UNICEF Australia

1946-1953: United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund

1953-to date: United Nations Children’s Fund

UNICEF was established on 11 December 1946 by the United Nations to meet the emergency needs of children in post-war Europe and China. Its full name was the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund.

In 1950, its mandate was broadened to include the long-term needs of children and women in developing countries everywhere. UNICEF became a permanent part of the United Nations system in 1953, when its name was shortened to the United Nations Children's Fund. However, UNICEF retained its original acronym.

What does UNICEF actually do?

UNICEF works around the world to promote and protect the rights of children. UNICEF contributes to their well-being through programs that help them survive and thrive to adulthood, and that provide essential medicines, vaccines, educational, health and emergency supplies. In over 155 countries and territories, UNICEF brings its influence to bear on the individuals and institutions that serve the youngest generation.

What is the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child?

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international human rights instrument that sets out the basic rights of children and the obligations of governments to fulfill those rights. It has been ratified – a formal term for governments signing up – by all but two governments in the world. Australia signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990. The Convention is the foundation of UNICEF’s work and sets out rights for the survival, development, protection and participation of children.

This ground-breaking treaty for the world's children was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1989 and within a year it entered into force as international law. The convention expanded the world's legal boundaries, for the first time establishing children's basic needs as rights.

Australia signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990.

How many countries signed?

The United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child in November, 1989. The Convention has been ratified by 191 out of 193 territories and states worldwide (all countries except the USA and Somalia). This makes it the most widely and rapidly accepted human rights convention in history.

What does UNICEF do in Australia?

UNICEF Australia is a non-government organisation established more than 30 years ago. We are one of 36 National Committees around the world who play a vital role in generating public support and awareness for the organisation's work. UNICEF Australia is a company limited by guarantee.

Where does UNICEF get its money from?

UNICEF is funded entirely through voluntary contributions. The main sources of income are individuals, trusts, businesses, government, community organisations and student fundraising through schools.

UNICEF National Committees, like UNICEF Australia, are non-government organisations that promote children’s rights, raise funds, sell UNICEF greeting cards and products, create key partnerships and provide other invaluable support in industrialised countries.

I want to work for UNICEF overseas. Where do I sign up?

UNICEF Australia employs people to work in our Sydney office. We do not recruit either paid or volunteer staff for UNICEF.

If you are interested in a career with UNICEF, you can obtain detailed information about the various avenues open to you and the application process from UNICEF’s international website at: www.unicef.org/about/employ/index.html

UNICEF does not recruit volunteers directly, but works through the United Nations Volunteer (UNV) program. This is a common UN program which recruits volunteers for assignment throughout the UN system. Further information about UNV can be obtained from their website (link to http://www.unv.org)

Other websites that may interest are:
• Australian Council for International Development, http://www.acfid.asn.au
• Australian Volunteers International, http://www.australianvolunteers.com
• Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development, http://www.ausaid.gov.au/youtham/default.cfm
• Volunteering for International Development from Australia, http://www.vidavolunteers.com.au/aspx/home.aspx

I’d like to send supplies to a particular country. How can I do this?

UNICEF Australia does not procure supplies for UNICEF's emergency or long-term projects overseas. While it is a very generous offer to donate medical/educational supplies, food or clothing, it is administratively and logistically extremely difficult and expensive to organise to freight and distribute items overseas from Australia..

Instead, UNICEF has its own Supply Division which procures humanitarian supplies from around the world. UNICEF supplies 40 percent of vaccines to the developing world, and often UNICEF supplies are bought and used by other agencies.

For gifts-in-kind to overseas communities, there is an organisation based in Hong Kong called Global Hand, which facilitates the distribution of medical supplies and equipment, food, computers, construction materials, educational supplies etc. Their website is http://www.globalhand.org .

You could also try contacting the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the umbrella organisation for all aid agencies with a presence in Australia.

Does UNICEF accept foreign coins? If so, where can I bring my coins?

UNICEF Australia accepts local and foreign money via our Change for Good program. All money from our Change for Good program goes towards UNICEF's life-saving programs in health, education, and protection in over 155 countries around the world. For more information about the Change for Good program, please visit: http://www.unicef.com.au/Partners-Subs.asp?PartnersID=28

You can hand in money on any Qantas flight or in major domestic airport lounges. Qantas Change for Good bins are located at the following airports (domestic terminals):

• Adelaide
• Darwin
• Ayers Rock
• Hobart
• Townsville
• Coolangatta
• Alice Springs
• Brisbane
• Cairns
• Melbourne
• Perth
• Canberra
• Sydney

You can also make foreign currency donations using ANZ Coins for Kids donation boxes located at the following ANZ Bureau de Change branches:

• Melbourne Airport
• Melbourne CBD, 100 Queen St
• Melbourne CBD, 55 Collins St
• Melbourne CBD, 293 Collins St
• Melbourne CBD, 230 Swanson St
• Brisbane CBD, 146 Queen St
• Sydney CBD, 96 Pitt St, Martin Place
• Sydney Airport

There are also general Foreign Currency Donation boxes located at:

• American Express, Melbourne CBD, 233 Collins Street
• National Australia Bank, Melbourne CBD, 330 Collins St

Or alternatively, you can drop your coins in to our Sydney CBD office, located at Level 7, 171 Clarence St, Sydney.

