The 20th of November marks World Children’s Day and this year
we are celebrating the 30th
Anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. On this day, we will be commemorating the many achievements made in
ensuring that children have access to their rights but also keeping in mind the
work that still needs to be done. With the collaboration of the Ministry of the Family, Children’s
Rights and Social Solidarity, the Office has produced a booklet for children and parents to mark the 30th Anniversary of the Convention.
It is the responsibility of the Government, NGOs,
organisations working with and for children as well as that of parents/carers,
educators and all those that have an impact on children’s life, to ensure that
all children have access to their rights. We should work together to ensure
that all children know their rights and enjoy a happy childhood. It is also our
responsibility to listen to children and involve them in all decisions taken in
their regard.
In order to celebrate this important day, the Office
of the Commissioner for Children organised a number of activities in Valletta with the participation of children
from St Margaret College namely Zabbar Primary B and Verdala Secondary school in Freedom Square.
For the third consecutive year, the Office of the
Commissioner for Children was instrumental in encouraging Schools and Local Councils to celebrate World Children’s Day. Initiatives being organised throughout the
week include different activities promoting the rights of children.
The Office of the Commissioner is also distributing a
number of age appropriate publications
to all State, Church and Independent schools in Malta and Gozo to promote
children’s rights and literacy. These include reading books, an activity book
promoting road safety and a comic book promoting healthy eating.