This day was established by the United Nations (UN) in 1954 to encourage understanding between children and promote children's welfare around the world. It is held on 20 November annually and UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, promotes and coordinates this special day, which also works towards improving children's welfare. On the same day in 1959 the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and in 1989 signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Loving God
You have called us to work for true justice in our communities
and to be messengers of freedom
for all who are not treated as your children.
Give us grace to put our faith into action
to end the violence and cruelty that overshadows many children�s lives.
Jesus taught us to welcome children and learn from them.
May we use our imagination to put ourselves in children�s shoes
and learn to teach and guide them with wisdom,
gentleness and understanding.
Let us treat each child as we would treat the Christ child.
Amen
