For the first time in Finland, the flags were raised on Friday to commemorate Universal Children’s Day.
Saimi Harju and Samuel Kähäri, The sixth graders of Jyväskylä Park School represented children all over Finland at the first children’s rights flag celebration held in the country.
The students participated with the Children’s Ombudsman and representatives of the National Children’s Strategy and the City of Jyväskylä in an event organized in accordance with the current health and safety guidelines. The rest of the country could tune in to the festivities through live steam, which is for a Finnish government official Youtube channel.
Universal Children’s Day celebrates the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November 1989. In Finland, the day has been marked on the calendar since 2002.
President Niinistö and Prime Minister Marin share greetings
President Sauli Niinistö, Prime Minister Sanna Marin and the President of Parliament Anu Vehviläinen sent children across the country.
"When we asked children and young people about the important things in life, many mentioned the importance of a safe, listening and confident adult. This is a serious message. It is the job of adults to bring security and understanding," Niinistö said.
Minister Marin said in his video greeting that Finland is preparing its first national children’s strategy, the aim of which is to ensure that the rights of all children are realized.
"Based on the responses to the strategy survey, children want to ensure a safe daily life for everyone. This means, among other things, that no one should be bullied or discriminated against," Marin said.
According to Speaker Vehviläinen, it is the duty of every Member of Parliament to consider the effects on children’s lives in decision-making.
The broadcast also included a performance by hip-hop artist Elastinen, recorded specifically for the event.
There are currently seven official annual ticket days in Finland. In addition to these dates, Finland will fly flags on election days, when the President will be inaugurated and will usually be celebrated on many other occasions.
Source: The Nordic Page