Who we are
UNICEF – the United Nations Children’s Fund – was established in 1946 to supply emergency relief to millions of children suffering in the aftermath of World War II. As the world changed through the decades since then, so too did our role.
The organization still functions to ease the suffering of millions of children in emergency situations across the world. We also focus on the protection and promotion of child rights, working for the survival, protection, education and healthy development of every child.
We began our work in Thailand in 1948. Back then we targeted children’s health and nutrition and household sanitation: fighting life-threating childhood diseases, supporting a permanent vaccination programme for tuberculosis to providing clean drinking water and safe sanitation facilities in rural areas, and distributing corn-soy milk and iodized salt.
Over the past seven decades, the well-being of children in Thailand has significantly improved. Yet, disparities have also increased drastically, spurring new challenges for children. As the conditions have changed, UNICEF’s work has changed. Our activities have expanded to also include the importance of early childhood development, adolescent health and participation, quality education and the protection of every child.
Our uniqueness
UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations to protect and promote the rights of children across the world. Our presence in 190 countries and territories has generated a rainbow of insight and ability to tap into the wealth of local expertise, and experiment with innovations. We work with each national government through multi-year country programme plans to strengthen laws, policies and activities that have far-reaching and enduring impacts on the lives of children.
Collaborating with the Government and partners, including NGOs, the private sector, influential groups and individuals, communities, parents, and children
Helping generate reliable data and evidence on the situation of children
Advocating for legislative and policy change for children
Building up skills and knowledge among all partners for promoting and protecting child rights
Facilitating collaboration and information exchange among all partners and anyone else working for the benefit of children
Funding new initiatives and pilot projects for ultimate expansion by the Government to every corner of Thailand and reaching every child
Engaging with traditional and online media, celebrities and youth to inform the public about issues facing children and to catalyse action
Establishingcoalitions of supporters for children’s rights
Our framework
The work we do flows from the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which outlines the basic rights that all countries must guarantee for every child. Having ratified the CRC in 1992, Thailand has agreed to follow through on the many provisions by establishing laws, policies, regulations and services to deliver what is right, fair and will enable children to develop to their full potential.
UNICEF programmes correspond with Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Plan focus on investing in human resources, in addressing inequalities, and in sustainable development. The UNICEF partnership also revolves around helping Thailand fulfill its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for poverty eradication, human and environmental well-being, clean and accessible energy and equal opportunities to improve household conditions, among others.
