A group of children chase after a football in their school playground.
A group of children chase after a football in their school playground.

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About UNICEF

UNICEF — The United Nations Children’s Fund is a child-rights organisation that was established by the UN in 1946.

Today, more than 15,000 UNICEF staff members work in more than 190 countries, including in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach those most in need. Every day, we work together to create a better world for children.

That means when there is an emergency, UNICEF is ready to respond, no matter where in the world the crisis may be.

Where clean water is scarce, UNICEF have the resources and expertise to provide access to clean water, support proper sanitation and promote good hygiene.

Where there is malnutrition, UNICEF provide vital nutrition support, from lifesaving therapeutic food to community nutrition services.

When conflict or natural disasters disrupt children’s access to education, we set up temporary schools.

And for children at risk of disease, we help ensure they’re vaccinated.

And that is just the tip of the iceberg. In short, we are for every child and we reach more children in need than any other organisation.

Learn more about what we do. Alternatively, read more about the global UNICEF team’s governance and leadership.

UNICEF UK works for every child

The United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) is one of 33 UNICEF national committees that work locally to promote and protect the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

UNICEF UK and UNICEF share a vision to build a better world for every child. 
Together, we are committed to:

  • Advocating for and create change for children
  • Unlocking resources for programmes for children
  • Promoting children’s voices

Our shared ambition is to ensure every child here in the UK and worldwide is healthy, educated, and safe. UNICEF UK works towards this by raising funds for UNICEF’s global work implementing programmes together with local government to put children’s rights at the heart of local services, and campaigning for child rights to be protected everywhere.

How did we do in 2022?

In the UK:

Around the world:

  • We provided 356.3 million children under 5 with access to vital nutrition
  • 26 million people gained access to safe drinking water
  • 77.9 million children received vaccinations against measles
  • And We provided education to 37.9 million previously out-of-school children and adolescents, almost half of those in emergency situations

Our funding is entirely dependent on individual donations and the voluntary support of government, civil society, and private sector partners. That means your donations have a real impact on the lives of children globally.

Donate now to help us ensure every child has a happy and healthy childhood.

Want to know more about how we’re run first? Read more about UNICEF UK’s governance and leadership.