Children have always been the first victims of war. Worldwide, armed conflict and other violence have upended the lives of hundreds of millions of children, leaving them displaced, undernourished, out of school and at severe risk of exploitation and abuse. Nearly 1 in 5 children today live in settings affected by armed conflict and war. A surge in…, Voices for peace, UNICEF UNICEF, UNICEF’s response, UNICEF is on the ground and at the policy table in places affected by conflict and fragility. We protect the rights of children and young people by supporting countries to build more resilient, inclusive, and peaceful societies. Our peacebuilding approach puts children at the centre, strengthening social cohesion within communities, building…, Prevention and the social dimensions of conflict., Grievances that can cause conflict are often rooted in experiences of social exclusion and inequitable access to basic services. In conflict-affected and fragile settings, UNICEF works to expand access to social services – like education; health; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); child protection and social protection – strengthening social…, Participation and the meaningful engagement of children, adolescents and young people., Children, adolescents and young people make unique contributions to peace. It is their right to participate in decisions that affect them, including in situations affected by violence and conflict. UNICEF supports the role of young people as agents of peace, helping them to develop key peacebuilding skills, foster reconciliation and strengthen…, Gender equality and young women’s empowerment in peacebuilding., Addressing gender inequalities is an integral part of building long-lasting peace. Reflecting on the rights, needs and concerns of all groups is fundamental to the sustainability of social cohesion and peace. Because women, men, boys and girls experience violence and conflict differently, gender-specific strategies are necessary to ensure that…, Peacebuilding in action, Resources, UNICEF Conflict Sensitivity & Peacebuilding Programming Guide UNICEF Guide to Conflict Analysis UNICEF Programme Framework for Fragile Contexts UNICEF and Sustaining Peace: Strengthening the Socio-Economic Foundations of Peace through Education, Young People’s Engagement and WASH UNICEF Local Governance & Peacebuilding Case Studies UNICEF…

NIAMEY, Niger, 14 April 2021, - “UNICEF is deeply saddened by the loss of life after a fire enveloped a school in Niamey, Niger killing more than 20 children. “Our hearts are with the impacted children and families, especially those who lost their loved ones. "We express our deep sympathy to the victims, families and communities affected by this incident. "UNICEF is working…, #####

As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the progress made in recognizing children’s rights, we must also reflect on the unfinished agenda and emphasize the continuing obligations of governments to guarantee special safeguards for children, specific to their needs and vulnerabilities. The lives of…

For 75 years, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has been working tirelessly for child rights and for the well-being of every child. Whoever they are. Wherever they live. UNICEF has been an unstoppable force for change in the lives of children around the world. Since UNICEF was established, in the aftermath of World War II, we have been…, The world we need, The past: From loud emergencies to invisible ones, When the world’s most vulnerable children have needed a champion, UNICEF has been there.  From short-term relief during armed conflict, natural disasters and humanitarian crises to long-term survival and development programmes, we have helped build resilient health and welfare systems across the globe. We have defeated diseases, provided essential…, The present: A child rights crisis is upon us, Nurses at the health center of Port Bouet, a suburb of Abidjan, wear masks and gloves to protect against the Coronavirus. Côte d'Ivoire, 2020. Nurses at the health center of Port Bouet, a suburb of Abidjan, wear masks and gloves to protect against the Coronavirus. Today, the world is again facing multiple crises —  the COVID-19 pandemic, climate …, The future: Reimagining the world for every child, With disruption comes opportunity. Just as we rebuilt from the ruins of World War II, our goal today remains ensuring global recovery by prioritizing investments for children. To do so, we bring 75 years of experience to the following priority areas : Vaccines for all One of our biggest contributions to children’s lives has been keeping them safe…

BANGKOK, 4 March 2021 – , As the crisis in Myanmar escalates, the number of children killed, wounded or arbitrarily detained by security forces continues to grow. As of 3    March, at least five children and multiple young people and adults have reportedly been killed; at least four children have been severely wounded. In addition to those killed or seriously wounded, many…, #####, Notes to Editors, At all times, children and young people should feel safe. Together with its partners, UNICEF is providing psychosocial support to children, parents, caregivers, and service providers to children through a counselling  helpline , that operates in different local languages, and legal aid  services  for children arbitrarily detained by security…

