Press centre
Press releases and news notes
Americas and the Caribbean
UNICEF is providing initial assistance to 15,000 persons affected by the tropical storms in Haiti
PORT-AU-PRINCE, 3 September 2008 – UNICEF is stepping up its assistance to an initial 15,000 Haitians affected by three successive storms in the past few weeks...
WFP and UNICEF team up to meet urgent needs of Gustav victims in Haiti
PORT AU PRINCE, 1 September 2008 – UNICEF and the World Food Programme are joining forces to bring life-saving assistance to thousands of people...
Hurricane Gustav strikes Haiti, forcing 6,300 people from their homes
PORT-AU-PRINCE, 29 August 2008 – An estimated 6,300 Haitians, mostly city-dwellers from Port-au-Prince, Jacmel and Leogane, were forced from their homes by Hurricane ...
Measles Initiative Statement on recent U.S. outbreaks
WASHINGTON, 21 August 2008 — Measles, a highly contagious viral disease, can result in serious complications and death. As a result of a successful vaccination program...
World Water Week 2008 focuses on sanitation, health and hygiene
NEW YORK, 17 August 2008 – Over 170 collaborating organizations will meet to discuss issues around water and its impact on health, the environment...
UNICEF issues major report on Iodine Deficiency highlighting principles for success
NEW YORK, 26 June 2008 – UNICEF today issued a major report on Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD), the single greatest cause of preventable...
UNICEF Statement on the continued abduction, torture and rape of children around the world
Statement - 20 June 2008
On The Day of the African Child, UNICEF highlights the importance of child participation
NEW YORK, 16 June 2008 - UNICEF today drew attention to the importance of child participation in schools, community action, media, and governance...
UNICEF’s German National Committee launches national conference against the commercial sexual exploitation of children
BERLIN / NEW YORK, 10 June 2008- A major national conference, charged with finding ways to combat sexual exploitation of children, opened in Berlin...
Flash flooding displaces 1600 families in Belize
BELIZE , 9 June, 2008 - Tropical Storm Arthur has affected an estimated 8,000 people, displaced 1600 families, including thousands of children in Belize.
Urgent call to stop violence in Latin America and the Caribbean
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA, 6 June 2008 - Latin America and the Caribbean has earned the unwelcome reputation of being the region with...
UNICEF joins in national call to halt the kidnappings of children in Haiti
Port Au Prince, 4 June 2008 - UNICEF joins in today’s national call, and collective condemnation, of crimes being perpetrated against children and...
Dina Páucar named UNICEF National Goodwill Ambassador for Peru
LIMA, 29 May 2008 - Singer Dina Páucar was named National Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF today. This appointment reflects her commitment...
UNICEF welcomes the ratification of the UN Disabilities Convention
NEW YORK, 12 May 2008 - The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol, which came into force on 3 May 2008...
Despite global push to end use of child soldiers, reality on the ground for tens of thousands of children remains bleak
NEW YORK, 20 May 2008 – Children continue to be recruited and used in large numbers by armed groups despite widespread political...
Rio de Janeiro to Host World Congress III Against the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents
NEW YORK, 19 May 2008 – The Government of Brazil, UNICEF, ECPAT and the NGO Group for the Convention on the Rights of the Child officially launched the World Congress III...
UNICEF Highlights Horrific Impact of Cluster Munitions on Children as Governments Meet to Decide on Treaty Banning the Weapon
NEW YORK, 19 May 2008 - The Dublin Diplomatic Conference on Cluster Munitions begins today as over 100 governments negotiate an international treaty to ban the indiscriminate weapon.
UNICEF welcomes spotlight on a major cause of childhood deaths in latest WHO Bulletin
NEW YORK, 1 May 2008 - UNICEF today welcomed the launch of a comprehensive review of research into childhood pneumonia,
Former Child Soldier and current UNICEF Advocate encourages Jamaican Youth
KINGSTON, 30 April 2008 - Wrapping up his first mission as UNICEF’s Advocate for Children Affected by War, former child soldier Ishmael Beah today...
On World Malaria Day, UNICEF Calls for a Sustained Effort to Control Killer Disease
NEW YORK, 25 April 2008 – On World Malaria Day, UNICEF is calling for a sustained effort to control the disease.
Statement by Executive Director Ann M. Veneman on food price increases
Statement - 24 April 2008
Evaluation “ENLACE” 2008: An effort towards quality education in Mexico
MEXICO CITY, 14 APRIL 2008 - UNICEF today participated in the launch of the third round of “ENLACE” a nationwide test of education in Mexico with the participation...
World Health Day 2008 - UNICEF cautions about the impact of climate change on the health of women and children
NEW YORK, 7 April - The impact of climate change could fall disproportionately on women and children, UNICEF cautioned today, on the occasion of World Health Day 2008.
More HIV-positive children and pregnant women getting AIDS treatment, new report says
NEW YORK, 3 April 2008 – More HIV-positive children and pregnant women are receiving treatment but there is still a long way to go before the...
Children’s voices heard at COHSOD in the Caribbean
GEORGETOWN/GUYANA, 17 March 2008 - The voices of Caribbean children were heard loudly on Monday at the official opening of the 2nd Special...
UNICEF marks International Women’s Day by stressing importance of investing in maternal health
NEW YORK, 7 March 2008 – UNICEF is marking International Women’s Day 2008 (8 March) by drawing attention to the need for improvements in...
HIV/AIDS implementers’ meeting to highlight progress and lessons learned
WASHINGTON, DC, 10 March 2008 – HIV/AIDS implementers from around the world will gather in Kampala, Uganda, from June 3-7 for the 2008 HIV/AIDS...
Mitigating the impact of armed violence on children and communities in the Caribbean and Central America
KINGSTON, 7 March 2008 – Several Caribbean and Central American countries have called for an expansion of social interventions as a critical way....
The Government of Ecuador declares state of emergency due to flooding
ECUADOR, 29 February 2008- The Government of Ecuador has declared a national state of emergency due to extensive flooding caused by heavy...
Global expert on violence urges Jamaican parliament to focus on children
KINGSTON, 26 February 2008 – A leading authority on violence against children today pressed Parliamentarians to concentrate on the plight of children...
UN agencies unite against female genital mutilation
NEW YORK, 27 February 2008 – Expressing their commitment to the elimination of female genital mutilation, also called female genital cutting and female genital...
UNICEF supplies two million yellow fever vaccinations for Paraguay
ASUNCION, 25 February 2008 – UNICEF supplied two million anti-yellow fever vaccinations in response to an emergency declared by the Government...
UNICEF-Dubai Cares partnership benefits schoolchildren in Djibouti
DUBAI /NEW YORK, 25 February 2008 – UNICEF and Dubai Cares announced today the launch of new education programmes in Djibouti that will help accelerate access to education...
UNICEF Statement on the decision of the German Institute for Social Issues (DZI) to withdraw its seal of approval from the German National Committee for UNICEF
Statement - 20 February 2008
International Mother Language Day celebrated in Latin America and Caribbean
PANAMA, 21 February 2008 - On the occasion of International Mother Language Day, Nils Kastberg, the Regional Director of UNICEF in Latin America...
