On Children’s Protection Day, Armenian Children Ask for Peace and Safety

June 1 is International Child Protection Day and the first day of summer in Armenia. Children’s Day was established to encourage countries globally to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and to initiate actions that benefit and promote their welfare.

Today, The Armenian Report took to the streets of Yerevan to speak with children and ask them what this day means to them. While a few children mentioned that it was a day for receiving gifts, many others emphasized that Children’s Day is about adults protecting them and ensuring their peace and safety.

Children’s Day is recognized on various days around the world to honor children globally. The idea was first introduced by the World Conference for the Well-being of Children in 1925 and then established universally in 1954. The main goals were to protect children who were working long hours in dangerous conditions and to ensure that all children had access to education. The United Nations General Assembly recommended that all countries establish a Universal Children’s Day on a day that is suitable for them. One major global variant of this is Universal Children's Day on April 30, as recommended by the United Nations.

In many countries, Children’s Day is celebrated on different dates. The International Day for the Protection of Children, which many countries observe as Children’s Day on June 1 since 1950, was established by the Women’s International Democratic Federation during its congress in Moscow on November 22, 1949. In some countries, the day is also celebrated on November 20.

Armenia has shown its commitment to children's rights by ratifying the Convention on Children’s Rights in 1992. Following this, in 1996, the Law of the Republic of Armenia “Children’s Rights” was adopted. Since then, Armenia has organized various events dedicated to Children Protection Day. 

On June 1, Armenia turns into a vibrant celebration for children, thanks to the efforts of cultural and entertainment organizations. Different events are held in the capital, Yerevan, and in other regions as well. The city is decorated with beautiful pictures of children, and the streets are filled with their happy cries and laughter.

June 1 is a day that belongs to the children. It is a day to remind us that we should celebrate them, protect them, and to ensure that they have a joyful and safe environment to always grow up in.