International Day of Play 2026; June 11th.

FORUM: "It's time to play." International Day of Play 2026. Play is essential to healthy childhood development and well-being . It supports children in building social and emotional skills, strengthening creativity and problem solving, developing resilience and forming meaningful connections . However , children today are experiencing a growing play deficit. Globally, time and access to play are shrinking due to increased scheduling pressures, reduced safe public space, economic strain on families, and evolving social and digital environments. Despite its importance, many of our public environments are not designed to support free and unstructured play. This limits opportunities for children to explore, connect and grow in ways that shape lifelong well-being. This global observance recognizes the critical role of play in supporting children’s health, learning and development, and calls on governments, institutions and communities to prioritize play in everyday life. The celebration has the potential to be a powerful and unique moment to advance Article 31 of the Convention o n the Rights of the Child and ensure every child enjoys the ir right to play. The international day can make a difference by galvanizing national and local governments, the private sector and global civil society annually . It creates a unifying moment to elevate the importance of play as central to children’s learning and contributing to the well -being and positive mental health of parents, caregivers and children. A moment for all of us to celebrate play and to call on governments and other stakeholders to ensure that every child can enjoy their right to play. Play is not just fun - it is essential for children’s learning, wellbeing, creativity and emotional development. Every child deserves safe spaces to play, caring adults to play with them and opportunities to learn through joyful experiences. Let’s protect every child’s right to play. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #11June,  #InternationalDayofPlay,#Righttoplay, #Chooseplayeveryday, #LearningThroughPlay, #players.

EVENTS: On Thursday, June 11th an High-level event will be held at the United Nations Headquarters to mark the Intenational Day of Play 2026.

This high-level event brings together children, Member States, and partners to champion every child's right to play and drive global commitments. The International Day of Play (IDOP) is a global observance dedicated to championing every child's right to play. At UN Headquarters, the 2026 High-Level Event will convene children, Member States, UN agencies, civil society, and private sector partners to highlight leadership, showcase commitments, and advance action to protect and promote play worldwide. The event will feature high-level remarks, child-led segments, the launch of a global data report on play and statement of commitments from Member States. With a focus on safe and healthy play spaces, alongside other accelerators such as playful parenting and learning through play, IDOP 2026 will reinforce the importance of play as essential to children's development and well-being. We would be grateful for UN WebTV's support in livestreaming the event and capturing it for wider global dissemination. Please find attached a thumbnail/graphic, and also the concept note and draft agenda. Do let us know if any additional information is required. Many thanks in advance for your support. Get the  Concept Note & Agenda and  Register to participate!

LIVESTREAM: Watch the International Day of Play 2026 High-Level Event!

SHORT E-COURSE: Play Matters: Advocating for a World of Play.

Promote a deeper understanding of the role of play in childhood and adolescence, exploring its impact on various aspects of development.

Play Matters

Play serves a physiologic function in human growth. Play helps kids learn how to navigate the world. Children acquire language and learning skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving abilities through play. Early play-based learning lays the groundwork for all subsequent learning. In addition to being the cornerstones of attachment, belonging, mental health, growth mindset, collaborative ability, and the complete spectrum of 21st century skills, free play is also essential in the context of positive parenting and high-quality pre-school education. Play is an investment that we cannot afford to overlook. UNICEF aims to develop an online advocacy course to educate civil society organizations, parents/caregivers, educators, policymakers, and other advocacy networks, about the importance of play in childhood and early adolescence. This course will equip participants with evidence-based strategies to foster positive developmental outcomes, and advocate for play as a fundamental right for all children.

 Learning objectives: The main objective of this online course is to promote a deeper understanding of the role of play in childhood and adolescence, exploring its impact on various aspects of development, and how to champion play as a right for every child.

 Audience

Parents, caregivers, and family networks of kids 0-13 years
Early childhood educators
Teachers and school administrators
Childcare providers
Health practitioners
Community leaders and policymakers
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on child development and rights
Youth advocates
 Length: 8 modules with an average of 5-minute videos. It should take you about 50 minutes to complete this self-paced course.
 Methodology: This course is composed of an introduction, 8 modules (comprised of a short video and a quiz) and a conclusion.
 Structure: This course consists of the following sections: a course landing page, a course information page, followed by modules 1-8, and lastly a summary page. Each module consists of a module video, a Playback Quiz, a “Let’s Play!” activity and lastly a further reading section.
 Contact details: Content issues and questions: Oluwatosin Akingbulu (oakingbulu@unicef.org) and Victor Arkoh Acquaah (vacquaah@unicef.org); Course and learner management: Oluwatosin Akingbulu (oakingbulu@unicef.org); Additional course managers: Benjamin Perks (bperks@unicef.org), Radhika Mitter (rmitter@unicef.org).