UNICEF in Central America to promote of the rights of unaccompanied migrant children
MEXICO CITY, 12 February 2008- UNICEF representatives from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama will visit the border....
Number of armed groups or forces using child soldiers increases from 40 to 57
NEW YORK, 12 February 2008 - Coinciding with the sixth anniversary of the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict, the Security...
Nickelodeon and UNICEF launch a new initiative aimed at motivating children in Latin America
MIAMI / FLORIDA, 25 January 2008 – UNICEF and Nickelodeon Latin America announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at bringing about positive...
2009 Caribbean Games to shine spotlight on Violence against children
PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD, TOBAGO, 11 January 2008 –UNICEF has teamed up with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2009 Caribbean...
UNICEF welcomes International Year of Sanitation 2008
NEW YORK, 1 January 2008 – UNICEF today officially welcomed the first day of the International Year of Sanitation 2008. The international year...
UNICEF in Latin America and Caribbean looks ahead, behind at challenges
PANAMA CITY, 31 December 2007 – As 2007 comes to a close, UNICEF is looking back at the work achieved for children and preparing for the challenges...
UNICEF releases 2007 Tsunami Report
NEW YORK/GENEVA, 18 December 2007 - Three years after the Indian Ocean Tsunami claimed the lives of more than 200,000 people and devastated...
World Fit for Children +5 Declaration
NEW YORK, 13 December 2007 - At the close of the World Fit for Children +5 special session in New York, more than 140 government delegations have adopted a new....
UN General Assembly holds Special Session focusing on children
NEW YORK, 11 December 2007 – Heads of State and other dignitaries have gathered at United Nations Headquarters in New York today for a landmark...
GA youth speaker to address press at GA stakeout, following closing of session
NEW YORK, 13 December 2007 - Millicent Orondo, 15, of Kenya, will speak to the press today following her closing statement in the General Assembly...
Children’s voices important in climate change discussions
NEW YORK/NUSA DUA (BALI), 12 December 2007 – Two days after the presentation of the Nobel Peace Prize to environmental experts, UNICEF...
Statement by Executive Director Ann M. Veneman concerning the bombings in Algiers
Statement - 11 December 2007
Broadcasters from Thailand, Cote d’Ivoire and Mozambique win the 2007 ICDB awards
NEW YORK, 11 December 2007 – UNICEF and the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences have presented the 2007 International Children’s Day of....
UNICEF, One Laptop per Child, Google launch initiative to preserve and share stories around the world
NEW YORK, 7 December 2007 – UNICEF, One Laptop per Child (OLPC) and Google today announced the launch of “Our Stories”...
The European Community grants UNICEF €4.8 million to boost anti-malaria efforts in four African countries
BRUSSELS, 3 December 2007 - At a signing ceremony of the contribution agreement in Brussels, the European Commission’s Head of Unit Raul Mateus Paula...
UNICEF, UNITAID team up to prevent HIV infection in newborns
NEW YORK/GENEVA, 30 November 2007 – UNICEF and UNITAID today launched a joint initiative to help scale up national programmes to prevent...
IKEA, UNICEF and Save the Children team up to provide quality education
NEW YORK, 27 November 2007 - Between November 3 and December 24, 2007, IKEA will donate 1 Euro for every Soft Toy sold. The donations...
George Harrison fund for UNICEF announces donation for Bangladesh Cyclone Relief
NEW YORK, 3 December 2007 – The George Harrison Fund for UNICEF today announced a donation of $450,000 for relief and recovery efforts for...
UNICEF condemns violent attacks on children in Haiti
PORT-AU-PRINCE, 30 November 2007 – UNICEF is alarmed by reports of an increasing number of violent attacks on child in Haiti in October and November 2007.
Berliner Philharmoniker joins ranks of UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors
NEW YORK, 12 November 2007 –UNICEF today announced the appointment of the prestigious Berliner Philharmoniker as its latest Goodwill Ambassador.
New Guidelines to address mental health needs in emergencies
NEW YORK, 20 November 2007 – New guidelines stressing the need for a rapid and coordinated response to psychological and social needs during...
Federer in public service announcement for an ‘AIDS-free generation’
NEW YORK, 26 November 2007 – Roger Federer, the ATP’s world number one tennis player and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, will star in a World AIDS...
Experts discuss impact of the CRC
New York, 20 November 2007 – On the 18th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) UNICEF is hosted a roundtable...
In Latin America 103 million people are lacking access to basic sanitation
CALI, Colombia, 13 November, 2007 - The first Latin American Sanitation Conference – Latinosan 2007 – was inaugurated yesterday in Cali with more than 800 persons from 22 countries.
UNICEF: Flooding in Mexico grave threat to children
MEXICO CITY, 9 November 2007 – UNICEF today said that flooding in the states of Tabasco and Chiapas poses a grave threat to children.
Training reinforces positive behaviour in schools
BRIDGETOWN / BARBADOS, 25 October 2007 - Training sessions for teachers on positive behavioral management has been launched by the Ministry of...
UNICEF Calls for Governments to Prohibit Cluster Munitions
NEW YORK, 5 November 2007 – UNICEF marked the first Global Day of Action on Cluster Munitions by calling on governments to develop a legally binding...
Global Day of Action on Cluster Munitions
Statement
UNICEF mourns the death of Eve Curie Labouisse
NEW YORK, 25 October 2007 – UNICEF is saddened to learn of the death of Eve Curie Labouisse on Monday 22 October. Mrs. Labouisse was 102 at the time of her death.
UNICEF launches podcast series on education in emergencies and post-crisis countries
NEW YORK, 22 October 2007 – UNICEF launched today the first in a series of podcast discussions on education in emergencies and post-crisis transition countries...
Ten years on, Machel Review cites continued abuse against children in conflicts
NEW YORK, 17 October 2007 - Dozens of conflicts around the world are still robbing children of their childhood, according to a new UN report that reviews...
UNICEF renews its commitment to ending all forms of violence against children
NEW YORK, 19 October 2007 - The one year progress report for the UN Study on Violence against Children finds signs of progress in child trafficking...
Reports of significant progress in fight against malaria
SEATTLE, 17 October 2007 - Significant gains in the fight against malaria in sub-Saharan Africa are being made, according to a new report released today...
Migrant children will have an integrated protection system in Mexico
Mexico City, 15 October 2007 – The Mexican First Lady, Margarita Zavala Gómez del Campo, the Representative of UNICEF in Mexico, Susana Sottoli...
Maternal Mortality Declining in Middle-income Countries; Women Still Die in Pregnancy and Childbirth in Low-income Countries
Geneva, New York,12 October 2007 – The world’s maternal mortality ratio (the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births) is declining too slowly...
UNICEF announces International Children’s Day of Broadcasting Award nominees
NEW YORK, 21 September 2007 – UNICEF today announced the nominees for the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) Award, co-presented...
UNICEF appeals for over US$2 million in response to Hurricane Felix
MANAGUA, 13 September 2007 - UNICEF calls on the donor community to provide US$2.085 million to cover basic emergency needs of children...
