UNICEF Statement on the decision of the German Institute for Social Issues (DZI) to withdraw its seal of approval from the German National Committee for UNICEF

The decision by DZI (the German Institute for Social Issues) to withdraw its fundraising Seal of Approval from our German National Committee for UNICEF underscores the need for rapid and complete implementation of the business practice reforms to which the National Committee’s Board and interim management have committed themselves. UNICEF is supporting the National Committee in these reforms.

These business practice reforms must address the concerns raised by DZI, in addition to those identified in the recent review by KPMG.

Reinstatement of this fundraising Seal of Approval – which we hope will be granted by DZI once this reform programme is complete – will be a sign of restored confidence in the National Committee.

Background

The 36 National Committees for UNICEF are independent Non-Governmental Organizations that raise funds for UNICEF and act as advocates for children’s rights both in their own country and worldwide. The Committees contribute around one third of UNICEF’s global budget, by raising funds from the private sector and through the sale of greetings cards and other products.

Formal cooperation agreements between UNICEF and each National Committee set out the rights and obligations of the parties. UNICEF is currently working with National Committees to strengthen the cooperation agreements.

Each National Committee has its own governing board and assigns an external auditor who prepares a yearly report on funds raised and their use. The National Committees are subject to national legislation and public scrutiny, as is the case with all other national NGOs.