At a glance: Netherlands

UNICEF in the Netherlands

© UNICEF the Netherlands

Dutch movie-actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Monique van de Ven has been working to carry the UNICEF message to the people of the Netherlands since 1996.

The Dutch National Committee for UNICEF—also called “UNICEF the Netherlands”—was founded in 1955. Its main activities include fund-raising for UNICEF projects, providing information in the Netherlands about UNICEF and its work, and advocacy on behalf of children. UNICEF the Netherlands is able to draw on the invaluable assistance of over 4000 volunteers nationwide.

Fund-raising is carried out through direct mail campaigns, direct response television, radio and television advertising and various forms of corporate sponsorship.

The Dutch Committee considers one of its key responsibilities to be informing the Dutch public about the lives of children in developing countries. For this purpose, UNICEF the Netherlands provides a wide range of magazines, leaflets and brochures, both for an adult and a young audience. Contacts with the Dutch press regularly result in news and background stories about national and international UNICEF activities.

The Dutch Committee has developed an extensive range of educational materials for primary school curricula. The Committee organizes several large-scale events annually in order to involve schoolchildren in learning about child rights and UNICEF. Primary school pupils are encouraged to participate in the national class presentation event, and in one of the many charity runs throughout the country.

A recent addition to UNICEF the Netherlands' activities for children 8-12 years old is the “Kids United Club.” Its young members share an interest in the lives of their peers in developing countries.

Another key activity is advocacy. UNICEF the Netherlands is working closely with affiliated organizations to monitor the Dutch government's commitment to child rights, both nationally and internationally.

For example, UNICEF the Netherlands was one of the founders of the “Coalition for Children's Rights”, whose members include various Dutch organizations working for the realization of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Together they constitute a strong group for lobbying the Dutch government.

© UNICEF the Netherlands

Rintje Ritsma is a world-famous professional ice-skater and has won four world titles and six European titles. In 2002 he was appointed Friend of UNICEF.

Goodwill ambassadors for UNICEF in the Netherlands include actress Monique van de Ven and performer Paul van Vliet. Goodwill ‘friends’ include world champion ice skater Rintje Ritsma, television presenter Sipke Jan Bousema and singer and musician Trijntje Oosterhuis. Henk Franken, former representative of UNICEF Sudan, is UNICEF the Netherland's executive director.

Fast facts

- In total, UNICEF Netherlands raised 60,465,642 USD in 2003. This is approximately $3.78 USD per head of the Dutch population.
- The Dutch government allocated 35,077,620 USD to UNICEF in 2003.
- UNICEF is a household name for 98% of the Dutch population.

UNICEF people

Paul van Vliet
Paul van Vliet is a well-known theatre performer in the Netherlands. He has been an ambassador for UNICEF since 1992. In 2001, he put an end to his professional career in order to devote himself full-time to his work for UNICEF. He still performs during three months of the year, with all the proceeds of his performances going directly to UNICEF.