Our Mission

Child Protection & Development

On 14 July, a severely malnourished baby lies in the paediatric unit at the District Hospital in Lodwar, capital of Turkana District, in Rift Valley Province. In this predominantly pastoralist region, many families are selling their livestock to buy incre
Kenya
UNICEF/NYHQ2011-1032/KATE HOLT

UNICEF helps the world's most vulnerable children.

Every day, millions of children—forced into labor, prostitution or armed groups—are denied their fundamental right to safety and security. UNICEF's child protection programs strive to create a world where every child grows up free from fear, exploitation and harm. Without basic protections, children are at risk of death, disease, poor physical and mental development and homelessness. Read more about how UNICEF works to protect children.

88.4¢ of every $1 spent directly helps kids

UNICEF USA receives Charity Navigator's highest ratings for accountability and transparency.

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Fast Fact
57
million
Of 57 million children who are out of school worldwide, more than half live in sub-Saharan Africa.
1.75
million
1.75 million children in Syria are not in school.
85
million
More than 85 million children are subjected to physical labor, exploitation and trafficking.
4
x
Children with disabilities are at least four times more likely to suffer violence or sexual abuse.
20
%
More than twice as many women (20%) than men (5-10%) report having been sexually abused as children.
2
million
The commercial sex trade exploits 2 million children worldwide.
6,000
Up to 6,000 children have been recruited by armed groups in the Central African Republic.
At least 200 million girls and women alive today have already endured female genital mutilation (FGM). UNICEF is fighting to end this violent practice.
It's Time to Stop Female Genital Mutilation
FGM is a violation of girls' and women's human rights. UNICEF is fighting to end this violent practice once and for all.
Read More
Children participate in various learning exercises at a UNICEF-supported child-friendly school, Uzbekistan.
Child-Friendly Schools
UNICEF promotes healthy learning environments where children are safe, supported and empowered.
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End Trafficking
Learn how to spot trafficked children—and how to help them—with these UNICEF resources.
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U.S. kids have raised over $175 million since 1950.

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Words Open Worlds: Literacy Has the Power to Change Young Lives
UNICEF is dedicated to making sure all children learn to read, so they can look forward to a brighter future.
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When schools have the right facilities and education materials, they can help girls manage their periods with dignity and confidence.
12-year-old girl from Côte d'Ivoire with albinism, with her friend.
Speaking Up for Albino Children
An important reminder to continue advocating on behalf of children who suffer discrimination and exclusion because of the way they look.
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Teaching Social and Emotional Skills to Children in Papua New Guinea
UNICEF and the government of Papua New Guinea team up with partners like ALEX AND ANI to train early childhood educators.
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