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was established in 1946, in the aftermath of World War II. Our mandate was clear: to help children and young people whose lives and futures were at risk – no matter what role their country had played in the war. What mattered to UNICEF was reaching every child in need, protecting…, 75 years for every child, We march into our 75th year while responding to yet another series of global crises –the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, widespread social and economic challenges and rising poverty and inequality.  We continue to , Respond, ,,  Recover,  and , Reimagine,  a better world for every child.   A mother holds up a baby UNICEF/UN0336408/Babajanyan VII Photo, A fairer world for every child, The story of UNICEF is a story of how much good the human family can do when it unites to protect the rights of its youngest and most vulnerable citizens. We bring 75 years of field-tested expertise, a network that spans the globe, a passion for innovation, dynamic partnerships, and a commitment to making every dollar count. As we look back, we…, UNICEF through the decades, For 75 years, UNICEF’s mission has evolved with the needs of children around the world. Browse our timeline and discover our work through the decades., The faces, the voices, The story of UNICEF is that of every child we reach. It is also reflected in the people who have relentlessly served and supported our organization. This is the story of committed people who have provided critical resources, time and encouragement to build an environment where children can grow up protected, healthy and educated. Be they our…, The Archives, For 75 years, UNICEF has collected records, items and leading research that document our story as well as that of the world. The UNICEF Archives, located in our New York Headquarters, houses material that captures UNICEF’s global field operations – from our founding in the aftermath of World War II through today. From biographies to landmark…, Historical documents and publications, Our vast collection of reports, data and other historical publications spans decades and is a key vehicle to influence policy and decision-making.  From flagship publications like the State of the World’s Children to our Annual Reports, discover our historical documents .

UNICEF research and publications have become synonymous with advocating for the rights of children. Aside from being critical vehicles that promote policy discussion and guide decision-making, they showcase our efforts and those of our partners on behalf of children. From flagship publications to documents of historical interest, discover…, The evolution (1946–2016), Commemorating UNICEF’s steps through history, the following milestone series showcases how the cause of children has evolved since World War II. These historical reviews explore our contribution against a backdrop of rapid global changes in social, political and economic affairs. UNICEF@40 cover image UNICEF-at-40 UNICEF at 40 years Cover page of…, The State of the World's Children, Thanks to our historical body of knowledge, UNICEF has an unprecedented view on The State of the World’s Children – also the name of UNICEF’s annual flagship publication that covers the most important issues affecting children, year by year. The reports, from the first publication in 1980 to our latest, can be downloaded here ., UNICEF Annual Reports, The UNICEF Annual Report spotlights significant results achieved by UNICEF and its partners each year on behalf of children around the world. UNICEF’s Annual Reports from 1972 to 1999 are available here . For our most recent Annual Reports, visit our Publications Hub ., World Summit for Children, The World Summit for Children was a landmark event for UNICEF and the world. Held in September 1990, 71 heads of state adopted a declaration on the survival, protection and development of children, and a plan of action for implementation in the 1990s. The declaration and plan of action from the World Summit for Children is laid out in the booklet…, The Progress of Nations, The Progress of Nations charts the advances made since the 1990 World Summit for Children. Each edition challenged countries to fulfill their promises to children. Read more and download the Progress of Nations series (1997-2000) ., Looking for more?, Visit the UNICEF Archives UNICEF Archives  to explore our collection of resources, artifacts and other materials that document UNICEF's history of protecting children's rights. For the latest publications and reports from UNICEF, visit our Research and Reports Hub .

When The State of the World’s Children first went into print in 1980, 10 per cent of the children born that year died from preventable causes. By 2018, that number had declined to just 3 per cent. Thanks to milestones such as the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, children are now on global and national policy agendas…, 2017, Children in a Digital World. See the full report, 2016, A fair chance for every child. See the full report, 2015, Reimagine the future: Innovation for every child. See the full report, 2014, Every child counts – revealing disparities, advancing children’s rights. See the full report, 2013, Children with disabilities: From exclusion to inclusion. See the full report, 2012, Children in an urban world. See the full report, 2011, Investing in adolescents for breaking the cycles of poverty and inequity. See the full report, 2010, Celebrating 20 Years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. See the full report, 2009, The latest paradigms in health programming and policies for mothers and newborns. See the full report, 2008, The state of child survival and primary health care for mothers, newborns and children today. See the full report, 2007, Investing in women’s rights to advance the rights of both women and children. See the full report, 2006, Reaching the excluded and the invisible children of the world. See the full report, 2005, Why are millions of children losing out on their childhood? See the full report, 2004, Girls’ education and the promise of Education For All. See the full report, 2003, Meaningful child participation from every region of the world. See the full report, 2002, Turning commitments into actions that improve the lives of children and families. See the full report, 2001, The earliest years of a child’s life influence the rest of childhood and adolescence. See the full report, 2000, A call to industrialized and developing countries to reaffirm their promises for children. See the full report, 1999, The goal — education for all. See the full report, 1998, Sound nutrition can change children's lives. See the full report, 1997, An end to child labour and advocating urgent support for education. See the full report, 1996, UNICEF's 50th anniversary: Children in war. See the full report, 1995, Key strategies behind progress made and the upcoming 1995 World Summit for Social Development. See the full report, 1994, The progress against the major threats to the health and nutrition of children. See the full report, 1993, The means to end mass malnutrition, preventable disease and widespread illiteracy. See the full report, 1992, 10 propositions for ending extreme poverty among one quarter of the world’s people. See the full report, 1991, The 1990 World Summit for Children and its outcomes. See the full report, 1990, The great achievements and great setbacks of the 1980s. See the full report, 1989, Looking at some of the major child health achievements of the 1980s. See the full report, 1988, A direct appeal for the involvement of all possible resources. See the full report, 1987, Commemorating 40 years of UNICEF. See the full report, 1986, The surge forward in immunization. See the full report, 1985, Shifting the focus of health care from institutions to families. See the full report, 1984, The worldwide response to the 'child survival and development revolution'. See the full report, 1982-83, The child survival and development revolution. See the full report, 1981-82, Improving the lives of children by the end of the twentieth century. See the full report, 1980-81, The impact of poverty on children’s lives. See the full report

