Editing UNICEF

{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2023}}
{{UNICEF}}

[[File:Logo of UNICEF.svg|thumb|right|150px|Logo of UNICEF]]

'''UNICEF''', or the '''United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund''', is a [[United Nations]] agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. The agency is among the most widespread and recognizable social welfare organizations in the world, with a presence in 192 countries and territories.

==History==
UNICEF was created in December 1946 by the [[United Nations General Assembly]] to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries that had been devastated by [[World War II]]. Originally known as the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, it was renamed the United Nations Children's Fund in 1953, though it retained the original acronym.

==Mission and Activities==
UNICEF's mission is to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs, and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. The organization focuses on areas such as child protection, education, health, nutrition, and emergency relief.

===Child Protection===
UNICEF works to protect children from violence, exploitation, and abuse. It supports programs that prevent child trafficking, child labor, and child marriage.

===Education===
[[File:1 school in a box.jpg|thumb|right|250px|UNICEF's "School in a Box" kit]]
UNICEF promotes education for all children, with a focus on girls' education and children in conflict zones. The "School in a Box" initiative provides educational materials to children in emergency situations.

===Health and Nutrition===
UNICEF provides vaccines, nutritional supplements, and health education to improve child health and reduce mortality rates. It plays a key role in global immunization campaigns.

===Emergency Relief===
[[File:Sudan Envoy - UNICEF Tent.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A UNICEF tent in Sudan]]
In times of crisis, UNICEF provides emergency relief, including food, water, and shelter, to children and families affected by natural disasters and conflicts.

==Funding==
UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from governments, non-governmental organizations, foundations, corporations, and individuals. It is one of the largest recipients of private donations among UN agencies.

==Global Presence==
[[File:UNICEF world warehouse gate.jpg|thumb|right|250px|UNICEF's global supply warehouse]]
UNICEF operates in 192 countries and territories through country programs and National Committees. Its global supply warehouse in Copenhagen is the largest humanitarian warehouse in the world.

==Research and Innovation==
[[File:UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre.jpg|thumb|right|250px|UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre]]
The UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre in Florence, Italy, conducts research to inform policy and practice for children's rights and well-being.

==Notable Ambassadors==
UNICEF has a network of Goodwill Ambassadors who help raise awareness and funds for its programs. Notable ambassadors include [[David Beckham]], [[Shakira]], and [[Lionel Messi]].

[[File:Messi ball (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|250px|Lionel Messi, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador]]

==Related Pages==
* [[United Nations]]
* [[World Health Organization]]
* [[UNESCO]]

==References==
* "UNICEF." United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. Retrieved from [https://www.unicef.org/].
* "History of UNICEF." UNICEF. Retrieved from [https://www.unicef.org/history].
* "UNICEF's Work." UNICEF. Retrieved from [https://www.unicef.org/what-we-do].

[[Category:United Nations agencies]]
[[Category:Children's rights organizations]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1946]]
<gallery>
File:Logo_of_UNICEF.svg|UNICEF Logo
File:Sudan_Envoy_-_UNICEF_Tent.jpg|UNICEF Tent in Sudan
File:Messi_ball_(cropped).jpg|Lionel Messi with UNICEF Ball
File:UNICEF_world_warehouse_gate.jpg|UNICEF World Warehouse Gate
File:1_school_in_a_box.jpg|UNICEF School in a Box
File:UNICEF_Innocenti_Research_Centre.jpg|UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre
File:Dubai_Future_Forum_2024_-_Bo_Viktor_Nylund.jpg|Bo Viktor Nylund at Dubai Future Forum 2024
</gallery>