Media Releases
More than 7 million primary school-aged children in Pakistan missing out on education
Islamabad, 7 April 2012 – With the start of the new school year now underway, UNICEF is encouraging parents and communities around the country to ensure that all children of primary school-age are enrolled in class.
Fifty-Five New UNICEF-Constructed Schools Inaugurated
Islamabad, 4 April 2012 – Fifty-five new schools constructed by UNICEF in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with funding from Australia.
Pakistan Widely Celebrates the ICDB
This March, UNICEF Pakistan organized a country-wide celebration of the ICDB by getting multiple broadcasters on board to allow children not only to be directly involved in radio and television programming, production and presentation
UNICEF and broadcasters call for ‘Every Child in School’ on International Children’s Day of Broadcasting 2012
ISLAMABAD, 3 March 2012 – On this year’s International Children’s Day of Broadcasting on 4 March, UNICEF and broadcasters around Pakistan call for every child in Pakistan of school-going age to be enrolled in school.
Increasing urbanization creates challenges and opportunities for children in Pakistan
Islamabad, 7 April 2012 – With the start of the new school year now underway, UNICEF is encouraging parents and communities around the country to ensure that all children of primary school-age are enrolled in class.
Thirty-five UNICEF-Constructed Schools Inaugurated in Flood-Affected Districts of Southern Punjab
Thirty-five UNICEF-Constructed Schools Inaugurated in Flood-Affected Districts of Southern Punjab
UNICEF at 65: Looking back, thinking ahead
On 11 December, UNICEF celebrates its 65th anniversary. Created in 1946 from the residual resources from UN’s relief and rehabilitation administration, to secure the fate of Europe’s children, few then imagined that it would still be in existence today.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Islamabad, 3 December 2011 – On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) urge communities in Pakistan
UNICEF seeks strengthened cooperation with Governments, international organizations in the Gulf
DOHA, 21 November 2011 – UNICEF Deputy Executive Director a.i. Rima Salah has just concluded a one-week trip to the Gulf to strengthen cooperation in responding to humanitarian crises.
Universal Children’s Day – Children in Pakistan have the right to be counted
Islamabad, 19 November 2011 – With an estimated 3 million children born in Pakistan each year not officially existing, UNICEF is calling for all births around the country to be registered so that children’s rights are protected.
Government of Spain provides US$680,000-plus for UNICEF’s flood emergency response
Islamabad, 9 November 2011 – New funding of Euros 500,000 (approximately US$682,130) from the Government of Spain is a much-needed boost for UNICEF’s water, sanitation and hygiene emergency response to the 2011 floods, which has affected up to 5.4 million
Japan Grants US$2.64 Million to UNICEF for Eradication of Polio in Pakistan
Islamabad, 3 November 2011 – The Government of Japan has provided US$2.64 (203 million yen) to UNICEF to support efforts for eradicating polio in Pakistan. A signing ceremony and exchange of notes was held today in presence of the Secretary....
World leaders join Bill Gates in $122 million pledge for polio eradication
PERTH, Australia, 31 October 2011 – World leaders from Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Nigeria and Pakistan joined Bill Gates on Saturday in pledging $122 million in new funds to help deliver a polio-free world.
European Union support boosts fight against malnutrition in Pakistan
28 October 2011, Islamabad – New funding worth Euros 4.3 million (US$5.48m) from the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department, ECHO, will help to counter malnutrition in flood-affected and food-insecure areas of Sindh and Punjab.
World Polio Day – Polio outbreak reaches 132 cases in Pakistan; urgent need to accelerate progress on eradication
October 24, 2011- Islamabad: As the world marks World Polio Day, Pakistan draws world attention as one of only four polio endemic countries globally.
Saudi funding with UNICEF support aims to bring children in conflict-affected districts of KP and FATA back to school
21 October 2011, Nawan Kalay, Swat – Almost half a million conflict-affected children in North-western Pakistan will benefit from a better learning environment as a result of key support from the Saudi Fund for Development for the UNICEF Welcome to School
Clean hands save lives: Global Handwashing Day 2011 in Pakistan
Islamabad, 13 October 2011 – Millions of people in Pakistan and around the world are marking Global Handwashing Day, which aims to increase awareness and understanding of the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to preven
Life-saving assistance for flood-affected children at risk due to major funding shortfall
Islamabad, 2 October 2011 – Following the monsoon floods that have struck Sindh province for the second year in a row, UNICEF and its partners are now reaching hundreds of thousands of families with life-saving assistance. Almost 210,000 people are now
UNICEF rolls out emergency supplies to vulnerable flood-hit children & families
Islamabad, 14 September 2011 – Vital emergency supplies, including hundreds of thousands of litres of clean water daily, are being rolled out to children and families left vulnerable by severe monsoon floods in southern Pakistan.