This activity or course is open to self-enrolment: START LEARNING

PUBLICATION: A guide for Cities and Municipalities.

The International Day of Play is an opportunity to build on, connect and elevate these existing efforts – and to make them visible. 

The global play movement 

A network of organizations – including UN agencies, NGOs and the private sector – committed to driving a global play movement for children everywhere for generations to come. This movement has developed three accelerators for play : 1. Universal access to evidence -based parenting programs from childhood to early adolescence (playful parenting) 2. Universal access to early childhood education (learning through play) 3. Safe and environmentally healthy play spaces for every child and early adolescent (space to play) . All three outcomes are universal – applicable from humanitarian settings to high -income country contexts – do -able, evidence -backed and aim to be the most impactful ways to advance the right to play for every child. They are linked to the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and are inclusive of all children who experience barriers to play through discrimination and exclusion, including girls and children with disabilities. Based on th ese three accelerators, the global call to action for national and local governments, businesses and other stakeholders is: 1. Scale up services, including parenting programmes, that promote play and attachment 2. Enable access to pre -school and learning through play for every 3 - to 6 -year -old 3. Ensure every child has access to safe, inclusive, and well -maintained play areas. This global call to action is supported by a growing list of organizations from around the world.

Why cities matter?

Cities shape the spaces, policies and programmes that influence how families live, gather and play every day. Urban environments increasingly present barriers to play: Traffic hazards, air pollution, the privati zation of public space and the densification of cities have all contributed to a significant reduction in children's access to free, unstructured play. Cities are uniquely placed to reverse this trend , and to create environments where children can thrive.

Municipal leadership has the power to: • Strengthen family -centered community design • Expand access to safe and inclusive play spaces • Support holistic child well -being • Engage children and youth as partners in shaping play initiatives, not only beneficiaries • Elevate play as a shared community value Many cities are already investing in play through parks, playgrounds, early childhood programmes and public space design. In particular, cities participating in the UNICEF -led Child Friendly Cities Initiative, active in around 35 countries, can have a driving role in promoting the right to play nationally and globally, ensuring all children in their cities can enjoy their right to play.

Promoting the right to play in 2026

To promote the right to play for all children, cities and municipalities worldwide are encouraged to celebrate the International Day of Play and champion playful experiences as central to community well -being. The theme for 2026 is “Protect play, protect childhood” . It is a reminder for all of us – governments, businesses, schools and families – that happy and healthy childhoods are built on play.

Ways your city can participate

Cities are encouraged to enable play initiatives around International Day of Play. These initiatives aim to prioritize children’s play in residential streets or public spaces close to home, helping make children’s right to play accessible, visible and actionable. Cities may choose one or more approaches based on local capacity and priorities:

1. Citywide celebration with local government or city leaders.

Host a central public event that bring s together families, community organizations and local partners. Examples include temporarily closing a main street or public square for children’s play, turning a park or central plaza into a Play Zone, or hosting a high profile “International Day of Play” event with officials joining children in play activities.

2. Micro -activations across neighbourhoods.

Encourage multiple small -scale play activities across parks, libraries, community centr es and public spaces ; Encourage local communities to reclaim the streets for play by designating a safe street or another public space for children’s play on 11 June. “Play Streets” or “Play Zones” can be organized by local communities and adapted to local contexts and regulations. They are low -cost, highly visible and foster community connection around children’s right to play. Many cities already have permitting systems or community frameworks – such as block parties, neighbourhood events or public space use regulations – that can be adapted to support Play Streets. Cities are encouraged to identify and leverage these existing mechanisms to reduce barriers for local organizers.

3. School and youth engagement.

Partner with schools and other youth -serving institutions to integrate play -based learning and celebration into classrooms and programmes

4. Public awareness and storytelling.

Cities can help elevate the importance of play by sharing local activities and stories through their communications channels, including social media. Highlighting how communities are celebrating can help build momentum and inspire others. Where appropriate, cities may use #InternationalDayofPlay to connect with broader efforts and amplify local impact. Cities can also choose to tag partners . More broadly , the International Day of Play is an occasion to connect and spotlight existing play initiatives across the city, building public awareness of the breadth of the city's commitment to children's right to play. When orga nizing such spaces and events , cities and municipalities should ensure that children and young people have a meaningful role in shaping how they come to life. When children help design and lead play activations, in particular in their own neighborhoods, they become agents of change – and play becomes not just an activity, but an expression of their rights and their voice in the city . Cities and municipalities are invited to leverage their play commitments throughout the year – not only on 11 June. Play initiatives can be connected to the local development plan, other local milestones, awareness days and community events across the calendar. By marking International Day of Play, cities: • Demonstrate visible leadership in child well -being and community health • Join a growing global community of cities and municipalities championing children's right to play • Strengthen community connection and civic pride • Elevate children ’s play as a model for joyful and resilient communities • Get access to participation resources and communications support

