US Fund for UNICEF History

After World War II, the United Nations General Assembly voted to create the UNICEF or the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. It was founded to help foster support and relief to European children who are living in areas wrecked by the World War II. The organization was established in December 1946 and from then onwards, the world became a kindlier place for poor children.

By 1953 UNICEF became a formal part of the United Nations. It started successful campaigns worldwide against a disfiguring disease called yaws. It affected millions of children and with UNICEF's efforts many have been saved by the supply of penicillin to children who could not afford it. In 1961, UNICEF expanded its scope and focusing on addressing more than just children's health issues by bringing into their scope the educational welfare of the children as well. In 1965 it was a proud year for the organization, as it won the Nobel Peace Prize specifically "for the promotion of brotherhood amongst nations."

During the 1970s, the organization became a famous advocate for upholding the rights of children. In the 1980s, it helped the United Nations General Assembly in planning for the Convention on the Rights

of the Child. When it was introduced in 1989 to the UN General Assembly, the Convention turned out to be the most endorsed human rights treaty ever. UNICEF was the key player in enforcing it.

In 1982, UNICEF launched a program which was aimed at saving millions of children every year through low cost methods such as immunization and breastfeeding, oral rehydration therapy, and growth and monitoring.

In the 1990s numerous breakthroughs were made by the organization, including the World Summit for Children.

As a new century unfolded, UNICEF also embraced it with better and more efficient methods of caring for children. In 2001 the "Say Yes for Children" campaign was launched. Today, UNICEF continues its mission

Of increasing child survival rate every year, until no child dies because of a preventable cause.

NOTE: Information on this site is not guaranteed to be accurate. Some content is compiled from 3rd party sources. If you are aware of incorrect or outdated information, feel free to contact us.