New monsoon floods double disaster for children still recovering from last year’s devastation in Pakistan
Islamabad, 11 September 2011 – Up to 2.5 million children have been affected by severe monsoon floods in southern Pakistan – and with many still recovering from the worst floods in the country’s history just a year ago.
Saudi support brings improved health services to more than 100,000 children and their families in the earthquake-affected regions
23 August 2011, Muzaffarabad. – Seven new basic health units were opened at a ceremony in Muzaffarabad today as part of a programme to improve the health of more than 100,000 children and their families in earthquake-affected areas of northwest Pakistan.
Polio outbreak reaches 63 cases in Pakistan; eradication is possible with action and accountability at all levels
Islamabad, 9 August 2011 – With 63 new polio cases already reported in Pakistan in 2011, this country could potentially be the last polio reservoir worldwide, standing in the way of global polio eradication, unless progress is accelerated.
WHO and UNICEF: Twenty-two per cent of newborn deaths could be prevented by exclusive breastfeeding
Islamabad, 4 August 2011 – From August 1–7, 2011, more than 150 countries worldwide are celebrating the 20th annual World Breastfeeding Week. WHO and UNICEF join their partners in calling for the benefits of breastfeeding to be broadcast beyond clinics
Pakistan flood survivors struggle to restore their lives amid new disaster fear and humanitarian funds shortage
Geneva/Islamabad/New York, 29 July 2011 – A year after devastating monsoon floods hit Pakistan, many of the more than 18 million affected people – almost half of them children –are struggling to rebuild their shattered lives
Dutch ambassador inaugurates 21 UNICEF schools in Muzaffarabad
Muzaffarabad, June 24, 2011: Twenty one new schools constructed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the earthquake-affected districts of Muzaffarabad and Bagh were inaugurated by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, H.E Joost
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador highlights issue of children on margins of society
Lahore/Islamabad, 17 June 2011 – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and one of Germany’s most prominent TV personalities, Sabine Christiansen, met with street children and a women’s group in Lahore today to raise awareness about the plight of some of Pakistan’s
UNICEF and ILO call for end to hazardous and exploitative child labour on World Day Against Child Labour
Islamabad, 11 June 2011: In a joint statement to mark the World Day Against Child Labour, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and UNICEF today called for renewed efforts to end the worst forms of child labour in Pakistan.
UNICEF and the SRSG on Violence against Children welcome GoP’s commitment to protect children from sexual exploitation
ISLAMABAD, June 9, 2011 – In a joint statement with the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Violence against Children, UNICEF Pakistan today welcomed the Government of Pakistan’s move to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention...
Australian High Commissioner Inaugurates 20 UNICEF Constructed Schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Bherkund, District Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, June 8, 2011: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has held an inauguration ceremony for 20 new primary schools constructed in the earthquake-affected districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
UNICEF congratulates Pakistan on joining 100 countries in ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Islamabad, 6 June 2011 - UNICEF today congratulates Pakistan on its ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Pakistan joins 100 other countries in ratifying the first legally binding human rights treaty...
High-level WHO visit emphasizes critical importance of eradicating polio from Pakistan
May 31, 2011, Islamabad/Geneva/Cairo — With the world edging ever closer to eradicating polio, a high-level WHO visit is emphasizing Pakistan’s key role in tackling the highly contagious and crippling disease.
European Union Ambassador inaugurates 16 new UNICEF-constructed schools in Pakistan Administered Kashmir
25 May 2011, Muzaffarabad. – Sixteen new primary schools were opened at a ceremony in Muzaffarabad today as part of an ambitious programme to construct almost 700 schools following the devastating 2005 earthquake.
Joint UNICEF & WHO mission confirms the need to intensify polio eradication efforts in Pakistan.
