Universal Children’s Day

The United Nations' Universal Children's Day, established by “resolution 836(1X)” on December 14, 1954, is celebrated on November 20th each year.

On November 20, 1959, the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and on November 20, 1989, it adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Since 1990, Universal Children's Day also marks the anniversary of the date that the UN General Assembly adopted both the declaration and the convention on children's rights. UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, coordinates this special day devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the Charter and the welfare of the children of the world. http://www.un.org/Depts/dhl/children_day/

What is the current situation on the rights of children, twenty years later?

“19 November 2009 (United Nations report)– Despite considerable progress over the past 20 years in improving the lot of the world’s children… their rights are still far from assured.” Millions of children throughout the world suffer greatly from poverty, physical and mental medical issues, malnutrition, HIV and Aids, sexual violence, lack of schooling, victims of trafficking, discrimination, child soldiers, orphaned, violence, neglect, emotional, psychological, physical and sexual abuse…

Many of these horrors are happening in “our own back yard”.

Here are a few people who are making a impact by not only raising awareness but are involved in concrete actions.

Craig Kielburger: A humanitarian, social activist and best-selling author, Craig Kielburger founded Free The Children in 1995 at the age of 12.

Emmanuel Jal: Former child soldier from Sudan “Raps in the Name of Peace”

The Mizero Troupe from Rwanda, took their name from the Kinyarwanda word meaning ‘hope’. The performers are between the ages of 10 to 15. Their goal is to raise awareness about the one million children orphaned by the genocide.

As Holy Names Sisters, our Congregation has taken a corporate stand against human trafficking and we are also members of two NGO’s: Unanima International and Development and Peace.

Who else?????????????

So many children have lost their childhood, their innocence, the awe and wonder of life around them. The following poem is very poignant.

Children Learn What They Live
by Dorothy Law Neite

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child learns to feel shame, he learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,

he learns to find love in the world.

Sr. Pat O'Neill s.n.j.m.