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UNICEF mission statement, mandate & values

Our values shape everything we do, from emergency response to long-term development, and define how we advocate, and act.

A guiding principle: for every child

UNICEF mission statement, mandate and values

Every child, no matter who they are or where they’re born, has the right to grow up safe, healthy, educated, and empowered. That’s why at UNICEF we always put children at the heart of our work. This is shaped by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and ensures we can do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive, and fulfill their potential.

Before, during, and after humanitarian emergencies, UNICEF staff work with children’s dignity, value and potential as a guiding light. Because children everywhere have the right to a secure world in which they can realise their potential. With UNICEF, you can help build it.

The values that shape UNICEF

  • child plays with toy

    Every child, always

    Children are not just the future: they are the present. We place children at the heart of every decision, programme, and policy we support. Their rights, voices, and needs come first, in every setting, without exception.

  • Girls sitting in classroom

    Global and local

    We work in communities across the world, partnering with local leaders, governments, and organisations. From rapid emergency response to long-term system change, we bring global expertise with a local focus.

  • Girl holds up UN card

    Equity and inclusion

    We are committed to reaching the most disadvantaged children; those facing poverty, conflict, climate crises, discrimination, or disability. We believe that true progress means no child is left behind.

  • girl and unicef worker play together

    Gender equality

    We champion the rights of girls and women, supporting their full and equal participation in their families, communities, and societies. When girls rise, we all rise.

  • mother carries child in arms

    Peace and progress

    We stand with children in times of crisis, and we work every day toward a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future for all.

  • mother and child laugh together

    Integrity and trust

    UNICEF is a values-driven organisation. We work transparently and ethically, guided by compassion, respect, and accountability. We honour the trust placed in us by children, families, donors, and partners.

mother holds smiling baby - UNICEF's mission statement

UNICEF’s mission statement

UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.

UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to establish children’s rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behaviour towards children.

UNICEF insists that the survival, protection and development of children are universal development imperatives that are integral to human progress.
children playing

Most vulnerable

UNICEF is committed to ensuring special protection for the most disadvantaged children – victims of war, disasters, extreme poverty, all forms of violence and exploitation and those with disabilities.

UNICEF responds in emergencies to protect the rights of children. In coordination with United Nations partners and humanitarian agencies, UNICEF makes its unique facilities for rapid response available to its partners to relieve the suffering of children and those who provide their care.

UNICEF is non-partisan and its cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority.
Child laughs in mother's arms

Aims

UNICEF aims, through its country programmes, to promote the equal rights of women and girls and to support their full participation in the political, social, and economic development of their communities.

UNICEF works with all its partners towards the attainment of the sustainable human development goals adopted by the world community and the realization of the vision of peace and social progress enshrined in the charter of the United Nations.

Can you support UNICEF’s work for every child?

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