UNICEF Sri Lanka: using interactive methods to raise awareness of children's rights

The 35th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was celebrated in Sri Lanka on World Children's Day with immersive films and an exhibition at the Lotus Tower. More than 200 works created by children from across the country were on display. For the authorities, urgent action is needed so that “no one is left behind”.

Colombo (AsiaNews) – UNICEF Sri Lanka marked World Children's Day and the 35th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November, with the participation of boys and girls from across the country.

The local branch of the UN agency launched a programme to raise awareness of children's rights, with an exhibition of self-portraits by the children and a video made with "modern technologies” to educate children about the rights they should enjoy.

World Children's Day celebrations began at the Lotus Tower in Colombo with the screening of the film "Little Amaya - See Me, Hear Me," an immersive and interactive experience on the rights of boys and girls, and the exhibition "Self-explaining”, launched by UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative Emma Brigham together with officials from the local child welfare services.

Designed to teach children's rights in a playful, accessible, and engaging way, the exhibition at the Lotus Tower combined storytelling, movement, and play-based learning through the character of Little Amaya, a little girl who guides visitors through an imaginary world where every right can be perceived, seen, and experienced.

The space allows children to explore themes of protection, participation, and expression through interactions that stimulate curiosity and dialogue.

Emma Brigham stressed the importance of listening to children, and creating spaces where their opinions carry weight. “Participation is a right and when we listen to children, we make better decisions,” she said.

This art exhibition, she noted, featured more than 200 self-portraits and creative pieces co-created by children from across Sri Lanka – from urban centres to rural estates, as well as diverse cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Every canvas, scribble, splash of colour, story reflects something fundamental: children's right to express themselves freely and without fear.

UNICEF was backed by Sri Lanka’s Department of Probation and Childcare Services (DPCCS), the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA), and senior officials from the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs (MoWCA).

Nilmini Herath, additional secretary of the MoWCA, NCPA President Preethi Inoka Ranasinghe, and Janaki Wijesinghe, a commissioner with the DPCCS, were present at the event.

They praised the initiative as a platform that promotes awareness of children's rights among families, educators, and the public, celebrating the power of children's imagination and their ability to articulate hopes and concerns.

Janaki Wijesinghe stated that no child should live in fear; every child deserves safety, dignity, and love, stressing that when children understand their rights, they gain the confidence to express themselves, make informed choices, and contribute meaningfully to society. Knowledge empowers them to end abuse and discrimination.

She highlighted the government's commitment to boosting the laws governing the child protection system and working closely with communities and partners to ensure that every child lives in a safe environment.

“On this important day, we affirm our collective responsibility: parents, communities, government, and civil society must work together to listen to children's voices, empower them, and ensure that their rights are not only recognised on paper, but realised in practice,” said Nilmini Herath.

However, economic hardships highlight vulnerabilities. “Many children are at risk of dropping out of school, suffering from malnutrition, and experiencing stress or abuse,” she added. “We must act with urgency and determination to ensure that no child is left behind.”

Fathima Manuara, a 15-year-old student at Sri Siddhartha Viduhala in Wattala, Western Province, who participated in the exhibition with a work dedicated to a freedom-loving girl, said she was very happy to have been part of the event.

"Raising awareness through the film 'Litte Amaya' is really great for children because it's easy to follow, similar to a cartoon," she explained.

• sri lanka
• world children’s day
• unicef
• rights