© UNICEF/HQ00-0995/Balaguer

In Kenya, a boy toddler from the Gicheru family stands in a doorway while his mother peels potatoes behind him, in their home in the Mount Kenya region near the Rift Valley.

With its strong presence in 155 countries, UNICEF is the world's leading advocate for children. We have the global authority to influence decision-makers, and the variety of partners at the grassroots level to turn the most innovative ideas into reality.

We believe that nurturing and caring for children are the cornerstones of human progress. UNICEF was created with this purpose in mind - to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child's path.

We advocate for measures to give children the best start in life. We promote girls' education - ensuring that they complete primary education as a minimum. We act so that all children are immunized against common childhood diseases, and are well nourished. We work to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS among young people, and help children and families affected by HIV/AIDS to live their lives with dignity. UNICEF also focuses on psycho-social support for traumatized children, relief for child soldiers, and special attention for women and girls in crisis situations

We are part of the Global Movement for Children - a broad coalition dedicated to improving the life of every child.  Through this movement, we encourage young people to speak out and participate in the decisions that affect their lives. 

UNICEF upholds the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We work to assure equality for those who are discriminated against, girls and women in particular. We work for the Millennium Development Goals and for the progress promised in the United Nations Charter. We strive for peace and security, and work to hold everyone accountable to the promises made for children.