"When it comes to children's rights, we should all become one team"

The two boys have the same toys, friends, even the same date of birth. But Pasha runs around the field with the ball, and Maxim can only watch nearby – Maxim has cerebral palsy. But yesterday both brothers, Pasha and Maxim, were on the field together. Together with other boys and girls, they went to the Borisov Arena with the football players from BATE and Minsk clubs, where they were watched by more than 2,000 spectators.

World Children's Day will be held on November 20, on the eve of the World Cup. On this day, UNICEF Belarus traditionally reminds of children's rights, inclusion, non-discrimination and the principle of "leaving no one behind". This year the celebration began with the football match BATE - Minsk on November 6 at the Borisov Arena.

"When it comes to children's rights, we should all become one team," said Rustam Haydarov, UNICEF Representative in Belarus.

The inclusive match opened a series of UNICEF events in Belarus dedicated to World Children's Day. In November, consultations will be held with children and adolescents to give them an opportunity to talk about their problems with representatives of government agencies, businesses and non-profit organizations.

World Children's Day is also the anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. And for UNICEF, it is an opportunity to put the topic of children's rights protection on the agenda. Hear the voice of young people and tell them that every child has an undeniable right to education, health care, protection, equal opportunities. And about how adults can help ensure that these rights are exercised.

For reference

In 2021, UNICEF Belarus signed a memorandum of cooperation with FC BATE in order to develop a positive and friendly culture of fan support at the Borisov Arena, create a children's inclusive area where families find out about various aspects of childhood, and organize joint projects to collect funds for children's programs.

A partnership is an opportunity to become a part of a global movement to develop the potential of children and adolescents through sport, and to make it open and accessible for every child.

The home arena of FC BATE is located in a child and adolescent friendly city. It is another initiative supported and developed by UNICEF Belarus.