Empowering children as advocates of their rights
An essential part of protecting children’s rights is empowering children to understand and advocate for these rights themselves. When children know their rights, they become active participants in their own lives and communities. Over the years, child activists have brought attention to critical issues like climate change, access to education, and anti-bullying efforts, demonstrating the power of youth advocacy. Teaching children about their rights goes beyond the concept of protection. It also promotes confidence, resilience, and awareness. These skills not only empower them to advocate for themselves but also help them develop essential life skills, such as communication, empathy, and critical thinking. By fostering children’s understanding of justice and equality, we lay the groundwork for a more inclusive and compassionate society.
World Children’s Day, a global event observed annually on November 20, is a significant moment dedicated to advocating for every child’s rights, well-being, and empowerment worldwide. Established to promote the welfare of children on a global scale, this day serves as a reminder of our shared duty to guarantee that every child grows up in a secure, inclusive, and supportive environment. This year’s theme, ‘For Every Child, Every Right,’ echoes the universal commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). This guiding framework upholds every child’s right to protection, education, health, and equality. The CRC is built upon the fundamental idea that all children should enjoy equal rights and opportunities regardless of their background. Yet, many children across the world continue to face severe threats to their well-being, including poverty, hunger, discrimination, and lack of access to essential resources. This disparity highlights the importance of World Children’s Day as a call for unity and collective action to uphold these rights. It is a chance to remind ourselves that every child deserves the right to a safe home, a quality education, and the freedom to thrive.
Several organisations and programmes are dedicated to teaching children about their rights. Initiatives such as UNICEF’s Voices of Youth and Model United Nations programmes engage young people in discussions about human rights, empowering them to raise their voices on issues that matter to them. However, it is essential to remember that schools, families, and communities each play a vital role in this educational process. Schools can integrate human rights education into their curriculums, while families and communities can foster open discussions on fairness, respect, and social responsibility. From a tender age, children learn by example, observing and imitating the behaviours of their parents and caregivers. This makes the family environment an ideal setting for teaching about their rights and ways they can ensure their rights are not violated.
By developing practical advocacy skills like public speaking, teamwork, and digital literacy, children are better equipped to contribute meaningfully to conversations about their rights and futures. World Children’s Day is a reminder that providing children with the resources to advocate for change also strengthens their ability to address challenges facing their communities and encourages a sense of agency.
