UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund

Published purpose

October 2012 - Founded in 1946, the United Children's Fund (UNICEF) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to protect the rights of children and women in developing countries through its development and humanitarian assistance programming. In humanitarian emergencies, UNICEF’s activities include: the provision of commodities to treat severe acute malnutrition; safe drinking water, sanitation facilities and hygiene programming; emergency education; basic healthcare; and, protection services for children and women. With Canada's support, the United Nations Children's Fund is assisting people displaced by the crisis in Syria and seeking asylum in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. It will provide water and sanitation, health and nutrition, child protection, and education to Syrian refugees living in neighbouring countries.