New Delhi: In a major achievement for a organization
for its world wide appreciation, the UNICEF commemorated its 70 years of
tireless work for the world’s most vulnerable children. It was the occasion for the 70th anniversary
of its founding, UNICEF celebrates the immense progress made for the world’s
children – and renews the urgent call to reach millions of children whose lives
and futures are endangered by conflict, crisis, poverty, inequality and
discrimination.
“UNICEF was founded after World War II
to bring help and hope to all children at risk or in need – no matter which
country they lived in or what role that country played in the war. Our mission is no less urgent and universal
today,” said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake. “With so many children
around the world in so much need, we are recommitting ourselves to delivering
results for every child.”
The organization was established by the
United Nations General Assembly to help children in post-war Europe, China and
the Middle East. Funded entirely through voluntary contributions from
governments, civil society, the private sector and concerned citizens, it
rapidly expanded its reach and by 1955 was working for children in more than 90
countries.
Today, UNICEF is the world’s largest
children’s organization, working with partners in 190 countries and territories
and through the efforts of 13,000 national and international staff to reach
every child.
UNICEF’s relentless engagement in the
world’s toughest places has helped create remarkable progress for children in
recent decades. The number of children dying before their fifth birthdays has
been more than halved in the past 25 years. Hundreds of millions of children
have been lifted out of poverty. Out-of-school rates among primary-school-aged
children have been reduced by more than 40 per cent since 1990.
UNICEF started its journey in India in
1949 and has been working closely with the Government of India’s visionary
initiatives to ensure that every child survives and thrives.
·
In
1949, UNICEF provided technical assistance to the Government to establish
India’s first Penicillin plant.
·
In
the mid-50s UNICEF joined hands with AMUL, a milk cooperative organization to
embark on the journey of White Revolution in India.
·
In
the late 70s, UNICEF helped Government of India fight drought and develop the
world’s most famous hand pump, India Mark II. The hand pump supplied water to
millions of people in rural India. India Mark is now exported to more than 40
countries around the world.
·
In
2009, the enactment of the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act was a historic
moment for every child in this country.
·
More
recently, in 2014, when India was declared ‘Polio Free’ by the World Health
Organisation, it was celebrated as one of the biggest health achievements
worldwide. This was possible, thanks to the commitment and perseverance of
millions of health and frontline workers.
·
Sanitation
along with WASH in schools is now a national priority under the Swachh Bharat
Mission and UNICEF supports the Prime Minister’s mission to make India open defecation
free by 2019.
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