UNICEF helps children all over the world realise their rights. Children’s rights are threatened by lots of different things.
Here we meet some children that UNICEF is trying to protect. If you click the links you can see photos of these children.
The right to be healthy - Caroline's Story
Caroline is just 10 years old. She lives in a small village in Uganda. The only water available for her to drink is dirty and this is making her ill, threatening her right to be healthy. Every child has the right to be healthy. UNICEF is working to help Caroline realise this right by giving her education about health and sanitation and ways to clean her water. Read her photo story
The right to a childhood - Charles's Story
Charles, only thirteen years old, has had to grow up very quickly. Last year, his Mum discovered she had HIV and died. Now his mum is dead, Charles has to care for his for his younger brother and sisters.
He had no time for education – he has lost the chance to relax, to learn, and to play. His right to a childhood has been denied. Find out how UNICEF is helping him
The right to an education - Aklima's Story
Aklima, aged 12, lives in Dhaka in Bangladesh with her parents, four sisters and two brothers. Her family is very poor. Aklima doesn’t spend her days in a classroom like other children her age. Instead, she makes a living by scavenging for bits of plastic and scraps of paper at a rubbish dump. She has been working here since she was 3 or 4 years old. By working she is being denied her education. UNICEF works to ensure that all children have the chance to go to school. Aklima is going to school on the rubbish tip! Find out more by viewing her photo story.
The right to fairness - Shumon's Story
Shumon, just 13, lives in a slum in Bangladesh and works seven hours a day making pots in an aluminium factory. He is under pressure to work because his family desperately needs the money. All children have the right to be treated fairly no matter who they are or where they are from. UNICEF works tirelessly to protect this right, particularly for very poor children, like Shumon. Shumon has recently completed a three year course at a UNICEF-supported learning centre. It has more flexible hours than a school, making it easier for children like Shumon to attend. You can read more about Shumon by visiting his photo story
The right to a voice - Sreynet’s Story
Sreynet, ten, has lived on the streets in Cambodia all her life. Living on the street, children like Sreynet are ignored by everyone. They have little say in deciding their future and few opportunities to express their feelings and concerns to people with the power to help. They therefore risk being hurt, exploited or treated unfairly – they are left to suffer in silence. All children, no matter who they are or where they are from, have the right to voice. UNICEF has set up centres for children on the street where they can go to develop their opinions in a safe place and express their views. This gives them a better chance of lifting themselves out of poverty. Read more about Sreynet