UNICEF emergency supplies target water, sanitation and education in Nicaragua
MANAGUA, 6 September 2007 - According to the Nicaraguan Civil Defence Force, over 34,000 people have been affected by Hurricane Felix in Nicaragua’s northern...
Latin American region unites for millions of “invisible” children
ASUNCION / PARAGUY, 28 August 2007 – Governments, the UN and civil society organizations from across the Latin American region are meeting to address the alarming problem of children...
UNICEF concerned for child health in the wake of Hurricane Dean
BELIZE CITY, 28 August 2007 - UNICEF today expressed concern for the well-being of young children and vulnerable people in Belize as...
Unicef provides support to Peru’s earthquake victims
LIMA, 16 August, 2007 – UNICEF has begun the distribution of lifesaving supplies to earthquake victims.
UNICEF welcomes new medication for children living with HIV
NEW YORK, 16 August 2007 – UNICEF today welcomed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve the first single-dose combination antiretrovirals (ARV) for...
Earthquake in Peru leaves hundreds killed and thousands injured
LIMA, 16 August 2007 - At 6:41 p.m. Wednesday night, an earthquake of a 8.0-magnitude on the Richter scale shook Peru, 60 kilometers from the city of Pisco, in the province of Ica.
Basketball star Ginobili appointed UNICEF Ambassador
BUENOS AIRES, 10 August 2007- Manu Ginobili, triple NBA champion, Olympic medalist and passionate defender of children, has been appointed UNICEF’s newest Argentina Ambassador.
UNICEF marks the 13th International Day of the World’s Indigenous People in Latin America and the Caribbean
PANAMA, 9 August 2007 – UNICEF in Latin America and the Caribbean marked the 13th International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, by reaffirming its commitment to the rights of...
UNICEF Regional Director calls for holistic approach to justice for children
CASTRIES, ST. LUCIA, 26 July 2007 - Recognizing that justice for children is one of the areas that still needs to be fully addressed by Caribbean countries, UNICEF's Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Nils Kastberg, called for a holistic approach to interventions in the area of justice for children.
Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Nils Kastberg, promotes right to play
VENEZUELA, 15 July 2007- UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Nils Kastberg, will attend this Sunday’s 2007 Copa America- Venezuela final in Maracaibo, the date also coincides with the National Day of the Child in Venezuela.
MTV Latin America and UNICEF unite efforts to present a reality which many adolescents and young people live in Latin America
Buenos Aires/Mexico D.F., June 26 2007 – MTV Latin America announced the premiere of the special “MTV News Forum: Bullying, the Terror in School” ...
UNICEF Ambassador Lucy Liu calls on leaders of eastern Congo (DRC) to protect children and women
NEW YORK/LONDON, 18 June 2007 - UNICEF Ambassador Lucy Liu recently returned from her visit to the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Ms. Liu spent time in both the District of Ituri and...
Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman on recent attacks on aid workers - 16 June 2007
NEW YORK/GENEVA, 16 June 2007 – I am deeply concerned about the number of deadly attacks on aid workers that have occurred over the past...
UNICEF calls for increased efforts to prevent trafficking of children
NEW YORK, 16 June 2007 – UNICEF marked the Day of the African Child today by supporting the African Union’s call to increase efforts to prevent child trafficking.
UN Secretary General Visits UN Regional Hub in Panama
PANAMA, 3 June 2007 - In his first official trip to Panama and to Latin America and the Caribbean, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon came to visit the future location of the United Nations...
On Global Action Week on Education, millions of children still not in school
NEW YORK, 23 April 2007 – As the world celebrates Global Action Week on Education, UNICEF urges donors and governments to keep their promises on...
Addressing the global sanitation crisis
NEW YORK, 7 May 2007 – The topic of toilets often makes people uncomfortable. But a reluctance to talk about sanitation is part of the reason why an estimated 2.6 billion people world...
Violence causes the deaths of at least two children under 15 every day in Mexico
MEXICO CITY, 19 April 2007 – Two studies aimed at preventing and eliminating all forms of violence against children have been launched in Mexico, where at least two...
UNICEF condemns use of a minor in Taliban execution
NEW YORK/GENEVA, 23 April 2007 - UNICEF today condemned the use of a minor in a Taliban execution as a criminal act. A video circulating in Pakistan shows a young boy beheading an adult. The act was a terrible example of how children can be used by adults to commit heinous crimes in times of conflict.
April 4 is the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action
NEW YORK, 28 March 200 7 - Journalists are invited to events here and other cities on April 4, which the UN General Assembly has declared the International Day for...
Spread the Net purchases 33,000 anti-malarial bed nets for Liberia
OTTAWA, 28 March 2007 - 33,000 anti-malarial bed nets are being purchased by Spread the Net to protect children in Liberia announced Spread the Net Co-Founders...
UNICEF Commends IKEA for Partnership
NEW YORK, 27 March 2007- UNICEF today thanked IKEA for the Swedish company’s donation of Euros 1.75 million toward the health and well-being of children around...
Anti-polio drive to immunize more than seven million children in Afghanistan
TORONTO, 25 March 2007 - A massive four-stage campaign to vaccinate more than seven million children under five years of age against the deadly polio virus will get...
Children are still being trafficked 200 years after the abolition of the slave trade
NEW YORK, 25 March 2007 - Although 25 March marks the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, slavery still exists today as children are trafficked into bonded labour and the sex trade.
UNICEF highlights water scarcity on World Water Day
NEW YORK, 22 March 2007 – UNICEF Executive Director, Ann M. Veneman, today helped kick-off the Walk for Water Event in New York City to mark World Water Day and show support for the...
ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 to shine spotlight on children and young people affected by HIV
DUBAI/NEW YORK/GENEVA/ KINGSTON/BRIDGETOWN, 6 March, 2007 – The International Cricket Council (ICC) will team up with UNAIDS, UNICEF and the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/AIDS at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 to highlight the situation of children...
In Bolivia, 40 per cent of Trinidad flood victims are children
LA PAZ, March 5 2007 – Recent analyses show that 40 per cent of flood victims in the municipality of Trinidad, in the Amazonian Department of Beni, are children living with their parents in...
UNICEF hails promise for children by Peru President
NEW YORK, 10 May 2002 - UNICEF today hailed the President of Peru, Alejandro Toledo, who pledged in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday that his government would reduce military spending in order to redirect public funds to basic social services for children.
UNICEF calls for entries for children’s broadcasting award
NEW YORK, 7 March 2007 - UNICEF and the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences today called for entries from broadcasters for the 2007 International Children’s Day of Broadcasting Award.
Despite progress, girls subjected to violence and discrimination
NEW YORK, 5 March 2007 – Violence against women and girls is one of the most extreme forms of inequality, UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman...
UNICEF makes a call to prioritise children in recent flooding in Bolivia
LA PAZ/BOLIVIA, February 28, 2007 – Families affected by recent floods in Bolivia, where waters from the Rio Grande and Rio Mamoré continue to rise, face an imminent risk of infectious...
Nominees sought for children’s Advocate Awards
NEW YORK, 1 March 2007 - UNICEF is calling for nominations on behalf of the 2007 World of Children Awards, which honor people...
