unicef

UNICEF initiated co-operation with Nepal in 1964. Today, UNICEF/Nepal's country programme is one of the 18 largest UNICEF programmes in the world. The programme seeks to advance the respect, protection and fulfilment of the human rights of children and women in Nepal. In line with HMG/N's policy on decentralisation, the country programme's primary strategy is to build family and community capacities to assess, analyse and plan their own actions to address the principle problems faced by children and women. The Decentralized Action for Children and Women (DACAW) programme provides the basic framework for the implementation of programmes addressing nutrition and childcare, health, environment, education, child protection and HIV/AIDS in focus districts. In addition, UNICEF supports the implementation of programmes such as immunization and micronutrients (Vitamin A supplementation, control of iodine deficiency diseases and iron deficiency anaemia) in all 75 districts.

The country programme tackles not only the immediate causes influencing child survival, growth and development, but also addresses the underlying causes. Particular efforts are implemented to promote changes in gender disparities. Other priorities are to reach out to the most disadvantaged groups and children in Nepal, especially communities in very remote areas, groups discriminated due to caste and ethnicity, and children in need of special protection. To respond to the ongoing conflict situation, the Decentralised Action for Children and Women (DACAW) Programme is also being expanded in the conflict affected areas to address the rights of children affected by armed conflict, through the Quick Impact Programme (QIP) in collaboration with the World Food Programme.