About unicef
UNICEF: children first
Since 1946 UNICEF has been the world's leader for children,
working in 156 countries to help children survive and thrive,
from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest
provider of vaccines for poor countries, UNICEF supports child
health and nutrition, quality basic education for all boys and
girls, and the protection of children from violence,
exploitation, and aids. Every child in the world has rights and
deserves this care.
Who we are.
UNICEF is the world's leading organisation working
specifically for children. We work with local communities and
governments in 156 countries, areas and territories, to provide
emergency relief and run long-term development programmes in
areas such as health, education and child protection. Our global
reach allows us to share knowledge across borders while our local
presence - almost 85 per cent of UNICEF staff work in developing
countries - means we can deliver assistance where it is needed
most. UNICEF upholds the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
and works to hold the international community responsible for
their promises to children. All of UNICEF's programmes are
entirely dependent on voluntary contributions.
What we do
UNICEF helps children receive the support, healthcare and
education they need to survive the threats of childhood poverty -
such as preventable disease or malnutrition - and grow up to
become healthy adults.
We encourage families to educate girls as well as boys, so
both men and women can play a full role in family life and
broader society.
We strive to protect children from violence and abuse, and
from exploitation through child labour or trafficking. We also
protect children in the midst of war and natural disasters, and
provide emergency assistance, usually within 48 hours.
We strive to educate and care for children affected or
orphaned by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and campaign globally for
affordable, improved drug treatments for children. Our first
global campaign "Unite for children, Unite against AIDS" was
launched in 2005. We also undertake research into the reality of
life for children worldwide and work with governments and other
partners to improve life for children through policy changes.
UNICEF supports young people, wherever they are, in making
informed decisions about their own lives, and strives to build a
world in which all children live in dignity and security.
Working with national governments, NGOs (non-governmental
organisations), other United Nations agencies and private-sector
partners, UNICEF protects children and their rights by providing
services and supplies and by helping shape policy agendas and
budgets in the best interests of children.
Mission statement
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