UNICEF, or the United Nations Children’s Fund, is a United Nations agency that provides humanitarian and developmental aid to children around the world.
About
UNICEF is the successor to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, which was established by the United Nations Help and Rehabilitation Administration on December 11, 1946, in New York, to provide emergency relief to children and mothers afflicted by World War II.
Despite remarkable challenges around the world, UNICEF staffers fight for the rights of every child seeking safe shelter, nutrition, protection from disaster and conflicts, and equality.
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 more than 190 countries and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.
The world’s largest provider of vaccines, we support child health and nutrition, safe water and sanitation, quality education and skill building, HIV prevention and treatment for mothers and babies, and the protection of children and adolescents from violence and exploitation.
Before, during and after humanitarian emergencies, UNICEF is on the ground, bringing lifesaving help and hope to children and families. Non-political and impartial, we are never neutral when it comes to defending children’s rights and safeguarding their lives and futures.
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States
- Head: Catherine M. Russell
- Founded: December 11, 1946, New York, New York, United States
- President: Tore Hattrem
- Subsidiaries: UNICEF Australia, U-Report, UNICEF Ireland, MORE
- Founders: United Nations General Assembly, Ludwik Rajchman
- Parent organization: United Nations General Assembly
Functions
Immunization and disease prevention are among UNICEF’s initiatives, as are HIV treatment for children and women, improving childhood and maternal nutrition, increasing sanitation, promoting education, and providing emergency relief in catastrophes.
UNICEF works with the United Nations and its agencies to make sure that children are on the global agenda. UNICEF strikes a balance between thorough research and practical solutions for children.
Location and Contacts
- UNICEF Regional Offices are located in the following countries.
- The Americas and Caribbean Regional Office is located in Panama City, Panama.
- The Europe and Central Asia Regional Office is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
- The East Asia and Pacific Regional Office is located in Bangkok, Thailand.
- The Americas and Caribbean Regional Office Office is located in Panama City, Panama.
- The Europe and Central Asia Regional Office is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
- The East Asia and Pacific Regional Office is located in Bangkok, Thailand.
- Middle East and North Africa Regional Office is located in Amman, Jordan
- West and Central Africa Regional Office, Senegal
- South Asia Regional Office, Kathmandu, Nepal
Visit UNICEF contact page here.
