UNICEF Australia Annual Report 2015

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UNICEF Australia

ANNUAL REPORT 2015



CONTENTS About UNICEF

2

President and CEO’s Report

3

The Convention on the Rights of the Child

4

Funds to Our International Programs

6

Policy and Advocacy

8

There in an Emergency

10

Child Survival

14

Education

18

Child Protection and Social Inclusion

20

Fundraising in the Community

22

Our Supporters

24

Our People

27

Summarised Financial Report

30

Financial Overview

33

Committed to Best Practice

35

Front cover: © UNICEF/UNI188958/Rich A young girl smiles during a class in the eastern Adamawa Region. Inside back cover: © UNICEF/UN03237/Ose Street children play at the Child Restoration Outreach.

UNICEF Australia | 1


ABOUT UNICEF UNICEF is a leading humanitarian and development agency working globally for the rights of every child. Working for and with children through adolescence and into adulthood, our global presence allows us to produce results and monitor their effects. Established in the aftermath of World War II to provide food, clothing and health care to children facing famine and disease, the United Nations Children’s Fund has spent nearly 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families.

Now more than ever, children are in need. Today, the twin drivers of humanitarian need – violent conflict and the impact of climate change – have forced more children from their homes than at any other time since records began. Children need us now more than ever. UNICEF operates in 190 countries and territories to ensure the survival, protection and development of children. From providing safe shelter, nutrition and protection to supplying clean water and sanitation, health care and education, UNICEF works for and with children.

2 | Annual Report 2015

© UNICEF/UN05153/Dragaj

Our work is guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which states that every child has a right to survive, thrive and fulfil their potential – to the benefit of a better world. Guided by this mandate, UNICEF Australia works to advance the rights of the most disadvantaged children and families both in Australia and globally, develop meaningful private sector partnerships and raise funds to ensure improved outcomes for children. We work to ensure the policies, laws and practices of Australian Governments and other institutions prioritise children’s best interests at all times. And we collaborate with counterparts globally and specialists locally to reach the best outcomes for children. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.


PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT CHILDREN IN NEED NOW MORE THAN EVER In 2015, millions of children and families were forced from their homes to flee violence, persecution, and hardship, risking their lives in search of safety and a better future. Other climate-related emergencies endangered the wellbeing of hundreds of millions of children living in areas prone to floods, earthquakes, cyclones and other natural disasters. As the headlines remind us daily, these conflicts and disasters are multiplying. Last year in Nepal two massive earthquakes left more than 1 million children requiring humanitarian aid. UNICEF acted swiftly, using pre-positioned supplies to deliver tents and tarpaulins, provide water trucking services, and administer water purification tablets and hygiene kits. Closer to home, Cyclone Pam wreaked havoc across Vanuatu and other Pacific island nations and UNICEF worked to ensure that more than 50,000 school-age children returned to class. The Syrian Conflict in all its complexity continues to be the most significant humanitarian crisis impacting the world today. As countless Syrians flee conflict, the effects are felt in neighbouring countries and across Europe. Never before have so many emergencies put so many children in danger. But while the challenges are enormous, so too are the opportunities to save not only lives but also the futures of millions of children.

UNICEF Australia and our supporters are an important cog in UNICEF’s global response on behalf of the most disadvantaged children. In 2015, we successfully gained accreditation with the Australian Government, a recognition of our capacity and accountability in managing Australian Government funding. A number of our programs are highlighted in this Annual Report including findings from two evaluations undertaken in Laos and Ethiopia. Our engagement with parliamentary processes and key influencers has helped introduce positive additional safeguards for Australia’s children in both policy and law. We would like to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of UNICEF Australia staff over the past year and our Board members for their dedication towards realising the rights of every child. We consider it a privilege to work alongside you. And finally, our thanks goes to the many Australians and Australian businesses who give life to the work we do to uphold children’s rights everywhere, especially among the most disadvantaged. These individuals, families and workforces continue to drive progress, and it is thanks to their support, we can continue our life-saving work. Given the continuing challenges so many children face, we need your support now more than ever.

Children need us now more than ever. The progress we have seen in the last 25 years is immense. The number of children dying before their fifth birthday has declined from 12.7 million in 1990 to 5.9 million in 2015. But we can and must do better. That’s why, in 2015, UN member states adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a blueprint to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity.

Adrian Graham UNICEF Australia Acting Chief Executive

John Stewart UNICEF Australia President UNICEF Australia | 3


THE CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD ARTICLE 01

ARTICLE 10

ARTICLE 02

ARTICLE 11

If you’re under 18, you are a child, and you have rights.

No matter the race, religion, ability, family unit, or the things they think and say, a child has rights.

ARTICLE 03

Everyone must work toward what is best for a child.

ARTICLE 04

Governments must help children realise their rights.

ARTICLE 05

Families must help protect children’s rights and be guided by Government to do so.

ARTICLE 06

Children have the right to live a full life. Governments should ensure that children survive and develop healthily.

ARTICLE 07

A name and place to call home is every child’s right.

ARTICLE 08

A child must have an identity and an official record of it.

ARTICLE 09

Children should not be separated from their parents unless it is in their best interests.

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A child should be where its family is – all together.

No one can take a child illegally.

ARTICLE 12

Children can give an opinion and those with power should listen.

ARTICLE 13

Children have the right to be shown, share and shape ideas and information, as long as it causes no harm.

ARTICLE 14

ARTICLE 18

Parents must share the responsibility of raising their children and be supported by society to do so.

ARTICLE 19

Laws must protect children from being hurt or mistreated.

ARTICLE 20

Respect for a child’s cultural background must be considered if they can’t be cared for by their family.

ARTICLE 21

If adopted by another family, the best interests of the child must be the first consideration.

Children can choose what to believe in, with guidance from their family about what’s right and wrong.

ARTICLE 22

ARTICLE 15

ARTICLE 23

ARTICLE 16

ARTICLE 24

Children have a right to privacy.

Good health, clean water and nutritious food are a child’s right.

ARTICLE 17

ARTICLE 25

Children can join groups and make friends of their choosing.

The mass media has a responsibility to provide information children understand and protect them from information they don’t.

If a refugee, a child should be protected by his/her host country.

Children with disability need care and support to live a full life.

Living arrangements for children in State care must be regularly reviewed.

© UNICEF/UN03212/Ose


ARTICLE 26

Governments must help children who go without.

ARTICLE 27

All children must have their basic needs met, no matter how disadvantaged or marginalised.

ARTICLE 28

All children have the right to a free and fair education.

ARTICLE 29

Education should develop a child to participate fully in their community.

ARTICLE 30

It’s a child’s right to speak their language and practice their own culture.

ARTICLE 31

Children have the right to play and rest.

ARTICLE 32

ARTICLE 38

ARTICLE 33

ARTICLE 39

ARTICLE 34

ARTICLE 40

Children must be safe from work that harms them or threatens their education.

Children must be made safe from dangerous drugs.

Children should be safe from sexual abuse.

ARTICLE 35

Children should be safe from being abducted or sold.

ARTICLE 36

Children should be safe from exploitation.

ARTICLE 37

Children must be safe from being cruelly punished.

Children should be protected from war. Those 15 years and younger must not serve in armed forces.

Children who have been neglected or abused have the right to receive help to recover and have their dignity restored.

Children who break the law must be given fair treatment and jailed only as a last resort for the most serious of offences.

ARTICLE 41

If a country’s laws better protect a child’s rights, it should take precedence to the Convention.

ARTICLE 42

Children must know and have access to their rights.

ARTICLE 43-45

These articles set out how society works to protect children’s rights.

UNICEF Australia | 5


Health

$25,000 Humanitarian Emergencies

$118,003 Education

$20,631

FUNDS TO OUR INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS WHERE THE NEED IS GREATEST In 2015, UNICEF Australia distributed $21,494,463 to international programs. Of this, $10,082,240 was dedicated to UNICEF core programs in education, child survival, HIV/AIDS, child protection and responding to emergencies worldwide. These funds were distributed as a response to where the need for children is greatest. For more detailed information refer to UNICEF’s Report on Regular Resources available at www.unicef.org/publications

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East Asia and Pacific East and Southern Africa Middle East and North Africa South Asia West and Central Africa Global


Humanitarian Emergencies

$439,811 Humanitarian Emergencies

$4,156,383

Child Protection

Education

$17,889

Child Protection

$939,740

$69,226

Education

$581,757

Humanitarian Emergencies

Health

$354,631

$58,389

Nutrition

Education

$1,296,838

$174,413

Humanitarian Emergencies

$1,465,640

Nutrition

$20,388 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

$290,593

132 , 5 MS 46 , 1 A 1 $ GR

PRO L A GLOB

UNICEF Australia | 7


POLICY AND ADVOCACY UNICEF Australia’s Policy and Advocacy strategy works to ensure the policies, laws and practices of Australian Governments and other institutions respect, promote and protect the rights of children at home and abroad. We advocate for children by guiding decision makers to prioritise the best interests of children at all times in policy-making. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) provides our mandate. UNICEF Australia is active in its advocacy for children globally, in our region and here in Australia. Below is a sample of our 2015 highlights.

