Press releases
Myanmar pledges stronger combat against child malnutrition
15/52013: The Government of Myanmar reinforces its commitment in the fight against child malnutrition by signing the Membership Letter to join the global Scaling up Nutrition (SUN) movement countries.
UNICEF prepares to support Myanmar as Cyclone Mahasen approaches
15/5/2013 - As Cyclone Mahasen threatens to hit the communities in Rakhine State, home to thousands of displaced people, UNICEF stands ready to support the government of Myanmar to respond to humanitarian needs.
Government of China hosts planning session for High Level Consultation on Child Rights
15/5/13, Beijing -Representatives from 10 countries gathered in Beijing this week to put the finishing touches on plans for the 2nd High Level Meeting on South-South Cooperation for Child Rights in Asia and the Pacific (HLM2
Back to school after Typhoon Bopha in Philippines
15/5/ 2013- Six months after Typhoon Bopha took more than 1,000 lives and displaced more than a million people, teaching and learning are starting up again in elementary schools across affected parts of the Philippines.
2.4 billion people will lack improved sanitation in 2015
13 May 2013 – Some 2.4 billion people – one-third of the world’s population – will remain without access to improved sanitation in 2015, according to a joint WHO/UNICEF report issued today.
UNICEF supplies for children reaching earthquake affected counties in China
3 May 2013 –UNICEF support for children affected by the 7.0 magnitude Ya'an earthquake on 20 April are reaching the most heavily affected communities in south western Sichuan.
UN agencies in DPRK urgently require US$ 29.4 million to respond to critical and life-saving needs
29/4/13- WFP, UNICEF, WHO, FAO UNFPA appeal for urgent funding to be able to meet the most critical and life-saving needs of the people of DPRK in the areas of Health and Nutrition up to the end of the year.
Child Friendly Spaces to help quake-affected children bounce back, China
28/4/13 Yang Haiyu, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, has recently returned from Sichuan, and was interviewed about one of the key aspects of UNICEF’s emergency support.
Nets are key to cutting malaria deaths and illness
25/4/2013 – Malaria still kills 660,000 people every year, most of them African children. Universal coverage of insecticide-treated bed nets is key in making gains against malaria – one of the largest killers of children in the world in the world.
26,000 children of Lushan County, Sichuan seriously affected by massive earthquake
23/4/13 - With more than 190 deaths and over 12,000 injuries counted so far – and remote communities affected only recently being reached by Government rescue teams – the full scale of devastation following the Lushan earthquake is becoming clearer.
UNICEF mobilizing to help children affected by Ya’an earthquake in China
21 April 2013- The death toll from the severe earthquake that struck southwestern Sichuan province early yesterday reached 180 by press time. Thousands of injuries have been reported.
Political support crucial to reach ‘the fifth child’ with vaccines
19 April 2013 – One and a half million children would not have died in 2011 had they been immunized, according to UNICEF at the start of World Immunization Week. But one in five children is not being reached with vital vaccines...
Appeal by heads of leading UN humanitarian agencies for the people of Syria
16/4/13- We, leaders of UN agencies charged with dealing with the human costs of this tragedy, appeal to political leaders involved to meet their responsibility to the people of Syria and to the future of the region.
Making the Constitution Work Better for Children is Essential, UNICEF says
Ha Noi, 16 April 2013 – As Viet Nam’s National Assembly has engaged the public to put forward its views on constitutional reform, UNICEF today released a Position Paper on “Making the Constitution work for children in Viet Nam”.
UNICEF/WHO: New plan to address pneumonia and diarrhoea could save 2 million children a year
12/4/13– A new Global Action Plan launched today by UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) has the potential to save up to 2 million children every year from deaths caused by pneumonia and diarrhoea, some of the leading killers of children under 5
Placing nutrition high on ASEAN governments’ agendas
9 April 2013, A two-day regional advocacy workshop in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, has started today to share the process that led to strengthening Viet Nam’s maternity leave policy and restrictions on the advertising of breastmilk substitutes.
Asia-Pacific Child Rights Award 2013: A call to broadcasters
3 April 2013, CASBAA, ABU and UNICEF are calling for entries for the 13th Asia-Pacific Child Rights Award from broadcasters and producers in the region.
