The Department of Social Development and Gender Affairs within the Ministry of Environment and Home Affairs will join the rest of the world on November 20, 2014 in celebration of ‘Universal Children’s Day’ also recognized as World Day of Prayer and Action for Children (WDPAC).
The theme “Stop the Violence against Children” is a recurrent one that has been used by UNICEF since 2011. Universal Children’s Day is not simply just a day to celebrate children for who they are, but to bring about awareness to communities and children around the world that have succumbed to violence in forms of abuse, exploitation and discrimination.
Universal Children’s Day was first established by the United Nations (UN) in 1954 in an effort to promote the welfare of children everywhere and to encourage understanding between children all over the world. The day also celebrates when the Declaration of the Rights of the Child was adopted in 1959 and the Convention of the Rights of the Child in 1989.
As the primary agency responsible for Child Care and Protection the Department of Social Development and Gender Affairs joins UNICEF in its fights to shine a much stronger light on the millions of children in every country and at every level of society who are victims of violence and abuse that continue to go unnoticed and under-reported.
Violence against children takes many forms, including domestic violence, sexual assault/abuse, physical and emotional abuse, child trafficking, child labour, and harsh disciplinary practices. Such violence can inflict both physical and psychological harm and damage to children.
The World Day of Prayer and Action for Children is an opportunity for all sectors of society ‐ governments, intergovernmental organizations, non‐governmental organizations and religious groups ‐ to work together to end violence against children.
The rainbow of the logo symbolizes the diversity of the human family and the universal hope that all children will one day grow to their full potential in a peaceful world. The child painting the rainbow represents the inspired work of people of goodwill everywhere.
The Department will be hosting activities in observance of this day:
15th November 2014
UCD Fun Day Concert (celebrated on respective Island)
Grand Turk 15th November 2014 Library Tennis Court 1pm
Salt Cay 15th November 2014 Salt Shed 2pm
South Caicos 22nd November 2014 Regatta Village 10am
Providenciales 22nd November 2014 Ballpark 9am
North & Middle Caicos 29th November 2014 Conch Bar Comm. Center 10am
16th November 2014
Universal Children’s Day Church Services (respective church will commemorate UCD with special service)
17th and 18th November 2014
Child Abuse Analysis Workshop (Grand Turk and Providenciales)
20th November 2014
School Devotion and National Day of Prayer