25 YEARS OF THE CRC IN AUSTRALIA December 2015 marked 25 years of Australia’s ratification of the CRC. In that time there have been improvements to the legal protections, social attitudes to children’s right to dignity and respect, and attitudes towards participation in decision making. Australia is a great place to live for most children, yet certain groups consistently face barriers to achieving their rights. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, children with disabilities and asylum seeker and refugee children face persistent, systemic rights violations and structural inequality. UNICEF Australia plays a pivotal role in monitoring the Australian Government’s record on child rights through its role as co-chair of the Australian Child Rights Taskforce.

AUSTRALIA’S RESPONSE TO THE CRISIS IN SYRIA In September, UNICEF Australia, World Vision Australia and UNHCR hosted a briefing to MPs at Parliament House on the escalating situation in Syria and what this means in practical terms for children. Following the briefing and associated lobbying efforts, the Australian Government announced it would essentially double Australia’s humanitarian intake by committing to resettle an additional 12,000 people in 2015-16. 8 | Annual Report 2015

CHILDREN ON THE MOVE Advice on Child Protection In 2015, UNICEF Australia provided advice on child protection to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. We did so through our participation in the Children and Policy Working Group, and through policy submissions. We helped to shape the Department’s child protection training used by the whole Department including any external staff or contractors who have direct contact with children. UNICEF Australia also provided guidance on the Department’s Child Protection Policy, which was adopted in 2015.

CEO’s Group on Children in Immigration Detention In 2015, UNICEF Australia co-chaired a CEO’s group on children in immigration detention. This group led advocacy efforts to ensure that the best interests of children are a primary consideration in Australia’s policies and practices that relate to refugee and asylum seeking children and that these meet international human rights standards. One of the core principles promoted by the CEO’s group is that children must only be detained as a last resort, and only when reasonable, necessary and proportionate and for the shortest period of time.

Upholding International Human Rights Standards In 2015, UNICEF Australia hosted visits from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Special Rapporteur in the Field of Cultural Rights. UNICEF Australia staff also participated in a briefing with members of the UN Sub-Committee on the Prevention of Torture following their official visit to the Republic of Nauru.


YOUNG AMBASSADORS UNICEF Australia worked in partnership with nine Young Ambassadors throughout 2015, who received training in child participation strategies, communications and child rights education. The Young Ambassadors worked across a range of communications and advocacy projects, including conducting workshops in schools to share messages about child rights, conducting youth consultations, meeting with Megan Mitchell, the National Children’s Commissioner, and acting as spokespeople for child rights.

PARLIAMENTARY ENGAGEMENT In 2015, the Policy and Advocacy team continued to monitor Bills brought before Federal Parliament and, where possible, State and Territory Parliaments, to consider the compatibility of proposed laws with the CRC. One such submission was in respect to the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia) Bill 2015 (Cth). UNICEF Australia was invited to give further evidence before the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. UNICEF Australia’s submission, alongside those of others, helped secure amendments to the Bill, which introduced some positive safeguards for children. The amended Bill, which was subsequently passed by parliament, no longer provides for the cessation of a child’s citizenship on the basis of his or her parent’s status and now requires the Minister to consider the best interests of the child before exercising discretion in certain circumstances.

FUTURE DIRECTION Our Policy and Advocacy work will continue to focus on promoting and protecting the rights of children in the following priority areas: •

Australia’s accountability to children as a signatory to the CRC.

Children on the Move, in particular refugee and asylum seeking children.

The quality and quantity of Australia’s investments in children through its Official Development Assistance Program.

Australian businesses in their consideration and understanding of Child Rights.

© UNICEF/UN02933/Sanadiki

UNICEF Australia | 9


THERE IN AN EMERGENCY NOW MORE THAN EVER,

the international community is bearing witness to a surge in violent conflict. The number of children trapped in humanitarian crises around the world is both staggering and sobering. Nearly 250 million children live in countries affected by violent conflicts. In 2015, millions of children and families were forced from their homes to flee violence, persecution and hardship – all too often risking their lives in search of safety and a better future. When emergencies strike, children – the most vulnerable in a community – disproportionately bear the brunt. As well as the high risk of injury or death, lack of access to clean water, food and medical services puts children at risk of malnutrition and life-threatening diseases, while the danger of displacement and violence increases. Education is often one of the first casualities of war. Almost 70 years since we were first established to provide food, clothing and health care to children post World War II, UNICEF’s mission is more vital than ever.

10 | Annual Report 2015

© UNICEF/UN02416/Schermbrucker


CIVIL WAR IN SYRIA

MEET YUSUF

© UNICEF/NYHQ2014–1707/Yurtsever

2015 marked four years of the Syrian conflict and it came with a startling reminder: an entire generation of children is growing up knowing only war and deprivation. The Syrian Conflict in all its complexity continues to be the most significant humanitarian crisis impacting the world today, with grave protection and human rights violations occurring daily. Relentless conflict and violence has forced families from their homes and destroyed livelihoods. More than 4 million people have already fled the country, seeking refuge in neighbouring countries including Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey and Egypt. A further 6.5 million people are internally displaced. The refugee crisis puts further children at risk. While many are travelling with their families, many children are on their own, and are vulnerable to trafficking, abuse and exploitation. UNICEF is engaging with EU Member States, UN agency partners and organisations to ensure that programs and policies responding to this ongoing crisis put the rights and needs of all children first.

“I sank down when we got to the border. They took me to hospital in an ambulance immediately and I gave birth there,” she recounts. Yusuf has spent the first few months of his life surrounded by chaos. The profound stress of a refugee camp is far from his family’s home and community support. UNICEF is providing nappies, clothing and other essentials for refugee babies, and we’re giving mothers like Nadya the safe spaces and guidance they need to care for their newborns. Yusuf is one of 114,000 Syrian children who have been born as refugees in neighbouring countries since the start of the conflict.

In 2015, Australians donated $488,335 to support UNICEF’s emergency response in Syria and neighbouring countries.

ARTICLE 38

Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989

Children should be protected from war. Those 15 years and younger must not serve in armed forces. UNICEF Australia | 11

EMERGENCIES

Yusuf entered the world in an extraordinary way. His mum, Nadya, was living in the Syrian town of Kobanî when it was attacked by armed forces and she was forced to flee on foot. Nadya told us how, in the late stages of her pregnancy, she made the gruelling fourday walk to reach Turkey.


HUGE EARTHQUAKES ROCK NEPAL In April and May 2015, two massive earthquakes struck Nepal. The 7.8 and 7.3 magnitude earthquakes near Kathmandu destroyed a staggering 605,000 homes and left more than 1 million children in urgent need of humanitarian aid. As soon as the earthquake struck, UNICEF used its pre-positioned relief supplies to mount an emergency response, delivering tents and tarpaulins for shelter, providing water trucking services to campsites, and administering water purification tablets and hygiene kits. More than 9,000 people were killed, leaving many children alone to come to terms with the deaths of close friends and family. The generosity of both the Australian public and business community resulted in $4.6 million raised to support the response. Funds helped children return to school with the tools they need to learn; receive medical care, immunisations and nutritional support; stay safe from abuse, trafficking and exploitation and receive counselling to cope with terrible loss and look to the future with confidence.