Is UNICEF part of the UN?

Yes. UNICEF is a United Nations agency. But National Committees like UNICEF Australia are not.

Our formal link with UNICEF is through a Cooperation Agreement, which sets out the expectations of our association with UNICEF.

UNICEF Australia is a registered charity and registered non-governmental organisation in Australia, and is governed by its own board of directors.

We work closely with UNICEF staff in New York and Geneva on activities like fundraising and communications, have cooperative links with other National Committees in other countries, and have regular contact with field offices to identify funding needs and opportunities to carry out field visits.

Where does UNICEF operate?

UNICEF maintains programs in over 155 countries. UNICEF headquarters are in New York. There are eight regional offices and 126 country offices worldwide, as well as a research centre in Florence, a supply operation in Copenhagen and offices in Tokyo and Brussels. There are 37 National Committees for UNICEF (of which UNICEF Australia is one) that raise funds and spread awareness about the organisation’s work.

Can we apply to UNICEF Australia for funding of our programs?

All money UNICEF Australia raises must be remitted towards UNICEF development programs in over 150 countries where we are saving and improving the lives of children and women. UNICEF Australia has no flexibility to remit funds or to provide support to non-UNICEF programs or NGOs.

UNICEF Australia Health raises other funds for programs for Indigenous children in Australia. Those programs are administered by our partners. UNICEF Health Australia does not accept funding applications.

Do you just work with children?

No. UNICEF works with governments, non-government organisations, community organisations, local committees and families, as well as children themselves, in order to improve the lives of both children and their communities.

The focus of UNICEF's work is children, but many of the improvements made for children ultimately improve the lives of others in their families and communities. For example, our Safe Motherhood projects that help mothers survive childbirth will ensure that children grow up with the support of their mothers.

What are UNICEF's priority areas of work?

UNICEF commits its resources to achieving results for children in five priority areas while also continuing to respond rapidly in emergencies and conflicts. These priority areas are:

Young Child Survival and Development - UNICEF works to ensure that children survive and thrive through child survival, nutrition and environmental interventions.

Basic Education and Gender Equality – UNICEF works to ensure that every child, especially girls, receives and completes a quality primary school education.

HIV/AIDS and Children – UNICEF works to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and ensure care for the children and young people already affected by the disease.

Child Protection – UNICEF works to protect children so that they can grow up free from violence, exploitation, abuse and discrimination.

Policy Advocacy and Partnerships – UNICEF works to establish partnerships, conduct research and raise awareness that help protect the rights of children.

How is UNICEF different from other organisations?

UNICEF is different in two main ways.

The first difference is that UNICEF is one of the largest organisations specifically focusing on children’s development, children in emergencies and children’s rights.

The second difference is that, internationally, UNICEF is what is known as an intergovernmental organisation (IGO). This means that UNICEF works in formal partnerships with governments, and has greater access to and influence with those governments on programs for children.

Why can’t I sponsor a child through UNICEF?

UNICEF does not promote individual child or family sponsorship, which can potentially interfere with family or community relationships. Instead, we UNICEF’s Global Parent program helps many children, not just one. As a Global Parent, your monthly donations support long-term programs to provide essential services to improve the lives of all children.

By focusing on helping as many children as possible, we ensure that funds go to where they are most needed to help the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. With UNICEF’s help, hundreds of children’s lives are improved every day.

For more information about our Global Parent program, please visit http://www.unicef.org.au/Donate-GlobalParent.asp

How can I get copies of UNICEF publications?

UNICEF Australia has a limited supply of some UNICEF publications. These may be purchased through our Online Shop. Please note that a shipping and handling charge of $6.50 applies.

Does UNICEF sell cards and gifts, and where can I find them?

Yes, we sell unique and attractive gifts and beautifully designed cards from around the world. When you purchase a high quality UNICEF item, you are contributing to the lives and well-being of children around the world.

You can view and purchase UNICEF cards & gifts online by visiting our online shop http://merchandise.unicef.org.au/home.asp

The UNICEF shop is located at Level 7, 171 Clarence Street, Sydney, open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. A full list of other retail outlets can be found at http://www.unicef.org.au/CardsAndGifts-Subs.asp?CardsCategoryID=4

I have just received a suspicious looking email from someone claiming to be from UNICEF asking for money. What should I do?

These emails have NOT been generated by UNICEF. They are an illegal and fraudulent scam by people seeking to abuse the goodwill of UNICEF donors. The people behind them are not employees of UNICEF.

We ask that you be wary of any suspicious emails or other communications claiming to originate from someone connected with UNICEF, especially when they are not from an official UNICEF email account and ask you to engage in international money transfers. UNICEF does not request goods and services via unsolicited email.

If you receive any such communication, please email us at unicef@unicef.org.au.

Can I donate to a particular project or country?

Donations can be earmarked for a specific project or country through the specific appeals listed on our website. Otherwise, donations can best be spent when UNICEF is given the freedom to prioritise spending and therefore allocate funds to projects and countries where they are most needed, which also helps minimise administration costs.

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