May 14, 2011, Karachi/Islamabad – As concern mounts over the increasing number of polio case throughout the country despite massive efforts, UNICEF and WHO visited one of the most affected areas of Karachi this week to determine how the two UN agencies..
Education for All: The Missing Link for Pakistan’s Progress
As the world marks Global Action Week on Education (2-8 May), opportunities for breaking inter-generational poverty through accelerated education efforts are huge, says Dan Rohrmann of UNICEF.
Press Release: Education key but progress uneven for Pakistan
Islamabad, 6 May 2011 – Since “Education for All” (EFA) goals were adopted and firm commitments made in 1990, progress in educating more children, especially girls, has been uneven globally and in Pakistan as well, UNICEF said today.
UNICEF head ends Punjab visit with school opening
Muzaffargarh, April 29, 2011: UNICEF Pakistan Representative Dan Rohrmann concluded his visit to Punjab province today with the opening of a model school that will not only help rebuild schooling after the floods but rebuild the community as well.
UNICEF and Punjab Government agree on action for children
Lahore, April 26, 2011: UN children’s agency UNICEF and the Government of Punjab signed a two-year workplan amounting to US$ 38 million to scale-up action for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
New UNICEF Representative visits flood affected areas in Sindh
Karachi, 22 April, 2011: Newly arrived UNICEF Country Representative Dan Rohrmann today concluded his first field visit to Sindh where he observed UNICEF’s early recovery activities in the wake of the devastating floods of 2010.
New UNICEF Representative for Pakistan
Islamabad, April 13, 2011: Mr. Dan Rohrmann has presented his credentials to the Government of Pakistan as the Representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Pakistan.
Pakistan children look to the future of safe drinking water at home and school
Islamabad, 21 March 2011 – Hundreds of children from around Pakistan will be presenting their innovative ideas on the future of clean water tomorrow as part of World Water Day.
UNICEF: Pakistan floods uncover dire nutrition situation
Six months after the 2010 Pakistan monsoon floods hit, UNICEF and its partners face another huge challenge following new survey results from Sindh province that reveal critical levels of malnutrition among flood-affected children.
Pakistan Girls Education Initiative launched with enthusiasm
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, National Commission of Pakistan (NCHD) and Department of International Development (DFID) launched Pakistan Girls Education Initiative (PGEI).
UNICEF: Crisis far from over for Pakistan’s children, the 120-Day Progress Report on the Floods
More than four months after the worst floods in the country’s history, UNICEF warns that winter will worsen the threats against Pakistani children who already suffer high rates of acute respiratory infections and malnutrition.
UNICEF sends in life-saving supplies to the millions of people affected by flooding, many of them children and women
UNICEF is sending in life-saving supplies to the millions of people hit by severe flooding in several provinces in northern Pakistan. The devastating floods are said to be the worst in the region for 80 years and have affected an estimated 3.2 million
Students of Dawood Public School in Karachi raise funds for Haitian Earthquake Survivors
The students of Dawood Public School of Karachi gave $3000 to UNICEF for the Haiti survivors. While presenting the cheque, Soha and Jannad, grade 10 students...
With Euros 4 million from the EU, UNICEF works to protect 82,500 children affected by conflict from water and sanitation diseases
The European Union’s humanitarian aid department, ECHO, has contributed €4 million (US$ 5.6 million) to UNICEF Pakistan, to support humanitarian work in areas affected...
With Danish donation, UNICEF will provide access to education to 9,500 children in Malakand Division
ISLAMABAD, 8 January 2010 – UNICEF Pakistan expresses its appreciation to the government and the people of Denmark for their recent contribution of DKK 10 million (approximately Rs.160 million, US$ 6,985,000), to support early recovery of ....
Twentieth Anniversary of the CRC by Martin Mogwanja
On 20 November 2009, it will be twenty years since the countries of the world, including Pakistan, came to a historic decision and recognised, for the first time in human history, that children have special rights and needs.
Over 100 Schools Now Constructed by UNICEF Pakistan in Response to the 2005 Earthquake
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – More than 100 new schools have now been constructed and handed over to the government in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir and the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), in an initiative by UNICEF and Pakistan’s Earthquake Reconstruction
Press Conference by UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, Mr. Daniel Toole
UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia Dan Toole visited communities in Malakand Division yesterday, in his first visit to Pakistan since May of this year. On his previous visit, the challenges of delivering humanitarian assistance to the children...
