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UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND (UNICEF)
In most developing countries UNICEF is recognized for supplying “hardware” - the water pipes, transport trucks, school roofing, health supplies, etc. - essential to the delivery of programs and services for women and children. Increasingly, however, UNICEF cooperates with a wide range of new partners and coalitions of partners to speak out in behalf of children. It is an active agent in promoting the adoption and implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the 1990 World Summit for Children Plan of Action and the 2002 A World Fit for Children. UNICEF works with decision-makers from governments, religion, media, academics, youth and the arts to influence public opinion and address legislative and policy issues affecting children.
“A defining character of UNICEF...is that it is a grand alliance
of the world’s governments and of leading non-governmental
activists for children. Together we have made children a
cutting edge for progress extending far beyond children alone.”
James Grant, former UNICEF Director
The General Assembly (GA) first established the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund in 1946. According to resolution 57/1 it was set up as a temporary body to provide emergency assistance to children in war-ravaged countries. In 1953, by resolution 802/VIII, the GA gave it permanent status and charged it with giving assistance, particularly to developing countries, in the establishment of permanent child health and welfare services. Also in 1953 the name of the original Fund was changed to “United Nations Children’s Fund”, but it retained its original acronym “UNICEF.” UNICEF reports to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
The UNICEF Executive Board was enlarged by the GA in 1950. It consisted of members of the Social Commission and the governments of eight other states, not necessarily UN Members, to be designated by ECOSOC with due regard to geographical distribution and to the representation of the major contributing and recipient countries. In 1956 the GA separated the Executive Board membership from the Social Commission. This provided for direct election for all members of the Board. In 1957 the Board was re-designed to consist of 30 States Members of the United Nations or of the specialized agencies, designated by ECOSOC with consideration as to geographical distribution and representation of the major UNICEF contributing and recipient countries. In 1982 the GA increased Board membership to 41. The distribution of seats is as follows: African States-9, Asian States and Yugoslavia-9, Eastern European States-4, Latin American and Caribbean States-6, and Western European and Other States-12. One additional seat rotates among the regional groups every three years. Elections are held during ECOSOC sessions.
The Executive Director is appointed by the Secretary General in consultation with the UNICEF Executive Board. James P. Grant, USA was Executive Director from 1980-1996. Carol Bellamy, USA, was Director from 1996-2005. In May 2005 Ann Veneman became UNICEF Executive Director.
UNICEF Headquarters is located at UNICEF House, 3 UN Plaza, New York City, New York 10017, USA. It has regional offices in Geneva, Switzerland; Nairobi, Kenya; Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire; Bogota, Columbia; Bangkok, Thailand; Amman, Jordan; Kathmandu, Nepal; Sydney, Australia; and Tokyo, Japan. There are 30 national Committees for UNICEF offices around the world. UNICEF Field Offices exist in almost every country. Besides overseeing their own activities, UNICEF will sometimes assist other organizations working to help children achieve the aims of UNICEF.
For more information see www.unicef.org
UNICEF Say YES to Children Campaign
People of all ages are joining together as part of a new Global Movement for Children, determined to build a better world for children and for all of us.
Their message is straightforward: the citizens of the world care about children and expect governments to keep the promises they make to them. Add your voice and say Yes to the 10 critical actions needed to improve the lives of children and adolescents everywhere. By May 2002 more than 94 million people have said Yes!
Ten Imperative Actions of the “Say Yes for Children” Campaign
1. LEAVE NO CHILD OUT- Because every girl and boy is born free and equal in dignity and rights, all forms of discrimination and exclusion against children must end.
2. PUT CHILDREN FIRST – Governments must meet their obligations to children and young people. At the same time, everyone – including individuals, non-governmental organizations, religious groups, the private sector and children and adolescents themselves – must recognize their responsibility to ensure that child rights are respected.
3. CARE FOR EVERY CHILD – All children must enjoy the highest attainable standards of health, especially through immunization, good nutrition and diet, clean water and adequate sanitation, proper housing and a safe and healthy environment.
4. FIGHT HIV/AIDS – Children and adolescents and their families must be protected from the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS.
5. STOP HARMING AND EXPLOITING CHILDREN – The violence and abuse that children suffer must be stopped now. And the sexual and economic exploitation of children must also end.
6. LISTEN TO CHILDREN – Everyone must respect the right of children and young people to express themselves and to participate in decisions that affect them, consistent with their evolving capabilities. And we must listen and act.
7. EDUCATE EVERY CHILD – All girls and boys must receive compulsory, free primary education of good quality.
8. PROTECT CHILDREN FROM WAR – Children must be protected from the horrors of armed conflict.
9. PROTECT THE EARTH FOR CHILDREN – There must be urgent steps by every one of us – including governments, civil society and the private sector – to assure the well-being and security of future generations by safeguarding the environment at global, national and local levels.
10. FIGHT POVERTY: INVEST IN CHILDREN – Because children suffer the most from poverty, the fight against it must begin with them. This includes investing in social services that benefit the poorest children and their families, such as basic health care and primary education. At the same time, the well-being of children must be a priority objective of debt relief programmes, development assistance and government spending.
To sign on to the Campaign go to, www.unicef/say_yes
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