When do people celebrate UNICEF Day?
Every year, the world celebrates UNICEF Day on December 11 to mark the establishment of the United Nations Children’s Fund that works for the development of children across the globe, regardless of their region, race, and culture.
United Nation Children’s Fund
The United Nations General Agency established the United Nations Children’s Funds (earlier known as United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund) in 1946. It was formed under the 57 (I) resolution of the United Nations General Assembly with its headquarters at the USA’s New York City.
History of UNICEF
The UNGA initially formed the UNICEF to provide relief and assistance to World War 2 affected children and women. It worked to rescue women and children from exploitation, hunger, and other atrocities. Gradually, the temporarily formed organization evolved into a permanent wing of the United Nations.
It expanded its reach to work for the welfare of less privileged children in and across the globe. In 1953, it was renamed as United Nations Children’s Fund.
Operations of this agency
UNICEF works in as many as 192 countries and national territories to advocate for the basic rights of children and help them fulfill their potential from their early childhood through their adolescence.
The agency works as per the decisions of 36 members of its executive board. These members establish policies, exhibitions, awareness programs, administrative and other financial plans. These 36 members comprised 36 government representatives elected for 3-year terms.
Significance of UNICEF
UNICEF Day is observed annually to spread awareness among people about the sustainable development of children. It emphasizes on eliminating hunger, violation of children’s rights, and discrimination based on race, region, or religion.
Objectives of this day
UNICEF’s primary objective is to protect hapless children from every possible corner of the world and provide them access to basic rights like good education, food, sanitation, vaccination, etc.
UNICEF Day theme of 2021
2021 marks the 75th anniversary of UNICEF Day. This year’s theme is, “to help children to recover from interruption and learning losses experienced through the pandemic in the last two years”.
Regional offices of this agency
The following countries are home to UNICEF Regional Offices:
- The Americas and Caribbean Regional Office, Panama City, Panama
- Europe and Central Asia Regional Office, Geneva, Switzerland
- East Asia and the Pacific Regional Office, Bangkok, Thailand
- Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya
- Middle East and North Africa Regional Office, Amman, Jordan
- South Asia Regional Office, Kathmandu, Nepal
- West and Central Africa Regional Office, Senegal
