For many years this observance has varied based on the particular country. Since the turn of the century the UN and NGOs  have been working on getting international recognition for the right of children. These include the right to an education in an accredited  school,  the right to have these schools consistently up graded so the children can improve the skill sets that will enable them to create a better world, the implementation of policies that their education that will promote peace, respect, and understanding of the environment.

By having a day which celebrates children, the UN has forced public attention issues faced by children: attention on violence in forms of abuse, exploitation, and discrimination. It draws attention to child laborers, child soldiers , gangs that recruit children because their home do not exist or do not want them.  It  focuses on  the practice on the denying children the right to proper medical care. Currently, there are about 153 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 who are forced into child labor.

Mother Theresa and the congregation have focused on the words of Jesus: “Whoever receives one of these little ones in my name receives me.”   Mother Theresa of Jesus  Gerhardinger #714