UNICEF
- INTERNATIONAL
News:
India’s progress crucial
in achieving two-thirds of off-track child-related SDGs: UNICEF chief
What's
in the news?
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Two-thirds of child-related Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) are off-track globally and India's progress will be
crucial in achieving them, UNICEF chief Catherine M. Russell has said.
Key
takeaways:
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The SDGs are a set of 17 interconnected global objectives established by the United
Nations in 2015 to address a wide range of social, economic and environmental
challenges facing the world.
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These goals, often referred to as the
Global Goals, are designed to guide global efforts toward a more sustainable,
equitable and prosperous future for all by the year 2030.
Children
and SDG:
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Several SDGs directly impact children,
such as SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), which
focuses on eradicating child malnutrition and hunger, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) which aims to reduce child
mortality and ensure access to quality healthcare.
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SDG
4 (Quality Education) emphasises the provision of inclusive and
equitable education for all children, ensuring they have the skills and
knowledge necessary for a prosperous future.
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SDG
5 (Gender Equality) strives to eliminate gender-based
discrimination and violence against girls while promoting their equal
participation in all aspects of society.
United
Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF):
●
UNICEF is a special program of the United
Nations (UN) devoted to aiding national efforts to improve the health,
nutrition, education and general welfare of children.
Backdrop:
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UNICEF was created in 1946 as International Children’s Emergency Fund (ICEF) by the UN
relief Rehabilitation Administration to help
children affected by World War II.
Features:
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UNICEF became a permanent part of the United Nations in 1953.
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It is mandated
by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of
children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their
opportunities to reach their full potential.
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UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child,
1989.
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It strives to establish children’s rights
as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behaviour towards
children.
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Awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1965 for “promotion of brotherhood among
the nations”.
Headquarters:
New York City, USA.
Work:
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It works in over 190 countries and
territories with 7 regional offices.
Other
Functions:
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Hold-ups immunization programs for childhood diseases and programs to
prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.
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Provides funding for health services,
educational facilities and other welfare services.
Governance
Structure:
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UNICEF is governed by an Executive Board consisting of 36
members that are elected to terms of three years by the United Nations’
Economic and Social Council.
Funding:
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Both government and private contributions
finance the activities of UNICEF.