a meaningful date in Canada and around the world. On this day in 1989, the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child, setting out universal rights to help ensure all children grow up healthy, safe, and supported. Canada ratified this important agreement in 1991, formally committing to upholding children’s rights across the country.

In 1993, National Child Day was established in Canada to recognize and promote children’s rights. The Government of Canada highlights four guiding principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC):

• Non-discrimination
• The best interests of the child
• The right to life, survival, and development
• Respect for the views of the child

Based on these principles, the UNCRC outlines key rights that all children are entitled to, no matter where they live. Every child has the right to:

• physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health and development
• parents and caregivers who love them and protect them from violence
• rest and relaxation
• healthy and nutritious food
• play

These rights remind us that children are especially vulnerable and depend on adults to ensure their needs are met. Without supportive environments, children may face challenges such as inadequate healthcare, food insecurity, lack of early learning opportunities, unsafe housing, and social isolation.

Celebrating National Child Day in Your Community

National Child Day is a great opportunity to highlight children’s rights in ways that are fun, meaningful, and engaging. Here are some simple ideas to promote and celebrate children’s rights:

• Wear royal blue to show your support.
• Invite a child to a special event or community celebration.
• Listen to a child’s thoughts – ask for their advice.
• Sing songs about kindness, sharing, and caring. Encourage children to create a National Child Day song or dance.
• Show a child your workplace and explain what you do.
• Visit a classroom or childcare program to talk about children’s rights.
• Send a thank-you card to a child, parent, caregiver, or teacher.
• Brainstorm ways to make your neighbourhood safer for children.
• Organize a fundraiser for local children’s programming.
• Share a meal, snack, or hot chocolate with a child.
• Read a book or story together that celebrates children.
• Host a National Child Day dinner with friends and family.
• Create a scrapbook of a child’s recent memories or achievements.
• Share a positive story from your own childhood.
• Thank the adults who cared for you as a child.
• Take time to reflect on children’s rights and what they mean today.
• Donate clothing, toys, or books to a family in need.
• Talk to local leaders about investing in early childhood.
• Volunteer or donate to a children’s organization in your area.
• Spread the word! Tell a friend or neighbour about National Child Day.

By recognizing this important day, we reaffirm our commitment to helping all children grow up with dignity, respect, and opportunity. Let’s celebrate children – not just on November 20, but every day.

For more information about National Child Day and children’s rights, visit: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/national-child-day.html.