UNICEF works with Governments and key technical and operational partners, both UN and non-governmental, to meet young people's rights and needs to information and life skills and to provide access to services, to a safe and supportive environment free from exploitation and abuse, and to opportunities to participate in civil society and decisions that affect their lives. Of special concern are disadvantaged young people, such as those who are living on the streets or in extreme poverty or suffering from gender, ethnic and other forms of discrimination or marginalization; being exploited sexually, economically or in other ways; physically or mentally disabled; or caught up in emergencies, wars and other situations of rapid social change where they lack family and community support. UNICEF has been focusing on problems and high-risk behaviours that undermine young people's health and development, including the repercussions of unwanted and unsafe sex, substance abuse, accidents and violence, and certain common endemic diseases. Key programme areas include national planning and policies, school-based interventions and youth-friendly health services.

Contact:

Dr. Bruce Dick
Senior Advisor,
Youth Health
Programme Division
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
United Nations Plaza, TA 24
New York, NY 10017, U.S.A.

Tel.: (212) 824-6324Fax: (212) 824-6464

E-mail: bdick@unicef.org