Important Days📖 3 min read

India Co-Sponsors UNGA Resolution for Day Against Child Marriage

India has joined efforts at the United Nations to establish a global day dedicated to ending child marriage, highlighting its commitment to child rights.

Source: GNews World Day
Summary of News

India recently co-sponsored a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to declare November 27 as the World Day Against Child Marriage. This move underscores India's strong commitment to protecting children's rights and ending harmful practices globally. The resolution aims to raise international awareness about the severe impact of child marriage on girls' health, education, and overall well-being. By supporting this resolution, India aligns itself with global efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5.3, which targets the elimination of all harmful practices, including child marriage, by 2030. This initiative will encourage member states to implement policies and programs to prevent child marriage and support its victims. India's participation is significant given its own historical challenges with child marriage and its ongoing legislative and social reforms to combat it.

Why It Matters

This news is important for competitive exams, especially for UPSC GS Paper II (Social Justice, International Relations) and SSC General Awareness. It highlights India's role in global governance and its commitment to human rights and gender equality. Aspirants should understand the significance of UNGA resolutions, India's foreign policy stance on social issues, and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5.3. It also connects to national laws like the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.

Key Points for Exam
  • India co-sponsored a UNGA resolution to declare November 27 as World Day Against Child Marriage.
  • The resolution aims to raise global awareness about the impact of child marriage.
  • This initiative supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5.3.
  • SDG 5.3 targets the elimination of all harmful practices, including child marriage, by 2030.
  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the main deliberative body of the UN.
  • India has its own law, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, to combat this issue.
Important Keywords Explained
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)organization

The UNGA is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, serving as the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the UN. It is composed of all 193 member states, each having one vote. It discusses and makes recommendations on international issues, including peace and security, development, and human rights. Its headquarters are in New York City.

Child Marriageconcept

Child marriage is defined as any formal or informal marriage where one or both parties are under the age of 18. It is a human rights violation that disproportionately affects girls, denying them their childhood, education, and health. It often leads to early pregnancy, increased health risks, and limited opportunities for personal development.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5.3concept

SDG 5.3 is a specific target under Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality). It aims to eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation, by 2030. This goal is part of the broader 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by all UN member states in 2015.

Additional Facts & Context
1The UNGA holds its annual regular session from September to December.
2The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, sets the legal marriage age in India at 18 for females and 21 for males.
3UNICEF estimates that globally, 12 million girls are married before age 18 each year.
4India ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1992.
Examiner's Tip

Exams frequently ask about India's role in international organizations, UN initiatives, and specific SDGs. Be prepared for questions on the date of important days, relevant Indian laws, and the objectives of global campaigns.

🧠
Memory Trick

Remember '27 Nov' for 'No Vows' (no child vows). India's 'No Vows' day is November 27.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of India co-sponsoring the UNGA resolution on child marriage?

India's co-sponsorship highlights its commitment to global human rights and gender equality. It reinforces India's stance against child marriage, aligning its national efforts with international goals like SDG 5.3. This move also strengthens India's diplomatic presence on social issues at the UN.

What is the main objective of declaring November 27 as World Day Against Child Marriage?

The main objective is to raise global awareness about the devastating consequences of child marriage. It aims to mobilize international action, encourage governments to implement stronger policies, and support programs that prevent child marriage and protect affected children worldwide.

Which Sustainable Development Goal is related to the elimination of child marriage?

The elimination of child marriage is directly addressed under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, specifically target 5.3. SDG 5 aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, with target 5.3 focusing on ending all harmful practices by 2030.

Connected Concepts / Topics
Get direct updates on TelegramDaily current affairs + quiz + monthly PDFs — 100% freeJoin Channel →