MEET ANJALI

© UNICEF/UNI187811/Shrestha

Anjali, 13, lost her brother and parents in the earthquake. Her mother was gathering grass for livestock and her brother was chopping wood when a landslide took them. Two months after the earthquake Anjali was able to return to school, but she barely speaks. Her grandfather is the only family she has left. “I will let her study as long as I am alive. I will support her until I am no longer able,” he says. Her grandfather knows that staying with her living relatives and going back to school with friends in her local community is the best thing for Anjali, and many like her whose lives have been impacted by the earthquakes. He is right. In the months following the earthquakes, the biggest risk was no longer the spread of disease or even the fear of another tremor: it was trafficking. In Nepal, child trafficking was rife even before the earthquake, with an estimated 12,000 Nepalese children trafficked to India every year. Girls not recruited into prostitution face being sold as domestic slaves, and boys are taken into forced labour.

In 2015, Australians donated $4,603,550 to UNICEF’S Nepal Earthquake Children’s Appeal.

UNICEF is working to prevent children in Nepal from falling into the hands of traffickers. In the months following the quake, UNICEF had helped prevent 245 children from being trafficked. We’re establishing Child Friendly Spaces to protect kids while their parents are working, we’re delivering safety advice to thousands of families in affected regions and, as a last resort, we’re supporting interception points along the country’s borders.

Business community support

The community responds

PayPal Australia used its digital presence to draw attention to those affected in Nepal. Through its website and social media channels, more than $150,000 was raised.

Australians responded with tremendous generosity following the quake. Some $203,919 was raised through various community fundraising events held across the country. An honourable mention goes to The Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant in Cabramatta, which held a fundraising dinner and raised an incredible $24,300 to support the Nepal Earthquake Children’s Appeal.

Months later, thousands of families continue to survive in makeshift shelters. UNICEF is still working to help children rebuild their lives, and we can’t do it alone.

12 | Annual Report 2015


CYCLONE PAM RAVAGES THE PACIFIC EMERGENCIES

Closer to home, Cyclone Pam wreaked havoc in Vanuatu and other Pacific islands in March 2015. Around 82,000 children – about two thirds of children in Vanuatu – were in need of humanitarian assistance. UNICEF concentrated on making sure that children and their families in Vanuatu – as well as in affected communities in Tuvalu, Solomon Islands and Kiribati – had access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene, and health services including immunisation. In Vanuatu, 34 school buildings were destroyed and a further 80 per cent damaged. UNICEF worked to ensure that more than 50,000 school-age children affected by the cyclone returned to class as soon as possible.

MEET MELANIE

© UNICEF/UN04320/Estey

Melanie, 7, is from a remote village in North Tanna, Vanuatu. “I am in kindergarten. I was almost killed during Cyclone Pam when my father and me were fleeing the storm,” she recounts. Vanuatu, a Y-shaped archipelago in the Pacific Islands, is made up of 83 islands. Tanna in the south is one of Vanuatu’s most densely populated islands and one of its most vulnerable, regularly at the mercy of cyclones, drought, and an active volcano, Mount Yasur. Tanna suffered widespread damage when Cyclone Pam ripped through Vanuatu. Only a few months later, the country suffered again due to the impacts of El Niñoinduced drought. The people of Vanuatu are resilient by necessity but with little recovery time between Cyclone Pam and El Niño, the lack of water and food shortages from failed harvests, continue to present problems. As the impact of one natural disaster follows another, UNICEF continues to support children, families and governments to respond.

In 2015, the Australian public and business community donated $1,620,627 to UNICEF’s emergency response in Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands and Kiribati.

During the Cricket World Cup semi-finals in March, the International Cricket Council launched a global television appeal, raising more than $250,000 including generous contributions from Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket. With more than 40 per cent of its current players from the Pacific Islands, the NRL had great reason to rally behind UNICEF’s Appeal and used game days, media and broadcast partners to raise invaluable funds.

© UNICEF/UNI169100/Alcock

UNICEF Australia | 13


CHILD SURVIVAL NOW MORE THAN EVER, child health and survival is a priority.

Today, nearly 250 million children live in countries affected by violent conflicts. Other climate-related emergencies endanger the wellbeing of hundreds of millions of children in areas prone to floods, earthquakes, cyclones and other natural disasters. Conflicts, political instability and natural disasters contribute significantly to infant mortality. During emergency situations, the scarcity of clean water, food and medical help puts mothers and babies at risk. More than half of early child deaths could be prevented or treated with simple, affordable interventions. UNICEF, through the provision of blankets, therapeutic food, immunisation and maternal health kits, helps save the lives of mothers and babies affected by emergencies. From MDGs to SDGs

ARTICLE 6

Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989

Children have the right to live a full life. Governments should ensure that children survive and develop healthily.

14 | Annual Report 2015

On 25 September 2015, the 193 member nations of the United Nations (UN) adopted a set of 17 goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years. These goals are called the Sustainable Development Goals (“Global Goals”) and carry on from the Millennium Development Goals agreed to by UN countries in 2000.

©© UNICEF/UN04329/Estey UNICEF/UNI199362/Khuzaie


NUTRITION EMERGENCY IN ETHIOPIA

Zeynaba holding Bogsiye, at Gode Postnatal Care Unit © UNICEF Ethiopia/2015/Adawe W.

“They told me I am pregnant and I will be safe if I stay in the hospital til I give birth,” she says. “Then I discussed with my family and all agreed that I should get the treatment. My husband visits me frequently and he took over the house work and looking after our livestock.”

“He is my dream and healed my wounds,” she says.

The result was the birth of Bogsiye, her healthy baby boy. “I was not feeling any pain til I heard the baby cry, I could not control my tears.”

Ethiopia is experiencing one of the worst droughts in decades. The main rainy season (kiremt rains) that supplies over 80 per cent of Ethiopia’s agricultural yield and employs 85 per cent of the workforce – failed in 2015, and a powerful El Niño weather event has left families like Zeynaba’s living on the edge. Zeynaba and her husband live in the rural outskirts of Gode town in the Somali Region, the area hardest hit by drought. With limited or no access to public or private health care services, pastoralist women like Zeynaba depend mostly on traditional medicine like plant-based herbs for health care, however traditional healers can use unsafe techniques. In 2015, UNICEF Australia supported Mobile Health and Nutrition Teams to reach those districts most affected by drought. The teams provide basic health, nutrition and emergency referral services to populations living in hard to reach and drought-prone districts. The Mobile Health and Nutrition Team arrived in Zeynaba’s village two days after she lost her fifth child, providing life-saving treatment for infection and anaemia and counselling for her and her husband. When she fell pregnant a sixth time, Zeynaba was referred to Gode Hospital and encouraged to stay in the UNICEF-supported maternity waiting home for her pregnancy.

UNICEF Australia supporters have provided $1 million to support emergency health and nutrition teams in the Somali Region of Ethiopia since 2011. In 2015, the program was evaluated to verify its impact on the community, document lessons learned and identify challenges to be addressed in the future. The evaluation found that: •

The program provides access to vital healthcare for communities who were previously unreached, particularly during health emergencies.

The services provided to the community are comprehensive and address priority health services.

In the Somali region the teams have provided in excess of 1.6 million consultations over the past 5 years. The teams have regular availability of health kits and supplies, often much better than static health facilities.

There is a high level of ownership by the community and the local government.

Community members indicated a willingness to contribute towards the cost of the treatment and the teams are politically supported to provide services in insecure and no go areas.

UNICEF Australia | 15

CHILD PAGE SURVIVAL TITLE

Zeynaba Ibrahim sits holding her baby boy. At 26, Zeynaba has lived through more heartbreak than most, mourning the loss of five babies who all died while she was six to nine months pregnant. She has named her sixth child Bogsiye, meaning ‘Healer’.


UNDERNUTRITION: A SILENT EMERGENCY IN RURAL LAOS Homchanh, 20, holds her buoyant 13-monthold daughter Khankeo in Ban Namahee, a small village in Southeast Laos. Nearby, the largest mine in the country unearths gold and copper, employing many of the men in the region. Many more families depend on its indirect economy for their livelihoods. In a country where child undernutrition is a silent emergency – the latest data indicates almost 2 million Lao citizens, mainly women and children, suffer some form of undernutrition – Homchanh is grateful for her bouncing baby girl. With support from corporate partner, MMG Limited and UNICEF, Homchanh adds SuperKid to her daughter’s meals. This micronutrient powder is distributed in her village by the health centre staff every three months for children under two years of age. “I only have one child but plan on having three or four,” says Homchang. “I will continue to give my next children the nutrition supplements. I’ve also discussed with other mothers about SuperKid because it’s very beneficial for children and I will continue to tell others as well.”

