UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, is the UN agency that works for the rights and wellbeing of children around the world. Here is how it works.
History
UNICEF was created by the UN General Assembly on 11 December 1946 to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries hit by the Second World War. Its original name was the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, which is why the short form is UNICEF. In 1953, it became a permanent part of the UN system.
In 1965, UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for its work for children.
What UNICEF does
UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories. Its main areas are:
- Child health, including immunisation and newborn care
- Nutrition, including breastfeeding and fighting malnutrition
- Education, especially for girls and out of school children
- Child protection against violence, child labour and child marriage
- Water, sanitation and hygiene
- Emergency relief in wars and disasters
It also promotes the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in 1989, which India ratified in 1992.
How it is run and funded
UNICEF is headquartered in New York. It is governed by an Executive Board of 36 member states, and is led by an Executive Director appointed by the UN Secretary General.
UNICEF does not get money from the regular UN budget. It is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from governments, private donors, foundations and companies.
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UNICEF in India
UNICEF has worked in India since 1949. It supports the government in:
- Routine immunisation and the Pulse Polio campaign, which helped India get polio free certification from WHO in 2014
- Nutrition programmes for mothers and young children
- Education and early childhood care
- Water and sanitation, including support to Swachh Bharat Mission
- Child protection and disaster response
UNICEF works with central and state governments, NGOs and communities and has offices in many states.
Goodwill Ambassadors
UNICEF uses well known people as Goodwill Ambassadors to raise awareness. Indian film stars and sports persons have served in this role over the years.
Bottom line
UNICEF has worked for children for nearly eight decades. In India, it has been a key partner in immunisation, nutrition, education and sanitation.
Source / स्रोत: UNICEF, UNICEF India
