UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund

Published purpose

The United Nations Children's Fund (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. UNICEF works in developing countries through its development and humanitarian assistance programming to fulfill its mandate, including promoting the equal rights of women and girls, and to support their full participation in the political, social, and economic development of their communities. In humanitarian emergencies, UNICEF’s project activities include: (1) providing people with access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities; (2) treating children for severe acute malnutrition; (3) providing emergency education programming for children; (4) ensuring protection services for children and women; and (5) providing basic healthcare.