World Children's Day 2024: protecting children's rights in a changing world

This day serves as a reminder of how essential it is for all children to exercise their rights and for these rights to be protected by humanity.

On November 20th, the World Children’s Day is commemorated, a date dedicated to recognizing the importance of children in society. In 1989, world leaders made a historic commitment to the children of the world by adopting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, an international agreement that guarantees the fundamental rights of children.

Children’s rights are human rights and are non-negotiable. Today, this day serves as a reminder of how essential it is for all children to exercise their rights and for these rights to be protected by humanity. Additionally, the day aims to advance child well-being, protecting the most vulnerable children, promoting, defending, and celebrating their rights.

The future of children and the importance of taking action now

In its “State of the World’s Children 2024” report, UNICEF analyzes how three global megatrends will affect children in 2050. These trends are demographic change, the climate crisis and technological advances.

The climate crisis will intensify, exposing more children to risks such as extreme heatwaves, floods, and wildfires, highlighting the urgent need to adopt specific measures to protect them. On the other hand, the report also points out that, in 2024, more than 95% of the population in high-income countries will have access to the internet, while only 26% in low-income countries will be able to connect, limiting these children’s ability to use digital tools effectively in education and future employment.

The report emphasizes the importance of placing children’s rights, as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, at the center of all strategies, policies, and actions. To address these challenges and opportunities, action is required:

Invest in education, services, and sustainable, resilient cities for children.
Expand climate resilience in infrastructure, technology, essential services, and social support systems.
Provide connectivity and secure technological design for all children.

World Children’s Day 2024 is commemorated under the theme “Listen to the Future.” This message calls for a global commitment to build a world where all children can fully develop and where their voices are heard. To achieve this, UNICEF launched a campaign inviting children from around the world to write a letter about how they would like to see the world in 2050. The letters can be read on UNICEF’s official page.

Conflicts in the Middle East and their impact on children

UNICEF states that the tension and conflict in some areas of the Middle East prevent children from experiencing a normal childhood. The youth share a common fear that disrupts their lives and prevents them from imagining a positive future. The sooner the conflicts in the region are resolved, the sooner their wounds will begin to heal.

UNICEF warns that attacks in the Gaza Strip have killed more than 16,756 children and injured 6,168. These numbers reflect the urgency of a call for a ceasefire to protect children and guarantee them the fundamental rights to a full life.

It is imperative to take measures to protect the future of children worldwide. The first step is to recognize the problem and raise awareness about it. With World Children’s Day, the focus is placed on what truly matters, highlighting that the world today will be the legacy we leave for future generations. It is our duty to do everything possible to create spaces where children can grow, enjoying their rights, freedoms, and, above all, peace.