Child rights

Hate speech is a critical child rights issue. Discrimination and exclusion that manifest in hate speech are issues of significant relevance to children’s rights across development, fragile and humanitarian contexts, and both online as well as off-line. UNICEF’s podcast series on hate speech and its impact on child rights aims to raise awareness on…, Hate speech and children's rights podcast speakers, The podcast series includes interviews with high level speakers, including: Alice Wairimu Nderitu, Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide Barbara Reynolds, Chairperson for the UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent Victor Madrigal-Borloz, UN Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender…

The 2021 Global Annual Results Reports take stock of UNICEF’s results at the global, regional and country levels, based on the goals and cross-cutting priorities of the UNICEF Strategic Plan, 2018-2021.   For an overview of the results within each area, please visit the report pages below which provide examples, case studies and interactive data.…, UNICEF thematic funding , These reports highlight the achievements made possible by the contributions of loosely earmarked global thematic funding received from partners, including the governments of Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United States Fund for UNICEF and the Danish Committee for UNICEF.   Global thematic funding is one of the best ways to achieve impact for…, Measuring results , These reports cover health; nutrition; HIV and AIDS; early childhood development; education; water, sanitation and hygiene; safe and clean environments; child protection; social protection; inclusion; and governance. They also cover UNICEF’s cross-cutting work on gender equality and humanitarian action.    portrait-girl Goal Area 1 – Every child…,   With thanks, This report highlights the achievements made possible by the generous contributions of softly earmarked thematic funding received from various partners. UNICEF would like to express it's sincere appreciation for these contributions.

For over 75 years, UNICEF has been working tirelessly for child rights and for the well-being of every child. Whoever they are. Wherever they live. Since UNICEF was established, in the aftermath of World War II, we have been at the frontlines of humanitarian crises, armed conflict and natural disasters. Our on-the-ground expertise has reached more…, From the archives, 2021, See the full report, 2020, Responding to COVID-19 See the full report, 2019, For every child, reimagine See the full report, 2018, For every child, every right See the full report, 2017, See the full report, 2016, See the full report, 2015, See the full report, 2014, See the full report, 2013, See the full report, 2012, See the full report, 2011, See the full report, 2010, See the full report, 2009, See the full report, 2008, See the full report, 2007, See the full report, 2006, See the full report, 2005, See the full report, 2004, See the full report, 2003, See the full report, 2002, See the full report, 2001, See the full report, 2000, See the full report, 1999, See the full report, 1998, See the full report, 1997, See the full report, 1996, See the full report, 1995, See the full report, 1994, See the full report, 1993, See the full report, 1992, See the full report, 1991, See the full report, 1990, See the full report, 1989, See the full report, 1988, See the full report, 1987, See the full report, 1986, See the full report, 1985, See the full report, 1984, See the full report, 1983, See the full report, 1982, See the full report, 1981, See the full report, 1980, See the full report, 1979, See the full report, 1978, See the full report, 1977, See the full report, 1976, See the full report, 1975, See the full report, 1974, See the full report, 1973, See the full report, 1972, See the full report

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Around the world, attacks on children continue unabated. The number of countries experiencing violent conflict is the highest it has been in the last 30 years. The result is that more than 30 million children have been displaced by conflict. Many of them are being enslaved, trafficked, abused and exploited. Many more are living in limbo, without…, Stop attacks on children, Ultimately children need peace to thrive. It is critical for children that efforts to end today’s seemingly endless armed conflicts are redoubled. But children cannot wait for protection – while wars continue, we must never accept attacks against children. More than 30 years since the adoption of the  Convention on the Rights of the Child , and…, What we can all do to make change happen, Citizens everywhere   can begin by not averting their gaze from children’s suffering, because it seems too distant or the politics of conflict too complex. We must insist to national and international leaders that protecting children during armed conflict is the cornerstone of our shared humanity. We must demand leadership which is prepared to act…, Recent news and features, Protecting children from explosive weapons in populated areas, Iraq. Two children walk to school past damaged buildings in the old city area of Mosul, Iraq. Two children walk to school in the old city area of Mosul, Iraq. In conflicts around the world, civilians continue to endure the devastating consequences of the use of  https://www.unicef.org/protection/protecting-children-from-explosive-weapons explosive…

