80 Years of UNICEF — From Emergency Relief to a Global Movement for Every Child’s Rights

Sofia, 1 June

On 1st June - Children’s Day - the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) marks 80 years since its establishment: eight decades of working to ensure every child’s right to healthcare, education, and protection, so that they can grow, develop, and fulfil their potential.

UNICEF was founded on 11 December 1946 as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund to respond to the devastating consequences of the Second World War for children. Over the years, the organization broadened its mission beyond humanitarian relief toward long-term development and the protection of children’s rights worldwide. In 1965, UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, and in 1989 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child - the most widely endorsed international human rights treaty in history.

Over the past 80 years, UNICEF has expanded its efforts to more than 190 countries and territories, working tirelessly to reach every child in need around the world.

Through collaborative efforts with governments and partners, UNICEF immunization programmes have saved over 154 million children’s lives in the past 50 years. The organisation has also played a major role in reducing child mortality, expanding access to education, and strengthening child protection systems for millions of children worldwide.

At the same time, UNICEF remains at the front line of humanitarian crises, delivering life-saving emergency assistance to children affected by conflict and disasters.

The organization has been working in Bulgaria since 1946 in support of children and families, with its role evolving over time. Twenty years ago, the establishment of the Country Office further strengthened the partnership with national institutions 

Bulgaria was among the first countries to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991 and remains a key global partner in building a better world for every child, including as co-founder and co-chair of the Group of Friends of Children and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Together with its partners, UNICEF has contributed to the successful deinstitutionalization reform and the introduction of new models of childcare in Bulgaria, including foster care, early childhood intervention, mobile community outreach teams, integrated child protection services against violence, and reforms and innovations in inclusive education.

Over the past 20 years, more than 17,000 families have received support through early childhood development programmes delivered by maternal and child health centers, while more than 5,000 children and parents who have experienced or witnessed violence have found protection and support through services such as “Zona ZaKrila”.

Despite the progress achieved, children around the world continue to face enormous challenges. Millions of children are still growing amid conflict, climate crises, and natural disasters. At no point in recent history have so many children been compelled to flee their homes to survive as during the last five years.

Bulgaria continues to have the highest rate of child poverty in the European Union, while inequalities and limited access to services continue to affect the most vulnerable children and families.

“The history of UNICEF is a story of how humanity responds to the challenges facing children. Over these 80 years, millions of lives have been saved, and millions of children have gained better opportunities for the future. But it is also a reminder that our work is not finished. In a world of growing uncertainty, ongoing conflicts, and global crises, we must intensify our efforts to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive,” said Christina de Bruin, UNICEF Representative in Bulgaria.

UNICEF expresses its deep gratitude to all its partners - national institutions, municipalities, civil society organizations, donors, companies, media partners, and supporters - whose commitment and support have made these achievements for children possible.

As part of its 80th anniversary, UNICEF Bulgaria is presenting a travelling photography exhibition featuring more than 50 pictures and stories from around the world and Bulgaria.

“These pictures tell the story of millions of children whose bravery and resilience have inspired us for 80 years. In conflicts and crises, through poverty and deprivation, despite discrimination and exclusion, children have the capacity to play, to smile and, above all, to hope for a better future. UNICEF’s 80th anniversary is an opportunity to recommit ourselves to fulfilling that hope, for every child,” Christina de Bruin added.

The exhibition can be seen in Sofia outdoors in front of the National Palace of Culture from 28 May to 10 June and at the National Library “St. St. Cyril and Methodius” from 1 to 30 June. By the end of the year, the exhibition will travel across the country and will also be presented in Plovdiv (July), Burgas (September), Ruse (September), Blagoevgrad (September), Varna (October), and again in Sofia (November).