World Children’s Day
Join us on November 20 as children speak out for their rights.
World Children’s Day is UNICEF’s global day of action for children, by children, marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Child rights are human rights. They are non-negotiable and universal. But cuts to funding for children, growing violations of international humanitarian law and increasing challenges to child rights are putting young lives at risk, just when they need our help the most.
my day my rights
This World Children's Day, we're giving the floor to children to talk about their lives, their hopes, and their rights.
Join us! It's time to listen to children. It's time to protect the rights of every child, every day.
Get ready and get involved
Explore ways you can take action this #WorldChildrensDay:
- Young people: Join the U-Report community
- Parents and teachers: Help children know their rights
- Government: Take action for child rights now
- Businesses: Become a partner and host a takeover
Looking for inspiration?
See the highlights from World Children's Day last year.
Learn more about World Children's Day
Find answers to frequently asked questions about World Children’s Day.
What is World Children’s Day?
World Children’s Day is a global day of action for children, by children, marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
On this day, UNICEF advocates and raises awareness to protect and fulfill the rights of every child, without discrimination.
When is World Children’s Day 2025?
World Children’s Day will take place on November 20, 2025. The date marks the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 as well as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1989.
This World Children's Day, we are giving the floor to children from around the world to talk about their lives, their rights and their wishes for every child.
How is World Children's Day celebrated around the world?
From children taking over to the world turning blue, World Children's Day is marked through a variety of events and activities focused on elevating children's voices and priorities.
On 20 November, UNICEF, partners, governments, businesses, parents, teachers and children around the world shine a light on children’s rights and call on world leaders to accelerate the actions needed to protect and fulfill the rights of every child, without discrimination.
What are kids' takeovers?
On 20 November, UNICEF helps to organize kid's takeovers around the world. Children ‘take over’ high-visibility roles in media, politics, business, sport and entertainment to shine a spotlight on issues that matter to them and to have their voices heard.
Providing platforms for children to express their ideas and actions can inspire action towards a future where child rights are protected and fulfilled. Even the smallest voice can create the loudest echo of change.
Why are buildings turning blue?
Schools and landmark buildings around the world light up or are painted blue on 20 November to show support for child rights.
In the past, famous landmarks from around the world have joined the campaign including the Eiffel Tower in France, Chichen Itza in Mexico and hundreds of historic buildings in India.
Why is World Children’s Day important?
Child rights are human rights. They are non-negotiable. But in too many places today children’s rights are being misunderstood, disregarded, or even denied and attacked. World leaders must uphold their obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and respect, protect and fulfill the rights of every child, everywhere.
Investing in children today secures a better future for them, and us all.
World Children’s Day provides an opportunity to focus on the issues that matter most to children.
Where is World Children’s Day celebrated?
From Kiribati to India, Kenya to United States of America, countries around the world mark World Children’s Day. Each year, around 190 countries take part in UNICEF’s World Children’s Day activities.
Find a UNICEF office to learn more about what’s happening near you on World Children’s Day.