UNICEF will advocate for action on child rights throughout 2019 at the global, regional and national level – culminating on the commemorative day on 20th November – World Children’s Day.

UNICEF offices are engaging with national and local governments and partners to organize special events and mobilize actions for and with children and young people. Each country will use this opportunity to accelerate progress on priority national child rights issues in their specific contexts. UNICEF favours an approach to commemorating the anniversary at various points with both virtual and country level celebrations and activities, which could possibly include an action-oriented moment on child rights and the Sustainable Development Goals at the High-Level Political Forum of the United Nations General Assembly in September. UNICEF is also developing a child-friendly version of the Convention, together with Child Rights Connect and with the participation of children.

Convention on the Rights of the child Commemorative Event, 20^th November, NYC

UNICEF and the Office of the President of the General Assembly are inviting ECOSOC-accredited NGOs to attend the “one-day high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.”

This one-day event will also serve as the culmination of a series of child-centric efforts underway in regional, national and local capacities, brought together in a global space with the participation of UN Member States, civil society, children and other stakeholders – all celebrating the Convention.

In accordance with the resolution 73/301, the schedule of the meeting will include an opening plenary meeting, an interactive segment with meaningful participation of children and youth, and a high-level plenary meeting.

The outcome of the one-day high-level event meeting is a summary record of interventions from member states announcing their renewed or refreshed commitments towards the fulfillment of obligations enshrined within the convention for the 21st century, and a summary of discussions to act as a record of ongoing commitment to accelerate action for the full realization of the CRC.

To confirm attendance, please register at https://reg.unog.ch/event/32462/.

Children Are Standing Up for Their Rights. What Will You Do? 

In May 2019, UNICEF launches the public-facing part of the CRC30 initiative, and with these public communications, we will celebrate, empower and support the inspiring children and young people who are using their voices to change the world, standing up for their rights, and the rights of children everywhere. This video, which features children who have made a real difference in their communities and in the world, carries the message: ‘Children are standing up for their rights, what will you do?’. It is a call for adults to take concrete actions to realise child rights, once and for all.

Global action on the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child – Government commitments to implementing child rights in the 21st century 

UNICEF calls for States to sign a joint global pledge : https://www.unicef.org/child-rights-convention/global-action.

UNICEF has also produced a CRC30 toolkit for partners and a timeline “Milestones in Children’s Rights”.

For more information about UNICEF’s plans for CRC30, or for campaign assets, please contact email CRC30@unicef.org