Without data there is no knowledge; without knowledge there is no progress. UNICEF compiles existing data on the situation of children and creates new data of its own. Among other things, these facts and figures enable UNICEF to influence decision-makers and the political agenda.
International data and studies
UNICEF helps governments collect data on the situation of children and women with the help of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey program, known as MICS. This enables them to compile sound and internationally comparable data on areas including education, health, equality, rights and protection, and highlight changes in the situation. UNICEF provides technical support and workshops on survey implementation and data management.
Data from all countries is compiled annually and published at www.childinfo.org and in a publication entitled “State of the World’s Children”.
The UNICEF Office of Research in Florence, formerly the UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre, has been conducting topic-specific research since 1988. UNICEF works with academic institutions and development cooperation partners to promote international understanding of children’s rights issues and the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child worldwide. There are two key series of publications in this area:
- Since 2000, the Report Card has focused on wellbeing and development opportunities for children in industrialized countries. Using OECD data, the Report Card tackles issues such as bullying, educational success, nutritional behavior and relative child poverty.
- Innocenti Insight takes an in-depth look at a specific, usually complex, children’s rights issue, such as female genital mutilation and child trafficking.
Related links:
- UNICEF publications: http://www.unicef.org/publications/
- UNICEF Office of Research: http://www.unicef-irc.org/research/
The situation of children in Switzerland
Switzerland also has gaps in its data on the situation of the country’s children. UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein carries out fundamental work, especially in the areas of child protection and children’s rights.
The most important studies on child protection:
- Female genital mutilation in Switzerland: In 2001, UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein conducted a survey among gynecologists to investigate for the first time the incidence of female genital mutilation in Switzerland. The survey revealed that this painful practice is also carried out in this country. UNICEF then issued two legal opinions drawing attention to the ambiguous legal situation. The study was repeated in 2012 and indicated an increase in the number of girls and women affected or at risk.
- Child trafficking in Switzerland: Led by UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein, various organizations analyzed the situation in Switzerland in 2005 and 2006, and contributed their knowledge and experience to the report “Child Trafficking and Switzerland”. This report sets out the current situation with regard to child trafficking in Switzerland, sheds light on the international instruments already in place, and concludes by formulating various recommendations for domestic and foreign policy actions.
The most important studies on children’s rights:
- Implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Switzerland: UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein, together with the Child Rights Network, published a first report in 2002 and a further one in 2009, after the government neglected to make any submissions of its own. The 2009 report shows the glaring disparity in opportunities for children and young people depending on their canton and status.
- Vulnerable children in Switzerland: In its study “From Child Protection to a Children’s Rights State: Strengthening, Protection and Promotion through the Comprehensive Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child”, UNICEF analyzed whether children’s rights are implemented systematically in Switzerland, particularly among vulnerable groups. The study examined topics such as poverty, (sexual) violence and children with a background of adoption, and also how children are included in the drafting of cantonal and national legislation.
Innovation and pilot projects
New ideas and approaches play an important role in UNICEF’s program work. Advances in technology and science directly benefit children thanks to UNICEF and private, public and academic partner organizations.
Many advances over the last few decades have simplified our lives and improved our quality of life. UNICEF harnesses this knowledge, focusing on the challenges faced by the most disadvantaged, such as children in hard-to-reach regions and in crisis and conflict zones. Innovations are first tested through a pilot project, with the results evaluated so that they can then be optimized and implemented across the board.
One of the most important tools is the mobile phone network, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas or in emergencies. Whether it’s registering births, transferring health data via text message or reuniting families in refugee camps via RapidFTR, the old walls of photos and forms have been replaced by a virtual database that can reduce the time it takes to reunite a family from several weeks to just a few hours.
Innovation is also needed in program work, for example to simplify or automate processes. New approaches can also lead to faster and more sustainable solutions to complex problems, such as overcoming social norms like forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
Related links: