Prospects for Children in 2025: Building Resilient Systems for Children’s Futures

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance

Context

• The latest report, Prospects for Children 2025: Building Resilient Systems for Children’s Futures, by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has warned that the world is entering a new era of crisis for children.

Key highlights of the report

• Doubling of Children Living in Conflict Zones: Over 473 million children—more than one in six globally—are currently residing in areas affected by conflict.
  • The proportion of children living in conflict zones has surged from 10% in the 1990s to nearly 19% today, with the world witnessing the highest number of conflicts since World War II.
• Debt Crisis Hurting Children’s Futures: Nearly 400 million children live in countries burdened by debt, a figure projected to rise without urgent fiscal reforms.
• Climate Crisis and Its Consequences: Only 2.4% of multilateral climate finance is allocated to child-responsive initiatives.
  • Children are disproportionately affected by climate-related events, from food insecurity to displacement caused by natural disasters.
• Unequal Access to Technology: While internet access is nearly universal in high-income countries, only 53% of youth aged 15-24 are online in Africa.
  • Adolescent girls and children with disabilities face the greatest exclusion, with 90% of young women in low-income countries remaining offline.

Policy recommendations

• National Planning and Policy: Governments must integrate children’s vulnerabilities and needs into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Climate Financing: Despite commitments made at COP29, only 2.4% of multilateral climate finance is child-responsive, highlighting an urgent need for additional and targeted funding to address loss and damage impacting children.
• Business Regulation: Environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) frameworks must explicitly address risks to children.
• Legal frameworks must prioritize intergenerational equity and the right of children to a sustainable future.

Steps taken by India  for Children

• Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: Provides a robust framework for protecting children affected by conflict and exploitation.
• Operation Smile and Operation Muskaan: Initiatives to trace and rehabilitate missing children, including those affected by conflicts.
• PM CARES for Children: Financial support for children orphaned due to the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing their education and healthcare needs.
• Digital India Initiative: Aims to improve internet connectivity in rural and remote areas, reducing the digital divide for children.
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Promotes education and empowerment of adolescent girls, addressing gender disparities.
• The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009: Guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14 years, ensuring equity.
• The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: Provides safeguards for children against exploitation and abuse.

Way Ahead

• The future of children in 2025 hinges on building resilient systems that protect their rights and address their vulnerabilities. 
• By prioritizing investments in children today, nations can secure a sustainable and equitable tomorrow.

Source: DTE