Children and women displaced by conflict in Pakistan need urgent and ongoing support
GENEVA, 3 July 2009 – UNICEF is deeply concerned about the condition of thousands of children who have been displaced by conflict, or who remain in affected areas, in north-western Pakistan.
In memoriam: Perseveranda So, 1956-2009
The UNICEF family today mourns the tragic loss of Perseveranda So in the bombing of a hotel in northwest Pakistan last night. We miss her already.
Deputy Executive Director Hilde F. Johnson visits Pakistan and requests aid for the conflict-affected
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, 3 December 2008 – UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, Hilde F. Johnson, visited Pakistan this week where she discussed UNICEF programmes with government ministers and held discussions with non-governmental organisations...
UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Arrives in Pakistan
UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Hilde Johnson begins a four-day visit to Pakistan today.
UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia Arrives in Pakistan
Islamabad, 19 May 2008: The UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, Daniel Toole, has arrived for his first official tour of Pakistan on Monday.
Child Health and Sanitation Week 2008 to Help Reduce Child Deaths from Water-Borne and Other Diseases
The National Programme for Family Planning and Primary Health Care, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners, will launch Child Health and Sanitation Week on Monday 21 April
UNICEF Celebrates International Women's Day in District Nankana
NANKANA SAHIB, 3 MARCH 2008 – At a commemoration of International Women's Day 2008, the district government Nankana and UNICEF Pakistan honoured the women who are at the frontline of efforts to improve health and education in rural areas.
More needs to be done to prevent thousands of children's dealths in Pakistan, says UNICEF at the launch of 'The State of the World's Children Report 2008'.
Islamabad, 23 January: The launch of UNICEF's flagship publication, The State of the World’s Children Report 2008: Child Survival, today highlighted the importance of coordinated actions at family, community and government levels to reduce...
Pakistani and Indian Cricketers Immunise Children Against Polio
NEW DELHI: Little children’s mouths literally fell open when the cricket players from India and Pakistan immunised them on the eve of the next polio immunisation campaign that started in India on November 25.
Save the Children and UNICEF urge an end to all forms of corporal punishment
Islamabad, Nov. 19, 2007: UNICEF and Save the Children are calling for an end to corporal punishment on Universal Children’s Day on Tuesday, November 20th, 2007.
Impersonation of UN Staff (Scams)
Isld. Sept 18: The United Nations in Pakistan wishes to inform all business partners and the general public that a number of incidents have come to light in the recent past where unscrupulous individuals have impersonated UN officials for financial gains.
Pakistan Needs Funds Now to Restore Children’s Education in Flooded Southwest
ISLAMABAD, 3 August 2007 – UNICEF is concerned that primary school education could become a casualty of the floods that have affected southwest Pakistan in the wake of cyclone Yemyin in late June.
The United Nations launches a USD 38 million Flash Appeal to assist the flood-affected
Islamabad, 18 July 2007 - The United Nations launched a USD 38 million Flash Appeal today in Genevato assist hundreds of thousands of people in southwest Pakistan struggling to survive widespread floodingin...
Asia-Pacific Child Rights Award 2007: A call to broadcasters
The ABU, CASBAA and UNICEF are now inviting Asia-Pacific broadcasters and producers to submit entries for the Asia-Pacific Child Rights Award 2007.
Ten Pakistani children to attend Young People's Forum in Thailand
Islamabad, 27 April 2007: From 27 April to 4 May, a select group of children from earthquake-affected areas in Pakistan are meeting children from Southern Thailand and Indonesia at the first ever regional forum on natural disasters in Thailand
ICC Cricket World Cup to Shine Spotlight on Children and Young People Affected by HIV
NEW YORK/GENEVA, 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 Cricket World Cup 2007 to highlight the situation of children living with HIV/AIDS
Government - UNICEF Hold Mid-Term Review Meeting
Islamabad, February 20, 2007: A joint Mid-term Review Meeting of the Government of Pakistan and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) was held here today, to examine the progress made so far under the current five year country programme 2004-2008
Martin Mogwanja, new UNICEF Representative for Pakistan
Islamabad, February 6, 2007: Mr. Martin Mogwanja has assumed charge as the new UNICEF Representative for Pakistan replacing Mr. Omar Ahmed Abdi, who is now UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.
