UNICEF works with families, communities and governments in more than 190 countries worldwide to protect and promote the rights of all children.

We are guided throughout our work by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which guarantees every child the same rights: to an education, to a childhood, to be as healthy as possible, to be treated fairly and to be heard. UNICEF works in all these areas, and does so in a joined up way to achieve the best possible outcomes for children.

How we do it

We support governments to build and equip health systems, train health workers and provide food and clean water, so every child can be as healthy as possible. UNICEF is also the world’s largest distributer of vaccines to the developing world, protecting millions of children against death from preventable diseases.

We help governments to build schools, train teachers and provide textbooks so that every child can get an education.

We support families and communities to care for children and protect them against exploitation and abuse, fulfilling their right to a childhood. We work with partners to ensure that every child has the opportunity to take part in sport and play.

We aim to involve children at every level of decision-making, from school councils to international summits, upholding their right to be heard. Working at the highest levels of government and through local staff and partners on the ground, we work to address poverty and discrimination so that every child is treated fairly.

UNICEF recognises that children are uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of HIV and AIDS and climate change. In 2005, we launched our global campaign, Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS, to bring about real and lasting change for children affected by HIV and AIDS. We are already delivering climate change adaptation and disaster preparedness programmes, and campaigning for action on carbon emissions.