The Measles Initiative 2007
The Measles Initiative represents a long-term commitment to support the goal of reducing measles deaths worldwide by 90 per cent by 2010 compared to 2000 estimates.
Unlikely partners unite to fight preventable disease in Haiti
PORT-AU-PRINCE, 23 February 2007 – Yesterday, the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) support plan was launched in Port-au-Prince. The EPI support...
Young people speak up on the status of girls
26 February 2007 - Media Advisory
Bellamy to call for new tactics in child survival at meeting of pediatricians in Cancun
MEDIA ADVISORY, 5 August 2004 - UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy will deliver the keynote address to the 24th International Congress of Pediatrics in Cancun. Every year, more than 10 million children under the age of five die totally preventable deaths. Some are the direct causes of illness—pneumonia, diarrhoea, measles—and others are affected by indirect causes such as conflict and HIV/AIDS. Malnutrition and lack of safe water and sanitation are contributing factors to more than half of these deaths.
UNICEF mourns death of staff member
NEW YORK, 20 February, 2007 - UNICEF is mourning the tragic loss of staff member Maria-Solange Auteri, 32, who died Friday in New York after suffering a sudden and unexpected brain aneurysm.
Former child soldier launches memoirs
NEW YORK, 15 February 2007 – A Long Way Gone, by former child soldier Ishmael Beah, is being launched today at UNICEF. The book is a first hand account of Ishmael’s...
Paris conference on child soldiers concludes with commitment to stop the recruitment of children
PARIS/GENEVA, 6 February 2007 - Representatives of 58 countries meeting in Paris today committed themselves to putting an end to the unlawful recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts.
Global conference to end the recruitment of children by armed groups and forces in Paris
PARIS/NEW YORK/GENEVA, 5 February 2007– A global conference hosted by the Government of France and UNICEF convened in Paris today to address the issue of children in armed conflict.
UNICEF issues call to eliminate female genital mutilation/cutting within a generation
NEW YORK, 6 February 2007 – In spite of a global commitment following the 2002 UN Special Session on Children to end Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) by 2010...
Statement on Gaza by the United Nations Agencies working in the occupied Palestinian territory
5 February 2007 - Statement
UNICEF appeals for $635 million in humanitarian assistance
GENEVA / NEW YORK – 29 January 2007 – UNICEF today launched its Humanitarian Action Report (HAR) 2007, calling on donors to provide $635 million to assist children and women in 33 humanitarian...
UNICEF calls for entries for one-minute video contest
NEW YORK, 23 January 2007 – UNICEF is calling for submissions to its Media Magic Make a Difference! one-minute video contest. Youth under age 25 are invited...
Global goal to reduce measles deaths in children surpassed
NEW YORK/GENEVA, 19 January 2007 — Measles deaths have fallen by 60 per cent worldwide since 1999 – a major public health success. This exceeds the United Nations goal...
Measles Initiative to announce major achievement in public health
17 January 2007 - Media Advisory
Signs of progress and momentum in global response to children and AIDS
NEW YORK/GENEVA, 16 January 2007 – A year ago, UNICEF and its partners launched Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS to highlight the missing face of the child in the AIDS pandemic.
UN General Assembly adopts powerful definition of child poverty
NEW YORK, 10 January 2007 - The UN General Assembly has adopted a powerful definition of child poverty, acknowledging that while poverty harms everyone, children experience poverty differently.
Voices of Youth and the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting launches Media Magic Digest
NEW YORK, 27 December 2006 – UNICEF’s Voices of Youth (http://www.unicef.org/voy/) and the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting launched today a new online...
UNICEF condemns kidnappings of children in Haiti
PORT-AU-PRINCE, 21 December 2006 –UNICEF is alarmed by the increasing number of child kidnappings registered in the past few days in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince.
Tsunami report highlights progress
NEW YORK, 20 December 2006 – UNICEF today announced the release of its 24-month report on the tsunami.
UN launches Integrated Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Standards
NEW YORK, 18 December 2006 – The United Nations today launched the Integrated Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Standards (IDDRS), a set of policy and...
UNICEF Flagship Publication: Empower Women to Help Children
4 December 2006 - Media Advisory
UNICEF celebrates 60 years for children
NEW YORK, 8 December 2006 - Six decades after its inception as a temporary relief agency, UNICEF is marking its 60th anniversary today, celebrating its many achievements on behalf of children all over the world.
Empower Women to Help Children
NEW YORK/GENEVA, 11 December 2006 – Eliminating gender discrimination and empowering women will have a profound and positive impact on the survival and well-being of children, according to a new UNICEF report issued on UNICEF’s 60th anniversary.
Promoting Women’s Autonomy in Latin America and the Caribbean to Fulfil the Rights of Children
PANAMA, 11 December, 2006 – Eliminating gender discrimination to promote women’s autonomy and their participation in decision-making throughout Latin America and the Caribbean will have profound and positive consequences for the survival and well-being of children, as stated in a newly-published report from UNICEF in the year of the 60th anniversary of the organization.
Regional Directors of three United Nations agencies sign the “Lima Act”
LIMA, 23 November 2006 - In the presence of the regional directors of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and UNICEF and President Alan García Pérez, the “Lima Act” was signed in Peru’s Government Palace.
UNICEF Regional Director presents United Nations study on Violence Against Children
LIMA, 22 November 2006 - This afternoon, the Minister of Women’s Affairs and Social Development Virginia Borra, together with UNICEF and the Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) presented the Secretary General of the United Nations “Study on Violence Against Children”.
Teleradio Moldova wins 2006 ICDB Award
NEW YORK, 21 November 2006 - Teleradio Moldova has won the 2006 International Children’s Day of Broadcasting Award, presented by UNICEF and the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
IKEA, Save the Children and UNICEF joint campaign: ‘A smile is worth so much’
IKEA, UNICEF and Save the Children will join forces for children worldwide again this year, following a successful 2005 effort that raised over €2 million euro for life-saving programs through its “€1 is a fortune. . . A child’s smile is worth so much” campaign.
Regional launch of the UN Secretary General’s study on violence against children for Latin America and the Caribbean
15 November 2006 - Media Advisory
Despite difficulties, polio immunization drive underway in Iraq
GENEVA, NEW YORK, AMMAN, 14 November 2006 - A national polio immunization drive to protect 4.8 million Iraqi children was launched by the Iraqi Ministry of Health. The campaign was delayed for a week because of security concerns across parts of the country.
Grandmother source of inspiration, says young prizewinning photographer
NEW YORK, 10 November 2006 - A young Kenyan has won a global UNICEF photo and essay competition, the children’s agency announced today.
Belinda Stronach and Rick Mercer launch anti-malarial bednet campaign:“Spread the Net” with UNICEF Canada
MONTREAL, 9 November 2006 – “1 Net. 10 Bucks. Save Lives. Spreadthenet.org.” It’s a mantra that Belinda Stronach and satirist Rick Mercer want everyone to understand, repeat and do something about over the next two years.
Shakira, UNICEF launch Campaign for Peace in El Salvador
SAN SALVADOR, 6 November 2006 - UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Shakira Mebarak joined the “Make the Difference by Not Being Indifferent" campaign, in support of the fight against violence in El Salvador.
