UNICEF is the only United Nations agency committed exclusively to the well-being of children. It was established in 1946 by the General Assembly to meet the emergency needs of children in post-war Europe and China. In 1950, its mandate was broadened to address the long-term needs of children and mothers in developing countries everywhere. UNICEF became a permanent part of the United Nations system in 1953, and it was then that its name was shortened from the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund to the United Nations Children's Fund, although the original acronym was retained. While working to ensure the survival, protection and development of children and advocating a high priority for them in the allocation of resources at all times, UNICEF continues to give relief and rehabilitation assistance in emergencies. The agency was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965.
The governing body of UNICEF, the Executive Board, consists of 36 member states and holds three regular and one annual meeting every year to establish policy, review programs and approve expenditures. The Executive Director is appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General in consultation with the Executive Board. The incumbent is Carol Bellamy of the United States.
As part of its mission to protect children and to ensure their survival and development, UNICEF promotes the universal ratification and full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Convention was unanimously adopted by the General Assembly in November 1989, entered into force in September 1990 and had been ratified by 181 countries by November 1995.
UNICEF was instrumental in organizing the 1990 World Summit for Children, attended by representatives from over 150 countries, including 71 heads of state or government. The summit adopted a Declaration and a Plan of Action and set goals for the year 2000, including reducing infant and under-five child mortality rates by a third and the maternal mortality rate by half; reducing the severe malnutrition rate by half; ensuring universal access to safe drinking water and basic education; reducing adult illiteracy rates; and improving the protection of children in especially difficult circumstances.
UNICEF works closely with governments, local communities, nongovernmental organizations and other partners in carrying out programs in primary health care, nutrition, basic education, water and sanitation, the empowerment of women, equality for girls and other activities that improve the well-being of children.
Emphasis is placed on program sustainability, low-cost technology, fostering active community participation and building the capacity of beneficiaries through training in such skills as health care, midwifery and teaching.
UNICEF is supported by 38 National Committees, found mostly in the industrialized countries, that carry out fund-raising, advocacy, education and information activities.
UNICEF maintains consultative status with over 180 nongovernmental organizations that participate actively in program implementation, fund-raising and social mobilization.
UNICEF accomplishes its work with voluntary contributions from governments and nongovernmental sources. Total income in 1994 amounted to US $1,006 million. Income from governments accounted for 67 per cent of this. Total 1994 expenditure was US $999 million.
UNICEF employs nearly 7,500 staff members at 251 locations in 130 countries. About 10 per cent work at headquarters in New York.
From United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund.
