Every individual is part of the population. Many of us are worried because of population growth while many see it as an opportunity. It is important us for the realize that each and every one on earth is important and we must look at how best we can utilize the human resource for the progress of the humanity and all other creatures on earth . The global population is increasing and it has also become a concern. From 1 billion in 1810 the world has crossed 7 billion in 2012.
In 1989, the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme recommended that 11 July be observed by the international community as World Population Day, a day to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues. Every year a theme is being chosen to observe the day and this year's theme is investing in teenage girls.'
Teenage girls around the world face enormous challenges. Many are considered by their communities or parents to be ready for marriage and motherhood. Many are forced from school, damaging their future prospects. Even among girls who stay in school, access to basic information about their health, human rights and reproductive rights can be hard to come by, leaving them vulnerable to illness, injury and exploitation. These challenges are exacerbated among marginalized girls, such as members of ethnic minorities or those living in poverty or remote areas. The situation is different in different places of the world.
"Leaders and communities must focus on and stand up for the human rights of the most marginalized teenage girls, particularly those who are poor, out of school, exploited, or subjected to harmful traditional practices, including child marriage," UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin said. He also added that “when a teenage girl has the power, the means and the information to make her own decisions in life, she is more likely to overcome obstacles that stand between her and a healthy, productive future. This will benefit her, her family and her community.” It is to be mentioned that UNFPA works with many partners, both within and outside the United Nations system, including Governments, non-governmental organizations, civil society, faith-based organizations, religious leaders and others, to achieve its mission.
Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of United Nations on his message on the occasion said that “despite significant gains made in reducing poverty and improving opportunity and well-being for many people around the world, hundreds of millions remain desperate for a chance of a better future, Among those least served by previous development initiatives are girls, particularly those in their formative teenage years.” , he added that “just when girls should be in school and imagining the possibilities ahead, too many are held back from pursuing their ambitions by social and cultural traps. While a boy’s options and opportunities tend to expand when he becomes an adolescent, those of a girl too often shrink. Half of all sexual assaults worldwide are committed against girls aged 15 or younger. In developing countries, one in three girls is married before she reaches 18. And teenage girls are less likely than teenage boys to start or finish secondary school.” On this World Population Day he has urged all Governments, businesses and civil society to support and invest in teenage girls as everyone deserves the benefits of economic growth and social progress.
We are aware the international community has committed to a new sustainable development agenda built on the principles of equity and human rights. It is also responsibility of each and every one us to see that every individual progress. Let us work together to ensure a life of security, dignity and opportunity for all.
Ranjan K Baruah
(With inputs from UN publication. Feedbacks may be sent to bkranjan@gmail.com)