UNICEF Guatemala awarded the Ibero American “Caracol de Plata” for its BECATON Campaign
MEXICO CITY, 2 November 2006 - UNICEF Guatemala, along with Guatemalan TV broadcasting channels three & seven, the Ministry of Education and the advertising agency Publicentro Lowe & Partners, received the maximum “Caracol de Plata” award, in the category of social campaigns.
UNICEF, World YWCA join forces
New York, 12 October 2006 – UNICEF and World YWCA announced today the establishment of a new partnership to promote gender equality, youth leadership and the meaningful involvement of young women and girls in creating a more gender sensitive society.
56-years later and still unique: Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF
NEW YORK, 8 September 2006 — For the 56th consecutive year, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF will launch its time-honored Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign this fall.
Children pay the price for lack of safe water and sanitation
NEW YORK, 28 September 2006 – More than 1.2 billion people have gained access to safe water since 1990, according to Progress for Children: A Report Card on Water and Sanitation, launched today by UNICEF.
UNICEF to Security Council: Children should not fight wars
NEW YORK, 20 January 2004—Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of UNICEF today condemned the appalling violations of the rights of children in times of war. Addressing the annual Security Council meeting on children in armed conflict, she called on Council members to work harder to end the use of child soldiers, the killing and maiming of children, abductions, attacks on schools and hospitals, and sexual violence against boys and girls.
UNICEF reports that 1.5 million young children die every year due to lack of safe water and sanitation
Who: Ms. Ann M. Veneman, UNICEF Executive Director
Ms. Maria Mutagamba, Minister of State for Water,
Lands and Environment, Uganda
WIPA dedicates involvement in CWC 2007 to promoting awareness of HIV and AIDS
PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, 20 September, 2006 – “The West Indies Players Association (WIPA) will dedicate it’s involvement in World Cup Cricket 2007 to the issue of HIV/AIDS.
San Salvador is declared child-friendly city
SAN SALVADOR, 1 August 2003 – On July 30th, 2003, San Salvador, the capital city of the Central American country of El Salvador, was declared a “Child Friendly City”. According to the formal agreement signed between the Mayor of San Salvador, Carlos Rivas Zamora, and a child representative from the capital, Fátima Marielos Navarrete, the most important city of El Salvador will now guarantee the development of local activities focused on the promotion of children’s rights.
Unity in Belize: parties endorse plan for kids
BELIZE CITY, 7 September 2004 - The Prime Minister Hon. Said Musa and the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Dean Barrow endorsed a National Plan of Action for Children and Adolescents, 2004-2015 (NPA) during a brief ceremony at the Radisson Fort George in Belize City at 8:00am today.
Colombia destroys its anti-personnel mines arsenal
BOGOTA, COLOMBIA, October 24, 2004 - Meeting the commitment assumed in the Ottawa Convention, the Colombian Government today destroyed its last arsenal of anti-personnel mines, in a ceremony held simultaneously in Bogotá’s Plaza de Bolívar and in the northern city of Barranquilla, where more than 6,800 mines belonging to the Armed Forces were destroyed.
Launch of "Code of Conduct" for travel industry to protect children from sex tourism
NEW YORK, 21 April 2004 – Striking a blow against the sex tourism industry that entraps tens of thousands of children, UNICEF today joined the World Tourism Organization (WTO) and the international advocacy group ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes) in launching a “Code of Conduct” for the North American travel industry. The code is designed to protect children from commercial sexual exploitation.
UNICEF and Casa Alianza join efforts against violence
PANAMA CITY, 6 September 2004 – With the expressed intention of protecting Latin American and Caribbean children and adolescents in a more effective manner against all forms of violence that affect the region, UNICEF and the international non- governmental organization, Casa Alianza, have recently signed their first regional cooperation agreement.
Sir Roger Moore in Mexico City to support UNICEF's work for education of all children
MEXICO CITY, 28 January 2004 – British Airways Chairman Lord Marshall was joined by UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sir Roger Moore in Mexico City today for the announcement of a pledge of £150,000 to support UNICEF’s work for the education for all children in the city. Raised through the successful Change for Good partnership between British Airways and UNICEF, this donation brings the total amount Change for Good has contributed to UNICEF´s work for children in Mexico City to £1 million since 1994.
Prince of Asturias award given to UNICEF
NEW YORK, 13 September 2006 - UNICEF expressed appreciation today to Spain’s Prince of Asturias Foundation for giving the children’s agency the prestigious 2006 Prince of Asturias Award for Concord.
Information on Goodwill Ambassador Roger Federer’s ‘Feder-Bear’
NEW YORK, 11 September 2006 – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Roger Federer’s third consecutive US Open win yesterday was celebrated with the announcement that the ‘Feder-bear’ Beanie Baby® will be available for purchase this holiday season.
The State recognizes its children as subjects with rights
BOGOTA, August 31 2006 - The 215 articles approved by the Senate of the Republic on 29 August mark the beginning of a new phase for Colombia’s 18 million children and adolescents. With them, the country has updated its legislation on children, adjusting it to the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child.
UNICEF, Organization of American States and Inter-American Development Bank launch initiative to grant official identity to millions of unregistered children
BOGOTA, 8 August 2006 - The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), UNICEF and the Organization of American States (OAS) announced a new alliance today to work toward ensuring free, timely, universal birth registration for children in Latin America and the Caribbean by 2015, with 50 per cent progress in that direction by 2010.
MTV Latin America premieres “Noticias MTV Docu: VIH-SIDA, Una confesión a diario," produced in collaboration with UNICEF
MIAMI, 2 August 2006—MTV Latin America in collaboration with UNICEF announced today the premier of their one-hour special, “Noticias MTV Docu: VIH-SIDA, Una Confesión a Diario”, a documentary that explores the HIV/AIDS crisis through the candid eyes of the Latin American youth. The special will air on MTV Latin America on Wednesday, 9 August at 10pm, after being short-screened at this year’s “Global Media AIDS Initiative” conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 8 August, where it will be made available free of charge to all participating broadcasters from around the world.
Some of the biggest victims of domestic violence are the smallest
NEW YORK/LONDON, 1 August 2006 – A global study published today by UNICEF and The Body Shop International reveals the devastating and lasting impact on children of living with domestic violence.
Statement of UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman on International Women’s Day
WASHINGTON, D.C., 8 March 2006 – Good afternoon. Thank you, Anita, for that kind and generous introduction. My thanks to the United Nations Information Center, the United Nations Foundation, the Women’s Foreign Policy Group, and all of the organizers and sponsors of this event. A special thanks to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF for all of their support and assistance, not just today, but every day.
Agencies join forces to inform and educate on avian flu and human pandemic risks in the Americas
WASHINGTON, D.C., 25 July 2006 # A new push to communicate on the threats of avian influenza and a possible human pandemic was launched today by representatives of international agencies, at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) headquarters in Washington.
The Special Representative of the Secretary General in Haiti and UNICEF Representative express their concern with the rise of violence and its consequences on children and their families
PORT-AU-PRINCE, 8 July 2006 – The Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in Haiti, Edmond Mulet and UNICEF Representative, Adriano Gonzalez-Regueral, have expressed outrage about current violent acts against children and their families in Haiti.