UNICEF welcomes adoption of Arms Trade Treaty as crucial step toward protecting children
3 April 2013 – UNICEF today welcomed the adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty by the United Nations General Assembly as a crucial step towards protecting children by regulating the transfer of weapons from one country to another.
First Round of Vital Polio Immunization Campaign to Reach 370,000 Children in Myanmar’s Rakhine state
The Department of Health is planning to revitalize the immunization activities for all targeted population. UNICEF and WHO are providing full support in rolling out the campaign.
Improving Learning Environment for Primary School Children in Myanmar
Education is the key to building a peaceful world.’ Since 2000, we have supported this project in Cambodia, Nepal, Laos and Vietnam with great support of our customers in Japan and in collaboration with UNICEF
Children dying daily because of unsafe water supplies and poor sanitation and hygiene, UNICEF says
22 March 2013 – As the world celebrates World Water Day today, UNICEF urges governments, civil society and ordinary citizens across East Asia and the Pacific to remember that behind the statistics are the faces of children.
UNICEF welcomes release of final report on nutrition situation of DPR Korea’s children
18 March 2013 – UNICEF today welcomed the publication of the final report on a national nutrition survey carried out by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Central Bureau of Statistics in September and October 2012.
Fighting child malnutrition in rural China
13/3/13- In China, there are an estimated 12.7 million stunted children, a population the size of Tokyo. In poor rural communities in China’s central and western provinces, one out of 10 children under 5 is stunted.
Upin & Ipin named UNICEF National Ambassadors
KUALA LUMPUR, 7 March 2013 – UNICEF Malaysia has officially named Upin and Ipin as National Ambassadors for children. The hugely popular animated twins were introduced in their new roles at a press conference on the eve of International Women's Day.
Decentralization, a new chance for the children of Chin State
UNICEF team discussed new roles played by the township council and elders in identifying their needs, setting their priorities and informing the 5-year State Plan
UNICEF welcomes the release of 24 children in Myanmar, calls for acceleration of discharges
18 February, 2013: Twenty-four children were officially discharged from the Myanmar Armed Forces (the Tatmadaw) in a ceremony in Yangon
A call to put children first in business
UNICEF, Save the Children, and the Indonesia Global Compact Network have joined forces with the national government and partners to release Children’s Rights and Business Principles released in Indonesia
UNICEF providing assistance to shelters caring for Rohingya children and women
14/02/13 – UNICEF this week began delivering footballs and other play and recreation supplies to eight Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) shelters caring for Rohingya children in southern Thailand.
Back to school support for children affected by Tropical Cyclone Evan
“UNICEF is working with the Ministry of Education to provide basic learning materials and promote quality educational activities. We are committed to getting all affected children back to school,”
Ramping up relief operation for flood victims
More than 250,000 people people have been affected by the floods caused by days ofheavy rains in Jakarta. In the aftermath of flood emergencies such as this one, children become vulnerable to diseases and many are unable to attend school.
Take-home treatment for malnutrition gets Cambodian children back to health
The early morning quiet in Chongrok commune in Kampong Speu province is broken only by the sound of a bouncy and active little girl clapping and giggling as she chases a dog across the front porch of the Chongrok Health Centre.
Young Cambodians share stories of their lives and show talent through film
Eighteen young Cambodians produced videos about their lives and concerns at a OneMinutesJr workshop hosted by UNICEF and Save the Children, Cambodia.
UNICEF calls for end to violence against children in Thailand’s deep south
12 December 2012 – A UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) official today urged an immediate halt to violence against children in Thailand’s restive southern provinces, where an 11-month-old girl was among five people killed in an attack on a Narathiwat tea house..
US$1.4 billion needed now for children in humanitarian crisis says UNICEF
25 January 2013 – UNICEF appealed today for almost US$1.4 billion to meet the immediate, life-saving needs of children in 45 countries and regions gripped by conflict, natural disasters and other complex emergencies this year.
A Chance for Change: young people from disadvantaged communities learn a trade
BANGKOK, 21 Janurary 2013 - At a university dormitory in Bangkok, 21 young people from disadvantaged communities line up to pull the name of a top hotel out of a bag. Behind them, teams of hotel staff in uniforms wait to meet their new apprentices...
