A platform for street children to speak out
The International Day for Street Children is celebrated every year on 12 April and it aims at giving a voice to the millions of street children all around the world
di Staff
Friday the 12 of April marks the International Day for Street Children. The Day aims to give a voice to the millions of street children all around the world so that their rights are not ignored.
Worldwide the number of children living on the streets has increased dramatically. While the total number of street children remains unknown, a UNICEF report in 2012 estimates that there are tens of millions worldwide. These children live in conditions of extreme poverty, and are often victim of discrimination, abuse and violence. Rather than only affecting developing countries, the issue is also a reality for Europe.
The International Day for Street Children was launched in 2011 by the Consortium for Street Children (CSC), the leading international network dedicated to realizing the rights of street children worldwide and is celebrated every year on 12 April. However the day is not owned by any one organization and ultimately the aim is that the United Nations adopt and recognize it as a UN day. The day is celebrated by street children, NGOs, celebrities, policy makers, businesses and individuals around the world and over the last two years word has spread and support for the day has grown.
This year the Consortium for Street Children will be raising awareness of the Day by launching the Home Street Home campaign, which calls on the UN for official recognition of the International Day. People All around the UK are invited to sign a petition in order for the UN to adopt the International Day, giving the issue greater global exposure and increasing pressure on governments to act.
