United Nations Children's Fund

Thesaurus

Noun

United Nations Children's Fund - an agency of the United Nations responsible for programs to aid education and the health of children and mothers in developing countriesUNICEF, United Nations International Children's Emergency FundUN agency, United Nations agency - an agency of the United Nations

United Nations Children's Fund

(UNICEF), a specialized fund of the United Nations. It was established in 1946 as the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, and became a permanent part of the United Nations in 1953, when it acquired its current name (but retained its well-known acronym). UNICEF is concerned with assisting children and adolescents throughout the world, particularly in devastated areas and developing countries. By the first decade of the 21st cent. it was active in 190 countries. UNICEF's aims include insuring children's survival, nutrition, health, environmental safety, and education; protecting children from violence, exploitation, and abuse; preventing maternal mortality; preventing and treating HIV/AIDS; ensuring the rights of women and children; empowering women and girls in the pursuit of gender equality; and providing emergency assistance in countries facing crises. Unlike most UN programs and agencies, UNICEF is financed through voluntary contributions from governments and individuals, rather than by regular assessments. National UNICEF committees collaborate with UNICEF in various projects. UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965.

Commonly called UNICEF (formerly United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund). An organization within the United Nations that provides humanitarian and other aid to women and children, especially in the developing world. It provides food, shelter, medicine and other necessary supplies. It is financed by governments and individuals globally. It was established in 1946.

United Nations Children's Fund

United Nations Children's Fund