Several iconic Calcutta buildings were lit up in blue to uphold children’s rights.
Unicef, originally called the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children across the world is behind the #GoBlue initiative.
They illuminated structures like the Assembly building, Howrah bridge, MP Birla Planetarium, Nehru Children’s Museum and the Calcutta Press Club, among other places in the city, as well as across the state from November 18 to 20.
These buildings were “lit up in blue light to espouse the rights of the children for commemorating World Children’s Day (November 20)”, Unicef said on Monday.
“On this World Children’s Day, everybody is urged to treat girls and boys equally. Encourage everyone in the family to eat together. Ensure girls and boys attend schools regularly and complete their education and finally do our bit to save the planet for children,” said Amit Mehrotra, chief of Unicef, West Bengal.
Describing the #GoBlue initiative as a reminder of Unicef’s re-commitment to every child to have every right, he urged everyone in society to speak up against child marriage and violence against children.
Unicef said protection and participation of every child were also equally important across the world and the illumination highlighted it.
They also illuminated places of worship like temples, mosques and churches to build awareness about children’s rights among followers of faith.
During the World Cup, Unicef partnered with ICC (International Cricket Council) to promote equality among girls and boys.