UNICEF Day 2021: Theme, Significance, History and all you need to know

Bhubaneswar: Every year, the world celebrates UNICEF Day on December 11 to mark the establishment of United Nations Children’s Fund that works for the development of children across the globe, regardless of their region, race and culture.

United Nations Children’s Funds (earlier known as United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund) was established by the United Nations General Agency in 1946.  It was formed under the 57 (I) resolution of the United Nations General Assembly with its headquarters at USA’s New York City.

 

THE ESTABLISHMENT

UNICEF was initially formed to provide relief and assistance to World War 2 affected children and women.  It worked to rescue women and children from exploitation, hunger and other atrocities. Gradually, the temporarily formed organization evolved into a permanent wing of the United Nations and expanded reach to work for welfare of less privileged children in across the globe.

In 1953, it was renamed as United Nations Children’s Fund.

 

OPERATIONS

UNICEF works in as many as 192 countries and national territories to advocate for the basic rights of children and help them fulfil their potential from their early childhood through their adolescence. The agency works as per the decisions of 36 members of its executive board. These members establish policies, exhibitions, awareness programs, administrative and other financial plans. These 36 members comprised 36 government representatives elected for 3-year terms.

 

UNICEF Day 2021 THEME

2021 marks the 75^th anniversary of UNICEF Day. This year’s theme is, “to help children to recover from interruption and learning losses experienced through the pandemic in the last two years”.

 

OBJECTIVES

UNICEF’s primary objective is to protect hapless children from every possible corner of the world and provide them access to basic rights like good education, food, sanitation, vaccination, etc.

 

 SIGNIFICANCE

UNICEF Day is observed annually to spread awareness among people about the sustainable development of children. It emphasizes on eliminating hunger, violation of children rights and discrimination based on race, region or religion.