Unveiling origins of Children's Protection Day in Ukraine
Date of Children's Day in Ukraine has changed (photo: freepik.com)
Previously, Ukraine, like many other countries worldwide, celebrated Children's Day every year on June 1. However, today, the date was officially changed to November 20, which coincides with World Children's Day—more details about the holiday's history and its official establishment in Ukraine.
International Children's Day: history of the holiday
It is believed that one of the first steps in establishing International Children's Day was the proclamation of the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child by the League of Nations in 1924, which was developed by British social reformer Eglantyne Jebb.
The holiday was officially established in Paris in November 1949 by a decision of the session of the Council of the International Democratic Federation of Women.
Its date—June 1—was chosen partly because it symbolizes the beginning of summer, when children enjoy greater freedom and play outside more often. This further emphasizes the importance of creating safe and happy conditions for their development.
International Children's Day was first celebrated the following year, in 1950, in 51 countries worldwide.
The United Nations (UN) also supported this initiative and declared protecting children's rights, lives, and health as one of its priority areas of activity.
Children's Day in Ukraine
Children's Day was officially proclaimed in Ukraine in 1998 by Decree No. 568/98 of the second president, Leonid Kuchma, dated May 30.
According to the document, this decision was made "in support of the initiative of the Ministry of Ukraine for Family and Youth Affairs, the All-Ukrainian Committee for Child Protection, the National Fund for Social Protection of Mothers and Children, 'Ukraine for Children,' and other public organizations."
"To establish in Ukraine Children's Day, to be celebrated annually on June 1," the decree stated.
Traditionally, various entertainment and educational events for children were held on this day.
This holiday gained special significance due to the war with the Russian Federation, as many children (along with adults), fleeing constant attacks and shelling, were forced to leave their homes, towns, and cities—some even their home country.
Meanwhile, children who remain in the frontline and occupied territories live under daily danger.
Young Ukrainians lose parents, relatives, and friends. Some are forcibly taken from Ukraine by the enemy.
Thus, Children's Day is an opportunity to remind the world again that every child has the right to a safe and happy childhood, access to education, and all essential services.
Today, May 30, the sixth president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, changed the date of the holiday in order to:
- Establish the protection of childhood as a national priority of Ukraine
- Strengthen and unify the efforts of the international community aimed at protecting the rights and best interests of the child
- Implement the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child
Children's Day in Ukraine coincides with World Children's Day and is celebrated on November 20.
Sources: United Nations, UNICEF, Red Cross, Wikipedia.
