What is World Children’s Day?
World Children's Day is on the 20 November 2025. This year is the 36th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child – a special moment where governments around the world (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 this World Children’s Day, we've chosen to celebrate every child’s right to play and calling on communities, schools, workplaces and leaders to protect and promote this right for every child.
Play is how children learn, grow, connect and heal. Every child has the right to play – no matter who they are or where they live.
Yet, millions of children around the world are missing out on this basic right, because of conflict, displacement, inequality or lack of safe spaces.
When we protect a child’s right to play, we’re protecting their right to a full, healthy and happy childhood.
Here's how you can get involved:
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.
Whilst fundraising isn’t mandatory, it can be an extra way to make World Children’s Day even more special. Fundraising to help UNICEF support children around the world is a great way to add extra meaning to your celebrations.
From mufti days and bake sales, to a teacher student challenge. How you fundraise is completely up to you!
You can set up an online fundraiser using our platform here.
If you have any questions, from fundraising to technical issues with your page, please contact UNICEF Australia’s team at teamunicef@unicef.org.au