UNICEF works for children.
UNICEF works in the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents – and to protect the rights of every child , everywhere. Across 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.
And we never give up.
unicef | for every child
From distributing lifesaving aid to children in the aftermath of World War II to fighting Ebola, UNICEF has been working for children for almost 70 years.
Our history►
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UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.
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See how UNICEF works to promote the rights and improve the lives of every child, in every situation.
UNICEF’s work►
UNICEF is uniquely placed to transform the world.
UNICEF is a leading humanitarian and development agency working globally for the rights of every child. Child rights begin with safe shelter, nutrition, protection from disaster and conflict and traverse the life cycle: pre-natal care for healthy births, clean water and sanitation, health care and education.
UNICEF has spent nearly 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Working with and for children through adolescence and into adulthood requires a global presence whose goal is to produce results and monitor their effects. UNICEF also lobbies and partners with leaders, thinkers and policy makers to help all children realize their rights—especially the most disadvantaged.
UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.
UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to establish children’s rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behaviour towards children.
UNICEF insists that the survival, protection and development of children are universal development imperatives that are integral to human progress.
UNICEF mobilizes political will and material resources to help countries, particularly developing countries, ensure a “first call for children” and to build their capacity to form appropriate policies and deliver services for children and their families.
UNICEF is committed to ensuring special protection for the most disadvantaged children – victims of war, disasters, extreme poverty, all forms of violence and exploitation and those with disabilities.
UNICEF responds in emergencies to protect the rights of children. In coordination with United Nations partners and humanitarian agencies, UNICEF makes its unique facilities for rapid response available to its partners to relieve the suffering of children and those who provide their care.
UNICEF is non-partisan and its cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority.
UNICEF aims, through its country programmes, to promote the equal rights of women and girls and to support their full participation in the political, social, and economic development of their communities.
UNICEF works with all its partners towards the attainment of the sustainable human development goals adopted by the world community and the realization of the vision of peace and social progress enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

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UNICEF is active in 190 countries and territories – more than any other children’s organization. Whether we’re partnering with governments, local groups, other UN agencies or other children’s organizations, we bring unequalled experience and expertise in saving and improving children’s lives.
Our vast network means we can take successful approaches from one place and adapt them to meet challenges elsewhere, helping drive results for children at a global scale.
⇣ Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States
⇣ East Asia and the Pacific
⇣ Eastern and Southern Africa
⇣ Industrialized countries
⇣ Latin America and Caribbean
⇣ Middle East and North Africa
⇣ South Asia
⇣ West and Central Africa