UNICEF is driven by five core values: care, respect, integrity, trust and accountability. A range of initiatives has been established to ensure these values form the basis of UNICEF operations and guide the world’s leading organization for children and young people. To remain true to our mandate to help children and defend their rights, UNICEF’s…, Learn more, UNICEF's journey of organizational transformation Report of the Independent Task Force on Workplace Gender-discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Abuse of Authority  [ Français  |  Español  |  العربية ] UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore’s message to staff on the report of the Independent Task Force on Workplace Gender-discrimination, Sexual…

The UNICEF Blog promotes children’s rights and well-being, and ideas about ways to improve their lives and the lives of their families. We bring you insights from the world's leading child rights experts and accounts from UNICEF's staff on the ground in more than 190 countries and territories., More from the Blog, The opinions expressed on the UNICEF Blog are those of the author(s) and don't necessarily reflect UNICEF's official position.

In 2019, at the 25th Conference of the Parties (COP25) in Madrid, a group of world leaders joined youth activists in a historic moment — to sign an Intergovernmental Declaration on Children, Youth and Climate Action. This is the first-of-its-kind commitment to accelerate inclusive, child and youth-centered climate policies and action at national…, The Declaration, Considering  that children face heightened and specific risks due to climate change, that these impacts are already occurring, and that the most disadvantaged and marginalized children bear the heaviest burden; Acknowledging  the global leadership and calls of children and young people for urgent and immediate climate action, as well as their…, Signatories, Albania Ghana Marshall Islands Qatar Andorra Guyana Mexico Senegal Armenia Honduras Micronesia Sierra Leone Bangladesh Hungary Monaco Slovenia Belgium Iraq Montenegro South Africa Benin Jamaica The Netherlands Spain Bulgaria Jordan Nigeria St. Lucia Chile Kyrgyzstan North Macedonia Suriname Costa Rica Libya Norway Sweden Denmark Luxembourg Palau…, Other partners, Korean Parliamentarian Friends of UNICEF Scotland > Back to menu, Frequently asked questions, What is the Declaration?, The Declaration was launched in December 2019 during COP25 , at a high-level event convened by the COP25 Presidency of the Government of Chile in Madrid, Spain. UNICEF, in collaboration with YOUNGO and the Children’s Environmental Rights Initiative coalition (CERI), supported the Presidency, champion governments and young people from around the…, Why is the Declaration important?, The Declaration represents a first-of-its-kind set of commitments by States to consistently consider children’s specific needs, rights and perspectives in their climate policies and action at all levels. This comprehensive framework seeks to respond to the fact that that the climate crisis is a child rights crisis, while also recognizing the…, How many countries have signed?, For the latest list, please refer to the Signatories section., Can the Declaration be changed?, The Declaration is based on priorities identified by children and youth themselves, and consensus on the text was reached by the champion governments that launched the Declaration in 2019. In 2021, feedback received from Member States was accepted by YOUNGO. The Declaration text is therefore considered closed at this stage, however an annex to the…, Is there any additional guidance to accompany the Declaration?, Yes, an annex has been developed to provide supporting guidance for taking forward operationalization of the Declaration’s commitments. This guidance is intended to provide more context, information, and supporting resources/tools where available. It also seeks to address additional comments and suggestions received from signatory States to…, How can our government sign?, Your Government can sign by sending a scanned copy of the signed Declaration to climate@unicef.org and the CERI Secretariat at secretariat@childrenvironment.org . You will receive a confirmation email from UNICEF. You are also kindly invited to identify a focal point and contact details for follow-up., What happens next?, Once confirmation is received, your Government will be included on the list of Member State signatories on the Declaration webpage of the co-custodians. We will announce your commitment on social media and showcase your alignment during key moments and events around the world. We invite you to announce this news through your own channels as well,…, How will progress be monitored?, As your Government takes steps to operationalize the Declaration, please share developments and plans with us so that we can bring visibility to exemplary work. We encourage you to make the Declaration visible on your Government website, and to inform/engage relevant stakeholders, for example through events at the national level, as suggested…, Resources, Publisher Title UNICEF   Children displaced in a changing climate UNICEF   An Environment Fit for Children: UNICEF’s Approach to Climate Change UNICEF   Healthy Environments for Healthy Children: Global Programme Framework UNICEF The coldest year of the rest of their lives

