SOS Children’s Villages in South Africa has announced that it is commemorating World Children's Day on Wednesday, 20 November, under the theme 'Inclusion, for every child'.
World Children's Day is celebrated annually on 20 November to promote children's rights and welfare globally, it marks the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), this was also the date when the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution welcoming the Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children, says the organisation.
In South Africa, the inclusion in the Bill of Rights of a special section on the rights of the child was an important development for the children, says SOS Children's Villages.
The organisation says that child rights are human rights. But today children's rights are being misunderstood, disregarded, or even denied and attacked. This day offers communities and stakeholders an opportunity to advocate, promote and celebrate children's rights, translating into dialogues and actions that will build a better world for children.
According to the 2024 Child Gauge Report by the Children's Institute, Early Childhood Development is key in reducing socio-economic inequality, yet millions of children in low-income and rural areas lack access to quality early learning, nutrition, health services and a safe living environment.
"We call on government, private sector and civil society to collaborate to dismantle these barriers. Without focused urgent attention, inclusion for every child will remain just a dream," says Kgomotso Loate, Child Safeguarding Officer at SOS Children's Villages in South Africa.
SOS Children's Villages says that it offers secure and loving care in a family setting, to children who have lost or are at risk of losing the care of their parents and cannot live with their biological family. It is our responsibility as an organisation to uphold and ensure our children are protected.
SOS Children's Villages in South Africa concludes by calling for the implementation of all children's rights.
For more information, visit www.sossouthafrica.org.za. You can also follow SOS Children's Villages in South Africa on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on X.
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