In 2015, UNICEF Australia received $659,672 through a multisector and multiyear partnership with UNICEF Australia corporate partner, MMG Limited to distribute nutritional supplements in Laos and offer diet and nutrition advice to mothers of young children.

16 | Annual Report 2015

In 2015, MMG reaffirmed its commitment to nutrition in Laos by extending this partnership with UNICEF to 2019. In 2015, the program was evaluated to assess the performance of public and private distribution models for critical nutrition supplements and to provide recommendations for scaling up the program. The assessment, supported by the University of British Columbia, concluded that: •

From equity perspective, the public micronutrient powder distribution model works better at reaching children living in remote, hard-to-reach areas and those from poor families. The public sector model was also highly accepted by program managers, service providers and communities. In the immediate to medium-term, the public distribution model seem to be more suitable to the country context and established institutional structures.

There is room for a market-based micronutrient powder distribution model in supplementing public distribution, especially in urban, wealthier areas; however, this requires further policy and operational discussions to identify practical solutions on how to avoid overlaps between socially marketed micronutrient powder and blanket distribution of fortified supplementary foods.


CHILD SURVIVAL

PREVENTABLE ILLNESSES THREATEN CHILDREN IN KIRIBATI In the past five years, the remote Pacific nation of Kiribati has experienced repeated diarrhoea outbreaks, leading to the hospitalisation and even death of children under five. The most common cause of severe, dehydrating diarrhoea among infants and young children  around the world is rotavirus. In 2015, UNICEF supported the Government of Kiribati to introduce a vaccine for rotavirus, vaccinating all newborn children when they reach six weeks. It is one of the first countries in the Pacific to introduce the rotavirus vaccine and integrate it into routine immunisation programs country-wide. Mother of three, Bwebwenraoi knows how important the vaccine is. She sits in the ‘waiting room,’ a wooden bench outside the simple brick clinic in Kiribati’s Temaiku village, cradling her newborn son. “I came to get the rotavirus vaccination for Tapiang as he is six weeks old now,” she says. Her one-year-old son Uriam is currently in hospital with diarrhoea, the same illness this vaccine will help to prevent. In addition to the rotavirus vaccine, nearly 90 per cent of child deaths due to diarrhoea can be prevented with simple solutions. Breastfeeding provides vitamins and nutrients that help infants to avoid diarrhoeal disease and recover more quickly. Good sanitation and hygiene practices introduce low-cost and highly effective ways to protect children from diarrhoea.

In 2015, UNICEF Australia contributed $248,449 to roll out the rotavirus vaccination program nationwide in Kiribati. UNICEF Australia | 17


EDUCATION

EDUCATION IN EMERGENCIES

NOW MORE THAN EVER,

RETURNING TO SCHOOL AFTER VIOLENT CONFLICT

we’re unlocking a better future for children through education. In 2015, war and conflict continued to affect children’s access to school. Of the 59 million primary-aged children who are not in school, UNICEF estimates more than a third are in countries affected by war and conflict, and the majority of these are girls. Major barriers to education include gender discrimination, disability and living in rural or hard-to-reach areas. Additional barriers include belonging to an ethnic or linguistic minority, living in poverty or living through conflict or a climate-related emergency. In conflict zones, children who are not in school face increased risk of abuse, exploitation and recruitment into armed groups. Education is one of the basic rights in a child’s life, providing opportunities for the future, as well as keeping children safe in a secure environment. All too often though, education is one of the first casualties of conflict. That’s why, in emergencies and their aftermaths, UNICEF is committed to getting children back to school. UNICEF trains teachers and works with parents, community leaders and governments to develop lifechanging curricula for every child.

MEET VALERIE © UNICEF/UNI169632/Logan

Seven-year-old Valerie says school is the only place she feels safe. When she’s playing outside, she remembers the day her father was shot by a stray bullet in the street. When she’s trying to sleep at home, she has flashbacks to nights filled with the sound of gunfire. Children’s education has been a casualty of war in the Central African Republic, where two years of violent conflict left 2.3 million children displaced and out of school. School buildings and equipment were damaged or destroyed and many teachers fled or were killed. In 2015, UNICEF supported children to return to school as part of an ambitious Back to School campaign. UNICEF worked with teachers, parents and the Government to rebuild schools and transform them into places where children can learn how to read and write in peace. This involves supporting catch-up classes for students, training teachers, and distributing materials and equipment like exercise books, pencils and school desks.

ARTICLE 28

Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989

In 2015, UNICEF Australia supporters contributed $802,325 to support education programs around the world. 18 | Annual Report 2015

Education is the right of every child. It should be free and fair, with equal access for girls and boys.


MORE THAN A CLASSROOM IMPROVING ACCESS TO EDUCATION IN RURAL ZIMBABWE

At her primary school in Masvingo Province, Aliah’s friends help to push her wheelchair over the sandy and rocky school grounds. School life for the nine-year-old has always meant daily challenges. Aliah was born with congenital malformation and is wheelchair bound. In many parts of rural Zimbabwe, the majority of children with disabilities spend most of their lives marginalised and deprived of human dignity. While Aliah has been able to attend school, lack of access to safe water and sanitation has created an additional set of challenges. She says: “I could not push my wheelchair from home and uphill with my books and a water container. As a result I had to go without enough water for the day or was forced to ask for some from my classmates.” That was until Muuyu Primary School was the recipient of funding from UNICEF Australia for the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Child Friendly Schools project. With donated funds, the school was able to drill a borehole and construct toilets and taps with fresh running water.

UNICEF Australia thanks Erica Packer for her support of Education in Laos. Mother of three and UNICEF Australia National Ambassador, Erica Packer knows the importance of early childhood education. Since 2011, she has been supporting pre-school and primary-school education in Laos, one of the poorest countries in the Asia Pacific region. Phase 1 of the Supporting Primary and Early Childhood Education project not only helped to build two schools, but also supported quality teaching and learning in Luang Prabang province. The program helped the most vulnerable children access pre-school education, giving them the foundations they need to be better prepared for primary school. Phase 2, which is now drawing to a close, supports pre-school and primary-school aged children in the Phalanxay district, Savannakhet, the largest province in Laos. Erica’s support has helped build new classrooms, provide books and materials and train teachers. Her support has also helped improve the district’s education policies that will benefit all schools across the district and help thousands of children to learn.

Without clean water and adequate sanitation facilities, children used to have to go to the toilet in the bush. Many students – particularly girls on their menstrual periods and children with disabilities – often had little choice but to stay away from school. The program has also constructed a wheelchair-accessible toilet for Aliah. “My life has never been the same with safe water nearby and a toilet that is disability friendly,” she says. “It now takes me less than five minutes to collect water and I can also use the toilet without hurdles.” Aliah now has more time to participate in and contribute to her school work than ever before.

© Tessa Bunney

UNICEF Australia | 19

EDUCATION

MEET ALIAH

In 2015, UNICEF Australia supporters contributed $290,593 to improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education in Zimbabwe. This included funds received from the Australian Government.


CHILD PROTECTION AND SOCIAL INCLUSION NOW MORE THAN EVER, all children have the right to be protected from violence, exploitation and abuse. As conflicts and disasters multiply around the world, UNICEF is focusing on protecting children from the immediate and long-term effects of emergencies. When an emergency strikes, whether a sudden onset natural disaster or armed conflict, children require special protection to ensure their safety and wellbeing. In 2015, we prevented children from being harmed, monitored and reported violations committed against them, and developed programs to prevent violence, exploitation or abuse.

ARTICLE 19

Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989

Children have the right to protection from violence, abuse and neglect, and from being hurt or mistreated, physically or mentally. 20 | Annual Report 2015

JUVENILE JUSTICE IN LAOS UNICEF is currently the only agency in Laos with a dedicated program to strengthen the justice system for children. In Laos, children who are victims of violence, abuse or exploitation, or act as witnesses or as suspects in conflict with the law, have generally not been well protected by the justice system. Few children are legally represented and many children are kept in detention centres alongside adults. That was until UNICEF supported the Government to establish a comprehensive child-friendly justice system. Now, the Vientiane Capital Court has a separate courtroom for cases involving children, where judges wear casual clothes and judges, children, parents and prosecutors sit at the same level around a table. Mr Phan*, a judge working for the Child Court, said the results were felt immediately. “I found that children were not afraid of us and felt more comfortable to talk about their story and the reasons for committing the offence than they did before. They also talked about their feelings and answered our questions in an informative way, which we’ve found most helpful in informing our decision-making.” *Name changed

UNICEF Australia contributed $600,000 throughout 2014 to 2016 to strengthen the justice system for children in contact with the law in Laos.


