Structures in Slovakia to Be Lit Up in Blue in Support of Rights of Every Child

Bratislava, November 20 (TASR) - A number of monuments and buildings will be illuminated in blue in nine Slovak towns and cities on Wednesday as part of UNICEF's Blue Lights initiative, which aims to commemorate World Children's Day and reinforce the commitment to protect the rights of every child, Monika Molnarova from the Slovak foundation for UNICEF has told TASR. The initiative aims to serve as a reminder that every child has the right to live in a healthy and safe environment that provides space to fulfil their needs, dreams, aspirations and potential. It also emphasises that every child has unique needs and interests that require attention. "Let's dedicate this day to children. Let's try to listen to them better, let's involve them in decisions about our shared future and take specific steps to improve the quality of their lives," said Martin Oubrecht, Executive Director of the Slovak Foundation for UNICEF. The Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted 35 years ago by the United Nations. On the anniversary of its ratification, the world marks World Children's Day on November 20 every year. The convention has been signed by 196 countries and has helped to transform children's lives around the world. Slovakia is joining the global initiative for the second time. lin/df/zel