UNICEF 75
Reimagining the future for every child.
UNICEF in Bhutan
When the world’s most vulnerable children needed a champion, UNICEF has been there. From the ashes of war to the global challenges today, UNICEF has consistently worked to protect the rights and well-being of all children. Whoever they are. Wherever they live.
One of the first countries to sign and ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Bhutan has always placed children and issues facing children at the centre of all its plans and policies.
Forty-seven years ago, UNICEF began its work in Bhutan through the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation programme. In partnership with the Royal Government of Bhutan, UNICEF continues to ensure that children and young people are safe, healthy, protected and learning. It works with partners to support the country in investing in its human capital and in helping children grow up healthier, happier and stronger.
UNICEF's story is one of unstoppable change for children, powered by the people who have rallied for them. To our supporters, partners, staff and everyone who has made this possible, thank you. Thank you for your enduring support.
Today, as UNICEF marks its 75th anniversary, we look back at our journey in Bhutan. The timeline highlights the progress made together with the Royal Government of Bhutan for the well-being and happiness of children and young people.
These milestones are as much a reminder about the work ahead of us, especially at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the wellbeing of children and young people, around the world and in Bhutan.
Just as we rebuilt out of the ruins of World War Two, with 75 years of experience behind us, together we can help children and their families re-emerge from this crisis.
For the story of UNICEF is a story of our children. It is a story of childhoods lost and reclaimed, about childhoods nurtured and protected. It is in a way, a story about every child.
The anniversary, marked amid a pandemic, is a call to reimagine the future for every child.
The Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) reiterated its commitment to uphold all provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child at the regional forum, Reigniting opportunities for children in South Asia that was held to mark UNICEF's 75th Anniversary on December 9.
Congratulating UNICEF on its 75th Anniversary and for giving every child a fair chance in life, Health Minister and Vice Chair of the National Commission for Women and Children, Dasho Dechen Wangmo, in her address, said that as a champion for the rights and wellbeing of children, UNICEF in the last 75 years has helped nurture, shape and change, the lives of children around the world and in Bhutan.
The Minister assured that the RGoB is prepared to commit efforts and resources in addressing the existing challenges and turning them into opportunities through innovative interventions in collaboration with developmental partners. “We want to tell our children and young people that their wellbeing and happiness is a national priority for the Royal Government of Bhutan.”
UNICEF has been in Bhutan for the last 47 years. Over the four decades, UNICEF has worked closely with the Royal Government of Bhutan to ensure that every child and young person are safe, protected and healthy.