November 20, World Children's Rights Day!

November 20 is celebrated worldwide as World Children's Rights Day to raise awareness about children's rights and to issue a social call for the protection of these rights. This date dates back to 1989, when the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is a universal document signed to guarantee the most fundamental rights of children. By securing rights such as education, health, protection, rest, and play, this convention aims for all children to live in peace, love, and dignity. In this context, the states that have signed the convention commit to taking the necessary measures to ensure the healthy growth and development of children and to protect them from physical, psychological, and emotional violence.

Although World Children's Rights Day and the Convention on the Rights of the Child are official and very important steps at the international level regarding children's rights, unfortunately, the situation in practice and daily life is very different from the principles on paper. Humanity, which boasts of space exploration, scientific and technological developments, or artificial intelligence, is unfortunately still at a primitive level regarding children's rights, both in our country and across the world.

In recent months, what has been experienced by children in our country—the newborn gang, children deprived of the right to education, child brides, children subjected to abuse, victims of physical or psychological violence, street children, children affected by earthquakes, children used as tools for political propaganda, victims of terrorism, child laborers, children affected by war, impoverished children, orphans, children who have lost one parent, children who cannot even be protected from their closest relatives, and many other children who have experienced and continue to experience such negativity…

Unfortunately, their numbers are so high, and their bodies, minds, and souls are so vulnerable and wounded! Yet, growing up healthily, receiving a good education, and being protected from negatives such as violence, abuse, and poverty are every child's most natural right. So, what are we adults doing about this?

Are we able to protect our own children, the children around us, the children on the street, or any child in society? Do we have a culture that respects children's rights and is aware that they are individuals in their own right? Or do we constantly tell children to “be quiet, don't do that, stop, don't talk”? Are our laws sufficient regarding children's rights? Are children's rights considered in our education system? Is our public conscious about this? To what extent are media and communication tools utilized to raise awareness about children's rights?…

The answers we give to these questions are very important for determining what can be done to protect children's rights. Because there have been important steps taken in the past on this issue. For example, Turkey, which signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, ratified this convention in 1995. This is a very good step, but there are still many problems that need to be solved regarding children's rights in our country. In my opinion, solving these problems will be possible not only through legal regulations but also by increasing social awareness and building a culture that respects children's rights.

World Children's Rights Day is an important opportunity to draw attention to these very problems and to discuss ways to solve them. Of course, children's rights should not be limited to just one day; children's rights must be defended and protected every day. As a society, our primary responsibility should be to ensure that children lead a safe, healthy, and happy life. Because the future of a country is directly proportional to how strong and healthy that country's children are. Let us not forget that children's rights are not just a simple matter concerning children, but a dynamic of vital importance for the welfare, peace, and tranquility of a society!