UNICEF mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights. Child rights begin with nutrition, protection from disaster and conflict, pre-natal care for healthy births, sanitation, health care and education. UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to enforce ethical principles and international standards of behavior towards children.
Topic Introduction
Topic A : Child, Early and Forced Marriage
Marriage involving children under 18-years-old remains a widely culturally accepted practice in many corners of the globe. This widespread practice may rob children of their childhood and basic rights and threaten their lives and futures. They have little or no control over their actions or person within marriage, including sexual relations. Forced child marriages have severe psychological, emotional, medical, financial, and legal consequences. The global challenge for UNICEF is to find measures the international community can take to ensure proper physical and mental development of CEFM victims.
Topic B : Child Rights in Conflict Areas
Child rights in conflict areas are often compromised. Children affected by conflict can be internally displaced, orphaned or separated from their parents and families, subjected to sexual abuse and exploitation, victims of trauma as a result of being exposed to violence, deprived of education and recreation, at risk of becoming child soldiers. It is readily apparent that armed conflict not only leads to violations of children’s rights but in many contexts hampers development progress and children’s opportunities. UNICEF has to contemplate how to satisfy the children’s basic needs and ensure them a safe and sound upbringing.