Spotlight: International Day of Play in action

 In Boston, United States , the city marked the inaugural International Day of Play in 2024 with a citywide celebration, engaging thousands of children through cross -sector partnerships. The day was filled with sports, biking, board games, bubbles, face painting, arts and crafts, dance and music, and many other play experiences. In 2025, neighbourhood -based activations expanded access to play across communities. In the Netherlands , many of UNICEF's Child Friendly Cities celebrated International Day of Play in 2025 with an emphasis on play outdoors. In Gooise Meren, the mayor joined children for outdoor play. In Diemen, children played street football. In Eemsdelta, young children e xplored chalk -drawing and outdoor games in a rural courtyard. In Hellendoorn, a play kit was donated to a local school. In Den Haag, groups of children headed outside with balls and backpacks. On the island of Sint Eustatius, a play station was set up outd oors. On the island of Saba, children gathered outside kindergartens with scavenger hunt materials and bingo cards.

How to get started?

 Participating cities are invited to visit www.InternationalDayofPlay.org for more information. The landing page is available in Arabic, English, French and Spanish and includes : • The 2026 theme and global call to action. • Key messages about the importance of play. • Free and fun play activities for all the family . • Ways to get involved and support every child’s right to play. • Inspiring examples of how International Day of Play has been celebrated around the world. Cities and municipalities that part icipate in the UNICEF-led Child Friendly Cities Initiative may contact their UNICEF national office for more information. If you are interested in learning more about the initiative, please visit: www.childfriendlycities.org This guide was developed by the LEGO Group and UNICEF, 2026. UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression 2026; June 4th.

 

FORUM: "Shattering the Cycle of Impunity: Reaffirming the Rights of the Child in Times of Armed Conflict.'' International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression 2026.

Focus on the Erosion of the Protected Status of the Child: Contemporary armed conflicts have increasingly transcended traditional combat zones, infiltrating the spaces where children should be afforded sanctuary-their homes, schools, and healthcare facilities. The gravity of these violations is cataloged in the annual reports of the United Nations Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict, revealing a landscape where the rights of the child are routinely disregarded. The use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas, including indiscriminate shelling and the use of remnants of war, has inflicted physical and psychological trauma upon a generation. Beyond these casualties, we are witnessing the recruitment of children into armed forces, the use of sexual violence as an instrument of terror, and the abduction of minors. Furthermore, the denial of humanitarian access- the obstruction of food, life-saving medicine, and essential education-constitutes a violation of the right to life, survival, and development as guaranteed under international human rights law. These are not merely collateral consequences; they are violations that dismantle the future of these children.

Focus on the Legacy of the 1996 Graça Machel Report: A turning point in this advocacy arrived in 1996 with the report, Impact of Armed Conflict on Children, authored by Graça Machel. This study shifted the international paradigm by documenting how armed conflict destroys the infrastructure essential for a child’s survival, including schools, clean water systems, and healthcare networks. Machel’s work exposed the reality of the "weaponization of childhood," wherein children were forcibly recruited into hostilities through abduction and coercion. The report did not merely observe this suffering; it demanded systemic change. Machel insisted that the protection of children be integrated as a pillar of all peace and security agendas, arguing that any peace process failing to prioritize the rehabilitation and safety of children is unsustainable. Her report led to the creation of the mandate of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, establishing a mechanism to monitor violations and advocate for the accountability of perpetrators who treat children as collateral damage. The international community has forged a legal architecture to safeguard children, anchored by the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). As the primary instrument for the protection of minors, the CRC obligates States to ensure the survival and development of every child. These mandates are strengthened by the Optional Protocol on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, which establishes a prohibition against the recruitment and participation of children in hostilities. Complementing these are the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, which dictate the distinction between combatants and non-combatants, mandating protection for children against the effects of warfare. Despite the universality of these instruments, a chasm exists between legal obligations and ground-level realities. We are witnessing an erosion of international norms, characterized by a climate of impunity where the perpetrators of these violations continue to act without fear of legal consequence. Monitoring and reporting mechanisms are essential, but they are ineffective in the absence of an enforcement apparatus capable of ensuring accountability. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #ChildViolence, #4june, #ChildVictimsDay, #childabuse, #ChildProtection.

EVENTS: On Thursday, June 4th, the international community will observe the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression 2026. A webinar will be held to mark the day. The observance was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1982, this day emerged as a response to the suffering of Palestinian and Lebanese children during the 1982 Lebanon War. This historical genesis serves as an indictment of the international community’s failure to prevent the targeting of the most vulnerable. The United Nations highlight that children, whose status as protected civilians is enshrined in international law, continue to be subjected to acts of aggression, it's time to re-evaluate our collective commitment to their safety and dignity. Register to participate!

