Issues we work on | UNICEF UK

UNICEF's work

Learn about the key child rights issues that UNICEF UK works on through our campaigning work and in Parliament.

International aid International aid is helping to fulfil the rights of millions of children worldwide. In 1970, the richest countries in the world committed to giving 0.7 percent of their Gross National Income (GNI) to overseas aid. Today, only five countries are meeting this target, and the UK Government has committed to reach the target by 2013.
UK child poverty Today, 3.5 million children – 1 in 3 – live in poverty in the UK. Without urgent action, the number of children living in poverty in the UK will increase as more families struggle to cope with the recession.
Climate change Children in developing countries are among the hardest hit by climate change, despite being the least responsible for it. UNICEF works to put it right, helping communities adapt to the impacts of climate change now.
Water and sanitation Thousands of children die every day because of inadequate access to safe water and sanitation services and poor hygiene practices. UNICEF works to improve water and sanitation in schools and communities.
UNICEF and Sport Sport is important to UNICEF because it's so vital to the health and happiness of children. We work with governments and partners across the world to use sports to improve children’s lives and strengthen communities.
UNICEF's work on HIV and AIDS Every day, 1,000 children are infected with HIV, most through mother-to-child transmission. UNICEF works with communities and governments around the world to prevent new infections among young people and eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Making child rights part of UK law UNICEF UK believes that making the Convention part of UK law would give powerful protection to children, ensuring that all children living in the UK, no matter who they are or where they’re from, have their rights realised.