UNICEF Celebrates Universal Children’s Day

UNICEF Celebrates Universal Children’s Day 

Al-Bab Report

Islamabad – 21 November 2016: Children from various schools of Islamabad came together to celebrate the Universal Children’s Day (UCD) at a colorful ceremony organized by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), here today. The theme for UCD this year is ‘For every Child, HOPE.

UCD is celebrated around the world every year on November 20^th in recognition of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on this day in 1989. The CRC is one of the most largely ratified human rights treaties which sets out the civil, political, economic, social, health and cultural rights of children. Pakistan ratified the CRC in 1990, only a year after signing it.

“This is a very special day for children around the world and for UNICEF, which works for the realization of child rights and providing children a conducive environment wherein they could survive and thrive to grow to their full potential in life,” says Chris Munduate, UNICEF’s Deputy Representative in Pakistan. “This year, we celebrate UCD with a renewed zeal and fervor to continue our efforts for children as the day also marks the beginning of UNICEF’s 70^th anniversary. For seventy years, UNICEF has continued to work for improved health, education, protection and water and sanitation services for children everywhere and for every child. ”

“As a signatory of the CRC, Pakistan has come a long way in its efforts to create an enabling environment for the protection of child rights. We are grateful to the Government for its leadership and to our donors and partners for their ongoing support to UNICEF in its efforts to ensure the fundamental rights of the child.” 

Children from the Mashal Model School, Babar Public School, Global System of Integrated Studies (GSIS) and Roots International School participated in the event. Issues faced by children were highlighted through skits and songs and the significance of a protective environment wherein all rights of children are safeguarded, was emphasized.  

The event was attended by the Canadian High Commissioner in Pakistan, Mr. Perry John Calderwood, the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Neil Buhne, representatives of different embassies, the delegation of the European Union and a number of donors and partners.