The Department of Child & Family Services is encouraging youth organisations throughout Bermuda to join them in celebrating the Universal Day of The Child on November 20 and to hold a special event during the week of November 16 to 23 to promote the health and welfare of Bermuda's children.

The Universal Day of the Child is an annual, international celebration in many countries to recognise the day that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959) and the Convention of the Rights of the Child (1989) which proclaim children's rights to love and affection, stable homes, protection from harm, education, health care, play and respect.

This year's theme is 'Today's Children are Tomorrow's Adults'.

The Department of Child and Family Services is preparing a calendar of events to mark the occasion and is inviting everyone who would like their event to be featured on the calendar, to contact Glenda Edwards at 294-5876 or via email at gedwardsgov.bm before October 31, 2003.

The public is invited to a special Universal Day of The Child opening ceremony on November 20 at the Harbour Room, Number One Passenger Terminal on Front Street. The Harbour Room will open at 11 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. with booth displays and performances by children. All organisations interested in participating should contact Ms Edwards for further information.