Context
UNICEF India appointed Indian women’s cricket team captain Smriti Mandhana as its Celebrity Advocate to mark the International Day of the Girl Child (October 11).
Some Core Facts
| Parameter | Details |
| International Day of the Girl Child | • Observed annually on October 11. • Established in December 2011 by the UN General Assembly (Resolution 66/170); first observed in 2012. • Objective: Promotes girls’ human rights, leadership, education, and protection against discrimination and gender-based violence. |
| UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) | • Origin: Founded in 1946 as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund to aid post-WWII European children; became a permanent UN body in 1953. • Headquarters: New York City, USA. • Mandate: Guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC, 1989) to advocate for the protection of children’s rights and survival. • Funding: Entirely funded through voluntary contributions of governments and private donors. |
| Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Linked with Girl Child | • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. • SDG 4: Quality Education • SDG 5: Gender Equality. |
| Important Current to Concept (CTC) from this article for UPSC UNICEF |
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the International Day of the Girl Child
1. It is observed annually on October 11 across the world.
2. It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011.
3. UNICEF works as the nodal UN body guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is correct: The International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated annually on October 11 worldwide.
• Statement 2 is correct: The United Nations General Assembly officially designated the day by adopting Resolution 66/170 on December 19, 2011 (first observed in 2012).
• Statement 3 is correct: UNICEF serves as the primary UN body dedicated to children's rights and is explicitly guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).