UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund

Published purpose

March, 2013 - Founded in 1946, 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. Canada's support to UNICEF assists its efforts to monitor, report and respond to grave violations committed against children during armed conflict. Documentation of violations taking place in the most fragile of situations is an important step in crafting the appropriate humanitarian responses, but also building and evidence base to hold those accountable and work to end these violations.