75 Years of UNICEF

Two children's hands holding a globe, which is itself held together like a puzzle by further children's hands. An olive branch runs along the left edge; below the design the commemoration inscription "75 ANS". Along the upper inner rim "UNICEF 1946–2021" and "POUR CHAQUE ENFANT" (For every child). Next to the numeral 75 the monogram "RF" of the French Republic, with the mint marks of the Pessac Mint and Chief Engraver Joaquin Jimenez below.

The United Nations Children's Fund was founded in 1946 — initially as emergency relief for children in the countries of Europe and Asia devastated by the Second World War. Within a few decades, this relief organisation grew into one of the largest humanitarian institutions in the world. UNICEF now works in more than 190 countries and territories, is funded exclusively through voluntary contributions, and campaigns for basic care, access to education, health protection and protection from exploitation. France is among the founding members of the United Nations and has supported UNICEF's work politically and financially since the outset; the French National Committee is one of the oldest and most active in the world.

In 2021, UNICEF marked its 75th anniversary — an occasion observed internationally and one in which France took part with this 2-euro commemorative coin. The guiding principle "Pour chaque enfant" — for every child — reflects a universal claim that knows no geographic boundaries: every child, regardless of origin, nationality or circumstances, has a right to protection, health and development. This principle has been enshrined since 1989 in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by nearly every country in the world, whose implementation UNICEF monitors and supports globally.