Educational Materials for children affected by Tropical Cyclone Evan
UNICEF recognises the importance of education in emergencies. Education eases the emotional impact of conflict and disasters by giving stability, structure and hope for the future.
Among the ruins left by Typhoon Bopha in the Philippines, the long path to recovery begins
3 Jan 13 - As soon as the storm had moved away, UNICEF joined the Government on assessment missions to the affected areas. Staff were shocked at the level of destruction brought by strong winds and flash floods.
UNICEF prioritizes children’s needs in Myanmar’s Rakhine State
3 Jan 2013- The ethnic conflict in Myanmar’s Rakhine State that erupted in June and resurged in October 2012 displaced 115,000 people, and caused loss of lives. As part of the UN interagency response, UNICEF steps up to the needs of children.
UNICEF Supports Government and Families in Samoa and Fiji
SUVA, 20 December 2012 – In an effort to keep children safe and protected in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Evan, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has offered initial support to Government and families in Samoa and Fiji through the provision of
Urgent concerted actions needed to improve Water and Sanitation in Rakhine State IDP Sites
20 December 2012: Constrained access to safe water, inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene conditions of large number of people displaced by the conflict in Rakhine state pose health risks to the people living in and near IDP sites.
Breastfeeding in Cambodia is the new ‘normal’
Children in Cambodia are reaping the benefits of ten years’ successful promotion of breastfeeding. As a result of a multi-faceted strategy that addressed family and community practices, policies and the health system, the rate of exclusive...
Fighting against malnutrition in Lao PDR
21 Dec 12 - Lao PDR has one of the highest consumptions of rice per capita. Even the word ‘eat’ translates directly as ‘eat rice’.But while it is a rich source of energy, rice doesn’t contain all of the nutrients for adequate nutrition.
WHO and UNICEF condemn attacks on health workers in Pakistan
18 December 2012 The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF join the Government of Pakistan and the provinces of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in condemning the multiple attacks that have killed six health workers in the past 24 hours.
Working hard to ensure no harm comes to children separated from their families by Typhoon Bopha
14 Dec 2012 – A few weeks before Christmas, 13-year-old Mary* dreams that she is having a Christmas party with her friends and family. Mary will awaken later to realize she has been knocked out by a log swept along with the floods and mud.
UNICEF highlights ‘silent threats’ to children in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Bopha (Pablo)
14 Dec 12 - UNICEF and leading children’s non-governmental organisations expressed concerns on the threats to children in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Pablo (international name Bopha).
DPRK National Nutrition Survey
13 Dec 2012 - “Modest but significant,” was how UNICEF’s representative in the Democratic Republic of Korea, Desiree Jongsma, described the improvements in childhood nutrition revealed by data from a new comprehensive national nutrition survey...
Scenes of devastation in the aftermath of Typhoon Bopha, Philippines
13 Dec 2012 – It has been a week since Typhoon Bopha, ‘Pablo’, hit the southern Philippines. I was one of six UNICEF staff deployed as part of the government and United Nations assessment to the four most affected regions.
Release of Child Rights Coalition Malaysia Annual Status Report on Children’s Rights in Malaysia
PETALING JAYA, December 10 – The Child Rights Coalition Malaysia (the 'Coalition') released its inaugural report today on the status of children's rights in Malaysia.
$65 million needed to help survivors of Typhoon Bopha in Philippines
11 December 2012, The United Nations and humanitarian partners appealed for US$65 million to provide immediate lifesaving aid and support in recovery to the millions affected by Typhoon Bopha in the Philippines.
Too many “invisible” children still in Asia-Pacific
11 December 2012 – Government officials from 48 countries across Asia and the Pacific are meeting this week in Bangkok to strengthen their civil registration systems so that all births, deaths, adoptions, marriages and divorces are registered.
UNICEF responds to families affected by Typhoon Bopha
7 December, 2012 - UNICEF is providing assistance to the families affected by Super Typhoon Bopha (local name Pablo) with a focus on ensuring clean water supply, providing temporary sanitation and non-food items for displaced families.
