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Promoting Play Equity on Human Rights Day!

December 10, 2021

December 10 was Human Rights Day — the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The UDHR is a milestone document, which proclaims the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being. Available in more than 500 languages, it is the most translated document in the world.

In 1989, world leaders made a historic commitment to the world’s children by adopting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child – an international agreement on childhood. It’s become the most widely ratified human rights treaty in history and has helped transform children’s lives around the world.

Aligning with this year's Human Rights Day theme of "EQUALITY - Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights," we are advancing play equity in communities throughout North America. Alongside our nonprofit and company partners, we are amplifying Article 31 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child which states:

Every child has the right to rest, relax, play and to take part in cultural and creative activities.

The United States is the only member of the UN that has not ratified the Convention. There are many instances today, where Black and Brown children and their communities are not allowed to play with neither certain toys or instruments, nor are they allowed to play in specific places or times. Racism is literally interrupting their playtime which is important to creating friendships, connecting families and learning our history.

With each Daymaker giving campaign, we are striving to make books, toys, and supplies that support identity development and holistic education through play and joy even more accessible.

It's not too late to donate to our holiday giving campaign, and promote the power of play!