Universal Children's Day

IX. RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED ON THE REPORTS OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE
836. Universal Children's Day

The General Assembly, Considering that the obligations of the United Nations to succeeding generations can only be fulfilled by increased efforts on behalf of the children of the world, who are the citizens of tomorrow, and that the world-wide observance of a children's day would contribute to human solidarity and co-operation between nations, Believing that the objectives of the Charter can best be realized if they inspire and are shared by the children of the world, Recalling the increased interest in the work of and the support given to the United Nations Children's Fund and its acceptance as an integral part of the United Nations, and that various resolutions relating to children adopted by the General Assembly have shown the Organization's concern for children in all parts of the world, Considering the increasing attention given by States and peoples to a better observance of the rights of mothers and children, as well as the action of civic, social, professional and cultural institutions, national, international and regional, on behalf of children, Expressing its appreciation of the work done by governmental and voluntary organizations for the children of the world, including the observance in a certain number of countries of a Universal Children's Day, Considering that the observance of Universal Children's Day should be used for a concrete and effective expression of the support of Governments for the purposes of UNICEF,

1. Recommends that, with effect from 1956, a Universal Children's Day shall be instituted by all countries, to be observed as a day of world-wide fraternity and understanding between children and of activity devoted to the promotion of the ideals and objectives of the Charter and the welfare of the children of the world, and to the strengthening and broadening of the efforts made by the United Nations in favour and on behalf of all the children of the world;

2. Suggests to the Governments of all States that Universal Children's Day be observed on the date and in the way which each considers appropriate;

3. Also invites the cultural, professional, trade union, workers' and social welfare organizations, for men and women, to support and co-operate actively in the observance of Universal Children's Day;

4. Requests the Executive Board of the United Nations Children's Fund, in co-operation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, to take steps in accordance with the present resolution and to include in its annual reports a report on progress achieved in accordance with the above recommendations.

512th plenary meeting,
14 December 1954.