UNICEF prepares for Super Typhoon Pablo in Philippines, warns of potential dangers for children
5 Dec 2012- UNICEF, as part of the joint UN agencies humanitarian country team, is closely monitoring the situation in the country as the super typhoon Pablo (International name Bopha) makes its way through the southern part of the country.
Empowering Viet Nam’s young digital citizens
As Viet Nam experiences rapid growth in access to mobile phones and the Internet, UNICEF and partners are focusing attention on the impact of this digital expansion on children in the country.
UN notes improving global trends in HIV, but Philippines and Indonesia lagging behind
1 December 2012 - UNICEF in the Philippines is also concerned that a third of new HIV infections are reported among young people aged 15-24 years, mostly from key populations, namely males who have sex with other males, people who inject drugs and ...
World AIDS Day: HIV positive pregnant women and children must get treatment, says UNICEF
30 November 2012 – New HIV infections in children are down, but reaching the goal of an AIDS-free generation requires treating more pregnant women and children living with HIV, UNICEF said.
Strengthening legal frameworks to protect child victims of commercial sexual exploitation
She first got a job in a ball point pen factory near HCMC, but soon moved to work at a coffee shop where she was told she could earn more money. However, it was there Linh started her days as a sex worker.
Myanmar Launches New Vaccine to Combine Attack on Major Childhood Illnesses
By combining Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Hib vaccines, Penta valent helps prevent five infections more effectively: diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, Hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenza (type b) among children under five years of age.
Saving lives in Cambodia through early infant diagnosis of HIV
Van Kunthea*, who is 2 years old, is HIV positive. A few years ago, many HIV positive children like Kunthea didn’t live to see their second birthday. Fortunately, Kunthea was diagnosed within the first six weeks of being born and ever since she has...
Myanmar observes 10th Anniversary of Nutrition Promotion Month and 21st Anniversary of World Breast Feeding Week
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, 1 August, 2012: Myanmar is observing the 10th anniversary of Nutrition Promotion Month and 21st anniversary of World Breast Feeding Week all over the country throughout the month of August this year.
ILO, UNICEF and WHO hail significant increase in breastfeeding rates
15/52013: The Government of Myanmar reinforces its commitment in the fight against child malnutrition by signing the Membership Letter to join the global Scaling up Nutrition (SUN) movement countries.
High prevalence of child maltreatment in East Asia and the Pacific - stronger focus on prevention needed
7 August 2012: Unacceptable physical abuse is causing long-term damage to the lives and futures of far too many children in East Asia and the Pacific, according to a report to be released by UNICEF
Philippines' Department of Health, WHO, UNICEF alarmed over new bill on breastfeeding
5 Sept 12- The Department of Health (DOH) and international partners, WHO and UNICEF jointly expressed alarm over a new legislation that threatens to overturn existing law that protects people from milk code
Ninh Thuan: Launch of First-Ever Provincial Situation Analysis of Children
Ninh Thuan province, Viet Nam, 21 August 2012 – Results from the first-ever comprehensive analysis of the situation of children in Ninh Thuan were today released by the Provincial People’s Committee and the United Nations Children’s Fund.
UNICEF gravely concerned at attacks on schoolchildren in Madura, Indonesia
UNICEF expresses its deepest concerns today at reports of a violent incident on Sunday involving children returning to their boarding school in Madura, East Java in Indonesia.
Fiji Takes First Steps to Ensure Better Water and Sanitation Facilities for Children
SUVA, 17 August 2012 – It’s no secret that children will feel more comfortable and lead healthier lives if they had clean and safe water as well as proper sanitary facilities in school.
Timor-Leste makes rapid progress in child survival – UNICEF Report
28/9/12 - Timor-Leste is one of the few countries that has successfully made very rapid progress in reducing deaths among children under the age of five.
Child Poverty and Disparities Studies Send Message that Investment in Children is the Smart Thing to Do
PORT VILA, 27 August, 2012 – “Put children first. Because children’s well-being is paramount to our country’s development, investment in children is the best investment we can make.”
UNICEF congratulates Viet Nam on maternity leave extension to six months
15/52013: The Government of Myanmar reinforces its commitment in the fight against child malnutrition by signing the Membership Letter to join the global Scaling up Nutrition (SUN) movement countries.
