UNICEF Day

UNICEF Day mark the creation of UNICEF by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 11th December 1946. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is a special program of the United Nations which works for the overall welfare of needy children. The issue regarding children’s rights around the world, irrespective of their nationality with the idea of non-discrimination.

The year 2022 marks the 76th anniversary of the foundation of UNICEF.

UNICEF History

UNICEF is a particular program of the United Nations dedicated to supporting national efforts to improve children’s health, nutrition, education, and general welfare. It was established on 11th December 1946. It was formed to provide relief to children in countries devastated after World War II. The goal of UNICEF, at that time, was to provide these children with food, health care, and clothing. When the world’s most vulnerable children have needed a champion, UNICEF has been there.

In 1953, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) extended the mandate of UNICEF indefinitely, establishing UNICEF as a permanent fixture of the UN. The organization changed its name to the United Nations Children’s Fund to reflect its broader mission, but it retained the original abbreviation. Today UNICEF is functioning in additional than 190 countries. It works with local communities, business partners, and governments to supply urgent relief aid to needy children and mothers.

In 1961, UNICEF expanded its goals beyond improving children’s health and nutrition to also include education. Around this time, the committee also developed its modern theory on aid, which promotes a holistic approach to addressing the needs of children.

UNICEF has also been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965, the Indira Gandhi Prize in 1989, and the Prince of Asturias Award of Concord in 2006 for their amazing contribution in helping the children of the World.

The headquarters of UNICEF is in New York, United States of America. The flag of UNICEF has a globe and olive leaves from the UN flag and is blue in color. It features a mother and child in the globe circle.

Six-point plan

According to UNICEF, A six-point plan to protect our children are

1. Ensure all children learn, including by closing the digital divide.

2. Guarantee access to health and nutrition services and make vaccines affordable and available to every child.

3. Support and protect the mental health of children and young people and bring an end to abuse, gender-based violence, and neglect in childhood.

4. Increase access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene and address environmental degradation and climate change.

5. Reverse the rise in child poverty and ensure an inclusive recovery for all.

6. Redouble efforts to protect and support children and their families living through conflict, disaster, and displacement.

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. No matter where we live, the pandemic affects every person – children most of all.