Bio data: Martin Mogwanja, Representative UNICEF Pakistan
Bio data of Mr. Martin Mogwanja, Representative UNICEF Pakistan
Japan provides US$3.85 million to UNICEF for polio erradication in Pakistan
Japan provides further funds of US$3.85 million to UNICEF to support polio erradication in Pakistan
UAE Red Crescent - UNICEF sign agreement to construct a health facility in quake-hit area
Islamabad, October 6, 2006: A Memorandum of understanding was signed here today between the UAE Red Crescent and UNICEF whereby the former would provide UNICEF US $260,000 for construction of a health facility in quake-hit area
Invitation to Eye See II Exhibition
What happens when you give cameras to 160 children moving back from temporary camps to villages that were shattered by the earthquake? The answer is a photo essay of lives being rebuilt and the work that is left to do.
SACOSAN 2: UNICEF calls for children to be at centre of Regional Action on Hygiene
Islamabad, September 20 - Children should be placed first in the debate on improving hygiene standards in South Asia, a top level meeting of policy makers has been told.
ERRA, UNICEF and EC delegation visits school reconstruction site in Muzaffarabad
Muzaffarab, August 23: The ceremony to inaugurate reconstruction of 250 primary schools in the AJK took place in Muzaffarabad this morning. Deputy Chairman, Gen. Nadeem Ahmed was the chief guest
EC signs agreement with UNICEF to fund the education recovery programme
Islamabad, August 17, 2006: European Commission grants Rs.750 million (EUR 10 million) to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for funding its ongoing education sector recovery process in support of the Government’s Early Recovery Plan
UNICEF announces $150 million earthquake recovery plan
ISLAMABAD, JULY 11, 2006 -- UNICEF will construct 500 permanent schools and around 70 permanent rural health centres in areas devastated by Pakistan’s October 2005 earthquake, as part of its 150 million dollar contribution to the recovery plan
Major Water Network launched in Gari Habibullah
UNICEF launches a major water supply scheme in Gari Habibullah, North West Frontier Province of Pakistan which was severly affected by the October 8 earthquake
Report Confirms High Child Casualty in Pakistan Earthquake
Islamabad, February 7, The findings of a U.N. survey on the current nutritional status of the surviving population showed that while almost 5 per cent of the population was killed in the hardest hit areas in the last October’s earthquake, children under
International Children's Day of Broadcasting 2005 in Pakistan
Islamabad, December 10: International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) comes round again and is celebrated worldwide this year on December 11.
UNICEF delivering warm clothing kits in high-altitude areas
Islamabad – December 8: With the freezing temperatures of the northern Pakistan winter now producing snow across a large swathe in the mountains above 5000 feet, the need to deliver items to help earthquake-affected families who remain in the high altitude villages is critical.
UNICEF reaffirms commitment to protect children from HIV and AIDS
Islamabad, November 30: On World AIDS Day being celebrated on December 1, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Mr. Omar Abdi has highlighted the need to focus attention on protecting children from HIV and ensure care and support for those children infected
Measles Campaign for Children
Muzaffarabad, November 17, 2005 - In an extensive and accelerated campaign UNICEF is working with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health targeting 800,000 children under 15 years of age for immunization against measles.
Regional Director ROSA, Cecilia Lotse to attend International Donors Conf.
Islamabad November 16, 2005 - United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Regional Director for South Asia, Ms. Cecilia Lotse will lead the UNICEF delegation at the International Donor Conference being held in Islamabad on November 19.
Japan Provides 6.5 m to UNICEF for polio
Islamabad: November 10, 2005, A Signing Ceremony and Exchange of Notes took place here today between the Government of Japan and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) whereby Japan would provide further funds of US$ 6.5 million for polio
Statement by UNICEF Executive Director, Ann M. Veneman on her visit to quake-ravaged Pakistan
MUZZAFARABAD, Sunday 30th October, 2005 - Ladies and Gentlemen, today I witnessed the extraordinary scale of devastation and the breadth of human suffering during this short visit to the heart of the earthquake zone.
UNICEF Warns Thousands of Children Are At Risk
NEW YORK/GENEVA, 19 October 2005 – UNICEF warned today that tens of thousands of children are in peril in remote earthquake-affected parts of Pakistan because of deteriorating weather, injury, and illness.