KEEP FAMILIES TOGETHER IN CAMBODIA CHILD PROTECTION

When Sophary*, 11 and Monika*, 9 were reunited with their parents, it had been more than a year since they last saw them. Struggling to make ends meet and convinced their girls would be better off living in an institution, Sophary and Monika’s parents had made the tough decision to send their daughters to an orphanage. “We couldn’t send the girls to school because we couldn’t afford to pay for uniforms and school materials,” said the girls’ mother. “Then I heard from my neighbour that there were children in our village who went to orphanages to get an education.” According to a 2011 study, almost 90 per cent of families in Cambodia believe that children in residential care receive a better education than those living in villages. However, the education orphanages provide is often of poor quality, and sometimes non-existent, as was the case for Sophary and Monika. The reality is that institutions cannot provide a better environment for children than a loving family. Orphanages in Cambodia often do not meet minimum standards of care, leaving children vulnerable to neglect and abuse. Many institutions also have a high turnover of volunteers, creating further emotional stress for vulnerable children when they bond with volunteers who subsequently leave them. Evidence shows that the brains of children living in institutions fail to fully develop. In 2015, UNICEF worked with partners to keep children in families in Cambodia. This campaign targeted vulnerable families through leaflets, posters and radio spots to inform them about the detrimental impact of residential care institutions. Sophary and Monika are now living back with their mother, father and two younger brothers with regular visits from a social worker to ensure the sisters and their family are doing well. The best news is that Sophary and Monika are both enrolled in school for the first time and are studying in Grade 1.

In 2015, UNICEF Australia contributed $250,350 to help keep Cambodian families together. Adolescent Engagement in Myanmar In Myanmar, UNICEF and partners are training young people about their rights. This program aims to prevent abuses such as child marriage, violence and domestic labour with more than 13,000 young people being trained through the program.

In 2015, UNICEF Australia contributed $500,000 towards adolescent engagement training in Myanmar.

*Names have been changed to protect their identities.

© UNICEF/UNI165150/Lovell

UNICEF Australia | 21


FUNDRAISING IN THE COMMUNITY Inspired Adventures During 2015, UNICEF supporters participated in a series of life-changing events to raise funds for children.

NEW YORK CITY MARATHON: RUN FOR KIDS When Owen Hargreaves set out to run the TCS New York City Marathon in 2015, he wanted to raise $10,000 for UNICEF programs. The Qantas flight attendant understands the importance of UNICEF’s work, given the strong partnership between Qantas and UNICEF Australia. The Sydney resident surpassed his goal, raising $13,658 for polio eradication. “Running the New York Marathon as a UNICEF Ambassador and raising $13,658 for the Polio Eradication Program is one of the greatest things I have ever done,” he said of the experience.

LAME GAME MARATHON In October 2015, a group of gamers took on the challenge of playing the worst computer games ever made for 24 hours straight – all in the name of child rights. The marathon was broadcast live on the Internet enabling viewers to interact via chat or social media. The three gamers promoted UNICEF while calling for viewers to donate to the organisation. In 24 hours the Lame Game Marathon raised $4,117 through viewer donations.

22 | Annual Report 2015

© UNICEF/UNI198981/Mathema


EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK FOR CHILDREN

24 February to 7 March

17 October to 3 November

In February, 15 Aussies accepted the challenge of a lifetime, cycling around Cambodia to raise funds for UNICEF. The team raised $25,963 for UNICEF’s ‘Keeping Children in Families’ program aimed at minimising the large number of children admitted to residential care facilities (orphanages) in Cambodia.

In October, 12 UNICEF supporters embarked on a test of personal endurance and courage, trekking to Everest Base Camp on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Supporter Gabrielle Bonney took part in this rewarding adventure: “This has been a life-changing, truly wonderful trip in so many ways,” she recounted. “I’ve loved every minute – even the really hard parts! Thank you.”

An incredible $152,495 was raised, helping children in Southeast Asia and Nepal. Participant Penelope Saywell reflected on the experience: “Individually we are small, but collectively we can make a big difference in the lives of others. What a pleasure to work with UNICEF, to advocate for those in need, and witness that change in action.” Part of the money ($92,036) went to UNICEF’s nutrition program in Southeast Asia, helping children to grow up healthy, strong and reach their full potential. The participants opted to direct the remainder of the funds ($60,459) towards the emergency response to the devastating earthquake that hit Nepal.

UNICEF Australia | 23

COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING

CYCLE FOR KIDS, CAMBODIA


OUR SUPPORTERS OUR SUPPORTERS

In 2015, UNICEF Australia received support from a number of ambassadors, businesses, organisations and foundations. UNICEF Australia is sincerely grateful for their generosity in helping the world’s most disadvantaged children.

OUR AMBASSADORS UNICEF Australia thanks: UNICEF Australia National Ambassador for Immunisation, Jimmy Barnes, singer-songwriter UNICEF Australia National Ambassador for Maternal Health, Carrie Bickmore, television and radio presenter UNICEF Australia National Ambassador for Nutrition, Adam Liaw, cook UNICEF Australia National Ambassador for Child Survival, Tara Moss, author

Our other ambassadors: • • • • • • • • • •

Erica Packer Roy and HG (aka Greig Pickhaver and John Doyle) Ken Done AM Callan McAuliffe Steven Solomon The Wiggles Morris Gleitzman Geoffrey Rush AC Professor Fiona Stanley AC Tim Cahill

BUSINESS PARTNERS UNICEF Australia enjoyed rich and deep partnerships with established and new business partners in 2015, each offering diverse and powerful ways to deliver for children.

Commonwealth Bank Loose change became positive change with the Commonwealth Bank and UNICEF’s Coins for Kids program. The Commonwealth Bank collected foreign change to support UNICEF’s health, protection and education programs for children worldwide.

24 | Annual Report 2015

MMG Limited MMG Limited and UNICEF have partnered with the Lao Ministry of Health since 2012 delivering health interventions to children and mothers in Southern Laos. To date the project has reached over 120,000 children and their families with micronutrient supplements and education programs to address chronic under-nutrition, one of Laos’ greatest challenges. MMG reaffirmed its commitment in 2015 by extending the partnership to 2019. Phase 2 will roll out micronutrient powder and Infant Young Feeding practices into national health services, reaching more children with life-saving treatment.

Qantas Qantas continues to change the lives of the world’s most vulnerable children through the Change for Good program, seeing passengers placing foreign and local currency in inflight Change for Good envelopes. The program launched almost 25 years ago and donations in this time have reached an outstanding $30 million! Qantas’ passionate cabin crew have been essential to the program’s ongoing success. The Change for Good Ambassadors, a team of six carefully selected cabin crew nationwide, also play a critical role in galvanising fellow Qantas staff to get behind the Change for Good program. In 2015, Change for Good Ambassadors ran marathons, climbed mountains and held gala dinners to raise awareness and funds for UNICEF. Australians can also choose to support UNICEF by donating Qantas Frequent Flyer points to UNICEF via the Qantas store.

Starwood Since 1996, Starwood Hotels and Resorts have supported UNICEF through the Check out for Children program, inviting guests to donate $1 at check out. The program supports education programs in the Asia Pacific region and has helped build and improve school facilities, provide teacher training, equip classrooms with learning resources and help children return to schools after emergencies. In December 2015, representatives from the two hotels that raised the most money were given the opportunity to visit Starwoodsupported programs in Cambodia. Westin Nusa Dua Bali and Plaza Athenee Bangkok observed UNICEF’s achievements in providing bilingual education and clean water and sanitation facilities to rural schools in Ratanakiri province.


Domestos

Bankwest commenced its partnership with UNICEF Australia in 2014 and, like other business partners, the Commonwealth Bank and Qantas, has inspired customers to donate spare foreign currency to make a difference for children around the world. Whether rupees, rand or rubles, we’ve seen a wonderful contribution from Bankwest customers.

In 2015, UNICEF Australia launched a retail partnership with Domestos.

3P Learning Since 2010, 3P Learning has partnered with UNICEF to reach thousands of children with learning resources and teaching aids across the world. In 2015, 3P Learning held the World Education Games where over 5 million children from 263 countries participated. The online competition, held every two years, spans spelling, maths and science and encourages participants to raise funds for UNICEF education programs.

