Universal Children’s Day
The Christian Conference of Asia requests member churches to pray for the well-being of children all over the world, on Universal Children’s day, celebrated on November 20th every year. This day is recommended by the United Nations and is celebrated globally since 1954. It also commemorates the adoption of the United Nations Convention on Child Rights 20th November 1989.
Heartrending visuals of children hurt during air raids, hit by bombs or shrapnel, children huddling for protection- bewildered eyes gazing back at the camera, children queuing up for food in refugee camps, reminds us that they really need our prayers now, as never before. Children lose the innocence of their childhood very early in life.
War, natural disasters, poverty, injustice, urbanization, migration and a general apathy towards little children has led to violence, negligence and in extreme cases even desertion of children. Over 600 million live in abject poverty, 8.1 million children die before their 5th birthday, and many grow up unhealthy, uneducated and unprotected.
The World day of Prayer and Action for children, an international movement of interfaith and secular people, that combines prayer and action for the well-being of children, started a three year campaign from 2011-2013, titled “Stop Violence against Children.”
A typical World Day event may have two parts: a celebration of faith at a house of worship, and an action and advocacy component to promote child survival and safety.
Please join in with prayers and action to uphold the dignity of children!
"Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
Nelson Mandela