UNICEF was created by the United Nations General Assembly on 11 December
1946, to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries that had been devastated by World War II. In 1953, UNICEF became a permanent body within the UN system, responsible for helping children and protect their rights. UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories through various programs and National Committees. Other major work of UNICEF is to act in emergency situations in order to save lives, alleviate suffering and protect the rights of children