PUBLICATIONS: Denial of Humanitarian Access to Children:A Guidance Note for the Childrenand Armed Conflict Agenda.

This Guidance Note was authored by Sophie Solomon Federspiel, under the supervision of Dragica Mikavica as the project manager, and with the substantial support of Claire Bertouille. OSRSG CAAC would like to express profound gratitude to a myriad of contributors who have provided invaluable insight and feedback during the creation of this Guidance Note. The Note is the result of thorough consultations with numerous field staff members, NGO partners and others who engage with MRM on grave violations against children. Special thanks are extended to members of the Technical Reference Group, including UNICEF, DPO and DPPA, and to OCHA for its subject matter expertise. We are particularly grateful to our colleagues in the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan who facilitated field missions associated with the project and provided support during the research phase. Finally, our deepest appreciation goes to the mothers, children, community leaders and the people we met along this journey. Those individuals shared their personal stories and experiences with us, offering a keener understanding of the harsh realities surrounding DHA and its impact on children in situations of armed conflict and other situations of violence. Their voices have been instrumental in the formation of this Guidance Note.

Read the latest report of the Secretary-General entitled ''Children and armed conflict''. 

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026; February 6th.

FORUM: "Stepping Towards 2030: No end to FGM without Sustained Commitments and Actions.'' International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026. While significant efforts over recent decades have contributed to progress in addressing female genital mutilation, current trends are insufficient to meet global elimination goals without accelerated action. And the gains made are fragile. Funding cuts, declining investment in health, education and child protection, growing pushback against elimination efforts and increasing medicalization of FGM threaten to slow or reverse progress. Without adequate and predictable financing, community-based programmes risk being scaled back, health and other services weakened and millions more girls placed at risk. As the world approaches 2030, the promise to end female genital mutilation stands at a decisive moment. Gains made over the past decade risk being reversed as global funding and support for gender equality, girls and women’s rights, and ending harmful practices continue to decline. Yet, millions of girls still depend on our collective will to act. Amidst all these challenges, one thing is clear: there can be no end to FGM without sustained commitment and investment. sustained action and investment does not only mean financial resources—it encompasses people’s initiatives, skills and knowledge, assets/equipment, systems, entrepreneurship, technological, informational and influential/ reputational resources. To advance the elimination of FGM, sustained engagement from governments, civil society, communities, philanthropic foundations and the international community is essential. Each act of commitment—whether a policy change, a mentoring initiative, a safe space for dialogue, or a shared story of resilience—represents a step forward towards a world free from FGM. Continued and flexible funding is vital to protect past achievements, sustain momentum, and ensure that national and community actors can continue their work with confidence and stability. On this International Day, partners reaffirm their shared commitment to work with grassroots champions, young leaders, survivors, civil society, governments and partners to accelerate progress towards ending FGM. With four years remaining to meet the 2030 target, sustained action and investment are critical to protect girls and ensure that hard-won progress is not lostFor more than a decade, the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme has supported survivors and prioritized investments in survivor-led initiatives. There are now more than 200 million survivors. Share your efforts and stories by tagging #Unite2EndFGM from across social media platforms and affirming the commitments. It is only through concerted efforts that we can make lasting change so that no girl has to live with fear or endure the harmful consequences of FGM. So, let’s Unite to End FGM. Every voice counts! Follow the conversation with the hashtags:#steppingupthepace, #6February, #EndFGM.

EVENTS: On February 6th at 14:00 CET, the WHO will participate in a global advocacy webinar for International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026 entitled "Stepping Towards 2030: No end to FGM without Sustained Commitments and Actions''. The advocacy event hosted by the UNFPA – UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation. The observance of the day provides an opportunity to highlight progress and raise awareness to end this harmful practice. From community leaders to health workers and family members, everyone has a role to play. With only 5 years to the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, our efforts must be faster and bolder. We must step up the pace 27 times to achieve SDG 5.3 on ending FGM. Keeping this urgency in mind. Register to participate!

Key messages
● Female genital mutilation violates the fundamental rights of girls, including the right to health, life, physical and mental integrity and freedom from torture.
● By strengthening alliances among grassroots activists, communities, governments, organizations and the private sector, we can build a powerful social movement that ends harmful norms, which promote the continuation of the practice.
● Every public declaration, every conversation, and every investment brings us closer to a world free from female genital mutilation, ensuring a safer and brighter future for girls.

