The United Nations Children’s Fund, known as UNICEF, is a international organization which protects and defends the world’s children. UNICEF was built in order to care for children worldwide and work on resolving issues such as violence against children. UNICEF supports the idea that in order for a child to have a strong future, they need a quality beginning.
UNICEF promotes several issues that are a concern to the world today. They are strong supporters of girl’s receiving a primary education. They work towards immunizing children from common diseases and the prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS. UNICEF also helps to form safe environments for children, which are free from abuse or exploitation.
History of The Organization
The United Nations created UNICEF in 1946, following World War II in order to provide needs such as food and clothing to children in Europe. In 1953, UNICEF became a permanent establishment of the United Nations. Six years later, the UN general assembly created the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which documents and identifies a child’s right to needs such as nutrition, education and shelter.
In 1965, after years of work on the promotion of a child’s right to suitable care and education, UNICEF won the Noble Peace Prize. In 1982, UNICEF began the Child Survival and Development Revolution, which employs low cost practices to save millions of children’s lives. In 1989, the UN assembly generated the Convention on the Rights of Children, which is a widely accepted human rights treaty.
In 1990, the World Summit for Children took place in New York City, attended by heads of state and government, a 10-year goal for children’s progress was set. In the late ‘90s, UNICEF began to focus on the affects war has on children. In 2002, the UN general assembly met to review the improvement since the 1990 World Summit, and became the first Session that included children as delegates.
Where UNICEF is Located
UNICEF has locations all over the globe. UNICEF’s headquarters is located in New York, New York. The organization works in 191 countries all over the world. They have 8 local offices and 126 state offices. UNICEF also has a research center in Florence, a supply operation in Copenhagen and offices in Tokyo and Brussels.
How to Get Involved
There are several ways to get involved with UNICEF. One can apply for a job, internship, or participate in the UNICEF’s Young Professional Program and the United Nations Junior Professional Officer program through the UNICEF employment page. UNICEF’s volunteer page provides Information about volunteering for the organization. UNICEF acts completely on donations, and how to donate can also be found at the UNICEF site.
A Crucial Role in the Protection of Children’s Rights
Since the end of World War II, UNICEF has worked to create a better world for children of all cultures. The organization has developed and evolved overtime, creating effective ways to protect children from starvation, abuse, disease, among many others. UNICEF plays a crucial role in the protection of children’s rights by working for the future of humanity.
Source:
http://www.unicef.org/index.php
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