Although South Asia is experiencing rapid economic growth and the rights of children are better understood, there are still challenges regarding children’s conditions. According to statistics, 38% of children in the region suffer chronic malnutrition. South Asia records the largest number of stunted children in the world. Moreover, statistics show that about 8 million people below the age of one are not immunized and approximately 100 million children under 5 are not registered at birth.
UNICEF has always emphasized on establishment of legislations to enforce children’s rights to health, education, protection, and participation. However, pervasive poverty affects millions of children in South Asia, preventing them from living in dignity.
As Ms. Hulsof, Regional Director for UNICEF in South Asia, puts it, new approaches are adopted toward positive changes in the lives of children in South Asia. The focus will be on improving girls’ education in Afghanistan, preventing stunting in India, ending open defecation in Nepal, and ensuring all children receive a birth registration in Bangladesh.