Irish Aid signs new Unicef agreement

A new agreement has been signed between Irish Aid and Unicef to strengthen links between the two organisations.

Unicef received more than $34.5 million (£17.4 million) in contribution from Irish Aid in 2007 which was a 160 per cent increase from the 2004 figure of $13.4 million.

Ann Veneman, Unicef executive director, said: "Children are at the heart of the Millennium Development Goals. Ireland’s valuable contribution will support efforts to achieve those goals."

Ireland are now among the top ten donors in funding to Unicef's core budget, which include non-earmarked donations allowing flexibility in delivering assistance on the ground. Its contributions to core funding have almost doubled since 2004 to almost $20 million

The new agreement has outlined common objectives and responsibilities for future action, covering issues such achieving millennium development goals, aiding children in natural disasters and sharing knowledge in respect to health and education.

Irish Aid will also support Unicef's work in emergency relief and children's health improvement.

Earlier this month Irish Aid entered into a new partnership with the Red Cross, providing €6 million (£4.7 million) to the international federation to support the work in neglected west and central African regions.