MINSK, 1 June (BelTA) - Every year, on the first day of summer, 1 June, International Children's Day is celebrated.
International Children's Day is not only a joyful occasion for children but also a reminder to adults of their responsibility for the safety and well-being of the younger generation. This day highlights the importance of respecting and upholding children's rights, which is essential for building a humane and fair society.
The holiday was established in Paris in 1949 by a resolution of the Women's International Democratic Federation. It was first celebrated in 1950. Forty years later, in New York, representatives from 59 countries, including the USSR, signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This document recognized the vulnerability of children and the need for special care and protection for them. It affirms the necessity of legal and other safeguards before and after birth.
In Belarus, child protection is a top government priority. The country has a National Commission on Children's Rights, which coordinates state agencies and focuses on evaluating the situation of child protection.
The Law on the Rights of the Child, adopted in 1993, serves as the foundation for child protection in Belarus. It outlines key rights and is reinforced by additional legal frameworks, enabling authorities to implement measures to protect children's rights.
In 1998, Belarus launched the Children of Belarus presidential program for the first time. The following stages took place in 2001–2005 and 2006–2010. During this period, family-type children's homes began to be actively built, and today there are 281 such homes across the country, housing over 2,000 orphans. In rural areas, children live with their foster parents in private houses, while in cities, they reside in apartment buildings.
Currently, Belarus is implementing the state program Public Health and Demographic Security for 2021-2025. Its priorities include enhancing support for families with children, improving living conditions, strengthening the institution of family, developing measures to improve reproductive health, and fostering a culture of healthy living.
The state program Education and Youth Policy for 2021-2025 is also underway. One of its major mid-term goals is to increase the efficiency of a stable and accessible high-quality education. Another focus is ensuring access to preschool education and its high quality.
In 2022, Belarus approved the National Action Plan to improve the situation of children and protect their rights for 2022-2026. This plan aims to create conditions for safeguarding children's rights and interests, enabling children and youth to participate freely and effectively in the political, social, economic, and cultural development of the state and society. The document outlines 134 activities.
Belarus can be rightfully proud of its maternal and child healthcare system. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Belarus has one of the lowest maternal mortality rates in the European region: just 1 maternal death per 100,000 newborns, compared to the regional average of 11 maternal deaths per 100,000 newborns.
Belarus is among the countries with the lowest infant mortality rates: 3.7 cases per 1,000 live births. The country surpasses not only its CIS partners and European neighbors but also many developed nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
On International Children's Day, various cultural events featuring engaging and vibrant festive programs will take place across the country.
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