Call to action
● Increase investment to ensure no girl is at risk of female genital mutilation: Governments, donors, and the private sector must step up financial investments to scale up of effective interventions.
● Strengthen social movements to eliminate female genital mutilation through partnerships: Expand social movements led by girls, women, survivors, youth, boys and men through strategic coalitions that amplify action to eliminate female genital mutilation.
● Centre the voices and stories of survivors: Place survivors at the heart of advocacy, policymaking, and implementation efforts. Their voices are essential to driving change.
● Advocate for accountability: Ensure countries uphold their commitment to international, regional and national human rights through regular reporting of progress in implementation of policies, strategies and interventions that protect girls at risk and provide necessary care including justice for survivors.
● Engage everyone: Ending female genital mutilation requires the collective efforts of girls, women, survivors, men, boys, youth, traditional and religious leaders, communities, governments, private sector and donors as key allies.

PUBLICATION: New study showing health complications due to FGM.

In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the WHO guidelines on the management of health complications from female genital mutilation. That publication’s main purpose was to provide evidence-informed recommendations on managing health complications associated with FGM. The current revised guideline has an expanded scope, providing up-to-date recommendations on FGM prevention as well as clinical management of complications. The process of updating and revising this guideline resulted in eight recommendations relating to training and capacity-building of health workers on FGM prevention and care, including access to capacity-building resources; educational interventions targeting women and girls living with or at risk of FGM as well as men and boys in FGM-affected communities; deinfibulation for women with Type III FGM, including the timing of deinfibulation; mental health interventions for women and girls living with FGM and having symptoms of anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and surgical and non-surgical sexual health interventions. In addition, three best practice statements are presented on the development and enforcement of laws and policies against FGM, the need for professional codes of conduct for health workers and the importance of counselling and informed consent prior to deinfibulation. Considerations on implementing the recommendations are also discussed. Read the full publication!

CALCULATOR: FGM cost calculator.


Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026; February 6th.

Female genital mutilation violates the universal human rights to life, health and bodily integrity — and causes lasting harm to over 230 million women and girls worldwide.

It is rooted in the same gender bias that restricts girls’ access to education, narrows women’s opportunities for employment, and limits their participation in public life.

The world has committed to ending this dangerous practice by 2030. But in the meantime, 23 million girls remain at risk.

Getting to zero will require sustained political commitment — and sustained investment. Governments, civil society, health workers, and traditional and religious leaders all have a role to play. The United Nations is working on prevention and advocacy, ensuring that survivors have access to care, and empowering women and girls through education, employment, and leadership opportunities.

On this International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, let us renew our promise to protect the rights of women and girls everywhere, and ensure that they can live free from violence and fear.

Together, we can end this injustice once and for all.

António Guterres.

UNFPA, UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO) Joint Statement on International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026.

In 2026 alone, an estimated 4.5 million girls—many under the age of five—are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation. Currently, more than 230 million girls and women are living with its consequences.

Today, on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, we reaffirm our commitment to end female genital mutilation for every girl and every woman at risk, and to continue working to ensure those subjected to this harmful practice have access to quality and appropriate services.



Female genital mutilation is a violation of human rights and cannot be justified on any grounds. It compromises girls’ and women’s physical and mental health and can lead to serious, lifelong complications, with treatment costs estimated at about USD 1.4 billion every year.

Interventions aimed at ending female genital mutilation over the last three decades are having an impact, with nearly two-thirds of the population in countries where it is prevalent expressing support for its elimination. After decades of slow change, progress against female genital mutilation is accelerating: half of all gains since 1990 were achieved in the past decade reducing the number of girls subjected to FGM from one in two to one in three. We need to build on this momentum and speed up progress to meet the Sustainable Development Goal target of ending female genital mutilation by 2030.

We know what works. Health education, engaging religious and community leaders, parents and health workers and the use of traditional and social media are effective strategies to end the practice. We must invest in community-led movements—including grassroots and youth networks—and strengthen education through both formal and community-based approaches. We need to amplify prevention messages by involving trusted opinion leaders, including health workers. And we must support survivors by ensuring they have access to comprehensive, context-tailored health care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance.

Every dollar invested in ending female genital mutilation yields a tenfold return. An investment of USD 2.8 billion can prevent 20 million cases and generate USD 28 billion in investment returns.

As we approach 2030, gains achieved over decades are at risk as global investment and support wane. Funding cuts and declining international investment in health, education, and child protection programmes are already constraining efforts to prevent female genital mutilation and support survivors. Further, the growing systematic pushback on efforts to end female genital mutilation, including dangerous arguments that it should be carried out by doctors or health workers to reduce harm, adds more hurdles to elimination efforts. Without adequate and predictable financing, community outreach programmes risk being scaled back, frontline services weakened, and progress reversed—placing millions more girls at risk at a critical moment in the push to meet the 2030 target.

Today we reaffirm our commitment and efforts with local and global public and private partners, including survivors, to end female genital mutilation once and for all.

Joint statement by the UNFPA Executive Director, UNICEF Executive Director, OHCHR High Commissioner, UN Women Executive Director, WHO Director-General, and UNESCO Director-General on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS: Visual assets in English, French, Arabic.

