World Children's Day celebrated: Every child is important!
With a multimedia installation on King Tomislav Square, UNICEF, with the support of its ambassadors, marked World Children's Day on Thursday and sent a message that every child's story is unique and that every child is important, turning Tomislavac into a stage for children's stories that often remain hidden.
UNICEF Croatia Representative Luisa Brumana recalled that on November 20, 36 years ago, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most ratified international treaty in history, was adopted. The Convention obliges states to ensure that every child has food, a home, safe family care, education and opportunities for development.
Despite decades of progress, Brumana warned, children's rights are still threatened by poverty, violence, mental health problems, lack of parental and community empowerment, and the consequences of conflict and misinformation.
"Children's rights are not just words on paper. They are a living promise that we must renew daily and realize through action," she said.
Together with ambassadors Bojana Gregorić Vejzović and Mirna Medaković Stepinac, and Sanja Doležal, families, children and young people, UNICEF turned Zagreb's Tomislavac into a stage for the life stories of children who often remain hidden and unknown to the public.
Encourage systemic, long-term changes that reduce inequalities
"The future belongs to children, and the responsibility lies with us adults. Together, let's build a better future for children because by inheriting good habits, children will build a better world for future generations," emphasized Gregorić Vejzović.
It was also emphasized that it is necessary to encourage systematic, long-term changes that reduce inequalities and ensure access to services for children who need support the most.
"The starting positions are not the same for everyone, but I hope that the common goal is achievable. It is necessary not only to be there for our children but for all the children of the world," said Medaković Stepinac.
In the holiday campaign "Every Story is Special. Every Child Matters" throughout November and December, UNICEF continues to present the stories of girls and boys from Croatia, calling on citizens to support a happier childhood for the most vulnerable children.
"It is sad that even today there are still poor, hungry and abused children. That is why we are once again drawing attention to the rights and needs of all children. UNICEF in Croatia is launching a beautiful campaign in December and I am honored that my colleague Petar Grašo and I, together with a beautiful little girl, are the leaders of the campaign that sends the message that every story is special and that every child is important," Sanja Doležal pointed out.
Children's voices were also in the spotlight on Thursday at the closing event of the 17th Children's Rights Festival at the "Experience Europe" multimedia center, it was highlighted, where children and young people from all over Croatia shared their thoughts on combating violence, accepting diversity and supporting each other. The festival brought together thousands of participants over the course of a month through a film program, workshops and panel discussions.
Photo: HINA/Dario Grzelj