UNICEF commends Viet Nam on banning advertisement of breastmilk substitutes for children under 24 months
25 June 2012 – UNICEF Viet Nam’s Representative, Ms. Lotta Sylwander, today applauded the Government of Viet Nam on passing the Law on Advertisement which includes a ban on the marketing of breastmilk substitutes for children under 24 months.
Myanmar and United Nations sign landmark plan of action to release children from armed forces
YANGON, 27 June 2012 – The Government of Myanmar and the United Nations today signed an action plan to prevent the recruitment and use of children by the Myanmar armed forces – the Tatmadaw – and allow for the release of under-age recruits.
UNICEF and the Government of Myanmar Sign Renewed Basic Cooperation Agreement
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar,7 November 2012: The Government of Myanmar and UNICEF today signed the Basic Cooperation Agreement (BCA) that forms the basis and foundation of UNICEF’s development cooperation and country programmes in Myanmar.
Ensuring marginalised children have the right start to life
“I’ve noticed people in the community, especially vulnerable women understanding the importance of visiting the health centre. Before, they would deliver their babies with a traditional birthing assistant.
Social service mapping helps identify and assist families in need
Morn and her two grandchildren were identified through the Commune Council social service mapping as a vulnerable family in need of support because they are ID Poor – a government system that identifies poor households and their level of poverty.
Exclusive breastfeeding, means breast milk, and nothing else
Exclusive breastfeeding is the single most effective intervention for preventing child deaths, yet according to the Demographic Health Survey exclusive breastfeeding rates have dropped over the past decade. Today, only one third of Indonesians exclusivel
Paediatrician making a difference for Cambodian children with HIV
When asked about his HIV patients, Dr. Chea Pov, the director of the pediatric ward at Battambang’s Referral Hospital, remembers a 9-year-old boy named Luos Tola, whom he met five years ago.
Two displaced children give voice to the situation in Rakhine State, Myanmar
26 Nov 2012 - As UNICEF and partners redouble efforts to deliver emergency assistance, two displaced children give voice to the situation.
UNICEF scales-up response, calls for stronger combat against child malnutrition in Rakhine State
23 November 2012 - While precise information about nutrition levels in Myanmar’s Rakhine State is still difficult to obtain, UNICEF is very concerned about the extent and severity of child malnutrition, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.
International experts gather in Beijing to discuss child poverty
20 November 2012– The International Symposium on Child Poverty and Development was launched in Beijing today and attracted leading experts and delegates from 20 developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, international institutions and NGOs...
On World Toilet Day, ending open defecation is possible, says UNICEF
19 November 2012 — On World Toilet Day, UNICEF says that trends in the past five years allow for cautious optimism that significant progress will be made in decreasing the number of people globally who practice open defecation.
MMG and UNICEF partner with the Lao Government against malnutrition
15 November 2012: UNICEF and MMG announced a partnership today to support the Ministry of Health in its drive to improve the nutrition of Lao children in three provinces.
Premature birth leading cause of death among babies in East Asia-Pacific region
17 November 2012 – Premature, or Pre-term, birth is the leading cause of newborn deaths in East Asia and the Pacific, and the second-leading cause of death in children under the age of five. Pre-term births are defined as babies born before 37 weeks...
Prevention of water-borne diseases and support for malnourished children a priority for UNICEF in Rakhine State, Myanmar
13 November 2012, Since the June unrest in Rakhine State, UNICEF has provided urgently needed help to save severely malnourished children, to prevent water borne diseases and to provide basic necessities to displaced children and their families.
Maternal and neonatal tetanus eliminated in China
7 November 2012 – China has been declared free of one of the world’s major causes of preventable death of mothers and newborns. Following a maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) elimination validation exercise carried out last month.
Partnership between Government of Indonesia, UNICEF, and the European Union helping tackle nutrition challenges for children
A wide-ranging partnership between the Government of Indonesia, UNICEF and the European Union to tackle nutrition problems amongst the nation’s children is showing signs of important progress.
SRSG Zerrougui welcomes progress in the Mindanao peace process and reminds all parties that children should be at the centre of the peace talks
23 October 2012 – The Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict welcomes the landmark peace agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Situation Analysis of Children in Myanmar 2012 launched
24 October, 2012: The Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development and UNICEF launched the Situation Analysis of Children in the Myanmar capital.
