BY MICHAEL BRESLIN

The Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Thomas O'Reilly hosted a reception in the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum to recognise Universal Children's Day, and another for St Mary's Silver Band, Tempo.

In 1954, the General Assembly of the United Nations recommended that all counties institute a Universal Children's Day, to be observed as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children. It also recommended that the Day was to be observed as a day of activity, devoted to promoting the ideals and objectives of the Charter and the welfare of the children of the World.

So, the 20th of November has become recognised as the date for Universal Children's Day. It is the date on which "The Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959) and "The Convention on the Rights of the Child" (1989) were adopted.

The UN Convention addresses the rights of children and youth under the age of 18. It recognises their basic human rights and gives them additional rights to protect them from harm. The Convention's 54 articles cover everything, from a child's right to be free from exploitation, to the right to his or her own opinion and the right to education, health care and economic opportunity.

Councillor O'Reilly said the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the creation of Universal Children's Day reflected the growing recognition 'that children are important and valued members of society, now and in the future'.

"Universal Children's Day', he told his guests, " celebrates children just for being themselves. It reminds us that children need love and respect to grow to their full potential. It is a day to listen to children and marvel at their uniqueness. It's also a day to spare a thought for children not as lucky as us and wish them a better future."