By Carlos Luis
Bengaluru, Dec 11, 2023: Every year on November 20, we mark Universal Children’s Day. The United Nations General Assembly created this day in 1954 with the goals of fostering global consciousness among youth, fostering international unity, and enhancing the welfare of children.
The UN General Assembly approved the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989 and the Declaration of the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1959.
The purpose of Universal Children’s Day is to inspire nations to take steps to protect children’s welfare and to uphold, honour, and celebrate their rights. It provides a chance to promote children’s rights, increase public awareness of the issues that affect children throughout the world, and seek to improve the future for all kids.
On Universal Children’s Day, lots of events and activities are planned across the globe that center on the rights and welfare of children, such as campaigns, educational initiatives, and dialogues. The day promotes children’s rights to education, healthcare, and a safe environment while highlighting the significance of shielding them from prejudice, exploitation, and abuse.
Pope Francis on the feast of the Immaculate Conception joyfully announced that the following World Youth Day, a World Day of Children is scheduled for May 25-26, 2024, in Rome. The initiative is being made by the Dicastery for Culture and Education.
Pope Francis wants everyone to pay attention to the future of the young people, guiding them toward positive progress and listening to them. Envisaging a better future with children, one where there is peace, environmental care, and a choice for fraternity, starting with their dreams and wants. This day will serve as a reminder to grownups to take a moment to pause and pay attention to children’s straightforward inquiries for respect and peace.
A 9-year-old named Alessandro brought up the concept of a Day solely devoted to the youngest members of society to the Pope in July during the Popecast, the second podcast produced by Vatican Media featuring Pope Francis in anticipation of the World Youth Day in Lisbon. The Pope listened to the audio message and expressed his liking to the idea.
Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis has always demonstrated a particular care and compassion for children. He is a strong proponent of nurturing and safeguarding society’s youngest members and frequently voices concerns about issues of children’s education, well-being, and the need to make the world a more compassionate and just place for them.
Pope Francis advocates for protecting children from danger, mistreatment, and exploitation, emphasizing their inherent dignity and society’s duty to protect their welfare. He supports high-quality education that promotes moral and spiritual development and encourages intergenerational communication. He believes in the importance of hearing children’s voices and considering their perspectives, valuing their unique knowledge and perspectives. He supports initiatives aimed at delivering high-quality education.
The Pope pushes countries to care for vulnerable children, such as those impacted by poverty, violence and migration, and promotes a culture of compassion and solidarity. He urges a worldwide commitment to creating a world that is more accepting and helpful to all children. Pope Francis extends a warm welcome to youngsters into the Church and promotes an approachable and open religion. He places a strong emphasis on the role that communities and families play in fostering children’s spiritual development.
A month ago, when Pope Francis met around 7,000 children from 84 countries he said, “Children teach us the clarity of relationships, the spontaneous welcome of strangers and respect for all creation,” not just that he further went on to say, “Dear children, to all of you, I am waiting for you to learn from you too.” Hopefully, the introduction of a World Day of Children helps us all to learn and unlearn certain aspects of our lives to make this world a better place.
(Carlos Luis is a priest belonging to the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottine) and is currently studying for a Licentiate degree in Moral Theology at Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bengaluru. He comments on social and moral issues. He could be contacted – carllui1990@gmail.com)
An overdose of DAYS. Husband’s day, wife’s day, mother in law ‘s day, fool’s day, Children’s Day blah blah .