Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about UNICEF
What is UNICEF?
UNICEF is the United Nations Children’s Fund, working in the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents – and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere.
One of the world’s largest providers of vaccines, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, safe water and sanitation, quality education and skill building, HIV prevention and treatment for mothers and babies, and the protection of children and adolescents from violence and exploitation.
Before, during and after humanitarian emergencies, UNICEF is on the ground, bringing life-saving help and hope to children and families.
Learn more about what we do to help children survive, thrive, and fulfil their potential.
Where does UNICEF work?
UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories and in the world’s toughest places to reach the children and young people in greatest need.
We operate through country offices around the world, as well as 33 National Committees, seven regional offices, a research centre in Florence, a supply operation in Copenhagen, a shared services centre in Budapest, as well as other offices in Brussels, Geneva, Seoul, and Tokyo. Some 85 per cent of our staff are located in the field. UNICEF headquarters are in New York.
What does the acronym UNICEF stand for?
On 11 December 1946, the United Nations established UNICEF to meet the emergency needs of children in post-war Europe and China. Our full name was the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund.
In 1950, the UNICEF mandate was broadened to address the long-term needs of children and women in developing countries everywhere. UNICEF became a permanent part of the United Nations system in 1953, when our name was shortened to the United Nations Children's Fund. However, UNICEF retained its original acronym.
How can I make a donation to UNICEF?
Thanks for your interest in supporting UNICEF. Our work depends entirely on voluntary contributions. Donate now or explore other ways to take action.
Where can I get the latest data on issues affecting children?
UNICEF collects data to monitor the situation of children and young people around the world. Find data by country and topic, data visualizations and dashboards, and more here.
Where can I find UNICEF publications?
For UNICEF publications and other resources, including the latest State of the World’s Children report and Annual Report, visit our publications section and our Office of Global Insight and Policy.
The Office of Research – Innocenti is UNICEF’s dedicated research centre. Its core mandate is to undertake cutting-edge, policy-relevant research that equips the organization and the wider global community to deliver results for children.
Where does UNICEF get its funding?
UNICEF’s work is funded entirely through the voluntary support of millions of people around the world and our partners in government, civil society and the private sector. For detailed information, go to the latest Annual Report or visit our funding pages.
How is UNICEF accountable for its work?
UNICEF has an established Information Disclosure Policy that outlines explicitly its commitment to making information about programmes and operations available to the public. As a signatory to the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI), UNICEF provides open and comprehensive public access to operational and programme data through its Transparency Portal.
What is the UNICEF Executive Board?
The Executive Board is the governing body of UNICEF, providing intergovernmental support and oversight to the organization, in accordance with the overall policy guidance of the United Nations General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. Learn more about Executive Board members, sessions, decisions and more.
How can I apply for a job with UNICEF?
Thanks for your interest in joining our team. We’re looking for committed professionals willing to engage in the challenging work of advocating for children's rights, helping to meet their basic needs and expanding their opportunities to reach their full potential. Check out current opportunities.
What is the Junior Professional Officers Programme?
The Junior Professional Officers (JPO) programme provides young professionals interested in pursuing a career in development an opportunity to acquire hands-on experience in multilateral cooperation. JPOs work in one of UNICEF's programme areas, either at headquarters or in a country or regional office. Learn more.
How can I find an internship at UNICEF?
Our Internship Programme offers students the opportunity to acquire practical experience in UNICEF's work. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
How can I volunteer to work for UNICEF?
If you have an undergraduate degree, several years of work experience and are interested in long-term volunteer opportunities, you may be eligible for entry into the United Nations Volunteer (UNV) programme. This is a United Nations common programme that recruits volunteers for assignments throughout the United Nations system, including UNICEF.
For additional information on volunteer opportunities, visit our volunteers page.
How can I partner with UNICEF?
UNICEF works in some of the hardest-to-reach places to protect children’s rights and safeguard their futures. But we can’t do it alone. We unite with the public sector, private sector and civil society in over 190 countries and territories. Whether you’re an organization or an individual supporter, learn more about opportunities for partnering with UNICEF.
I am a young person. What do you have for me?
If you are between 13 and 24 years old, check out how people like you are getting involved and join Voices of Youth, a global online community for young people who want to make a difference in the world, and U-Report, a platform for community participation empowering an international movement for positive social change.
I am a member of the press. Where do I go for information?
Our Press Centre has the latest press releases, official statements, expert sources, and more. For additional information, you can also contact our Media team.
How can I obtain UNICEF videos, photos and other multimedia materials?
UNICEF photographs, videos, audio, print materials and other assets are available to professional media and others for authorized use. Visit our WeShare database to explore our multimedia packages.
What are the terms of use for the reproduction of materials found on the website, including photographs and graphic designs?
If you wish to mirror, reproduce, republish or translate any of the information available on the website for wider dissemination, please refer to UNICEF’s copyright and terms of use.
The unauthorized use of the UNICEF name and logo is against international law and is expressly forbidden.
I wish to report fraud, abuse or wrongdoing. Whom can I contact?
UNICEF takes all reports of alleged wrongdoing and misconduct seriously. For information on how and what to report, visit our How to Report Wrongdoing guide.
If you have information on fraud, corruption, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, sexual exploitation and abuse, or waste and mismanagement involving UNICEF staff, consultants, institutional contractors, vendors or implementing partners, please report the matter directly to UNICEF's Office of Internal Audit and Investigations.
I am having difficulty finding specific information on UNICEF.org. Where should I go?
We’re sorry for any inconvenience, but we’re building a new UNICEF.org. During the transition some pages will be swapped out for new ones. Please try using our search and if you still can’t find what you’re looking for, please come back later. We are updating pages and sections daily.
Updated 3 June 2021