International Human Solidarity Day 2025; December 20th.

FORUM: “A call for unity and action.” International Human Solidarity Day 2025. Solidarity is the principle that recognizes our common humanity and the interconnectedness of our destinies. It highlights the need for collective effort, cooperation, and mutual understanding to solve complex challenges such as poverty, hunger, climate change, and conflict. This day serves as an opportunity to celebrate achievements made through solidarity and to recommit to building a more just and equitable world. To promote human solidarity, it is important to actively engage in your community, and get involved in different activities and events. This means helping out and supporting causes that help people who are in need. By doing this, we can bring people from different backgrounds together and help them understand each other better. It’s also important to support local projects that help address homelessness, education, and health. In this way, we show compassion for our community members, making sure every individual is cared for. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #SolidarityDay, #20December, #HumanSolidarityDay, #TheWorldWeWant, #PromotingSolidarity, #LeaveNoOneBehind.

EVENTS: On December 20th, the United Nations system organizations will hold a virtual event to discuss the values of unity, kindness, and diversity to mark the International Human Solidarity Day 2025 at the UNHQ. The Observance of the International Human Solidarity Day is a special day that reminds us that we are all part of the same human family. It teaches us the importance of working together and helping each other. When we work together in solidarity, we can overcome any problem or difficulty. The celebration of this day will encourage us to think about how we can make the world a better place for everyone. Register to participate!

 

Our planet is under strain like never before: Temperatures are rising, biodiversity is collapsing, and nearly every person on Earth breathes unsafe air.

Yet there is hope.

Now is the time to invest in resilience, commit to justice, and remember what we are fighting for.

Sustainability is the bedrock on which all our other ambitions rest. Peace, prosperity, equality — none of these exist without a planet to exist on.

Now is the time for courage and creativity.

We must rapidly scale solutions on a range of challenges — from water management and climate resilience, to mining metals and the environmental footprint of Artificial Intelligence.

With the tide turning in favor of renewables, and the help of the next generation, transformation is within reach. We must transform broken systems, unite policy with science, and share solutions with all.

Now is the time set humanity on a path to protect our only home, for generations to come.

United Nations Secretary-General.

International Day of Abolition of Slavery 2025; December 2nd.

 FORUM:"Modern slavery is on the rise." International Day of Abolition of Slavery 2025. Modern slavery occurs in almost every country in the world, and cuts across ethnic, cultural and religious lines. More than half (52%) of all forced labour and a quarter of all forced marriages can be found in upper-middle income or high-income countries. ILO has adopted a legally binding Protocol designed to strengthen global efforts to eliminate forced labour, which entered into force in November 2016. Ending Modern Slavery requires bold action by frontline leaders, donors, governments and a movement of collaborators. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #ModernSlavery, #forcedlabour, #EndHumanTrafficking, #2December, #SlaveryAbolitionDay.

EVENT: Celebration of the 76th anniversary of the Convention for the suppression of the Traffic in persons. The ILO’s Protocol on Forced Labour could restore hope and freedom to millions of people trapped in modern slavery. But first it must be ratified by countries around the world. We have the chance to make history. On December 2nd, the United Nations General Assembly will hold a conference to mark the International Day of Abolition of Slavery 2025.

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2025; December 2nd.

Slavery is a horror from the history books – and a relentless contemporary crisis.

On the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, we remember past victims, especially the more than 15 million men, women and children across Africa who were seized, shackled and sold into bondage an ocean away – or perished en route.

We recall the painful scars their enslavement left on our societies, including structural inequalities and systemic injustices that have persisted for generations.

We rally to protect the estimated 50 million people now trapped in contemporary forms of slavery around the world, many of them women and children.

And we reiterate our appeal to prevent human rights violations like forced labour and forced marriage from claiming more victims.

Contemporary forms of slavery are perpetuated by crime rings that prey on people struggling to cope with extreme poverty, discrimination or environmental degradation – and by traffickers who exploit people fleeing armed conflict or migrating in search of safety and opportunity. It robs people of their rights, and their humanity.

Governments, businesses, civil society and trade unions must unite to end this crisis once and for all. And they must provide remedy and redress, with real access to justice, fair compensation, rehabilitation, restitution, and guarantees that victims and their families will not suffer again.

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the Slavery Convention, when the international community made a bold commitment to end slavery in all its forms. We must act with the same resolve to eradicate contemporary forms of slavery. A world built on freedom, dignity and justice for all is not only possible – it is our shared responsibility.

United Nations Secretary-General.

PUBLICATION: General observation on the application of the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105).

