What is World Children's Day?
Every year, World's Children Day is celebrated on 20 November, marking the date that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted.
This year is the 35th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child – a special moment where governments (including Australia) agreed on 54 different rights that every child under 18 years old should have to live a safe, healthy and happy life.
On World Children’s Day, UNICEF Australia encourages children of all ages to make some noise about the issues that matter most to them and this year, it’s a matter close to our hearts – child rights.
Register nowCelebrating child rights with A Minute of Loudness
We believe that every child should have the chance to speak up about issues they care about. It’s their future, but too often their voices aren’t heard. On World Children’s Day, let’s turn the volume up on what they have to say.
Children’s rights are for every child, everywhere. Most Australian children are well supported in key areas like health, safety, and education. Despite this, inequality is growing, and many Australian children need more support.
Article 12 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child states that:
Children have the right to have a say on things that are important to them.
Yet, two in three young Australians aged 13-17 say that they are rarely or never consulted nor given opportunities to participate in important issues that affect them.
This World Children’s Day, we invite every child in Australia to speak up through A Minute of Loudness, where they’re encouraged to share their ideas how to make Australia an even better place for all children – a country where every child is healthy, safe, educated and involved.
How you can take part in A Minute of Loudness
All schools and children's community groups across Australia are encouraged to register.
When you sign up, you'll receive age-appropriate lesson plans developed by an education specialist and fun ideas for how to celebrate the day.
Register your school
Join us on 20 November for A Minute of Loudness!
Take a look at how we got loud last year to celebrate World Children’s Day!
World Children's Day
What is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child?
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, or UNCRC, is a special agreement made by governments from all around the world (including Australia) to ensure every child, no matter who they are, where they live or what they believe, has rights.
After listening and learning from the experts, most countries that make up the United Nations agreed on 54 different rights that every child under 18 should have to live a safe, healthy and happy life. In 1989, they signed this agreement, which we now know as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. All the rights are connected, equally important and cannot be taken away from children.
When is World Children’s Day celebrated?
Every year, World Children’s Day is celebrated on 20 November because on that day in 1959, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. Exactly 30 years later, on 20 November 1989, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Why do we celebrate World Children’s Day?
The Convention on the Rights of the Child is based on what a child needs to grow, learn and live a safe and healthy life with dignity and respect. It is for every child, regardless of gender, religion, culture or ethnicity - and this is worth celebrating!
FAQs
World Children's Day is an annual celebration on 20 November, marking the anniversary of the creation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. It highlights the importance of children's rights, their wellbeing, and the need to amplify their voices for a brighter future.
World Children's Day is a global event celebrating children's rights on 20 November – marking the anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Children's Week in Australia is held in October, focusing on local community activities that promote children's wellbeing.
To get involved, just register your school! You'll then receive access to a range of education resources, top tips for the day and everything you need to know to host your school's Minute of Loudness.
Whilst fundraising isn’t mandatory, it can be an extra way to make your A Minute of Loudness even more special. Fundraising to help UNICEF support children around the world is a great way to add extra meaning to your World Children's Day celebrations.
From mufti days and bake sales, to a teacher student challenge. How you fundraise is completely up to you! Just go to Fundraise at your school for UNICEF Australia
If your school would prefer not to fundraise, then that's totally okay! You're still able to join in the World Children's Day celebration and access some amazing resources.
Absolutely! Although we encourage everyone to fundraise online, we know that isn't always practical at school.
If you decide to fundraise offline, you can donate directly into UNICEF's bank account.
Account name: Australian Committee for UNICEF Ltd
BSB: 012010
Account: 837541992
Reference: School name
Once you've made a donation, please email teamuncief@unicef.org.au so we can provide a receipt.
No worries! Although we recommend 20 November, you are welcome to host your Minute of Loudness whenever suits your school best!
If you have any questions, from fundraising to technical issues with your page, please contact UNICEF Australia’s team at teamunicef@unicef.org.au