World Population day was introduced in 1989 by the recommendation of the United Nations Development Programme
This picture has been used for representational purposes. Picture/AFP
July 11 is celebrated at World Population Day. The day is observed to understand and spread awareness about the social and economic challenges faced in the world due to the rising population. With the COVID-19 outbreak affecting millions across the globe, a factor of public health also has been included in these challenges this year.
Saturday is #WorldPopulationDay!
— United Nations (@UN) July 10, 2020
Amid the #COVID19 crisis, see how @UNFPA is safeguarding the health and rights of millions of people worldwide affected by #coronavirus: https://t.co/sZ2KaX5dcx #WPD2020 pic.twitter.com/sENziSqJU9
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World Population day was introduced in 1989 by the recommendation of the United Nations Development Programme. It was inspired by the public awareness created during the Five Billion Day on July 11, 1987, when the population of the world reached five billion.
This year, the United Nations said, "Human Rights Can’t Be Quarantined," as it works on the issues of the global population amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Human rights can’t be quarantined!
— UNFPA (@UNFPA) July 10, 2020
This #WorldPopulationDay, see how @UNFPA is protecting the rights of millions of people affected by the #COVID19 pandemic: https://t.co/hswtETDidx#StandUp4HumanRights pic.twitter.com/9XbBptPQ83
"The COVID-19 pandemic affects everyone, everywhere, but it does not affect everyone equally. It is deepening existing inequalities and vulnerabilities, particularly for women and girls," United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a statement ahead of the occasion.
"Every year, millions of girls are subjected to practices that harm them physically and emotionally, robbing them of their right to reach their full potential. According to the State of World Population 2020, released by UNFPA (United Nations Populations Fund), more than 4 million girls will be subjected to female genital mutilation and 12 million forced to marry this year. Lockdowns stemming from the pandemic are expected to make matters even worse," Guterres added.
#COVID19 has deepened existing inequalities & vulnerabilities for women & girls.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) July 11, 2020
On Saturday's #WorldPopulationDay and every day, we must protect the rights of women and girls, end gender-based violence and safeguard sexual and reproductive health care. pic.twitter.com/kyd5VxNo4S
The theme of World Population Day 2020
The theme for World Population Day 2020 focuses on safeguarding the health and rights of women and girls amid the COVID-19 pandemic. With issues such as reproductive health, mental health, and family planning taking the backseat due to the pandemic, UNFPA Executive Director Dr Natalia Kanem has emphasised that they are also of vital importance. "In times of crisis, protecting sexual and reproductive health and rights is imperative," Dr Kanem wrote on Twitter ahead of the occasion.
In times of crisis, protecting sexual and reproductive health and rights is imperative.
— Dr. Natalia Kanem (@Atayeshe) July 10, 2020
This #WorldPopulationDay, see why we must safeguard the health and rights of women and girls, especially during the #COVID19 pandemic: https://t.co/anzRJqfVEB#WPD2020 pic.twitter.com/Jx7bBOxoDk
Tackling COVID-19 and population issues
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people of all sections of society. But the lockdown imposed by the government to contain the spread of the virus prompting the closure of community-based services has made some people more vulnerable to violence. India’s National Commission for Women has reported huge number of domestic violence cases in the country during the lockdown. The lockdown had also made it difficult for pregnant women to reach hospitals for their deliveries.
The lockdown has also impacted the mental health of people of all sections of the society in India. It has not been easy for people to stay in isolation and maintain no physical contact with others for an extended period of time. Pay cuts and job loss have also added to the despair.
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