At its 2023 session (November–December), the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR) adopted a general observation on the application of the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105). The text of this observation is reproduced in this brochure. As part of the regular supervisory system on the application of ILO international labour standards, the CEACR is an independent body whose function is to provide an impartial and technical assessment of the application of these standards by ILO Member States. The CEACR is composed of 20 experts, eminent jurists from different geographical regions, legal systems and cultures. In addition to the comments directly addressed to Governments, the CEACR may decide to publish the so-called "general observations” on certain issues concerning the application of a Convention.


The Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105), constitutes one of the ILO fundamental conventions. Its purpose is to supplement the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29), by requiring States to suppress the imposition of any form of forced or compulsory labour in five situations specified in its Article 1: • as a means of political coercion or education or as a punishment for holding or expressing political views or views ideologically opposed to the established political, social or economic system; • as a method of mobilizing, and using labour for purposes of economic development; • as a means of labour discipline; • as a punishment for having participated in strikes; and • as a means of racial, social, national or religious discrimination.

The Convention was inspired by the work of the ILO–UN Ad-Hoc Committee on Forced Labour, which was established in 1951 to conduct an impartial inquiry into the existence of systems of forced labour. The report issued by the Ad-Hoc Committee in 1953 revealed the existence of two principal systems of forced labour imposed by the State that seriously threaten human rights in contravention with the United Nations Charter. The first was the use of forced labour as a means of political coercion or punishment for holding or expressing political views. The second was the use of forced labour for important economic purposes. The negotiation and further adoption of the Convention reflected the determination of the ILO to continue and intensify its efforts to abolish such practices that were so far not explicitly covered by Convention No. 29.


More than 65 years have passed since the adoption of Convention No. 105. Nevertheless, there are still a considerable number of cases that have been examined by the Committee where compulsory labour continues to be imposed by the State in the different situations prohibited by the Convention. This is particularly the case when compulsory labour is used for economic development purposes or as a punishment for the exercise of civil and political liberties, particularly freedom of expression and assembly. Given the considerable number of situations raised by the Committee with regard to the latter, the Committee considers that it is timely and appropriate to recall the nature and scope of the prohibitions established under Article 1(a) and (d) of the Convention, as well as the Committee’s requests addressed to governments in this regard. These prohibitions refer to the use of compulsory labour as “a means of political coercion or education, or as a punishment for holding or expressing political views or views ideologically opposed to the established political, social, or economic system” (paragraph (a)); and “as a punishment for having participated in strikes” (paragraph (d)). 2 It must be noted that in these two cases, forced labour usually takes the form of compulsory labour imposed in the context of a penal sanction pronounced for acts that relate to the exercise of civil liberties, including the right to freedom of expression and the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, both of which are recognized in the ILO Declaration of Philadelphia (1944) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). The Committee wishes to recall from the outset that the Convention does not constitute a revision of Convention No. 29 and was adopted to reinforce and complement the protection offered by Convention No. 29. At the same time, these instruments are independent of each other, so that countries which have ratified both must ensure their cumulative application. This is particularly true for the exceptions laid down in Article 2(2) of Convention No. 29, which do not automatically apply in the five specific situations covered by Convention No. 105. Accordingly, while under Convention No. 29 work exacted as a consequence of a conviction in a court of law is an exception and does not constitute forced labour, Convention No. 105 prohibits the imposition of any form of compulsory labour in the situations mentioned under its Article 1, even if the work is imposed as a result of a conviction by a court of law. The Committee also considers necessary to clarify that, in the context of Convention No. 105, compulsory labour can take place either in the form of a sanction of imprisonment involving an obligation to work (compulsory prison labour) or as a specific sanction of community, public or correctional work to which the person has not given his or her consent. In this respect, one of the main questions analysed by the Committee when assessing compliance with the Convention by the country under examination is whether any of these forms of compulsory labour is contained in the national legislation.

World Children's Day 2025; November 20th.

FORUM:"My day; My rights." World Children's Day 2025. From the moment the sun rises, children wake up to a world shaped by choices they didn't make. But every child, everywhere, also wakes with rights. Including the right to be protected, to learn, and to have their voice heard. It’s time to listen to children. To understand what their lives are like and how their rights are present, missing, or pursued every day. Let’s amplify children’s voices and stand up for the rights of every child. How are you living child rights every day? If you had the whole world's attention, what would you tell them about your days and rights?; Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #WorldChildrensday, #20November; #ForEveryChild, #EveryRight.

EVENTS: 36th anniversary of the entry in force of the Convention on the rights of the child.

On November 20th, the event to mark the World Children’s Day 2025 promotes action for children with several activities held by children. This year mark 36 Years since the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Around the world, children are standing up and talking about their lives, their hopes, and their rights. Register to participate!

On November 20th, Event entitled ''Kids take over.''.

Children will ‘take over’ high-visibility roles in media, politics, business, sport and entertainment normally held by adults to shine a spotlight on issues that matter to them.

