Communication for Development

UNICEF is committed to facilitating a coordinated, harmonized and structured approach to eliminating harmful social norms that perpetuate violence against children. UNICEF works with government, implementing partners, traditional and faith leaders, community bodies and children themselves to ensure children grow up in safe spaces and have access to necessary services which enable them to survive and thrive.

Communication for Development (C4D) is an integral part of UNICEF’s support for the government’s efforts to end harmful cultural practices and traditions, while also fostering positive behaviours concerning gender, nutrition, health and education. C4D, also known as social and behaviour change communication (SBCC), utilizes a mix of communication tools, channels and approaches to facilitate constructive dialogue, participation and engagement with children, families and communities in both development and humanitarian contexts.

C4D also plays a crucial role in risk communication and community engagement (RCCE), ensuring children and the most vulnerable get key messaging before, during and after emergencies. By maximizing the use of traditional, mass and digital media, UNICEF is taking an integrated and cutting-edge approach to its commitment to leave no child behind. UNICEF is also developing dynamic approaches to produce collaborative, community-focused, participatory strategies that promote and strengthen child-friendly, resilient communities.

RCCE and SBCC constitute evidence-based interventions that help set priorities and indicators to support implementation of UNICEF’s Accountability to Affected Population (AAP) Framework. These interventions guide community engagement and the way UNICEF and partners build relationships within vulnerable communities to achieve better outcomes for children. Community engagement is one of core strategies used by C4D and shares elements with AAP, particularly around participation, allowing communities to express their own priorities and needs. Engagement enhances the ability of communities to exercise their rights and hold service providers and duty bearers accountable in both humanitarian and development contexts.