UNICEF is the United Nations Children's Fund

For over 70 years, we've been working to protect the rights of children in over 190 countries and territories around the world.

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No Boundaries

We help all children, near or far, no matter their race or religion

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Global Reach

We're the largest children's organisation, with offices in over 190 countries

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Donor Funded

We're a UN organisation, but we are 100% donor funded

UNICEF Aotearoa is one of 33 UNICEF National Committees, which raise funds for UNICEF’s worldwide emergency and development work.

who we are

About UNICEF

UNICEF is the global authority on children's rights. No other organisation has UNICEF's experience, expertise and reach.

Global Authority

No other organisation has UNICEF's experience, expertise and reach.
Every child is born with fundamental human rights, but conflict, disease, exploitation and poor education keep millions of children from reaching their full potential.
UNICEF fights for every child's right to survive and thrive into adulthood.  
UNICEF's mission is to create a better world, by advocating for the protection of children's rights. To do this, we bring people together: governments, donors, humanitarian agencies, businesses and children themselves.
This is what UNICEF does, every day, for all children around the world.
We want health, education, a fair go and protection, for every child.

what we do

We Protect

UNICEF is the leading agency supporting children in need through natural disasters war and other disruptions.

UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965

Of every dollar over 87% goes directly to help children

We Advocate

UNICEF advocates for issues such as child rights, safety, protection, education to raise healthy future citizens.

We Empower

UNICEF works with NGOs and Governments around the globe to empower the future citizens of the planet.

We collaborate with governments to empower children

our history

70 years of saving lives

We're helping not just one child, but all children in need.
Our history shows that humanity can improve over time.

Food to Europe

After World War II, European children face famine and disease. UNICEF is created in December 1946 by the United Nations to provide food, clothing and health care to them

1946
Unicef Becomes Permanent Part Of The UN

After World War II, European children face famine and disease. UNICEF is created in December 1946 by the United Nations.

1953
Declaration Of The Rights Of The Child

The UN General Assembly adopts the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which defines children’s rights to protection, education, health care, shelter and good nutrition

1959
Nobel Peace Prize

UNICEF is awarded the 1965 Nobel Peace Prize “for the promotion of brotherhood among nations.”

1965
International Year Of The Child

Marked by celebrations around the world, people and organizations reaffirm their commitment to children’s rights

1979
Child Survival And
Development Revolution

UNICEF launches a drive to save the lives of millions of children each year.  The ‘revolution’ is based on four simple, low-cost techniques: growth monitoring, oral rehydration therapy, breastfeeding and immunization.

1982
Landmark Unicef Study

UNICEF’s study Adjustment with a Human Face prompts a global debate on how to protect children and women from the malign effects of the economic adjustments and reforms taken to reduce national debt in poor countries.

1987
Convention On The Rights Of The Child

The Convention is adopted by the UN General Assembly. It enters into force in September 1990. It becomes the most widely- and rapidly-accepted human rights treaty in history.

1989
Child Survival And Development Revolution

An unprecedented summit of Heads of State and Government at the United Nations in New York City sets 10-year goals for children’s health, nutrition and education.

1990
Special Session On
Children

A landmark Special Session of the UN General Assembly was convened to review progress since the World Summit for Children in 1990 and re-energize global commitment to children's rights.

2002

Our Mission

UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs, and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential

transparency

Where the money goes

Our generous donors help protect children affected by poverty, conflict, natural disasters and famine, all over the world.

Safe Water

Only 3% of schools in Kiribati had access to clean water, so children often fall ill and miss school. Our generous supporters helped raise more than $120,000 to provide 36 schools with safe water and improved sanitation facilities.

Emergency Support

When category 5 Tropical
Cyclone Winston hit Fiji, our donors gave more than $350,000 to provide emergency sanitation and hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and help kids return to school so they could continue their education.

Crucial Healthcare

Caught in the horrors of war, Syrian children were missing out on crucial healthcare. Our donors helped us to provide nutrition supplements, therapeutic food, and polio immunisations for 3.5 million children.

View a snapshot of how our amazing donors helped change children's lives below. Our projects last year provided water, education and emergency healthcare to children in some of the world's poorest and most desperate communities.

We're committed to transparency. To see how we split up expenses and manage our costs see our annual report or visit UNICEF Open for more details.

Annual report
join us

Work With Us

Ready to work for the world's leading international children's charity? Join the tens of thousands of UNICEF staff around the world making a difference on the front line.

Contact us

Want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us using the following information, or send an email to:
2helpkids@unicef.org.nz

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Our Office

Level 28, Plimmer Towers
2/6 Gilmer Terrace
Wellington, 6011
New Zealand

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Postal Address

PO Box 10459
The Terrace
Wellington, 6143
New Zealand

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Phone Us

(+64) (04) 815 9370
(+64) (04) 815 9389 (fax)
0800 243 575