UNICEF is an international organization that focuses primarily on children. It already exists more than 60 years (it was founded in 1946) and in that time has helped millions of children around the world. Its divisions are working in many countries worldwide.
UNICEF is a neutral entity, not advocating on either side of the political spectrum – the priority is given to children and endangered areas. Thanks to the UN Assembly, it was appointed as a spokesperson for the international children’s rights. And from years UNICEF fulfills this mission:
• works to protect children\’s rights, aims to discuss children\’s rights on regional and international arenas,
• fights discrimination against children, protects them from violence and provides secure environment for their development,
• provides equal opportunities of education, particularly in West and Central Africa, cares for the development of the youngest and quality of education,
• promotes gender equality of girls and women in society,
• put strong emphasis on the fight against HIV and AIDS, makes the society conscious of this threat and prevents the spread of the epidemic,
• provides care of children in the first period after birth and mothers during pregnancy,
• draws attention to the problems of children from areas threatened by war, terrorism , poverty and violence,
• intervenes when there is violation of children’s rights,
• immediately intervenes in areas after the disaster by protecting children from its consequences.
For promoting the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the realization of basic needs and real help to children, UNICEF received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965.