(UNICEF) United Nations Children’s Fund is a program geared towards providing children and mothers living in developing countries with long-term developmental assistance and humanitarian aid. It works towards overcoming diseases, poverty, violence and discrimination.
Political factors impede UNICEF in carrying out its mandate of humanitarian efforts and activities. The organization operates in highly volatile locations; some embroiled in conflicts and others on the brink of civil wars. In places like Iraq, carrying out polio vaccinations becomes difficult especially with the presence Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). ISIS refuses entry for any international organization and government authority in areas it has seized (Gladstone, 2014). Also, UNICEF’s main donors have been accused of advocating their foreign policies through the international outfit.
In terms of economic factors, children especially those living in urban arrears are utterly disadvantaged. Despite UNICEF’s effort to better living standards, the children face great challenges to their health, survival, nutrition and protection. The children born into these squalor conditions experience extreme harshness. That is a consequence of bad conditions of exploitative labor, homelessness and gang violence (UN News Centre, 2012). The economic issues require more input than what UNICEF can provide.
Some of the biggest challenges to UNICEF’s efforts are social in nature. Statistics points to over 120 million sexual abuse cases. Most cultures consider violent disciplines normal and necessary. The results are sometimes fatal. Some cultures deem girl-child education unimportant. They marry off under aged girls in exchange for wealth through dowry (Murphy, 2014). Other social issues pertain to religious beliefs. Sharia Law allows for violent punishment. They have attracted global condemnation from the numerous stoning, hangings and extensive jail terms that should not attract such penalties.
Technology is a force that can influence and propel change especially in improving children’s lives around the world. In order for children in developing countries to compete with those in developed countries and influence change required in their nations, they need technology. Some UNICEF plans and those they back require facilities like electricity that are not readily available in some regions. UNICEF believes that an education molds the whole individual so that they can contribute profitably to society, but in the current environment these educational tools are absent (KENPRO, 2010).
Climate changes, natural disasters and poor water sanitation are some of the issues that plague UNICEF. Management of available resources like water has not benefitted the poor. They negatively affect the population’s health and well-being. Erratic rainfall distribution, water pollution and growing financial constraints for resources creates a dire situation for the local people (Ann, 2013). Climatic changes that result in erratic weather patterns influence relief and humanitarian efforts. Flash floods, landslides, and food shortages challenge any efforts made.
Aside from the international laws, some local laws can either make UNICEF’s work easier or harder. Laws and regulations that seek to safeguard a child are important, like child protection policies and legislation especially in conflict-ridden countries and disaster areas. Such laws fight against human trafficking and award humanitarian’s permission to enter hostile regions (Humantrafficking.org, 2014). Legal hurdles limit UNICEF’s effectiveness.
The analysis allows for informing policy and formulation of child-focused policy rights. In order for UNICEF to effect change within its objectives, a strategic system analysis is necessary. UNICEF cannot change some things like the politics of the country or its climate, but through a collaborative effort with international and local organizations and governments, it can achieve some influence. Safe zones within the countries where UNICEF can operate are also necessary. An increase of funds and resources from donors and member countries will go a long way in safeguarding the welfare of children through local innovative projects and other ventures.
References
Ann, 2013. Poor water sanitation among biggest environmental and social challenges India Faces: report. Available at: <http://en.reset.org/blog/poor-water-sanitation-among-biggest-environmental-and-social-challenges-india-faces-report> [Accessed 26 October 2014].
Gladstone, R., 2014. Amid Iraq’s Political Chaos, a New Polio Vaccination Campaign Faces Challenges. The New York Times, 11 Aug. p.A7. Accessed at: <http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/12/world/middleeast/amid-iraqs-chaos-a-new-polio-vaccination-campaign.html?_r=0 > [Accessed 26 October 2014].
KENPRO, 2010. Challenges Facing the Implementation of Free Primary Education in Kenya. Available at: <www.kenpro.org/papers> [Accessed 26 October 2014].
Murphy, T., 2014. Startling amount of violence faced by children-UNICEF report. Available at: <http://www.humanosphere.org/human-rights/2014/09/startling-amount-violence-faced-children-finds-report/> [Accessed 26 October 2014].
UNICEF, 2013. Indonesia Annual Report. Available at: <www.unicef.org/indonesia/Annualreport_v7_english_preview.pdf> [Accessed 26 October 2014].
UN News Centre, 2012. New UNICEF report to shine spotlight on challenges faced by urban children. Available at: <http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41364> [Accessed 26 October 2014].