Pentavalent vaccine launched in Timor-Leste
25 October 2012. Health Minister Dr. Sergio Lobo today launched the use of the pentavalent vaccine in Timor-Leste as part of the country’s drive to improve protection of children against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Asian children want greater involvement in disaster risk reduction
Oct 24, 2012 -- Governments across Asia must involve children when they plan and implement projects to help disaster-prone communities mitigate risks and the impact, youth participants at a regional ministerial meeting said.
Philippine Documentary on Education wins 2012 Asia-Pacific Child Rights Award
16 October 2012 – “I-Witness: Piggy Bank”, a groundbreaking documentary by producer Kara David of GMA Network of the Philippines, a national TV station, has won the 2012 Asia-Pacific Child Rights Award for broadcasting.
UNICEF condemns attack on schoolgirl in Pakistan and calls on all parties to respect children’s rights
10 October 2012 – “UNICEF strongly condemns the attack on Malala Yousafzai, a 14-year-old girl from Swat, who was shot with two other children as she was leaving school by bus yesterday. UNICEF is extremely concerned for the well-being of Malala...
Finance and social sector Ministers from Asia and the Pacific meet to brainstorm quality investments that will improve children’s lives
24 September 2012 – Government representatives from 16 countries across East Asia and the Pacific are beginning a three-day meeting in Ha Noi today to discuss ways to align fiscal and social policies to sustain growth in the current uncertain...
UNICEF mobilizes for Yunnan Earthquake
17 September 2012– UNICEF is mobilizing to send urgently needed support for children affected by the 5.7 magnitude earthquake which recently struck Yunnan. The tremor, which killed 81 and injured more than 800...
Diverse countries are making rapid progress in child survival – UNICEF report
13 September 2012 – Countries across the world are making rapid progress in reducing child deaths, demonstrating that it is possible to radically reduce child mortality over the span of two decades, a UNICEF report says today.
UNICEF and European Commission put children first in emergencies
11 September 2012 – The European Commission will continue to prioritise funding for children in humanitarian emergencies, despite the economic challenges, the European Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response...
UNICEF says hardest part yet to come in providing drinking water to millions
27 August 2012 - As World Water Week kicks off, UNICEF says that despite tremendous progress in the last two decades in bringing access to improved drinking water sources to billions of people, finishing the task is not going to be easy.
UNICEF delivers hygiene supplies to families affected by the monsoon floods in Philippines
24 Aug 12- UNICEF and the Department of Health (DOH) continue to assist families affected by the recent flooding by delivering much-needed supplies to evacuation centers. Following assessment by experts and partners, UNICEF is concerned about hygiene...
Holding out a hand to children on the streets
An estimated 2,000 Cambodian children cross the border into Thailand every day to work or beg. Yet despite these astonishing figures, there is little being done to ensure these children get the proper start in life that they deserve.
Schools for Asia
Following the success of UNICEF’s Schools for Africa initiative, Schools for Asia was launched in January 2012 with hopes of replicating the same success of ensuring that children have the best start to life.
Ban Ki-moon and Gordon Brown visit UNICEF-supported school in Timor-Leste
16 August 2012- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, UN Special Envoy for Global Education Gordon Brown, and Director-General of UNESCO Irina Bokova today visited Cassait School in Liquisá district, Timor-Leste. It was part of the Secretary-General’s...
Safe and unimpeded access critical for humanitarian workers, says UNICEF on World Humanitarian Day
19 AUGUST 2012 – On World Humanitarian Day, UNICEF called on all parties in conflicts around the world to allow humanitarian workers safe, unimpeded access to reach children and women in need.
Thai cabinet resolution on curtailing infant formula marketing praised
14 Aug 2012- A Thai Cabinet resolution aimed at curtailing the marketing and promotion of infant formula and other breast milk substitute products in all medical and health care facilities “is a commendable and critical step...
Manchester United joins with UNICEF to promote healthy lifestyles for kids in China
July 31, 2012 – With Manchester United’s help, UNICEF will be able to address the alarming problem of child obesity in China for the first time. Between 1986 and 2006 child obesity in children under7 increased 2.78 fold in nine Chinese cities surveyed.
