One million newborns die every year in India: UNICEF

Each year one million newborns die during the first month of life, another million die between 29 days and five years, while almost 55 million children under five are underweight for their age, according to a report published by the United Nations.

Although India's efforts to improve children's welfare was lauded, Unicef said there was much more to be done to address child mortality rate and various other issues stunting growth.

"India experiences child rights deprivations in greater absolute numbers than any other country in the world," the UN agency said in a special edition of its flagship publication "The State of the World's Children Report."

India, which is home to one-fifth of the world's children, according to the report, has more than 40 per cent of the population living on less than $1.24 per day. Additionally, 128 million people have no access to drinking water.

"Each year, 1 million newborns die during the first month of life; another million die before they reach 5 years. Almost 55 million children under 5 years are underweight. Many challenges remain," says Karin Hulshof, UNICEF India representative.

Hulshof urged the Indian government to implement laws like Prohibition of Child Labour and Child Marriage. According to a latest survey, an estimated 47 per cent of women and 16 per cent of men were married before they reached the age of 18 years.

"We want you to do three simple things - do not accept child labour, do not tolerate child marriages, and allow children, especially girls, to go to school," said Hulshof.

On Friday, Nov. 20, United Nations marked its 20 years journey since it adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The UN convention, adopted Nov. 20, 1989 and ratified by every country except the United States and Somalia, calls on nations to protect children from abuse and sexual exploitation, reduce child mortality and give children access to health care and education.