On 26 October 1965, UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for "fulfilling the condition of Nobel's will, the promotion of brotherhood among the nations” and emerging on the world stage as a “a peace-factor of great importance.” This event was made possible by the growth of a global partnership involving governments, private and non-governmental…, Compassion knows no boundaries, "Everyone has understood the language of UNICEF ... even the most reluctant person is bound to admit that in action UNICEF has proved that compassion knows no national boundaries. Aid is given to all children without any distinction of race, creed, nationality or political conviction ... UNICEF has become an international device capable of…

For over 70 years, UNICEF has collected records, items and artifacts that document our story protecting the rights of children everywhere. Our archives capture UNICEF’s global field operations – from our founding in the aftermath of World War II through today – that help children survive, thrive and fulfil their potential. On the ground in more…, Pictured above:,  Marlene Dietrich volunteers at the official opening of the 1961 UNICEF Greeting Cards Campaign at the UN General Assembly. Also seen is New York industrialist John J Myers making the first purchase. The UNICEF Archives is closed to the general public due to ongoing enhancements to materials and facilities. For information or inquiries, please…, Preserving our heritage, The UNICEF Archives preserves and provides public access to information and materials related to our work for children around the world. It further serves as a resource for those interested in researching the evolution of UNICEF and our collaboration with national and global partners in government, civil society and the private sector.  UNICEF…, Where to find us, The UNICEF Archives is housed in 3,000 cubic feet of space in our New York Headquarters. Many other materials are also available at our field and country offices , which can be contacted locally for any archives-related inquiries., Spotlight on the New York Archives, The New York Archives houses content of interest to researchers, students and the world at large. Browse a representative selection of archival materials available at the UNICEF New York Headquarters:, Stories:, Biographies, correspondence and information on people who have helped steer UNICEF through history., Executive Board documents:, Documents from the Office of the Secretary of the Executive Board available in digital and original paper format (1946–1994)., Photography:  , A collection of historical photographs chronicling UNICEF’s work since inception., UNICEF History Project:, Interviews, audio-visual records and other materials documenting UNICEF’s journey from the 1940s to the 1990s., Posters:, A collection of posters made by UNICEF and various artists., Publications:, State of the World’s Children, UNICEF’s flagship report, along with other annual publications and printed materials. A selection of historical documents and publications are also available No results here . The memorabilia and rarities showcased below represent a small sample of what is available at the official UNICEF Archives., UNICEF's first greeting card, United States, 1949: Seven-year-old Dzitka Samkova from Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic and Slovakia) painted this image, which was used on UNICEF first greeting cards. United States, 1949: Seven-year-old Dzitka Samkova from Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic and Slovakia) painted this image, which was used on UNICEF's first greeting…, The 1965 Nobel Peace Prize, The original telegram informing UNICEF of having won the Nobel Peace Prize. The original telegram informing UNICEF of having won the Nobel Peace Prize. Nineteen years after its founding, UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize  on 26 October 1965 for "fulfilling the condition of Nobel's will, the promotion of brotherhood among the nations” and…, Pablo Picasso's design for UNICEF's greeting cards, Picasso picture. World-famous artists concerned with the well-being of children have contributed to designs used for UNICEF cards. One such design was a tapestry Pablo Picasso created in 1961, entitled ‘Haven’.  , Maurice Pate’s letter of acceptance, On 11 November 2019, at UNICEF Headquarters in New York, a view of a handwritten letter from UNICEF’s first Executive Director, Maurice Pate, dated on the eve of UNICEF’s foundation, 10 December 1946. On 10 December 1946 — a day before UNICEF came into being — American businessman Maurice Pate penned a note in which he described UNICEF as "a minor…, 'Rights of the Child' drawing by Audrey Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, drew this design on the official First Day Cover of the United Nations Postal Administration for the Rights of the Child and signed a copy for the Archives. UNICEF To commemorate the launch of a United Nations postage stamp on 14 June 1991, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Audrey Hepburn drew a design for ‘The…, Contact us, For information on access and inquiries, please contact the UNICEF Archives. E-mail:  unicefarchives@unicef.org Address: 3 United Nations Plaza, New York, New York 10017