UNICEF: UN Children's Fund

About the committee

Mandated by the United Nations General Assembly and guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the UN Children's Fund strives to establish international standards concerning the rightful behaviour towards children. The organization places particular emphases on protecting the most disadvantaged of children: those who suffer within poor environments, under exploitation and extreme poverty, as well as the many children who are victims of war and disaster. UNICEF is currently the world’s leading international children’s organization, advocating children’s rights through country programmes and national committees. UNICEF is governed by an executive board made up of member states. The board approves policies, country programs and budgets, as well as making recommendations to the General Assembly and other UN bodies.

Topics

Topic A: The question of eradicating the use of child soldiers

Child soldiers have been used throughout history, taking part in armed groups not only as combatants but as messengers, cooks and for sexual purposes. Only in the last half a century, with growth in awareness and concern for children's basic security, has the issue been recognised as a horrendous violation of human rights, triggering significant international efforts to abolish their use. However, although such practices are passionately condemned by the global community, in reality more than half the world's countries witness the use of children in conflict, despite international laws establishing the minimum age for military involvement, and many other standards protecting the integrity of children. Latest estimates suggest more than 250 000 children are currently used for military purposes. Such numbers, in spite of counter measures, highlight the complexity of the issue and the need for a renewed and holistic approach encompassing root causes, recruitment, enforcement and rehabilitation.

Topic B: The question of child marriage

Child marriage represents one of the most prevalent forms of sexual abuse and exploitation of children. As well as violating human rights, the practice has harmful consequences for the children involved, including damage from separation and lack of freedom; decreased opportunities for education; increased risk of premature pregnancy, infection and HIV/AIDS; violence; and a heightened exposure to bonded labour and commercial sexual exploitation. Further issues arise where disparity exists between the marriageable age and legal age for consent to sexual activity. Despite international instruments ruling otherwise, child marriage is still prevalent throughout the world, with estimates that 36 percent of women are married before they reach the age of 18. Resolving the issue is politically and practically challenging. Solutions must navigate the sensitivities of cultural and religious practices, bearing in mind poverty and development issues, and ultimately look to effect sustainable change.