Internationally, UNICEF is the leading children's organisation, reaching children in more than 150 Less Developed Countries around the world. It works with local communities, organisations and governments to improve the lives of children.[2] The organisation's global reach allows it to share knowledge across borders, while its local presence – over 85 per cent of UNICEF staff work in developing countries – means it can deliver assistance where it is needed most.[3] UNICEF believes that every child should have clean water, food, health care, education, and a safe environment in which to grow up. The organisation upholds the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and works to hold the international community responsible for their promises to children.[4]
UNICEF is not funded by the UN. Instead, it relies on voluntary donations to fund its work for children worldwide. UNICEF UK raises funds for these programmes through donations, the sale of cards and gifts, partnerships with companies and special events. UNICEF UK is a registered charity.[2] UNICEF UK also advocates for lasting change for children. For example, it works to change government policies and practices that are detrimental to children's rights in the UK and internationally.[5]
Actress Olivia Colman, who became an official Unicef UK Ambassador in 2019, was appointed president on 3 September 2020. The role is an honorary and voluntary one, "focused on raising awareness of issues facing children around the world and raising funds for Unicef’s work".[7]
UNICEF ambassadors
UNICEF UK has a long history of support from its ambassadors and high-profile supporters,[8] who play a vital role in promoting UNICEF, advocating and fundraising on its behalf. Ambassadors help the organisation reach a wider audience, enabling it to highlight work undertaken to improve the lives of the most vulnerable children around the world.
All UNICEF ambassadors have been appointed because they have already demonstrated a commitment to the organisation's work. They dedicate time and energy in a variety of ways: visiting projects in the field and emergency situations, speaking to the media about what they have seen, or lobbying and raising money.[8]
UNICEF was the first charity to produce and sell cards for the purpose of raising funds.[13] The very first UNICEF card was a Christmas card created in 1949. The card was a reproduction of a painting, sent as a thank you to UNICEF in 1947, by seven-year-old Jitka Samkova. Jitka's village in Czechoslovakia had received UNICEF emergency assistance after the Second World War.[14]
Since 1949, UNICEF has continued to sell cards and gifts in order to raise money for children living in poverty around the world.
Inspired Gifts
In 2004 UNICEF UK expanded its range of cards and gifts to include a selection of 'Inspired Gifts'. These offer an opportunity to give a present which makes a real difference to the lives of children. The choice of Inspired Gifts is wide; however the selection changes periodically, depending on where the need is greatest. A typical range could vary from a cold-box vaccine carrier which helps to ensure that vaccines for children reach their destination in perfect condition, to a midwife kit which helps to safely deliver over 50 babies.
The Convention spells out a specific role for UNICEF, in its capacity as the UN body responsible for the rights of children. UNICEF is required to promote the effective implementation of the Convention and to encourage international cooperation for the benefit of children. UNICEF is also entitled to be represented when each country's implementation of the Convention is considered by the Committee every five years.[4]
Emergency response
When an emergency strikes, UNICEF staff in the area react rapidly and the first aid usually arrives within 48 hours.[15] Emergency specialists assess the immediate need, focusing on women and children. With permanent offices in the field, UNICEF is well placed to coordinate relief by road and air. Following emergency relief efforts, UNICEF works to promote long-term rehabilitation and improve conditions for children.
UNICEF UK has asked the UK Government to a establish "a nationally-recognised suite of connected services" for babies and children under 5, which it describes as a "Baby and Toddler Guarantee".[17]
On education, UNICEF is committed to giving girls and boys equal learning opportunities. It works to remove barriers that keep girls from attending school and to ensure that, once enrolled, they go on to graduate. UNICEF also supplies educational materials, mobilises teachers, registers children, prepares school facilities and develops curricula in countries affected by conflict and other emergencies.[18]
In 2005, UNICEF launched a five-year global campaign, Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS, to raise awareness about how HIV and AIDS are destroying the lives of children. The campaign aims to achieve four goals by 2010: to prevent new infections among young people by 25 per cent; to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV in 80 per cent of cases; to provide treatment for 80 per cent of HIV-positive children; and to protect, care for and support 80 per cent of children affected by HIV and AIDS, including those who have lost their parents to the disease.[20]
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