IKEA IKEA employees continued to show their incredible support of UNICEF through their workplace-giving program, iCare. iCare is one of Australia’s most outstanding workplace giving programs with almost 40 per cent of IKEA staff making regular donations from their wages to support UNICEF’s work. Their contributions support work in Kiribati, where UNICEF is providing the most vulnerable and remote children in the Pacific with life-saving vaccines.

Global Corporate Challenge The Global Corporate Challenge (GCC) recruits teams of employees from around the world to take part in a 16-week challenge to improve health and wellbeing. Since 2013, GCC has partnered with UNICEF to also improve the health of children. Funds raised through participating organisations and individuals support UNICEF’s water, sanitation and hygiene programs.

MAC Cosmetics UNICEF was proud to continue its long-standing partnership with MAC Cosmetics in 2015. MAC Cosmetics supports UNICEF’s HIV/AIDS programs globally through the sale of its Viva Glam product.

Through the sale of specially marked bottles, the partnership aims to support UNICEF’s global efforts to provide life-saving interventions to the 2.4 billion people worldwide currently without access to a toilet and basic sanitation.

CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN UNICEF Australia Champions for Children are small and medium-size businesses committed to making a positive change in the lives of children.

Platinum Champions for Children Platinum Champions for Children donate $1,000 a month. They are: Elk, Firecorp Australia Pty Ltd, Intertype Design, RCR International Pty Ltd, Toshiba Australia Pty Ltd.

Gold Champions for Children Gold Champions for Children donate $500 a month. They are: Bio Dental Care, iae Edu Net Brisbane, OBI Holdings Pte Ltd.

Silver Champions for Children Silver Champions for Children donate $250 a month. They are: Ashton College Melbourne, Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation, Australian College of Applied Psychology, Barakat Group Pty Ltd, BARstudio Pty Ltd, Camalee Investments Pty Ltd, Cleanaway Environmental Services Pty Ltd, Crystal Commercial Cleaning Pty Ltd, DCS Internet, Discount Printing, Enrich Property Group Pty Ltd, Favco Pty Ltd, G E Beard Holdings Pty Ltd, Interactive Freight Systems, International Interior Images, Itchyfoot Pty Ltd, Molonglo Group Pty Ltd, Narellan Veterinary Hospital, Ojas Group Pty Ltd, Peter Lee Associates Pty Ltd, PLN Australia Pty Ltd, Quynh Anh Le, Sunshine Company, Toodyay Hardware, Travel Health Fremantle, Web Profits, Westernex Supply Pty Ltd. To become a Champion for Children business partner, please phone UNICEF Australia on 1300 884 233.

UNICEF Australia | 25

OUR SUPPORTERS

Bankwest


PRO BONO SUPPORT UNICEF Australia is grateful for the pro bono support offered by: Qantas Airways Limited; JC Decaux; Clayton Utz; Paypal; Salesforce Marketing Cloud; SEMA Group; Dibbs Barker; DLA Piper; AMS Direct Marketing Solutions; DTV Group (Network Ten, SBS, Channel 9).

OUR SUPPORTERS

Special thanks: UNICEF Australia would like to give special thanks to the following organisations for their generous support in 2015: Tibra Capital Foundation, PayPal Australia and Fuji Xerox.

PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT In 2015, UNICEF Australia received support from a number of major donors, charitable trusts, foundations and grant-making bodies. UNICEF Australia is sincerely grateful for the loyal support and generosity of these individuals and organisations in helping the world’s most disadvantaged children.

GLOBAL PARENTS Global Parents are people who support UNICEF on a monthly basis. They have a commitment to UNICEF’s child survival work and believe in the right of every child, no matter their circumstances, to have a good start in life. Around the world Global Parents provide essential services to ensure that a child’s birthplace does not determine their chance of a healthy life. Global Parents make a very real impact on the likelihood of survival during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, a critical time for growth and development. Global Parents understand survival beyond the first 1,000 days is a struggle for many children around the world and have dedicated themselves to giving children the best chance at a positive and powerful future. Australia’s network of passionate and generous Global Parents reaches deep into the places UNICEF is unafraid to go, to give a child a life, a chance, and a choice. www.unicef.org.au/globalparent

UNICEF GLOBAL GUARDIANS UNICEF Australia is deeply grateful to the supporters and families of supporters who left a legacy for the world’s most disadvantaged and marginalised children through gifts in their Wills in 2015. UNICEF Australia would also like to thank the individuals who committed to leaving a legacy to UNICEF’s work for future generations of children. To learn more about leaving a legacy for the world’s children, phone UNICEF Australia on 1300 884 233. 26 | Annual Report 2015


OUR PEOPLE UNICEF AUSTRALIA STAFF

UNICEF Australia’s Sydney-based team is made up of 42 full-time and 11 part-time employees.

STAFF ENGAGEMENT

PERFORMANCE DEVELOPMENT

In September, UNICEF Australia conducted its annual staff survey with a 100 per cent response rate. The survey sought feedback on staff engagement, career development, performance assessment, leadership and employee benefits.

UNICEF Australia’s performance management system measures staff achievement and sets new key performance indicators for all staff members through to the Chief Executive, whose performance is evaluated by the UNICEF Australia Board President.

The results were positive and staff members continue to view UNICEF Australia as an enjoyable place to work. The survey told us that 85 per cent of staff are satisfied with the culture at UNICEF Australia and 96 per cent are proud to work for UNICEF Australia. Staff also said they found their work challenging and meaningful and felt empowered to do their jobs.

The formal process requires bi-annual reviews and the gathering of stakeholder feedback on individual staff. The process also identifies individual career development goals and development actions to achieve career goals.

The survey also demonstrated areas for improvement in career development, diversity, change management, internal communication and leadership. Staff turnover in 2015 was 18 per cent, down from 20 per cent the previous year. The longest serving staff member has provided more than nine years of service; 35 per cent of staff have tenure of more than three years; and 17 per cent have tenure of more than five years. UNICEF Australia recruited for 22 positions in 2015, with our own network and referrals indicated as the leading recruitment source. The majority (83 per cent) of roles were recruited directly ensuring costs were controlled.

WORK, HEALTH AND SAFETY UNICEF Australia is committed to the provision of a safe and healthy workplace for its staff, volunteers and contractors. UNICEF Australia complies with current work, health and safety regulations. No work cover claims were submitted by staff in 2015. As part of UNICEF Australia’s ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of its staff, we introduced a number of health and wellbeing initiatives in 2015. Staff are now able to access health and wellbeing programs to help manage stress and workload. The annual staff survey will continue to measure and monitor staff stress levels and the impact of our health and wellbeing work.

UNICEF Australia takes seriously its commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity, attracting a diverse array of staff members with great strengths, expertise and new ideas to help UNICEF Australia build on earlier achievements. UNICEF Australia’s policy ensures employment priorities are free from any kind of bias including race, gender, nationality, mental state, sexual preference, age, disability, pregnancy, family responsibilities and religious or political connection. UNICEF Australia | 27


CODE OF CONDUCT

VOLUNTEERS

UNICEF Australia’s code of conduct requires all employees and board members to maintain the highest standards of integrity and conduct consistent with UNICEF Australia’s core values.

In 2015, 17 people volunteered their time for UNICEF Australia. Of those, 11 people provided assistance to the administration, supporter relations, communications and fundraising teams in roles ranging from general administrative work and customer service, to research and analysis in support of work.

Those core values are: • Respect for the rights of all children and the tenents of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child • Respect and care for our supporters and beneficiaries • Respect for others • Collaboration first • Being transparent and honest in all our communication • Making our vision a reality UNICEF Australia is also a signatory to the Australian Direct Marketing Association and is compliant with its self-regulatory Code governing all aspects of direct and data driven marketing.

28 | Annual Report 2015

The remaining six volunteers formed a key part of the Change for Good partnership with Qantas. These volunteers give their time to count foreign currency at the Mascot-based offices of the Change for Good program. We acknowledge the contribution of all our volunteers who continue to generously donate their time and skills to support the work of UNICEF.

