In 1989, following the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the UN General Assembly recommended that all nations in the world choose a day during the year to promote the welfare and wellbeing of children. Observance of the day does not vary from country to country. In its provisions, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child addresses the rights of children and youth under the age of 18. The Convention recognizes the basic human rights of children and gives to them additional rights designed to protect them from harm. The Convention has 54 articles which cover everything from a child's right to be free from exploitation, to the right to his or her own opinion and the right to education, health care, and economic opportunity. The UN's adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the subsequent creation of Universal Children's Day reflects the growing recognition that children are important and valued members of society. Universal Children's Day celebrates children .. just for being children for being themselves. Universal Children's Day reminds us that children need love and respect in order to thrive and to grow to their full potential. The day is one to listen to children, to marvel at their uniqueness and all they have to offer. A key objective of Universal Children's Day is to increase awareness of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the different countries around the world. Since its adoption by the United Nations, the Convention has been signed or ratified by more countries than any other international treaty ever drafted. Over the past decade, the Convention has proven to be a valuable tool for promoting the rights of children in many, many countries the world over.
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