UNICEF


 * An Introduction to UNICEF**

**What is UNICEF?**

UNICEF, also known as the United Nations Children’s Fund, is an international organization focused on advocating for children’s rights around the world, as well as providing them with humanitarian aid. It was created in 1946 by the United Nations General Assembly and currently operates in 191 countries worldwide.

**What does UNICEF do?**

UNICEF works with governments, charities and NGO’s, companies, and private citizens all over the world to address issues related to children’s health, security, and wellbeing. They implement large and small-scale projects around the globe with the hope of eliminating harsh obstacles for children as they grow up.

**What are UNICEF’s different areas of focus?**

UNICEF has five different areas of focus. These areas include young child survival and development, basic education and gender equality, HIV / AIDS and children, child protection from violence, exploitation and abuse, and policy advocacy and partnerships.

1. **//Young Child Survival and Development//** Working to decrease the number of deaths from preventable causes such as illness, malnutrition, HIV, poor hygiene, and inadequate sanitation infrastructure.

2. **//Basic Education and Gender Equality//** Working towards providing access to a quality education for all children regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or other circumstance.

3. **//HIV / AIDS and Children//** Addressing all sides of the HIV / AIDS epidemic from education and prevention for those not infected, to treatment and support for those who are.

4. **//Child Protection From Violence, Exploitation, and Abuse//** Working to prevent violence, exploitation, and abuse of children as well as implementing ways to respond to it when it does happen.

5. **//Policy Advocacy and Partnerships//** Working to analyze social and economic policy that effects women and children and to uncover weak areas that need to be given more attention or be reformed.

For additional information on UNICEF: []

Other helpful links : http://www.unicef.org/protection/index_armedconflict.html http://www.un.org/children/conflict/english/index.html