Journée Mondiale des Enfants in Vanuatu
Vanuatu recognizes National Children’s Day, also called Journée Mondiale des Enfants, as a national public holiday on 24 July. The day is coordinated around children’s rights, protection and well-being, with events organized by the government’s Child Desk Office.[1][2][3]
A national public holiday
Vanuatu’s Public Holidays Act lists Children’s National Day on 24 July. When a listed holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is also a public holiday.[1]
The Act allows the President to order stores and other businesses closed on a public holiday; it does not make every private business closure automatic. It names exceptions for medicines, certain food sales before noon, and refreshments sold for consumption on the premises. Check opening hours with the bank or transport service before you go.[1]
Children’s rights and well-being
The day’s focus in Vanuatu is reflected in the work of the Child Desk Office, which coordinates annual National Children’s Day events on 24 July. The office describes children’s rights to survive, develop, participate and be protected, and works on both child rights and child protection programmes.[3]
The ministry’s account of an event in Port Vila described speeches about children’s health, education and justice, alongside community activities. It reported a parade, storytelling, drama, face painting, health checks and a children’s fashion show. These are examples from that event, not a fixed programme for every year or island.[4]
Observing the day
The Port Vila event involved education and health services, child-focused organisations and other community stakeholders.[4]
Vanuatu’s government holiday listings use both the English name Children’s Day and the French name Journée Mondiale des Enfants for the 24 July national holiday.[2] Check with local organisers about foods, school schedules or regional customs.
Frequently asked questions
Is Journée Mondiale des Enfants a public holiday in Vanuatu?
When is the holiday observed?
Are shops, banks and transport closed?
The Act allows the President to order stores closed on a public holiday, with specified exceptions. Check opening hours with the relevant business or service before you go.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Journée Mondiale des Enfants in Vanuatu:
- PUBLIC HOLIDAYS [CAP. 114]- Ministry of Internal Affairs, Republic of Vanuatu
- Holidays- Government of Vanuatu
- Child Desk Office- Ministry of Justice and Community Services, Republic of Vanuatu
- 2014 National Children's Day at a glance- Ministry of Justice, Youth & Community Services, Republic of Vanuatu