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1995 WORLD SUMMIT OF CHILDREN
PROPOSAL FOR HEAR THE CHILDREN DAY
This proposal is the result of four and a half years of discussions by children around the world since 1990. During the 1995 World Summit of Children Project, which in itself included approximately 20,000 children, the children wrote down their ideas about an international day where all children all over the world could unite to focus on how they can partner with the United Nations and their governments to bring about a more peaceful world. The 1995 World Summit of Children was a two year project during which partnerships of children and adults produced a 180 page guidebook educating about UN documents and structure, 27 preparatory meetings worldwide at which children designed and initiated projects to activate UN goals in their communities and delegates were selected to attend the International Summit held near San Francisco during the June 1995 UN50 Charter celebration.
"We, the young peoples of the Earth, envision a world united by love and justice. A sharing of our voices and actions shall lead us to peace, prosperity and preservation of this planet. We ask that the people of the world work with us in global partnership to fulfill the responsibilities towards the future of this world."
Hear the Children Day of Peace has been celebrated in many parts of the world. The children are showing their readiness and willingness to initiate mutually respectful partnerships with decision-makers to share in the responsibility for developing a better future.
PROPOSAL FOR HEAR THE CHILDREN DAY OF PEACE
PREAMBLE
We, the young peoples of the Earth, propose that the third Tuesday of every September be known worldwide as "Hear the Children Day of Peace." On this day we would like to be given the opportunity to voice our opinions and ideas. We feel that by doing so we will promote common interest in the needs of children and remove barriers between ages.
Hear the Children Day of Peace will enhance the already established International Day of Peace by bringing a focus on children everywhere who want to live a peaceful future.
THE PURPOSE OF HEAR THE CHILDREN DAY OF PEACE
The purpose of the celebration on Hear the Children Day of Peace is to formally open and strengthen communication links between children and the decision makers of the world. The sincere attention of government officials is needed so children's concerns can be expressed and truly heard.
PROPOSED ACTION
The goal of Hear the Children Day of Peace can be achieved through the involvement of media, educational systems, local interest groups, as well as individual participants. The observance of one minute of silence at noon in each time zone will create a 24 hour worldwide wave of silence in respect for children.
The use of sky blue ribbons is recommended. They symbolize unity, innocence and childhood. Children can pin a looped ribbon on a person's garment while saying, "We are One."
REASONS FOR APPROVING HEAR THE CHILDREN DAY OF PEACE
Hear the Children Day of Peace will help overcome all kinds of discriminations that create separation in the world. It will help people to understand their differences.
It will educate children and adults for the future by giving them a special occasion for interaction on a global scale.
It will help to give children a sense of responsibility and citizenship as well as informing them so they can widen their horizons.
Hear the Children Day of Peace will inspire children to take more action because adults will be offering them more recognition.
It will promote the observance and practice of human rights, especially children's rights.
CONCLUDING STATEMENT
Because we, the children of the Earth, are now approximately one third of the world's population and are quickly approaching one half of the world's people, we are entitled to a voice in the governance of our world. The destiny of tomorrow lies in what we do today. We sincerely hope that a partnership between children and adults will create a world of mutual understanding and respect.
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