UNICEF joins millions of people around the world who mourn the loss of Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa

Today we have all lost a hero, a powerful champion for children.

The father of his nation, Nelson Mandela devoted much of his work to children.  In 2002, he urged that Heads of State at the UN Special Session for Children endorse increased health and education resources for children.  In 2004, through his Foundation and in partnership with the Hamburg Society and UNICEF, Mandela launched the Schools for Africa campaign to enroll two million African children in school.  He started his own children’s fund and fought passionately, with his wife, Graça Machel, and the Global Movement for Children and UNICEF, to put children at the heart of the global development agenda. 

Madiba touched the lives of millions of children.  They are a central part of his legacy.

Our deepest condolences go to his wife, Graça Machel, his family and his nation.

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About UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to save and improve children’s lives, providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when zero children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood.

For additional information, please contact:

Kiní Schoop, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.922.2634, 917.415.6508, kschoop@unicefusa.org