Created over 20 years ago, the Children’s Rights Week offers workshops and activities every year around the fundamental rights of children, developed according to a specific theme. Since 2019, the city of Nice organizes an award ceremony to honor schools that have undertaken creative and committed projects. This 2025 edition, which took place from November 17 to 23, was dedicated to the right to protection.
At the foyer of the Nice Opera, on Tuesday, January 27, the award ceremony was held for the winning classes of the Children’s Rights Week competition on the right to protection. 147 public schools and 17 private schools participated. But only five were competing for the first place.
The ceremony was hosted by Marie-Pierre Lazard, subdelegate to the council of family rights and duties and the child-friendly city label. She was also accompanied by municipal councilors Marc Cocas and Marie-Christine Fix. Bertrand Rossi, general director of the Nice Côte d’Azur Opera, present for the occasion, expressed his satisfaction with this award ceremony that “allows to instill in the younger ones that children’s rights also include the right to culture and happiness […] I will just end by giving a number: when I arrived in 2019, six percent of children came to the Nice Opera. By 2025, 30 percent of children are attending,” he added proudly.
Marie-Christine Fix: “prepare for war to stay in peace”
The bronze medal was won by the first-grade class of Saint-Charles School thanks to their song “Protect, Protect”, earning them tickets to a rugby match. The second prize was awarded to the fifth-grade class of Saint-Roch 1 School, providing the entire class with a tree-climbing activity. Finally, the gold medal went to the fifth-grade class of Saint-Roch 2 School, who will have the chance to attend the show “The Carnival of the Animals” at the Nice Opera.
The children were delighted with their prizes and each left with their paper-format diploma as well as their reward. Curious and enthusiastic, some took the opportunity to ask Marie-Pierre Lazard questions about children’s rights, while others showed interest in her profession. During this event, Marie-Christine Fix also explained her role: “I used to be in the military, so it’s important for me that everyone is protected, especially you children. You could be threatened on the street, at school, and at home. You should not be afraid to talk about it.” A reassuring presence for the children, which helped put them at ease.
“One must prepare for war to remain in peace,” concluded Marie-Christine Fix, addressing the children. Beyond being an award ceremony for the winning classes of the Children’s Rights Week contest, she emphasized the importance of raising awareness from an early age about the fundamental rights of the child. This ceremony recognizes students as genuine advocates of the defense of children’s rights.