For 75 years, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has been working tirelessly for child rights and for the well-being of every child. Whoever they are. Wherever they live. UNICEF has been an unstoppable force for change in the lives of children around the world. Since UNICEF was established, in the aftermath of World War II, we have been…, Working for every child, Join the journey, A mission that evolves with the changing situation of children, UNICEF history, From emerging crises to invisible ones When the world’s most vulnerable children have needed a champion, UNICEF has been there.  From short-term relief during armed conflict, natural disasters and humanitarian crises to long-term survival and development programmes, we have helped build resilient health and welfare systems across the globe. We…, Reimagining the world for every child, The world faces multiple crises today — the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, widespread social and economic challenges and rising poverty and inequality. These challenges impact us all, but they hit the most vulnerable children the hardest. A child rights crisis is upon us.  With disruption comes opportunity. Just as we rebuilt from the ruins of…

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was established in 1946, in the aftermath of World War II. Our mandate was clear: to help children and young people whose lives and futures were at risk – no matter what role their country had played in the war. What mattered to UNICEF was reaching every child in need, protecting…, A fairer world for every child, The story of UNICEF is a story of how much good the human family can do when it unites to protect the rights of its youngest and most vulnerable citizens. We bring 75 years of field-tested expertise, a network that spans the globe, a passion for innovation, dynamic partnerships, and a commitment to making every dollar count. As we look back, we…, UNICEF through the decades, For 75 years, UNICEF’s mission has evolved with the needs of children around the world. Browse our timeline and discover our work through the decades. In 2021, as the world faced new crises, UNICEF marched into its 75 th year. We paused to reflect on our past while reimagining a better future for every child., The faces, the voices, The story of UNICEF is that of every child we reach. It is also reflected in the people who have relentlessly served and supported our organization. This is the story of committed people who have provided critical resources, time and encouragement to build an environment where children can grow up protected, healthy and educated. Be they our…, The Archives, For 75 years, UNICEF has collected records, items and leading research that document our story as well as that of the world. The UNICEF Archives, located in our New York Headquarters, houses material that captures UNICEF’s global field operations – from our founding in the aftermath of World War II through today. From biographies to landmark…, Historical documents and publications, Our vast collection of reports, data and other historical publications spans decades and is a key vehicle to influence policy and decision-making.  From flagship publications like the State of the World’s Children to our Annual Reports, discover our historical documents .

UNICEF research and publications have become synonymous with advocating for the rights of children. Aside from being critical vehicles that promote policy discussion and guide decision-making, they showcase our efforts and those of our partners on behalf of children. From flagship publications to documents of historical interest, discover…, The evolution (1946–2016), Commemorating UNICEF’s steps through history, the following milestone series showcases how the cause of children has evolved since World War II. These historical reviews explore our contribution against a backdrop of rapid global changes in social, political and economic affairs. UNICEF@40 cover image UNICEF-at-40 UNICEF at 40 years Cover page of…, The State of the World's Children, Thanks to our historical body of knowledge, UNICEF has an unprecedented view on The State of the World’s Children – also the name of UNICEF’s annual flagship publication that covers the most important issues affecting children, year by year. The reports, from the first publication in 1980 to our latest, can be downloaded here ., UNICEF Annual Reports, The UNICEF Annual Report spotlights significant results achieved by UNICEF and its partners each year on behalf of children around the world. UNICEF’s Annual Reports from 1972 to 1999 are available here . For our most recent Annual Reports, visit our Publications Hub ., World Summit for Children, The World Summit for Children was a landmark event for UNICEF and the world. Held in September 1990, 71 heads of state adopted a declaration on the survival, protection and development of children, and a plan of action for implementation in the 1990s. The declaration and plan of action from the World Summit for Children is laid out in the booklet…, The Progress of Nations, The Progress of Nations charts the advances made since the 1990 World Summit for Children. Each edition challenged countries to fulfill their promises to children. Read more and download the Progress of Nations series (1997-2000) ., Looking for more?, Visit the UNICEF Archives UNICEF Archives  to explore our collection of resources, artifacts and other materials that document UNICEF's history of protecting children's rights. For the latest publications and reports from UNICEF, visit our Research and Reports Hub .

When The State of the World’s Children first went into print in 1980, 10 per cent of the children born that year died from preventable causes. By 2018, that number had declined to just 3 per cent. Thanks to milestones such as the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, children are now on global and national policy agendas…, All reports