Government is encouraging families to pay special attention to their children on Saturday, the anniversary of the signing of United Nations' Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which was launched in 1989.

Among the advice to parents is that they should consider not spanking their children on Saturday, and if it works, to continue using non-physical "creative correction''.

Premier Jennifer Smith will read the Universal Proclamation of the Rights of the Child on the steps of the Cabinet building on Friday.

Events leading up to Universal Children's Day begin tomorrow when crayons are distributed to Government pre-school children.

Health, Housing and Family Services Minister Nelson Bascome, who unveiled the programme of celebrations yesterday, said the convention underlined the importance of the family in rearing children.

Mr. Bascome said: "We have all heard, even to this day, in some countries not too far from here, tales of young children working in sweathouses, labouring from dusk to dawn in the most brutal conditions. This convention protects children against abuse and recognises the important role of the family in bringing up children.'' For more see Lifestyle; Page 13 CHILDREN CHILD CLD