April 12

International Day for Street Children

On International Day for Street Children, let's come together and raise awareness for the millions of vulnerable children living on the streets.

Yearly Date

April 12

Observed

Internationally

Introduction

Let's come together and raise awareness for the millions of street children around the world on International Day for Street Children on April 12! This day was established by the Consortium for Street Children in 2012 to shed light on the challenges faced by children who live and work on the streets. It's a chance for us to show our support and help make a positive impact in their lives. From organizing fundraising events to volunteering at local organizations, there are endless ways to get involved and make a difference. So let's join hands and celebrate these resilient and courageous children!

International Day for Street Children Timeline

2003

CSC Established

The Consortium for Street Children (CSC), an international network dedicated to advocating for street children worldwide, was established.

2012

First International Day for Street Children

The CSC established the first International Day for Street Children, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and advocating for the rights of street children.

2013

Inclusion by the UN

The United Nations officially started observing the International Day for Street Children, raising global awareness about the issues that these children face.

2016

Street Champions project launched

CSC launched its Street Champions project, a global youth participation initiative for former street-connected children to advocate for their rights at local, national, and international levels.

2019

General Comment No. 21 Endorsed

CSC successfully pushed for the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child to endorse General Comment No. 21, providing the first-ever comprehensive interpretation of children's rights in the street context.

How to Celebrate International Day for Street Children

1 Volunteer at a local organization

Contact a local organization that supports street children and offer to volunteer your time. You can help with activities, tutoring, or simply spend time getting to know the children and showing them love and support.

2 Educate yourself and others

Take the time to learn about the issues facing street children and share this information with others. You can also organize a seminar or workshop to raise awareness and educate others on how they can help.

3 Host a fundraiser

Organize a fundraising event, such as a concert, bake sale, or auction, to raise money for organizations that support street children. This is a great way to make a difference and have fun while doing it.

4 Spread positivity on social media

Use your social media platforms to spread positivity and raise awareness about International Day for Street Children. Share stories, facts, and ways to get involved with your followers.

5 Organize a street children’s day out

Plan a fun day out for street children in your community. This could include a trip to the zoo, a picnic in the park, or a day at an amusement park. Give these children a chance to just be kids and create happy memories.

Why International Day for Street Children is Important

It raises awareness for a critical issue

International Day for Street Children brings attention to the millions of children around the world who are forced to live and work on the streets. This day helps shed light on their struggles and raises awareness for the need to protect and support street children.

It advocates for the rights of vulnerable children

Street children often face discrimination, violence, and exploitation due to their living conditions. International Day for Street Children serves as a reminder that these children have rights, just like any other child, and deserve to have those rights protected.

It encourages action and support from individuals and institutions

By acknowledging International Day for Street Children, it prompts people to take action in supporting programs and organizations that work to improve the lives of street children. It also urges governments and institutions to prioritize addressing this issue and providing resources for at-risk children.