UNIFIL peacekeepers marked World Children’s Day earlier this week in Al Boustan Public School in south-western Lebanon.

The 2 December event was a part of the peacekeeping Mission’s civil-military community engagement activities, at the request of the host community, conducted in coordination with academia and civil society actors from the village.

For UNIFIL Civil Affairs Officer, Edward Tawil, this is a great activity for children not only to enjoy themselves, but also to learn about the importance of children’s rights.

“Today in Al Boustain School, we are marking World Children’s Day. It’s important to care for children and to spread the message for children’s rights so this is a good symbolic way to mark an important UN day for UNIFIL.”

UNIFIL peacekeepers from the Ghanaian and Italian contingents and the Civil Affairs Office engaged with the school children on interactive educational games, and drawings highlighting the rights and needs of children.

The Principal of Al-Bustan Primary School, Nidal Ataya, said the activity empowered the children to learn more about their rights, and to love and enjoy their lives. “I cannot express how much happiness our children enjoyed and shared today,” she said. Celebrating World Children’s Day provided them with empowering and creative tools to fully enjoy and embrace life despite difficulties.”

World Children's Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children’s Day. It is an important UN day celebrated each year on 20 November to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, demand action for child rights and improving children's welfare.

UNIFIL peacekeepers participate in a variety of educational activities for the children in the Mission’s area of operation on a regular basis.  

This year is extra special, marking the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which is the most important document that protects children and their rights worldwide.