Survival is Greatest Challenge for Haiti's Children
MONTREAL / MADRID, 22 MARCH, 2006 – Children born in
UNICEF and WFP Executive Directors Make First Joint Visit to Latin America/Caribbean region
PANAMA CITY, 8 May 2006 – On their first joint visit to the region, World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director James T. Morris and UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman will meet in Panama City tomorrow with the heads of their Latin America and Caribbean country offices to intensify common efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals adopted by the international community.
Ubinas volcano: UNICEF sent supplies to attend to the population’s basic needs
LIMA, 24 April 24 2006 - UNICEF, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Coordinating Team, has sent water supplies to the communities affected by the eruption of the Ubinas volcano to ensure that all families have access to clean drinking water, in particular the region’s children.
Displacement and landmines are everyday challenges for children in Colombia
GENEVA, 25 April 2006 – In Colombia, children and adolescents are still severely affected by the ongoing armed conflict, despite the recent decrease in the intensity of armed actions in the country since the 2001-2002 peak of hostilities. UNICEF said today it does not have adequate resources to respond. For programs operating this year, UNICEF has a shortfall of US $ 1.7 million, out of a total amount of US $4.8 million necessary for humanitarian action.
Chile: President Bachelet launched reform on early childhood
CHILE, 31 March 2006 - Yesterday President Michelle Bachelet announced the creation of a Technical Advisory Council to reform the government’s early childhood policies. The Council, integrated by 14 members including UNICEF, is part of President Bachelet’s goal to implement a new social welfare system.
UNICEF hails new Haitian president’s promise to children
Port-au-Prince, 16 February 2006— UNICEF today congratulated Rene Preval on his election as President of Haiti, and hailed his renewed commitment to children.
UNICEF highlights challenges children face in Peru's coca growing areas
LIMA, 9 February 2006 -- UNICEF today presented “Children in the Coca Areas”, a study that describes the plight of children who live in the areas of Peru where coca is grown.
Girls, boys, and young people: The missing face of AIDS
SAN SALVADOR, 11 November 2005 – UNICEF, UNAIDS and other partners kicked off today a campaign to focus attention on the devastating impact of AIDS on children and young people, warning that current efforts underway in Latin America and the Caribbean will not be sufficient to halt the pandemic.
Reeling after Hurricane Stan, Central America and Mexico await Wilma
NEW YORK, 21 October 2005 - Still reeling from the devastating effects of Hurricane Stan – the worst storm to hit Central America in a decade -- a number of countries in Central America are bracing for a potentially worse storm as Hurricane Wilma hits landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula as a Category Four storm. After Hurricane Stan struck Central America more than two weeks ago, UNICEF rushed emergency relief supplies to communities in Central America and Mexico devastated by Hurricane Stan last week, estimating that well over a third of the victims are children.
Hurricane Stan – worst disaster to hit Central America and Mexico since 1998
PANAMA CITY/GENEVA, 11 October, 2005 - UNICEF is rushing emergency relief supplies to communities in Central America and Mexico devastated by Hurricane Stan last week, estimating that well over a third of the victims are children.
One in four infants still at risk from vaccine preventable diseases
NEW YORK, 29 September 2005- New country-by-country data reveal inadequate progress on protecting children and women from vaccine-preventable diseases, despite the availability of low cost vaccines, according to a UNICEF study released today.
UNICEF mourns death of Dick Heyward
NEW YORK, 4 August 2005 – UNICEF today mourned the passing of Dick Heyward, a beloved and influential senior statesman for UNICEF for more than 30 years. Heyward, who retired from UNICEF in 1981, died Wednesday in Long Island, New York, after a long illness. He was 90 years old.
Official Statement on the Security Council Resolution on Children in Armed Conflict
NEW YORK, 25 July 2005 - UNICEF today applauded the UN Security Council resolution that establishes a monitoring and reporting system for children affected by armed conflict.
UNICEF and CONCACAF - unite for children
NEW YORK, 22 July 2005 – UNICEF and CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) last night signed a pledge to develop a long term partnership to benefit children in Latin America and the Caribbean.
UNICEF speeds supplies to Grenada
Bridgetown, Barbados 16 July 2005 - UNICEF supplies arrived in Grenada today as the island continues to deal with the after effects of Hurricane Emily which impacted the island, especially the dependencies of Petite Martinique and Carriacou, almost thirty six hours ago.
Indigenous Children from Latin America demand their rights at Madrid meeting
MADRID, 8 July 2005 - “We are boys, girls and adolescents belonging to 34 indigenous peoples; we are creators, bearers and transmitters of our cultures whose contributions to humankind contribute to coexistence, diversity and peace.
Indigenous children discuss problems and exchange solutions in Madrid
MADRID, July 7, 2005 - More than 80 indigenous children and adolescents from 17 Latin American countries are meeting here today and tomorrow to discuss their “problems and exchange ideas and solutions to resolve them,” in the words of 11-year-old Jessica Peñafiel, from the Quechua people of Ecuador, during the opening ceremony. The conclusions of the meeting will be reflected in a Final Declaration and presented at the Ibero-American Ministerial Conference on Children and Adolescents, to be held in September in León, Spain.
2005 Gold Cup dedicated to Latin American and Caribbean children
PANAMA CITY/MIAMI, 6 July 2005 – UNICEF and CONCACAF announced today that the 2005 CONCACAF Gold Cup will be dedicated to UNICEF and the children of Latin America and the Caribbean with a special message to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and violence.
Paraguay takes concrete steps in the effective implementation of the Optional Protocol against the use of child soldiers
Asunción, Paraguay, 15 June 2005- Representatives of the Government of Paragay, UNICEF and the members of non-governmental organizations and community groups presented the results of the first round of visits to monitor implementation of the Optional Protocol on the Use of Child Soldiers which prohibits the forced recruitment of children under 18 years old as soldiers.
International experts meet in Buenos Aires to analyze violence against children and adolescents in Latin America
BUENOS AIRES, 30 May 2005 – In the framework of the United Nations Secretary General’s Study on Violence against Children, international experts and representatives of governments, civil society and adolescents are meeting in Buenos Aires today until June 1st to analyze and gather information on violence against children in Latin America.
UNICEF praises generous gift for indigenous Amazonian children threatened by disease, poverty, exclusion
GENEVA/LIMA, 3 June 2005 – UNICEF today announced two groundbreaking donations totaling almost $11.7 million from the Finnish government that aims to boost living standards of some of the world’s poorest and most excluded children – those of the Amazonian basin of Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia.
Regional consultation in Buenos Aires on violence against children
MEDIA ADVISORY, 26 May 2005 - The Latin American regional consultation will provide input to the landmark study of the United Nations Secretary General on Violence Against Children.
First global report on efforts to roll back malaria highlights progress and challenges
CAIRO/GENEVA/NEW YORK, 3 May 2005 – More people are accessing prevention and treatment services for malaria, sparking hope that the number of people who become sick and die from malaria will begin to decline.