Make breastfeeding easier for mothers
1 August 2012 – On the 20th anniversary of World Breastfeeding Week, UNICEF says strong national policies supporting breastfeeding could prevent the deaths of around 1 million children under five in the developing world each year.
In Myanmar, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Jackie Chan visits children affected by human trafficking
11 July 2012 – 12-year-old Zaw* is a boy trying to build a future. Life has not always been kind to Zaw, who was trafficked as a young child to Malaysia and then forced to beg in the streets.
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Jackie Chan meets young trafficking survivors in Myanmar
8 July, 2012 – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and martial arts icon Jackie Chan concluded a three-day visit to Myanmar today.
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Jackie Chan in Myanmar: “Children are not for sale”
New York/ Yangon 5 July 2012 – Celebrated actor and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Jackie Chan arrived in Myanmar this week on a three day mission to help combat child trafficking.
A sustainable future for Filipino children
19 June 2012- Thousands are gathering this week in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend Rio+20—the United Nations’ global conference on sustainable development. It is 20 years on from the original Earth Summit.
Report on millions of never vaccinated children, is a call to make polio history, says UNICEF Executive Director
20 June 2012 – “The Independent Monitoring Board on progress with global polio eradication reports the significant finding that 2.7 million children in six countries have never been reached with a single polio vaccine.
Youth connects Pacific voices with Rio+20
21 June 2012 – A 24 year old youth advocate from Fiji is promoting young people’s views at the Rio+20 climate change conference and around the world, using social networking to connect with some 2 million UNICEF Facebook fans worldwide.
World unites to accelerate progress in ending preventable child deaths
15/52013: The Government of Myanmar reinforces its commitment in the fight against child malnutrition by signing the Membership Letter to join the global Scaling up Nutrition (SUN) movement countries.
UNICEF-supported workshop helps health workers tackle malnutrition in Lao PDR
13 June 2012 – Nearly 40 local nurses and doctors have gathered at the Health Department in Sekong, a rural province in southern Lao PDR.
Pneumonia and diarrhoea remain biggest killers of East Asia-Pacific children
8 June 2012 – A new report from UNICEF focuses on the huge potential to narrow the child survival gap between the richest and the poorest by focusing on pneumonia and diarrhoea – the two primary killers of children under the age of five.
United Nations calls on Asia-Pacific media leaders to help generate regional momentum towards MDGs final push
29 May 2012-The United Nations today called on Asia-Pacific media leaders to help push the region towards achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to prevent over 2.5 million child and maternal deaths and ensure basic amenities...
Drowning, a leading killer of children across parts of Asia
23 May 2012 -The report finds that the vast majority of the drowning deaths are preventable. They tend to occur within 20metres of the home and are the result of unsupervised children wandering off and falling into local water hazards.
FCB and UNICEF strengthen their partnership for children in four countries
10 May 2012 – In an event at the stadium of the legendary football team, Barcelona FC, the FC Barcelona Foundation and UNICEF today powered up their promise to improve the lives of millions of children through sport and education.
UNICEF rings alarm bells as breastfeeding rates plummet in East Asia
30 April 2012 – UNICEF is worried about major declines in breastfeeding rates across East Asia and today called for greater attention to the critical importance of breastfeeding for children’s survival and cognitive development, as well as economic...
Partnering with Viet Nam’s National Assembly to protect breastfeeding
27 April 2012 – In a record move to protect the breastfeeding rights of women and children, UNICEF and the Institute of Legislative Studies under the National Assembly have concluded a series of high-level consultative meetings in Viet Nam’s coastal city
Complementary feeding campaign launched in Cambodia
27 April 2012 - The Royal Government of Cambodia in collaboration with UNICEF, USAID, WHO and other development partners, launched a nationwide campaign today on complementary feeding for children aged 6 – 24 months...
Millions of adolescents falling behind, especially in Africa – UNICEF report
24 April 2012 – Over the past 20 years, adolescents have benefitted from progress in education and public health. Yet the needs of many adolescents are neglected with more than 1 million losing their lives each year and tens of millions more missing out..