On November 20th, Illumination ''Turn the world blue.''.

Landmark buildings around the world will light up blue on the day to show support for child rights. Wear something blue, change your profile picture online and help raise awareness. 

Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on World Children's Day 2025; November 20th.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely ratified treaty in history. Signed 36 years ago today, it affirms a simple truth: When we protect the youngest members of the human family, we build a better world.

But right now, children’s rights are under attack. Poverty and emergencies are stealing education. Climate chaos is jeopardizing futures.

And new dangers lurk in the online world. Too many children already carry burdens far beyond their years, earning income or caring for siblings.

And famine and war have robbed thousands of the most basic right of all: The right to life. Every child’s circumstances are unique.

But every child has the same rights, no matter who they are or where they live. This World Children’s Day, let us listen to children. And let us amplify their voices as they stand up for their rights.

The future is defined by how we care for the next generation. We must unite to build a safe and equal world for every child.

António Guterres.

 

TAKE ACTION: Listen to children, stand up for the rights of every child, every day.

Children and young people are powerful agents of change, bringing new ideas and perspectives that can help shape a better world for all of us. Explore messages and profiles from children and young people speaking out for children's rights, and access resources to hold your own conversations.

• Meet UNICEF’s youth advocates.
• Youth: Take the U-Report poll on child rights
• Parents: Access the parenting toolkit
• Teachers: Help children learn about their rights

PUBLICATION: The State of the World’s Children 2025 - Ending child poverty: Our shared imperative. Far too many children live in poverty, deprived of financial resources and essentials like schooling and sanitation. But child poverty is not inevitable. Countries have shown what is possible when they prioritize children. What we need now is commitment to implement proven strategies, to innovate as crises converge, and to keep an unwavering focus on the rights of every child. Read the full report

Data: Access The State of the World’s Children: Statistical Compendium for vital statistics on child survival, development and protection.

Files available for download
English - Full report (pdf, 10 MB)
English - Executive summary (pdf, 1 MB)
French - Executive summary (pdf, 1 MB)
Spanish - Executive summary (pdf, 1 MB)
Arabic - Executive summary (pdf, 1 MB)

COMMUNICATION MATERIALS:

Global Handwashing Day 2025; October 15th.

FORUM: "Keep Your hands clean.''  Global Handwashing Day 2025. Hand hygiene saves lives—but 2 Billions people still lack access at home To accelerate progress, the WorldBank supported WHO & UNICEF in launching global hand hygiene guidelines to help governments expand access & drive lasting change.

• In 2025, WHO celebrates 17 years of this global campaign.
• The 2025 SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands campaign day coincides with the need for countries to rapidly consider implementation of the global action plan and monitoring framework on infection prevention and control (IPC) – supported by a guide to implementation – and the need to continue to improve IPC as demonstrated in the latest WHO IPC global report.
• One of the WHO indicators is hand hygiene compliance monitoring and feedback established as a key national indicator, at the very least in all reference hospitals by 2026.
• Additionally, the WHO Framework for Action 2024-2030 focused on WASH, waste and electricity services highlights the need for universal safe access to ensure quality of care (linked to climate and health), including by integrating WASH and waste requirements into health system planning, programming, financing, implementation and monitoring, which can in part be supported by IPC efforts.
• Therefore, it is recognized and reinforced that at this time countries and health care facilities should continue to highly prioritize optimal hand hygiene practices (using the appropriate technique and according to the WHO 5 Moments) alongside appropriate glove use, including through greater awareness and supported by IPC practitioners as part of an IPC team and programme.

Objectives 

• Promote optimal hand hygiene practices (using the appropriate technique and according to the WHO 5 Moments) and the times for appropriate glove use within the health care workflow.
• Promote inclusion of hand hygiene within national IPC strategies, as well as standard operating procedures (SOPs) at facility level, according to the recommendations of the WHO global action plan and monitoring framework 2024-2030.
• Raise awareness of the environmental and climate impact of gloves on waste generation and management, especially when used unnecessarily.

Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #GlobalHandwashingDay.

EVENTS: On October 15th, a webinar will be held to mark the Global Handwashing Day 2025; The global advocacy campaign dedicated to increasing awareness about the importance of handwashing as an effective way to prevent diseases and save lives. Register to participate!

Events in the regions

PAHO region - World Hand Hygiene Day webinar.

Recorded webinar (PAHO) in English, in Spanish, in Portuguese.

PUBLICATIONS: Guidelines on Hand Hygieme in Community settings.

ADVOCACY MATERIALS: Don't forget to use #handhygiene with your campaign related posts. Get the advocacy toolkit!

All assets: There is a wide range of campaign materials available in the six official UN languages ready for download.

Modifiable posters: Editable campaign material files can be accessed upon agreement with terms of use.