YOUNG AMBASSADORS Thank you to the 2015 Young Ambassadors for their dedication and commitment to child rights: • • • • • • • • •

Hussein Al Asedy Isabella Codognotto-Parry Samara Hand Nadia Homem Monga Mukasa Daniel Nyirenda Rory Pletikosic Khin Nyo Nyo San Amelia Walters


BOARD OF DIRECTORS John Stewart

Lesley Grant

President (2015) Chartered Accountant and Managing Director of SEMA Holdings Elected April, 2005 Attendance at Board meetings: 6/6

Deputy President (2015) Chief Executive Officer, Qantas Loyalty Elected May, 2006 Attendance at Board meetings: 3/3 Resigned June 2015

Christine Christian

Consultant to Consolidated Press Holdings and Director Colvin Communications Pty Ltd Elected May, 2009 Attendance at Board meetings: 6/6

Stephanie Copus-Campbell

Nadika Garber

Executive Director, Oil Search Foundation Elected September, 2013 Attendance at Board meetings: 6/6

Managing Director, Hinkler Books Pty Ltd Elected May, 2013 Attendance at Board meetings: 6/6

Robin Davies Associate Director, Development Policy Centre Elected: September, 2013 Attendance at Board meetings: 5/6

Rohan Lund Group Chief Executive Officer at NRMA Elected April 2011 Attendance at Board meetings: 4/4 Resigned August 2015 Megan Quinn

Colin Storrie Deputy CFO at Woolworths Ltd Elected August, 2015 Attendance at Board meetings: 3/3

Olivia Wirth Group Executive Brand, Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Qantas Elected August, 2015 Attendance at Board meetings: 2/3

Managing Director, Q&CO Consulting and non-executive director of Specialty Fashion Group Elected May, 2013 Attendance at Board meetings: 5/6

Paul Fisher Independent Digital Media Consultant Elected October, 2014 Attendance at Board meetings: 3/5

UNICEF Australia | 29

OUR PEOPLE

Investor and Independent Non-executive Director, Chief Executive Women Elected April, 2011 Attendance at Board meetings: 4/6

Deeta Colvin


SUMMARISED FINANCIAL REPORT STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 2015 $

2014 $

REVENUE Donations and Gifts Monetary Non-monetary Bequests and Legacies

27,526,665

21,856,478

369,928

698,292

1,086,572

676,506

Grants Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade Overseas - UNICEF Geneva

37,639

-

3,003,264

2,047,740

Investment Income

233,557

215,712

Other Income

686,947

553,939

32,944,572

26,048,667

21,494,463

16,262,977

TOTAL REVENUE EXPENDITURE International Aid and Development Programs Expenditure International Programs Funds to International Programs

304,542

190,534

21,799,005

16,453,511

817,529

748,793

Public

4,405,936

4,412,429

Funded by UNICEF Geneva

3,003,264

2,047,740

7,409,200

6,460,169

1,855,072

1,407,226

369,928

698,292

32,250,734

25,767,991

60,000

132,000

32,310,734

25,899,991

EXCESS OF REVENUE OVER EXPENDITURE

633,838

148,676

Other Comprehensive Loss

(16,857)

(15,537)

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR

616,981

133,139

Program Support Costs

Community Education Fundraising Costs

Accountability and Administration Non-monetary Expenditure Total International Aid and Development Programs Expenditure Domestic Programs Expenditure TOTAL EXPENDITURE

UNICEF Australia has no International Political or Religious Adherence Promotion Programs.

30 | Annual Report 2015


STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2015 2015 $

2014 $

ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents Trade and other receivables

11,223,377

7,595,006

412,404

380,600

56,247

49,933

11,692,028

8,025,539

Financial assets available for sale

333,975

350,832

Plant and equipment

173,400

122,127

Intangibles

243,577

104,860

Total non-current assets

750,952

577,819

12,442,980

8,603,358

8,069,637

4,896,481

Prepayments Total current assets

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Current assets

Non-current assets

TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES Current liabilities Trade and other payables

200,590

180,594

8,270,227

5,077,075

Provisions

89,203

59,714

Total non-current liabilities

89,203

59,714

TOTAL LIABILITIES

8,359,430

5,136,789

NET ASSETS

4,083,550

3,466,569

Reserves

4,083,550

3,466,569

TOTAL EQUITY

4,083,550

3,466,569

Provisions Total current liabilities Non-current liabilities

EQUITY

At the end of the year the company had no balances in the following categories: Current assets - Inventories, Financial assets available for sale, Other financial assets Non-current assets - Trade and other receivables, Other financial assets, Investment property or Other non-current assets Current liabilities - Borrowings, Current tax liabilities, Other financial liabilities, Other Non-current liabilities - Borrowings, Other financial liabilities, Other Equity - Retained earnings

UNICEF Australia | 31


STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015 Reserves $ Balance at 1 January 2015

3,466,569

Excess of revenue over expenditure

633,838

Other comprehensive loss

(16,857)

BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER 2015

4,083,550

TABLE OF CASH MOVEMENTS FOR DESIGNATED PURPOSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2015

Cash available at beginning of financial year

Cash raised during financial year

Cash disbursed during financial year

Cash available at end of financial year

Nepal Earthquake Children’s Appeal Philippines Haiyan Emergency Appeal Other Purposes

7,410 7,587,596

4,603,550 29,407,636

4,571,059 7,410 25,804,346

32,491 11,190,886

TOTAL

7,595,006

34,011,186

30,382,815

11,223,377

1. UNICEF Australia has a process for handling any complaints. Please direct your complaint to us directly on (02) 9261 2811 or unicef@unicef.org.au. 2. The Summarised Financial Report has been prepared in accordance with the presentation and disclosure requirements set out in the ACFID Code of Conduct. For further information on the Code please refer to the ACFID website at www.acfid.asn.au. 3. For a copy of the full financial report for the year ending 31 December 2015 please contact us directly on telephone (02) 9261 2811; or email unicef@unicef.org.au.

32 | Annual Report 2015


WHERE THE MONEY COMES FROM Community Support Income includes donations and gifts from the Australian public and corporations, both monetary and non-monetary, as well as income from legacies and bequests. Grants (DFAT) includes grants received from the Australian Government’s overseas aid program. Grants (Overseas UNICEF Geneva) represents investment grants from UNICEF Geneva to undertake new fundraising initiatives. Other Income includes investment income and revenue generated from the sale of cards and Inspired Gifts. Total revenue in 2015 of $32.9m (2014: $26.0m) reflects the continued generosity and support of the Australian public. In 2015, UNICEF Australia responded to the Nepal Earthquake ($4.6m), Cyclone Pam in the Pacific ($1.6m), the Syrian migrant crisis ($0.5m) and other emergencies around the world ($0.7m). UNICEF Australia continues to invest in its Global Parent pledge program. This investment has been funded through utilisation of UNICEF Australia’s own resources as well as grants received from UNICEF Geneva. The projected long-term benefits of this investment strategy continue to generate healthy returns which will increase our impact and ensure more children not only survive but thrive.

2015 88%

9%

5 YEAR TREND $30M $25M $20M $15M $10M $5M

Community Support Income

2011

2012

Grants DFAT

2013

Grants UNICEF

2014

Other Income

2015

WHERE THE MONEY GOES

FOR EVERY $1 DONATED BY THE PUBLIC

Programs Expenditure includes humanitarian development and emergency response work across international and domestic programs, as well as activities to inform and educate Australians on development and humanitarian issues.

The value of non-monetary donations and gifts as well as fundraising costs that are funded by UNICEF Geneva and not the public are excluded from this bar chart.

As part of this, $3.4m was directly allocated and managed by UNICEF Australia in line with our international programs strategy and with contribution to program design, monitoring and technical support. Fundraising Costs – public – develop and retain donors to fund programs for children and community education work. Costs are funded from UNICEF Australia’s own resources. Fundraising Costs – funded by UNICEF Geneva – are channelled to developing the organisation’s Global Parent pledge program, which funds UNICEF’s global programs. Investment grants from UNICEF Geneva fund pledge program development, with a strict return on investment protocol. Accountability and administration costs are costs required to efficiently run the organisation. It includes such items as staff costs for finance, human resources and administration as well as audit fees, insurance and office maintenance costs. Reserves are maintained by UNICEF Australia to meet its commitments, obligations and other contingencies, and deliver on its objectives in the unanticipated event of significant financial difficulties. At the end of the financial year UNICEF Australia reserves were $4.1m.

