International Child Helpline Day takes place on May 17 every year. The holiday is dedicated to celebrating the work of child helplines all around the world. The efforts of these workers ensure that children and youth in need are listened to and assisted in a timely manner. Millions of children contact the network of child helplines asking for support. Suggestions have been made through the analysis of child helpline data from 181 countries, to make policy changes for the improvement of children’s lives. Child helplines hold various activities and celebrations to highlight their work and achievements. This helps to enhance public awareness.
History of International Child Helpline Day
Jeroo Billimoria is the founder of Child Helpline International. She explored the idea of creating a global network of child helplines. The helplines would provide technical assistance to each other. A meeting was held in Amsterdam in 2003. Representatives from 49 child helplines from around the globe were in attendance. This was the meeting where Child Helpline International was launched. The principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is where the Child Helpline International gets its purpose from. The principle establishes the children’s rights to privacy and protection from harm. The Child Helpline International network provides a forum for information sharing and mutual support. It also provides assistance with advocacy and lobbying. They help with the initiation and development of child helplines in countries that do not have those services.
Child Helpline International is currently located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Patrick Krens is the Executive Director of Child Helpline International. The membership-based organization has more than 173 members in 142 countries and territories around the world. Over 20 million children and young people in need of care and protection have contacted the members of Child Helpline International. The holiday spreads awareness so children know that they can always reach out and get support. This way, the public can get enough information on what to do when a child is in need of assistance.
International Child Helpline Day timeline
Child labor begins to be regulated and limited in the United States.
The Declaration of the Rights of the Child becomes officially adopted by the League of Nations.
An expanded Declaration of the Rights of the Child is adopted by the U.N.
Children’s Defense Fund is founded by Marian Wright Edelman to conduct research and lobby for child welfare and rights in the U.S.
International Child Helpline Day FAQs
Do children have rights?
Yes, children have rights. Child rights are human rights that recognize the special needs for care and protection of anyone younger than 18.
How should children grow up?
International agreements on child rights have established that all children deserve to grow up in the spirit of peace, dignity, freedom, and equality.
What are child rights violations?
Child rights violations are illegal practices that include child labor, child marriage, children recruited into armed conflicts, and other forms of oppression.
How to Observe International Child Helpline Day
Help a child
You can give assistance to a child around you. This assistance can be a small or a big gesture.
Make a donation
You can make a donation to the organization. This will help fund the support of children.
Share the holiday
Share the holiday with the people around you. This sharing can be done online or in person.
5 Important Facts About Children In Need
Many children need help
More than one billion children have experienced violence or neglect.
Child labor is common
It is estimated that about 152 million children are engaged in child labor.
Children get married
About 41% of girls under 18 years of age in least-developed countries are married.
Disabled children need help
It is estimated that about 33% of all children with disabilities have never been in school.
Disabled children get hurt
It is estimated that disabled children are four times more likely to experience physical or sexual violence.
Why International Child Helpline Day is Important
It raises awareness
The holiday helps to raise awareness. It educates on the invaluable work being done to protect children around the world.
It protects children
Child Helpline International is a crucial organization. It helps to provide protection to children who have experienced some form of violence.
It provides support
The organization does not only provide protection. It also provides support to children who need some assistance.
International Child Helpline Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 17 | Saturday |
| 2026 | May 17 | Sunday |
| 2027 | May 17 | Monday |
| 2028 | May 17 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | May 17 | Thursday |
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