UNICEF in Afghanistan

UNICEF works to promote and protect the rights and wellbeing of children and women in Afghanistan. Since 1949, they have been bringing basic services, including education, health, nutrition, protection, water, sanitation, and hygiene to those who are most in need, addressing inequities in each of these areas. UNICEF also provides humanitarian assistance during emergencies.

Together with our partners, they are on the front lines of the battle to eradicate polio in Afghanistan, one of only three countries in the world where the disease remains endemic.

In many ways, violence dominates the conversation about Afghanistan. The individual voices and faces of people, particularly women and children, are often lost in the noise. UNICEF is working to change this narrative so that every child may be given choices and opportunities in their life.

As one of the longest-serving members of the international community in Afghanistan, UNICEF has a unique role to promote peace and stability for the country’s children. They continue to support the country's transition from decades of war and natural disasters so that children, adolescents and women can access the services they need and fulfil their right to survival, development, protection and participation.

In line with our mandate, they apply a gender lens to all of our work and support the Afghanistan National Development Strategy.