UNICEF in Australia

We are here for children in Australia

For many children, Australia is one of the best countries in the world to grow up in. However, that is not the case for everyone. 

Life can be hard for some children, with a number living in poverty, experiencing violence, and lacking access to quality education.

UNICEF Australia works to ensure every child has an equal opportunity to thrive and survive, no matter the circumstances or challenges they face.

Every child in Australia deserves a fair chance. To achieve this UNICEF Australia supports children and families across the following areas:
 

UNICEF's work in Australia

The right interventions at the right time can break intergenerational cycles of inequity and counter disadvantage. UNICEF Australia and partners work to address the critical needs of children and deliver targeted programs that reach the most vulnerable.

Protecting children and their rights now and in the future 

One in six children are living below the poverty line

While Australia remains one of the richest countries in the world, some 3 million people, including more than 731,000 children are living in poverty.
 

While education breaks the cycle of poverty, many children face barriers to accessing school

Birth registration, poverty, experiences of violence and bullying, remoteness as well as lack of cultural safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children prevent many children from accessing education. 
 

Mental health and happiness rates are declining

A recent UNICEF survey of over 1,000 Australian young people aged 13-17 years found that just 45 per cent were coping well during the COVID-19 pandemic and one in four (24 per cent) feel isolated and unsure about the support options available to them outside their family.


 

Partnering with local organisations 

UNICEF Australia works with local community partners to accelerate their impact. Together with our partners we address critical gaps and needs of the most vulnerable children in Australia. We are investing in programs that are targeted and deliver impact, particularly around wellbeing and education for children in remote, regional and Indigenous communities.  

Our partnership model allows us to build strong alliances with communities, local organisations, and government partners. Combined with UNICEF’s global technical expertise together we can create system wide reform for children.