UNICEF Day is celebrated to increase awareness about children’s development. It aims to end hunger, abuse of the rights of children, and discrimination against race, region, or religion. UNICEF also works to protect children and adolescents from violence and exploitation. Let’s know what rights children get in India.
UNICEF Day 2022 & Child Rights In India
UNICEF Day is celebrated every year on 11 December. UNICEF, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, defends the rights of every child everywhere, by raising awareness of how to save children’s lives by protecting them and helping them fulfil their wishes. It works to protect the rights of every child in more than 190 countries and territories of the world.
During the ‘Corona period’, UNICEF was one of the world’s largest providers of vaccines. It takes necessary steps for child health, nutrition, safe water and sanitation, quality education and skill building, HIV prevention, and treatment of mothers and children. In addition, UNICEF also works to protect children and adolescents from violence and exploitation.
History of UNICEF
UNICEF stands for United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. UNICEF was established by the United Nations on December 11, 1946, to meet the emergency needs of children in post-war Europe and China. UNICEF’s mandate was created in 1950 to address the needs of children and women in developing countries everywhere. In 1953, it became part of the United Nations system.
Significance of UNICEF Day 2022
This day is celebrated to increase awareness about the development of children. It aims to end hunger, abuse of the rights of children, and discrimination against race, region, or religion.
What Are The Rights Of Children In India?
According to international law, a person below the age of 18 is considered a child. It has been approved worldwide. Let us know which are the five most important rights for children in India-
1. Right to free education: By the 68th Constitutional Amendment Act 2002, Article 21-A of the Indian Constitution has been included in the fundamental right. Under this, children aged 6 to 14 years have the right to free education.
2. Child Sexual Offenses Act 2012 or POCSO Act: Its main objective is to prevent children below 18 years of various sex-related crimes and to set up special courts for quick judgment, so those sex offenders can get strict punishment.
3. Child Labour: It is considered illegal in India to employ children below the age of 14 years. However, there is a lot of debate on the ‘Child Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, of 1986’ and there are exceptions such as allowing children to work in family businesses after coming back from school or during holidays. Similarly, participation in films, TV serials, and sports activities is allowed.
4. Child marriage: Girls should be 18 years old and boys should be 21 years old for marriage by UNICEF. Child Marriage Prohibition Act 2006 was implemented in India on 01 November 2007.
5. Child Trafficking: The Protection of Children Act 2012 was implemented on 14 November 2012. It is considered under the crime of child trafficking to take children for sexual crimes, sexual exploitation, and any person inside or outside any country for exploitation.
