National Child Day

Celebrate National Child Day

What is National Child Day?

National Child Day is celebrated on November 20th each year.  National Child Day has been celebrated across Canada since 1993 to commemorate the United Nations' adoption of two documents centered on children's rights: the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1959, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20, 1989.

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

Celebrating National Child Day is about celebrating children as active participants in their own lives and in communities, as active citizens who can and should meaningfully contribute to decision-making.

What can you do to celebrate National Child Day?

Take time to celebrate children's rights on National Child Day and throughout the year!

This website provides information and resources about National Child Day and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to help promote awareness of children's rights and ways to celebrate National Child Day.  You'll find:

• A calendar of events where you can share details about your National Child Day event and find out about planned activities in your area
• A National Child Day activity kit, including an activity guide and a colouring poster for kids (Celebrate National Child Day – Colouring Poster PDF Version - 1 page, 409 KB)
• A child and youth corner to help children under the age of 18 learn about their rights
• Key reference material of child rights publications: A Canada Fit for Children, A World Fit for Children, A World Fit for Us, Say It Right, and Convention of the Rights of the Child.

Learn more about child and youth rights and take the National Child Day online quiz.

Tell us how you celebrated National Child Day!