UNICEF, Government and NGOs unite for the children of Brazil’s most impoverished region
BRASILIA, 6 April 2005 – Cabinet ministers, state governors, mayors, NGO and business leaders today launched an unprecedented National Accord to improve the lives of some of the country’s most impoverished and excluded children.
UNICEF Regional Director Nils Kastberg visits Haiti
PORT-AU-PRINCE, 23 February 2005 – The UNICEF Regional Director for the Americas and the Caribbean Region, Mr. Nils Kastberg, ended today his two-day visit in Haiti. Nils Kastberg co-chaired along with the Minister of Planning and External Cooperation, a high level meeting on the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the five year plan of collaboration between UNICEF and the government of Haiti.
UNICEF Regional Director visits flooded Guyana
PANAMA CITY, 18 February 2005 - More than 350,000 people have been affected by torrential rains and floodwaters in Guyana, Venezuela and Colombia. Guyana was the worst hit with almost 40% of its population being affected by last weeks floods.
UN seeks US$3 million to assist flood victims in Guyana
GUYANA, 8 February 2005 - The United Nations system launched a Flash Appeal today in response to the emergency humanitarian situation created by the recent floods that hit Guyana during the second week of January.
Children's health and safety a priority as Guyana experiences its worst moment
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA, 23 January 2005 - Unprecedented volumes of rainfall were recorded throughout Guyana, with a record 30 inches during the first two weeks of January, and the inadequacy of the natural drainage systems under these circumstances resulted in the most severe flooding in the history of Guyana, affecting nearly half of the country’s 800,000 population.
UN agencies urge focus on women and HIV in Latin America
PANAMA CITY, 30 November 2004 – Women represent the fastest growing segment of the population living with HIV in Latin America and the Caribbean, and new efforts are urgently needed to halt the spread of the epidemic in the female population, representatives of ten United Nations agencies said today.
UNICEF salutes two great games, one great cause
MIAMI, PANAMA CITY, PORT-AU-PRINCE, 12 November 2004 – UNICEF cheered the thousands of soccer fans, two teams and partners as the 1994 Brazil World Cup reunion team and the national team of Haiti faced each other in a friendly show down benefiting the beleaguered children of Haiti.
Press conference with Mexico and practice sessions to preview Brazil 94’ vs. Haiti match
Players from Brazil’s 1994 World Cup Championship reunion team and the Haitian National Team will meet Friday to for a practice session before their historic game on Saturday.
One month after hurricane, Grenadian children back in school
ST.GEORGE'S PARISH, GRENADA/NEW YORK/ BRIDGETOWN BARBADOS, 22 October 2004 – UNICEF today applauded the government of Grenada as thousands of children began returning to school just one month after Hurricane Ivan battered the island nation.
UN steps up relief to Grenada in Ivan's wake
BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS 14 September 2004 - Representatives of the United Nations system met today with donors to step up relief efforts to Grenada as the island struggles to cope with the aftereffects of Hurricane Ivan.
UNICEF relief supplies arrive in post-Ivan Jamaica
KINGSTON, JAMAICA, 16 September 2004 - Water and sanitation supplies from UNICEF are part of a shipment of goods totaling US$23,000, slated to arrive in Jamaica on Thursday, September 16.
Bellamy visits Gonaives, Haiti, where children tread water to survive
MEDIA ADVISORY, 26 September 2004 - UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy will visit Gonaives where UNICEF is carrying out intense programs to help children struggling to survive following Tropical Storm Jeanne. It is estimated that 155,000 children under 18 have been directly affected, including hundreds who died in the flooding. Many are homeless and living in shelters, all are vulnerable amidst appalling conditions.
Caribbean storms hit children hard
PANAMA CITY / GENEVA, 21 September 2004 – As Haiti and the Dominican Republic begin to dig out from Hurricane Jeanne, UNICEF said today that it is rushing to help restore services to some of the Caribbean’s most vulnerable children as forecasters predict a continuing season of destructive storms throughout the region.
UNICEF speeds supplies to Grenada
ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA 12 September 2004 - UNICEF relief supplies arrived today in this country struck by a hurricane that wrought devastation upon thousands of families, hammering homes, schools, government institutions, disrupting electricity, water and sanitation services and telecommunications.
Poverty and exclusion among urban children
Florence, 7 February 2003 - Asserting that tens of millions of urban children around the world are living in poverty and life-threatening environments, UNICEF said today that municipal authorities need to place the best interest of the child at the forefront of their decision-making.
UNICEF Executive Director: Create a Latin America fit for indigenous children.
Cusco, Perú, 24 July 2004. During the Copa América, UNICEF has been repeating a simple slogan that sums up the spirit of our agreement with CONMEBOL: ¡Con los niños sí se gana!
UNICEF joins relief efforts to protect hundreds of families and children in flood-ravaged areas in Haiti and Dominican Republic
PORT AU PRINCE and SANTO DOMINGO, 26 May 2004 – UNICEF offices in Haiti and the Dominican Republic have joined forces to support humanitarian relief for the more than 1,200 families, including children, who have been left homeless and without access to clean water, food and medical care following the severe floods that ravaged several villages and towns along the border between the neighboring countries last weekend.
Latin America and Caribbean unite to prevent sexual exploitation of children and adolescents
SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA, 20 May 2004 - The Follow-Up Meeting of the II World Congress Against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents, concluded with an agreement among the 24 countries present to join efforts to prevent and to reduce the causes of child and adolescent vulnerability, to promote change in cultural patterns, to reform legislation and penalize perpetrators, to implement migratory measures, and to improve mechanisms to prosecute and condemn nationally and internationally those who exploit children. UNICEF calculates that on a yearly basis, 2 million children and adolescents are victims of these crimes around the world.
Thanks to FIFA, football is more than just a game
PARIS/GENEVA/NEW YORK, 20 May 2004 - On the 100th anniversary of FIFA, soccer’s international governing body, UNICEF congratulated the organization for harnessing the power of soccer to improve the lives of the world’s neediest children.
West's most neglected children bear brunt of Haiti's upheaval
NEW YORK/PORT AU PRINCE, HAITI, 19 April, 2004 -- UNICEF said today that a new assessment of Haitian children is the first indication of how deeply the country's recent political violence touched their lives. The nationwide assessment, conducted last month, shows that the conflict has had a severe impact on Haiti's children, particularly the most vulnerable, such as the 2,000 children living in the streets of Port-au-Prince, and the 120,000 girls who work as domestic servants.
Hundreds of children convene for Caribbean Summit on HIV/AIDS
BARBADOS, 21 March 2004 – Hundreds of children, ages 10-16, converged for a regional children’s summit on HIV/AIDS for the signing of two cornerstone declarations, the Caribbean Youth Declaration on HIV/AIDS and Commitment of Governments. Delegates included children who are HIV positive, or who are otherwise affected by the impact of the virus. The two day summit was hosted by the Government of Barbados, under the aegis of the Ministry of Social Transformation in collaboration with UNICEF’s Caribbean Area Office. The summit was the first of its kind to be held in the Caribbean.
