Children's Day: Origin, Importance, and Celebration Date
Proposals to Establish Children's Day as a National Holiday in Kazakhstan: A Historical Overview and Significance
After the devastating impact of wars and conflicts on children, the international community rallied to address the pressing social issues faced by affected children. The concept of Children's Day was first proposed at a World Conference held in Geneva in 1925, following World War I. Coinciding with the Geneva Conference, the Chinese general consul organized a dragon boat festival for Chinese immigrant children in San Francisco, further cementing the June 1st date for the international holiday.
The post-World War II era saw renewed focus on children's welfare. In 1949, the International Democratic Federation of Women's conference stated that a strong peace was essential to guarantee children's happiness, thereby officially establishing Children's Day. This decision was supported by the United Nations (UN), which identified protecting children's rights as a priority area of work. By 1950, many countries were celebrating International Children's Day.
In 1959, the Declaration of the Rights of the Child was adopted, outlining children's rights to life, protection from violence, and state care for their future. Twenty years later, in 1979, the year was declared the International Year of the Child. A decade after that, in 1989, the Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted. Unlike the Declaration, this is an international legal document ensuring the protection of the rights and interests of the next generation, with almost all UN member states signing on.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) was established in 1946 to address children's issues worldwide. UNICEF's goals include creating favorable living conditions for children, ensuring their health and education, and providing services to address children's needs.
Children's Day is a day to remind adults of the fragile world of children and the need for support and protection. On this day, children's institutions and families strive to make children feel happy and loved. The holiday is symbolized by a green flag with colorful child figures at its center, representing Earth as a unified home for humanity.
The primary purpose of Children's Day is to promote the laws protecting children's rights as outlined in the international Convention. Key issues addressed on Children's Day include ongoing efforts to combat poverty, military conflicts, the exploitation of children, child illiteracy, and the negative impact of technology on children.
In Kazakhstan, Children's Day traditions often revolve around the theme "Protect the Right to Life." Celebrations for children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds may include charitable actions, gifts, and outings to theaters, cinemas, and amusement parks. In addition, charitable organizations intensify their efforts to support sick children on this day.
In Kazakhstan, the legal system for child protection is founded on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, with numerous laws adopted at various levels of governance to safeguard children's rights. The Committee for the Protection of Children's Rights under the Ministry of Education and Science implements the country's policy regarding children's rights.
In commemoration of Children's Day, families give their children useful gifts for summer leisure, such as sports equipment, art supplies, and toys. Spending the day together, families often visit play centers, amusement parks, and children's cafes, aiming to create a wealth of positive experiences for their children.
As adults, it is our responsibility to address the issues facing the well-being of the younger generation, reminded by Children's Day. For the children, it is a day filled with attention, gifts, and entertainment, immersed in an atmosphere of love and care.
Enrichment Data:The history of Children's Day is steeped in international efforts to protect children's rights, culminating in the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and ongoing advocacy by organizations such as UNICEF. Cultural variations of Children's Day, like Kodomo No Hi in Japan, underscore the global commitment to valuing and nurturing childhood.
Education and self-development can be promoted on Children's Day, as it is a day that emphasizes the importance of creating a positively enriching environment for children's growth and development. Political deliberations might also center around the protection and enhancement of children's rights, considering the historical origins of Children's Day rooted in international efforts for children's welfare and rights.
In the context of Kazakhstan, discussions surrounding the establishment of Children's Day as a national holiday could involve examining the correlation between strengthening children's rights and their overall well-being, as well as assessing the potential impact on general news and public policy.
