UNICEF is the United Nations Children's Fund
For over 70 years, we've been working to protect the rights of children in over 190 countries and territories around the world.
No Boundaries
We help all children, near or far, no matter their race or religion
Global Reach
We're the largest children's organisation, with offices in over 190 countries
Donor Funded
We're a UN organisation, but we are 100% donor funded
UNICEF Aotearoa is one of 33 UNICEF National Committees, which raise funds for UNICEF’s worldwide emergency and development work.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is the global authority on children's rights. No other organisation has UNICEF's experience, expertise and reach.
Global Authority
No other organisation has UNICEF's experience, expertise and reach.
Every child is born with fundamental human rights, but conflict, disease, exploitation and poor education keep millions of children from reaching their full potential.
UNICEF fights for every child's right to survive and thrive into adulthood.
UNICEF's mission is to create a better world, by advocating for the protection of children's rights. To do this, we bring people together: governments, donors, humanitarian agencies, businesses and children themselves.
This is what UNICEF does, every day, for all children around the world.
We want health, education, a fair go and protection, for every child.
We Protect
UNICEF is the leading agency supporting children in need through natural disasters war and other disruptions.
UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965
Of every dollar over 87% goes directly to help children
We Advocate
UNICEF advocates for issues such as child rights, safety, protection, education to raise healthy future citizens.
We Empower
UNICEF works with NGOs and Governments around the globe to empower the future citizens of the planet.
We collaborate with governments to empower children
70 years of saving lives
We're helping not just one child, but all children in need.
Our history shows that humanity can improve over time.
Food to Europe
After World War II, European children face famine and disease. UNICEF is created in December 1946 by the United Nations to provide food, clothing and health care to them
Unicef Becomes Permanent Part Of The UN
After World War II, European children face famine and disease. UNICEF is created in December 1946 by the United Nations.
Declaration Of The Rights Of The Child
The UN General Assembly adopts the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which defines children’s rights to protection, education, health care, shelter and good nutrition
Nobel Peace Prize
UNICEF is awarded the 1965 Nobel Peace Prize “for the promotion of brotherhood among nations.”
International Year Of The Child
Marked by celebrations around the world, people and organizations reaffirm their commitment to children’s rights
Child Survival And
Development Revolution
UNICEF launches a drive to save the lives of millions of children each year. The ‘revolution’ is based on four simple, low-cost techniques: growth monitoring, oral rehydration therapy, breastfeeding and immunization.
Landmark Unicef Study
UNICEF’s study Adjustment with a Human Face prompts a global debate on how to protect children and women from the malign effects of the economic adjustments and reforms taken to reduce national debt in poor countries.
Convention On The Rights Of The Child
The Convention is adopted by the UN General Assembly. It enters into force in September 1990. It becomes the most widely- and rapidly-accepted human rights treaty in history.
Child Survival And Development Revolution
An unprecedented summit of Heads of State and Government at the United Nations in New York City sets 10-year goals for children’s health, nutrition and education.
Special Session On
Children
A landmark Special Session of the UN General Assembly was convened to review progress since the World Summit for Children in 1990 and re-energize global commitment to children's rights.
Our Mission
UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly 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
Where the money goes
Our generous donors help protect children affected by poverty, conflict, natural disasters and famine, all over the world.
Safe Water
Only 3% of schools in Kiribati had access to clean water, so children often fall ill and miss school. Our generous supporters helped raise more than $120,000 to provide 36 schools with safe water and improved sanitation facilities.
Emergency Support
When category 5 Tropical
Cyclone Winston hit Fiji, our donors gave more than $350,000 to provide emergency sanitation and hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and help kids return to school so they could continue their education.
Crucial Healthcare
Caught in the horrors of war, Syrian children were missing out on crucial healthcare. Our donors helped us to provide nutrition supplements, therapeutic food, and polio immunisations for 3.5 million children.
View a snapshot of how our amazing donors helped change children's lives below. Our projects last year provided water, education and emergency healthcare to children in some of the world's poorest and most desperate communities.
We're committed to transparency. To see how we split up expenses and manage our costs see our annual report or visit UNICEF Open for more details.
Work With Us
Ready to work for the world's leading international children's charity? Join the tens of thousands of UNICEF staff around the world making a difference on the front line.
Contact us
Want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us using the following information, or send an email to:
[email protected]
Our Office
Level 1, PSA House
11 Aurora Terrace
Wellington, 6011
New Zealand
Postal Address
PO Box 10459
The Terrace
Wellington, 6143
New Zealand
Phone Us
(+64) (04) 815 9370
(+64) (04) 815 9389 (fax)
0800 243 575