About Us

UNICEF is the United Nations Children's Fund. Through our country programmes and National Committees, we have a presence in 190 countries around the world. Our global reach, proven track record, and broad range of local partners distinguish us among world organizations working with children and young people.  UNICEF's international headquarters is at the United Nations in New York, USA.

In all our work, we promote and uphold the principle that nurturing and caring for children is the cornerstone of human progress. Contributing to a world in which children can grow up free from the obstacles of poverty, violence, disease and discrimination advances the wellbeing of humanity.

We work globally to improve children's lives in the following ways:

We promote a rights-based approach to children's welfare, based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child . We support efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals that increase quality of life and opportunities for children and young people. 

We fight against discrimination and work to ensure equal treatment for children and young people, and girls and women in particular. 

We focus on measures that provide proper care to infants and children at the youngest ages, so that they will enjoy the strongest foundation for the future.

We help all children access quality basic education.  Equal education for girls and boys benefits everyone in society. Children who are educated grow up to become better thinkers, better citizens and better parents to their own children.

We dedicate efforts to ensuring that all children receive sufficient nutrition and vaccinations again common childhood disease, so that children do not suffer from preventable diseases.

We assist with preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS among young people to protect them and to enable them to protect others. We help children and families affected by HIV/AIDS to live their lives with dignity.

We involve everyone in creating protective environments for children. We work to relieve suffering during emergencies, and wherever children are threatened because no child should be exposed to violence, abuse or exploitation.

You can help improve the lives of children around the world.  Take action by learning how you can promote child rights.  Or find out how you can support our work today.