UNICEF's Work

UNICEF is the world’s leading organisation focusing on children and child rights, with a presence in more than 190 countries and territories. We work with local communities, partners and governments to ensure every child’s rights to survive and thrive are upheld.

UNICEF UK raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work around the world. In 2009 we raised £50 million for UNICEF’s work with children worldwide, including over 24 million to help children caught in emergencies.

We also advocate for lasting change for children. UNICEF UK’s Public Affairs team works with Parliament to change government policies and practices that are detrimental to child rights in the UK and internationally.

UNICEF delivers programmes in more than 150 less-developed countries around the world. Our global reach allows us to share knowledge across borders, while our local presence means we can deliver assistance where it is needed most. UNICEF is ready to respond rapidly wherever disaster strikes, delivering life-saving help for children.

UNICEF is the only organisation specifically named in the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child as a source of expert assistance and advice on which governments can call. We are responsible for holding governments to account for the rights of children.

UNICEF relies on voluntary donations to fund our vital work for children and their rights. We receive no funding from the UN budget. UNICEF UK raises funds for these programmes through donations, the sale of cards and gifts, partnerships with companies and fund-raising events.