Every day, UNICEF Australia works with our local partners to improve the lives of children and young people in the Asia Pacific region. We work alongside our partners on long-term development solutions to ensure that every child is healthy, educated and safe so that they can thrive to reach their full potential. No matter what.
Alongside our global cause partnerships with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), clubs and associations, faith-based partnerships play a crucial role to help UNICEF reach the most vulnerable children through their trust-based connections in local communities.
One such partnership is with Islamic Relief Australia (IRAUS), a humanitarian and development organisation dedicated to improving the lives of some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, including children, through their relief, development and advocacy work.
About the partnership
Since 2020, UNICEF Australia and IRAUS have combined our unique organisational strengths to support children and families who need it most, no matter who they are or where they live.
We are both global players in the development sector, with significant on-the-ground presence in some of the hardest-to-reach places on earth, from conflict zones to remote communities. We are also both committed to leveraging our respective networks, resources and expertise to support the partnership.
We continue to work together to develop and implement joint programs that will reach children across the Asia Pacific region, in areas including nutrition, healthcare, education and safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
"UNICEF Australia shares our vision of children’s rights and welfare... we share the same values and understanding in the development sector."
About our programs
UNICEF Australia and IRAUS are working together on three key projects in the Asia Pacific region.
Cambodia
In Cambodia, our Integrated Early Childhood Development program focuses on strengthening the effectiveness of Integrated Early Child Development by building capacity and improving the quality of local services, and engaging communities to improve outcomes for children.
Papua New Guinea
Our Convergence program in PNG aims to improve quality and access to early childhood education, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in schools and health facilities, services for children experiencing violence, abuse and neglect, and health interventions.
Maldives
Our Climate Guardians program in the Maldives will promote the development and implementation of initiatives to improve the nation's climate resilience. The program also aims to amplify youth voices through the establishment of Climate Guardians at the national level.
Five questions with Islamic Relief Australia's Asif Sana
In 2024, IRAUS also supported a report, developed by Deloitte Access Economics for UNICEF Australia, called ‘The impact of disasters on children and young people’. The report looked at the impact and economic cost of natural disasters on Australian children and young people.
Read the reportWhy does UNICEF Australia work with faith-based organisations?
Partnerships are essential to bring lifesaving support to children and their families. Like UNICEF, which is a politically and religiously neutral organisation, faith-based organisations like IRAUS understand the importance of supporting the world's most disadvantaged and vulnerable people, no matter who they are or where they live. The core beliefs that unite many communities of faith are human dignity, a dedication to ending injustice and a commitment to care for people who need it most. UNICEF Australia works with faith-based partners to educate, advocate and fundraise in support of UNICEF’s global work.
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