UNICEF REPORT ON CHALLENGES FACED BY CHILDREN
The UNICEF report titled “Prospects for Children in 2025: Building Resilient Systems for Children’s Futures” highlights the growing challenges children face globally due to various crises. It emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen national systems to protect children’s well-being and ensure essential support.
Key Highlights of the UNICEF Report
Impact of Conflict on Children
- In 2023, over 473 million children (more than one in six globally) were living in conflict zones.
- The proportion of children affected by conflict has increased from 10% in the 1990s to 19% now.
- Children in conflict zones face displacement, hunger, disease, and emotional distress.
Debt Crisis and Its Impact
- Around 400 million children live in countries struggling with debt, affecting education, healthcare, and social services.
- A 5% increase in external debt for low- and middle-income countries could reduce education spending by USD 12.8 billion.
- Debt servicing in 15 African nations exceeds education budgets, and over 40 low-income countries spend more on debt than health.
- Debt repayment is now 11 times higher than social protection spending, leaving 1.8 billion children at risk of economic difficulties.
Climate Change Challenges
- Only 2.4% of global climate finance is dedicated to child-specific needs.
- Inadequate funding weakens social services vital for children’s development and resilience.
Digital Inequality
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) plays a key role in providing services like education and healthcare.
- However, disparities persist, with only 53% of youth in Africa having internet access compared to high-income nations.
- Adolescent girls and children with disabilities are most affected, with 9 out of 10 girls in low-income countries lacking internet access.
Recommendations for Action
- Increased financial support for climate recovery initiatives, including healthcare and education.
- Develop inclusive and fair systems prioritizing children’s rights.
- Improve child rights integration in digital initiatives to reduce inequality.
Key Facts About UNICEF
- Established: Founded in 1946 to assist children affected by World War II.
- Presence: Operates in over 190 countries, including India.
- Headquarters: New York City, USA.
- Mission: Protect children’s rights, provide aid, and advocate for their welfare.
- Funding: Supported by governments, organizations, businesses, and individuals.
- Awards: Nobel Peace Prize (1965), Indira Gandhi Prize (1989), Princess of Asturias Award (2006).
- Major Reports: The State of the World’s Children, Humanitarian Action for Children.
UNICEF’s Work in India
Started: UNICEF began operations in India in 1949 and covers 90% of the child population across 17 states.
Key Initiatives:
- ICDS (1975): Reaching 40 million children through nutrition and early childhood development.
- Polio Eradication (2012): Helped India achieve polio-free status.
- Maternal and Child Nutrition (2013): Raised awareness on nutrition, reducing maternal and infant mortality.
- India Newborn Action Plan (2014): Aimed at reducing neonatal deaths and stillbirths.
Challenges Faced by Children in India
- Climate and Environmental Hazards: India ranks 26th in the Children’s Climate Risk Index. Rising heatwaves, floods, and pollution threaten children’s health and education.
- Child Trafficking: Many children are exploited for labor, begging, and other illegal activities.
- Child Labor: As per Census 2011, 10.1 million children (5-14 years) are engaged in work, mostly in agriculture and domestic work.
- Juvenile Crimes: In 2022, 30,555 crimes were committed by minors, often linked to poverty and lack of education.
- Child Marriage: India ranks 4th in South Asia, with early marriage affecting education and health.
- Gender Inequality: Girls from poor and rural backgrounds face challenges in education and healthcare.
- Disadvantaged Children: Children from marginalized communities suffer from poverty, malnutrition, and poor access to education and sanitation.
- Population Growth: By 2050, India will have 350 million children, requiring better urban planning.
India’s Child Welfare Initiatives
- Mission Vatsalya
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
- Right to Education Act, 2009
- Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 2016
- PENCIL Portal
- POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act, 2019
- Juvenile Justice Act, 2015
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
Way Forward
- Ensuring a Sustainable Future for Children: Improve healthcare, family planning, and urban planning for children. Integrate climate resilience strategies into local policies.
- Poverty Reduction: Strengthen welfare schemes like PM POSHAN and MGNREGA. Improve healthcare and sanitation in rural areas.
- Combating Trafficking: Enforce stricter anti-trafficking laws and community vigilance systems.
- Educational Reforms: Enhance school infrastructure and regulate private school fees.
- Juvenile Rehabilitation: Focus on reformative approaches instead of punitive measures.
- Ending Child Marriage: Provide vocational training and financial support to reduce child marriage rates.