UNICEF airlift of emergency supplies lands in Port-au-Prince
PORT-AU-PRINCE, 3 March 2004 – UNICEF’s first airlift of emergency supplies since the political crisis began touched down at approximately 10 am today at Toussaint Louverture International Airport loaded with 30 tonnes of material and equipment.
UNICEF issues Haiti emergency appeal for $8.7 million
NEW YORK/GENEVA, 27 February 2004 - UNICEF said today that it is asking donors for $8.7 million dollars of urgent funding for its emergency operation in Haiti. The funds will be used for operations to provide relief for children and women caught up by the collapse of civil authority. These include: Obstetrical resources for three maternal wards in Port-au-Prince.; temporary schools in tents for 2,500 children, as well as education kits for 10,000 children; temporary shelters for 4,000 families.
Haiti's simmering war erodes child health
PORT-AU-PRINCE, 24 February 2004 – UNICEF said today that the violence in Haiti has sent the country’s impoverished health and education systems into a spiral that is threatening the lives of thousands of Haitian children.
UNICEF speaks out for children amidst Haiti crisis
Port-au-Prince/Panama/Geneva, 12 February 2004 -- “The intensification of the political crisis in Haiti is taking a heavy toll on families and communities; children are increasingly affected by the violence and must be protected,” said Françoise Gruloos-Ackermans, UNICEF Representative in Haiti.
SG bids for indigenous children's rights, citing UNICEF report
LIMA, PERU/PANAMA CITY, 12 November 2003 – Welcoming the statement on indigenous children made earlier today in Cuzco, Peru, by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, UNICEF called for urgent, far-reaching action in response to the “genuine emergency” facing millions of children from indigenous communities in Latin America.
UNICEF urges citizen watchdog for Haitian aid
Washington/Geneva/New York, 16 July 2004 – UNICEF said today that a citizen watchdog is the best way to support accountable reconstruction in Haiti.
Launching of the National News Agency for the Rights of the Child (ANNI – Bolivia)
In the Auditorium of the National Journalists Association in La Paz the launching took place yesterday of the National News Agency for the Rights of the Child (ANNI – Bolivia).
Jessica Lange tells parliamentarians to ask tough questions
MEXICO CITY, 20 April 2004 – UNICEF Ambassador Jessica Lange today launched a “Handbook for Parliamentarians on Child Protection,” a joint UNICEF/IPU (Inter-Parliamentary Union) report. She called on parliamentarians to live up to their responsibilities as legislators and become champions for children.
2004 America Cup dedicated to Peruvian children
ASUNCIÓN-PARAGUAY, 7 May 2004 - The America Cup/Peru 2004 will be dedicated to the children of Peru. The announcement was made today by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the South American Soccer Federation (CONMEBOL). The international soccer tournament -- one of the region's most important biennial sports' events -- will take place in July in six cities of Peru.
Immunization in Americas needs a shot in the arm
HAITI/NEW YORK/WASHINGTON, 23 April 2004 - As the first ever “Vaccination Week” in the Americas kicks off across tomorrow, UNICEF and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) warn that millions of children in the region are not fully protected against deadly childhood diseases.
Singer and songwriter Shakira appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
NEW YORK/GENEVA/MADRID, 24 October 2003 -- Grammy Award-winning musician Shakira has been appointed a global Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, the world’s leading organization for children, UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy announced today.
UNICEF delivers education and health supplies to children in Haiti
PORT-AU-PRINCE, 23 March 2004 – A UNICEF convoy will leave Port-au-Prince on Wednesday morning to deliver education and health supplies to schools and health centres in the cities of Saint-Marc and Cap-Haitien in the north of the country.
Through UNICEF, IKEA supports children’s right to play
NEW YORK, 12 March 2004 – UNICEF today thanked IKEA for a gift of Euros 666,566 (approximately US $829,000) that will sponsor UNICEF programmes in Angola and Uganda supporting “Children’s Right to Play.”
Canada provides additional funding to the final assault against polio
GENEVA/NEW YORK, 11 March 2004 - The spearheading partners in the global fight to eradicate polio – the World Health Organization (WHO), Rotary International, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and UNICEF – today welcomed Canada’s announcement of an additional US $9.7 million (C $13 million) to support the global polio eradication campaign.
Iberoamerican Communication Children's Rights Awards
SAN SALVADOR, 7 November 2003 - Journalists from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, México, Nicaragua and the United States are the winners of the 2003 Iberoamerican Communication Awards for the Rights of Children and Adolescents, an internacional jury announced here today.
UNICEF, WFP distribute food to poor families after a week of political turmoil in Bolivia
LA PAZ, 21 October 2003 – After a week of social and political turmoil in Bolivia, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), together with the archdiocese of El Alto, are assisting poor families who lack food security and were unable to get any revenues during the crisis.
Mexican Supreme Court and UNICEF sign agreement to promote child rights
MEXICO, 1 October 2003 – The Mexican Supreme Court of Justice and UNICEF yesterday signed an agreement of collaboration to promote respect for human rights, particularly the rights of children and adolescents, among judges, magistrates, officials of the judicial branch of government and society in general.
UNICEF praises Bolivia’s pledge to invest in nation’s children
SANTA CRUZ DE LA SIERRA, BOLIVIA, 19 September 2003 - UNICEF hailed Bolivia’s leaders today as they agreed to a groundbreaking pledge to invest in all of the nation’s children – including the indigenous, those of African descent, and those stricken by poverty.
New UNICEF Director for Latin America
GENEVA/NEW YORK/PANAMA CITY, 3 September 2003 – UNICEF today announced the appointment of Mr Nils Kastberg as its new Regional Director for Latin America and the Carribean.
UNICEF and Salvadorian government campaign to prevent illegal immigration of children
SAN SALVADOR, 19 August 2003 – The Minister of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador, María Eugenia Brizuela de Ávila, and the Representative of UNICEF in El Salvador, Juan Carlos Espínola, launched the Central American radio campaign called “La Ruta del Norte” (The Route to the North) on Monday, a programme aimed to persuade mothers, fathers or guardians not to send their children to the United States illegally.
WFP and UNICEF strengthen cooperation to reduce child malnutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean
PANAMA CITY, 6 AUGUST 2003 – The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and the UNICEF signed a new agreement today to strengthen their cooperation in reducing child malnutrition in Latin American and the Caribbean. The agreement was signed by Per Engebak, UNICEF's Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, and Zoraida Mesa, WFP's Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.
UNICEF Executive Director praises Ecuador for increased investment in children
QUITO, ECUADOR, 5 August 2003 – UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy today applauded the commitment of Ecuador’s government to improving children’s lives through increased social spending, but said that more investment is necessary to reach all children with basic services.
Freezing temperatures in Peru threaten children
NEW YORK, 28 July 2003 – UNICEF is rushing emergency medicine, blankets and baby bodysuits to children in Puno, Peru, where thousands of young lives are in danger because of extreme weather.
Dialogue with children top of agenda in Peru
LIMA, 22 May 2003 - Invited by Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo, UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy arrived today in Lima May 27, 2003, to participate in the Dialogue for Children between the Public and Private Sectors, a replica of the Global Dialogue of Special Session on Children in New York, held in May 2002. (News Note)