25 September 2024
The United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) is one of 33 UNICEF national committees that work locally to promote and protect the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. UNICEF UK raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. They also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. They are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.
UNICEF UK and UNICEF share a vision to build a better world for every child.
Together, they are committed to:
Their shared ambition is to ensure every child here in the UK and worldwide is healthy, educated, and safe. UNICEF UK works towards this by raising funds for UNICEF’s global work implementing programmes together with local government to put children’s rights at the heart of local services, and campaigning for child rights to be protected everywhere.
They’re there for UK children throughout childhood
Life for children in the UK can be tough. Almost 4 million live in poverty, obesity and mental health problems are rising, and many experience violence, abuse and neglect. So, here in the UK, they’re putting their years of experience working for children around the world into practice.
They’re there throughout childhood, making sure that every child has the same chance to shine. They work with the hospitals where they are born, the schools where they learn and grow, and the communities that shape their lives.
Giving babies the best start in life
Their Baby Friendly Initiative enables public services to better support families with feeding and developing close, loving relationships. The programme supports maternity, neonatal, health visiting and children’s centre services, ensuring they are giving newborns and their families the best possible care.
They’re also working with universities to ensure that newly qualified midwives and health visitors have the strong foundation of knowledge needed to care for families.
Helping to make UK schools safe, inspiring places to learn
Through their Rights Respecting Schools Award, they work with schools in the UK to create environments where children are respected, their talents are nurtured and they are able to thrive. By embedding these values in daily school life, they can give children the best chance to lead happy, healthy lives and to be responsible, active citizens.
Nearly 5,000 schools up and down the country are working through the Award, reaching over 1.6 million children each yea
Ensuring children’s rights are respected in their communities
Their Child Friendly Cities & Communities programme brings UNICEF UK together with local government to put children’s rights at the heart of local services, policy and planning. They work with political leaders, frontline staff, community organisations and more, to make sure children have a say in the decisions that affect them.
They’ve trained thousands of local politicians, council professionals and city partners such as the police, fire and health services across the UK – providing the tools they need to put children’s rights into practice. They support them to engage more meaningfully with children and young people, especially those who might not usually have their voices heard.
