The United Nations Childrens Fund
The United Nations Childrens Fund, known by its acronym UNICEF, is a United Nations program based in New York City that provides humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers in developing countries. Established in December 11, 1946, its original mandate was to provide emergency food and medical relief in countries devastated by World War II. Now, UNICEF works to improve the lives of children in need around the world, providing essential health care and education, as well as food, water and sanitation and protection from abuse, exploitation and violence.
UNICEFs core mission is to advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable and discriminated children and young people, no matter where they live, who are extreme poor, out of school or living with HIV or who are the victims of violence, abuse and exploitation. UNICEF works to guarantee their survival, protection and development.
UNICEF is the leading provider of vaccines for developing countries and is the largest single international source of funding for maternal and child health and nutrition, educating more than 50 million children and adolescents in 2017. In the same year, UNICEF provided emergency medical care and clean water to one-third of the worlds malnourished children, supporting the development of primary health care systems in more than 150 countries. UNICEF also works closely with governments to fight against child labor, ensure universal primary education and support economic development that reduces inequality.
UNICEF supports country-level programs to identify and prevent discriminatory practices and to protect girls and young women from such abuses as female genital mutilation, domestic violence, and the inappropriate use of medication in maternal care. UNICEF also works closely with police forces, judicial systems and other authorities in developing countries to protect children from exploitation and human trafficking.
UNICEF is funded solely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, foundations and governments from around the world. Contributions are made directly to UNICEF or through a number of agencies and partners including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP).
UNICEF is a leader in humanitarian action, responding quickly and effectively to emergencies around the world. It provides relief and assistance to those affected by natural disasters, conflict, crisis, and other situations of vulnerability. It works closely with affected communities to put their needs first in ensuring the safety and solidarity of the poorest and most vulnerable populations.
With a commitment to zero exclusion and zero discrimination, UNICEF works to advance the rights of every child – regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity or gender – to make sure their voices are heard and that their rights to survive, thrive and develop with dignity. It advocates for the rights of all children and young people, including refugees, stateless people and those living in fragile contexts or conflict zones.
Today, UNICEF remains firmly committed to its mission of promoting the protection and realization of the rights of all children everywhere.
