What We Do

UNICEF's Priority Areas UNICEF works in over 150 countries and territories to promote and protect the rights of children. UNICEF works in five priority areas for children (Survival, Education, HIV/AIDS, Protection & Emergencies), as well as rapidly responding to emergencies and conflicts.	UNICEF's work in Australia UNICEF Australia engages in a wide variety of domestic activities and campaigns, working with groups such as The Australian Parliamentary Association for UNICEF to help ensure  that the rights of children and young people in Australia are being met.

UNICEF's Priority Areas

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is the foundation of UNICEF's work. UNICEF's mission is to make sure that the rights of children all over the world are protected and that people under the age of 18 are given special care and protection. We draw attention to the duties of governments, families, communities and individuals to respect those rights and support them in doing so.

Our work falls into five priority areas which are as follows:
 

	Child survival and development This area is concerned with providing essential health, nutrition, water and sanitation programmes to ensure children’s basic right to grow up in good health - UNICEF is the world’s largest procurer of vaccine for children.
	Child education and gender equality Education is critical to the development of individuals and societies, and helps pave the way to a brighter future. In one year alone, UNICEF provides more than 12 million children with educational materials.
	HIV/AIDS More than 15 million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS. UNICEF works to help look after these vulnerable children, providing medical assistance and education.
	Child protection UNICEF works to prevent and protect children from violence, exploitation, abuse, neglect and the effects of conflict; protecting children’s rights at each phase of their development.
	Emergencies UNICEF responds to over 200 emergencies each year, many of which don’t make the local news.  Children are always especially vulnerable to disease, malnutrition and violence during an emergency.

 

UNICEF's work in Australia

All children have the right to a safe and healthy life that is free from abuse and violence. UNICEF Australia raises funds for UNICEF programs in developing countries and carries out a range of activities to help ensure that the rights of children and young people in Australia are being met.

	Reporting on the Convention on the Rights of the Child UNICEF Australia coordinates the preparation and presentation of the NGO Report on Australia's implementation of the CRC to the UN Committee. Compliance is monitered by the UN.
	The Australian Parlimentary Association for UNICEF The Australian Parliamentary Association for UNICEF supports UNICEF by advocating in Parliament and the community for the protection and fulfilment of children’s rights.
	The Report Card on the Wellbeing of Young Australians A comprehensive overview of the wellbeing of Australia's young people and sets the baseline for future monitoring. The report highlights a lack of national and international data on some key indicators.
	Child friendly cities UNICEF Australia is promoting the Child Friendly Cities initiative in Australia. A Child Friendly City is a local system of good governance committed to fulfilling children's rights.
	Baby Friendly Health Initiative UNICEF Australia works to promote breastfeeding in Australia through implementation of the Baby Friendly Health Initiative. Breastfeeding provides babies with the best start in life.
	A meaningful framework to achieve indigenous equality UNICEF Australia is committed to help build a nation where the rights of all children in Australia are respected and realised. UNICEF is guided by the UN CRC.

Join UNICEF’s monthly giving program
By becoming a UNICEF Global Parent and making a regular donation, you can help build long-term sustainable communities for many children and their families.
More information or call 1300 134 071.

Get involved with UNICEF and take action.