By Goth Mohamed Goth
A ceremony commemorating the Universal Children’s Day and the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child was marked in Hargeisa, on Wednesday 20th November.
The event was organized by the Somaliland Ministry of labor, social and family affairs in conjunction with the various International NGOs supporting children, parents, and other stakeholders.
Universal Children’s Day is celebrated annually on 20th November. The goal of Universal Children’s day is to improve child welfare worldwide, promote and celebrate children’s rights and promote togetherness and awareness amongst all children.
Initially launched in 1954, Universal Children’s day has seen some milestone events in the field of child welfare. Marking the anniversary of the dates when the UN General assembly adopted both the declaration and convention of children’s rights. The convention sets out a number of children’s rights such as the rights to be protected from violence and discrimination and the rights to life, health and education.
Mr. Abdirashid Ibrahim Sheik, the director-general at Somaliland ministry of employment, social and family affairs speaking during the said, “The theme of this Children’s day is “Kids are speaking up. Kids are demanding their rights, he said. Today as we gather here to mark the Universal Children’s day and also mark the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child worldwide.
He added that November 20th is an important date as it is the date in 1959 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. It is also the date in 1989 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Since 1990, World Children’s Day also marks the anniversary of the date that the UN General Assembly adopted both the Declaration and the Convention on children’s rights.
The director-general finally concluded by saying, “Children not only do they need to be fed, they need to get health and education but we should commit ourselves to make sure every child, has every right; Mothers and fathers, teachers, nurses and doctors, government leaders and civil society activists, religious and community elders, and media professionals, as well as young people and children themselves, can play an important part in making World Children’s Day relevant for their societies, communities, and nations.
