In 1970, the richest countries in the world committed to give 0.7 percent of their Gross National Income (GNI) to overseas aid. Today, only five of the world’s richest countries are meeting this target: Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Luxembourg and Sweden. France, Ireland, Finland, Spain and Belgium have all set a clear timetable for reaching the target. The UK has also announced a plan to reach the target by 2013.

International aid, channelled effectively, can successfully reduce child poverty. For example, aid has reduced polio infections to their lowest level ever. Effective aid is also an essential element of reaching the UN Millennium Development Goals, key international commitments on global poverty reduction.

UNICEF UK is currently campaigning on a number of issues related to international aid commitments, both in terms of its quality and quantity.

Help defend international aid by joining our Campaigns Network or making a donation to UNICEF.