Investing in Children is the Best Investment Fiji Can Make
SUVA, 20 April 2012 – Children constitute nearly 40 per cent of the entire Fijian population. Their well-being is central to the well-being of the nation. Investing in its children is the best investment Fiji can make.
High level meeting sets course towards Water and Sanitation for All
April 19, 2012, The meeting is the second of its kind, and comes against the backdrop of an announcement in March from UNICEF and the World Health Organization that the world had met the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target for improved drinking water
Fighting Viet Nam’s “hidden hunger”
21 February 2012 – It is 7 am and Binh Thanh Trung commune’s health centre is buzzing. Today is Micronutrient Day and over 700 children are expected to participate.
Fiji Floods: UNICEF and partners urgently responding to water, health and education needs
7 April 2012 - Over 14,000 thousand people, including 5,000 children, have been displaced from their homes due to flooding in the Western and Central Divisions of Fiji.
Asia-Pacific Child Rights Award 2012: A call to broadcasters
9 April 2012 - CASBAA, ABU and UNICEF are calling for entries for the 12th Asia-Pacific Child Rights Award from broadcasters and producers in the region.
Tackling disparities in the most remote parts of Indonesia
5 April 2012 - UNICEF Regional Direct for East Asia and the Pacific, Dan Toole, visited Indonesia's Papua province this week, to see first hand how UNICEF and its partners are tackling disparities in some of the most remote parts of the country.
On World Water Day, poor rural people missing out
22 March 2012 – As the world commemorates World Water Day, UNICEF called on governments to pay particular attention to those living in rural areas who are being left behind in their countries' progress, especially with regard to access to safe drinking ..
H.R.H. Princess Mathilde of Belgium Meets with Urban Children in Viet Nam
15 March 2012 - Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Mathilde of Belgium today visited UNICEF-supported projects in Ho Chi Minh City to learn about of the needs of the urban child in Viet Nam.
Lenny Kravitz supports UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene efforts
6 March 2012 - Lenny Kravitz – GRAMMY award-winning singer-songwriter, record producer and actor - is using his voice and talent to do more than dazzle the stage and screen. He is throwing his support behind the global push by UNICEF and its partners...
Millennium Development Goal drinking water target met
6 March 2012 – The world has met the Millennium Development Goal target of halving the proportion of people without access to safe drinking water, well in advance of the MDG 2015 deadline, according to a report issued today by UNICEF and WHO...
UNICEF position on compulsory detention centres in East Asia and Pacific
2 March 2012 – Bangkok: UNICEF is concerned about the use of compulsory detention centres in some countries in the East Asia and Pacific region where children, many of whom have been detained for drug abuse and etc are being held.
Cities are failing children, UNICEF warns
28 February 2012 – Urbanization leaves hundreds of millions of children in cities and towns excluded from vital services, UNICEF warns in The State of the World’s Children 2012: Children in an Urban World.
Peer to peer: young people help children recover from Sendong
16 February 2012 - Seventeen year old Kim sits with a group of young children in a child-friendly space at an evacuation centre in Cagayan de Oro, one of the towns worst hit by Tropical Storm Sendong last December.
Young Pacific Film Producer Wins International Award
Suva, 3 February 2011 – 16 year old Vanuatu film maker Nenneth Sakita has scooped up a 2011 OneMinutesJr. Award for the film “Discrimination Against Women”. The film was selected by an independent jury in competition with 250 videos from around the world.
UNICEF urges vigilance as malnutrition increases in Sendong-hit areas
Over a month since Tropical Storm Sendong (international name Washi) devastated communities across northern Mindanao, many children are still suffering.
UNICEF appeals for US$1.28 billion for its humanitarian operations to assist children in 2012
UNICEF appealed today for US$1.28 billion to fund its humanitarian operations in 2012, assisting children in more than 25 countries globally. The list of countries includes many long standing or so-called “silent” emergencies...
India records one year without polio cases
Stopping polio in India will prevent a recurrence of the polio outbreaks – due to virus of Indian origin – seen in recent years in countries as diverse as Angola, Bangladesh, Nepal, Tajikistan, and Russia.
UNICEF launches Schools for Asia to improve education for millions
UNICEF is launching Schools for Asia today, an international fundraising initiative to improve the access and quality of education for disadvantaged children living across Asia and the Pacific.
