National Child Day 2005

[CanadianGirl]

The Right to Play!

This year, National Child Day celebrates the Right to Play. The importance of play to children's well being is highlighted in the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Article 31 of the Convention states that children have the right to rest and leisure, and to engage in play and recreational activities.

Article 31 is an important article of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Play contributes to happy and healthy childhood development and facilitates all types of learning. Learning through play fosters imagination and relationship building and is a key in supporting children's optimal physical and mental development.

We invite you to celebrate Canada's commitment to children by building awareness of our children's right to play! See suggested activities on the National Child Day Activities page. Download your
participation certificate here.

What is National Child Day?

This day marks the adoption by the United Nations of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In 1993, the Government of Canada enacted Bill C-371, otherwise known as the Child Day Act, and designated November 20th of each year as a national day of the child in order to promote awareness in Canada of the Convention.

The Convention spells out the basic human rights to which children (under the age of 18) everywhere are entitled.

Find out more about the
history of National Child Day.

What are Children's Rights?

National Child Day marks the day of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. By ratifying this Convention in 1991, Canada made a commitment to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect. This commitment includes that they be given the opportunity to have a voice, be protected from harm and be provided with their basic needs and every opportunity to reach their full potential.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is based on four cross-cutting

principles:

that the best interests of the child should be the first consideration for actions that affect him or her;
that all children have the right to life, survival and development;
that all children have the right to participate;
and that all rights belong to all children without discrimination or exception.
Some examples of rights are:

the right to have a voice in matters that affect children;
the right to special education and care;
the right to play and rest;
the right to health; and
the right to special protection.
The Convention also acknowledges the key role of parents and families in the lives of children and young people.

[CanadianGirl]

Anyone have any plans for this day tomorrow?!?!?