3%

Other Income & Grants - DFAT

Grants - UNICEF

Community Support Income

77% Programs Expenditure

15%

Public Fundraising Costs

Accountability & Administration

6%

2%

Reserves

5 YEAR TREND $25M

$20M

$15M

$10M

$5M

Programs Expenditure

2011

2012

Fundraising Costs - Public

2013

Fundraising Costs - Funded by UNICEF Grant

2014

Accountability and Administration

Non-Monetary Expenditure

2015 UNICEF Australia | 33


AUDITOR’S REPORT Report of the independent auditor on the summary financial statements to the members of the Australian Committee for UNICEF Limited The accompanying summary financial statements, which comprises the summary statement of financial position as at 31 December 2015, the summary statement of comprehensive income and summary statement of changes in equity for the year then ended, are derived from the audited financial report of the Australian Committee for UNICEF Limited for the year ended 31 December 2015. We expressed an unmodified auditor’s opinion on that financial report in our report dated 26 April 2016. The summary financial statements do not contain all the disclosures required by Australian Accounting Standards – Reduced Disclosure Requirements applied in the preparation of the audited financial report of the Australian Committee for UNICEF Limited. Reading the summary financial statements, therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited financial report of the Australian Committee for UNICEF Limited.

Directors’ responsibility for the summary financial statements The directors are responsible for the preparation of a summary of the audited financial report on the basis described in Note 2.

Auditor’s responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the summary financial statements derived from the audited financial report of the Australian Committee for UNICEF Limited based on our procedures, which were conducted in accordance with Auditing Standard ASA 810 Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements.

Auditor’s opinion In our opinion, the summary financial statements derived from the audited financial report of the Australian Committee for UNICEF Limited for the year ended 31 December 2015 are consistent, in all material respects, of that audited financial report, on the basis described in Note 2.

Basis of accounting and restriction on distribution and use Without modifying our opinion, we draw attention to Note 2 to the summary financial statements, which describe the basis of accounting. The summary financial statements have been prepared to assist the Australian Committee of UNICEF Limited to meet the requirements of Australian Council for International Development Code of Conduct. As a result, the summary financial statements may not be suitable for another purpose.

KPMG Sydney, 26 April 2016

Stephen Isaac Partner

KPMG, an Australian partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

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COMMITTED TO BEST PRACTICE ACFID The company is a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and has applied the principles of the ACFID Code of Conduct for Non-Government Development Organisations, which sets minimum standards of governance, management and accountability for member agencies. Adherence to the code is monitored by an independent Code of Conduct Committee.

ACCREDITATION In 2015, UNICEF Australia was successful in gaining accreditation with Australia’s NGO Corporation Program (ANCP). Accreditation is a robust assessment of an organisation’s practice, in governance, program and partner management, community engagement, and financial accountability. Gaining accreditation recognises UNICEF Australia meets the criteria of and has the capacity and accountability to manage Australian Government funding. In 2015, ANCP funding supported UNICEF’s WASH in Satellite Schools in Zimbabwe and Targeted Support to Basic Education in the Solomon Islands.

EVALUATION UNICEF Australia is committed to ensuring its directly supported programs are effective in tackling child rights and there is continuous improvement in program implementation. It is our practice to ensure external evaluations of programs are undertaken to demonstrate achievements and articulate lessons learned. In 2015, UNICEF Australia contributed to two external evaluations undertaken in Laos and Ethiopia. A summary of findings is included in this report.

ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATIONS Australian Committee for UNICEF Limited is a public company limited by guarantee and established under the corporations Act 2001. The company has Deductible Gift Recipient and income tax exempt charity status with the Australian Taxation Office and is registered in each State under applicable charitable collections legislation. The company is also a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).

INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATION The company is one of 34 UNICEF National Committees around the world. Each National Committee operates under a formal Cooperation Agreement and an individually agreed Joint Strategic Plan with UNICEF.

GOVERNANCE Although not a listed company, in developing and continuously improving its corporate governance policies and practices, the company has applied, where relevant, the best practice corporate governance principles laid down by the ASX for limited companies. The company’s Audit and Risk Committee and its Board regularly review the corporate governance framework to ensure continued best practice. The company’s directors are committed to adding value to the organisation by bringing to the Board their broad range of skills and experience. Brief details on each of the directors are included on Page 29 of this report. The company operates under a Constitution. The current Constitution was formally adopted by the Members at a Special General Meeting held on December 15, 2001.

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COMMITTED TO BEST PRACTICE

Australian Committee for UNICEF Limited is committed to achieving best practice in its management of program funding and corporate governance for not-for-profit organisations.


COMMITTED TO BEST PRACTICE

The Constitution provides for a voluntary and independent Board of Directors to be responsible for the company’s overall management and specifies, inter alia, the Board’s powers and responsibilities and how directors are elected and re-elected by the members. The Board has adopted a formal Board charter, which articulates the role of the Board; the matters the Board has reserved to itself; Board composition; how Board meetings are conducted; and directors’ ethical standards and leadership. The Board has established risk identification and management and corporate compliance protocols which are incorporated into the Policies and Procedures Manual. Except for those matters which the Board has reserved to itself, it has delegated to the chief executive responsibility and authority for managing day-to-day operations but subject to the Board’s overall direction and control and full reporting to each Board meeting, which takes place every two months. The Board regularly reviews the company’s financial performance and ensures the risk management and corporate compliance protocols it has approved are being followed. The Audit and Risk committee and the Board receive detailed budget and financial performance reports at each of their meetings. The Board conducts a board and director performance self-assessment on an annual basis. The board also undertook an externally facilitated board review process in August 2015. The board review process covered the following broad areas:

FURTHER INFORMATION For further information about the company’s corporate governance framework, please see the company’s website at www.unicef.org.au

RISK MANAGEMENT UNICEF Australia considers risk management an integral part of its organisational culture and an essential component of its strategic planning and decision making. Its risk management policy identifies those risks facing the organisation, assigns responsibility to managing these risks and how these should be monitored and reported on an ongoing basis. Effective risk management may only occur through involvement of all members of the organisation. Whilst management maintain the responsibility for responding to risks, all staff are required to assist in identifying risks in the first instance. Consideration of risk is key whenever there is a significant change in circumstances such as the introduction of new processes, or implementation vof new programs. An organic risk register is maintained which is then updated on a regular basis by all departments within the organisation. Risks are categorised under the following headings and ranked based upon likelihood and severity: Strategic – Evaluation of risks relating to an organisation’s mission and strategic objectives.

The adequacy of the processes and protocols that govern and manage Board performance.

The performance and engagement of key office holders on the Board.

Regulatory – Evaluation of risks relating to compliance obligations, considering laws and regulations, ethics and business conduct standards, contractual obligations and best practices to which the organisation has committed.

The performance and engagement of individual Board members as well as the Board committees.

Operational – Evaluation of the risks associated with failed internal processes, systems or external events.

Recommendations following the review are referred to the Chairman of the Board for dissemination and action. The company’s audited financial statements are forwarded to its members each year for consideration at the Annual General Meeting and are reported to ASIC, ACFID, ACNC and State Government departments responsible for State charitable collections legislation. An abridged version, which complies with ACFID code of conduct requirements, is included in this published Annual Report.

Copies of the full audited financial statements are available upon request.

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Fraud – Evaluation of the potential for fraud and its impact on organisation’s ethics, compliance standards and integrity. Information technology – Evaluation of risks relating to technology system failures and data security. Financial statement – Evaluation of risks relating to material misstatement of the financial statements. Reputational – Evaluation of risks relating to the organisation’s wider reputation. Higher ranked risks are summarised and shared with the audit and risk committee and board meetings twice a year.


FEEDBACK AND COMPLAINTS Anyone wishing to provide feedback or make a complaint can do so via email unicef@unicef.org.au or phone (02) 9261 2811. Complaints relating to a breach of the ACFID Code of Conduct by an ACFID code member can also be made to the ACFID Code of Conduct Committee – for information on how to make a complaint see www.acfid.asn.au


Australian Committee for UNICEF Limited ABN 35 060 581 437 PO Box 488 Queen Victoria Building NSW 1230 Registered Office: Level 4, 280 Pitt St, Sydney, NSW, 2000 For general enquiries and donations: Phone: 1300 884 233 | Fax: 1300 780 522 Email: unicef@unicef.org.au | www.unicef.org.au

UNICEF Australia Annual Report 2015 First Published April 2016. All graphs and data correct as at April 2016. Š UNICEF Australia UNICEF Australia is a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and complies with the principles of the ACFID Code of Conduct for Non-Government Development Organisations.


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