In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of its "Declaration of Chilren's Rights", in 1959, the United Nations designated 1979 as the International Year of the Child at its 31st General Assembly in 1976.

A secretariat exclusively in charge of fruitful observance of the IYC was subsequently set up under the jurisdiction of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), for the successful execution of various welfare policies and programs for children in all member countries of the world.

In the Republic of Korea, too, a special working committee has been established for the planning and implementation of numerous projects and events devoted to the wellbeing of our children. On the occasion of observing the International Year of the Child, the grownups of Korea should be resolved anew, to protect and raise our children more rightly and wisely, so that they can proudly keep abreast with other children of the world.