A song that became a global pop hit in 1979 has continued to fund child-protection work decades after its release. Swedish pop group ABBA’s Chiquitita had generated more than US$5 million for UNICEF by April 2024, helping support programmes that protect vulnerable children from violence, abuse and exploitation, according to the United Nations children’s agency. The milestone marked 45 years since the band pledged the song’s royalties to UNICEF.
The song’s enduring contribution comes from royalties generated whenever listeners purchase or stream it on platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. Rather than being a one-time charitable donation, the arrangement has allowed the track to generate funding over several decades, supporting UNICEF’s work to protect and rehabilitate children affected by violence.
The story began on January 9, 1979, when ABBA performed at The Music for UNICEF Concert: A Gift of Song, held at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In 2014, ABBA decided to direct all proceeds from the song towards UNICEF’s work protecting girls’ rights in Guatemala. A report published by UNICEF Guatemala on April 2, 2024, described how these services reach children in remote communities, where accessing specialist support can be difficult. The report identified a team of 19 psychologists and 11 social workers working in the departments of Alta Verapaz and Baja Verapaz.
Participating artists gave the organisation rights to songs performed at the concert, according to UNICEF’s historical account. UNICEF says the royalties help pay the salaries and training costs of psychologists and social workers who provide support to survivors and work to prevent sexual abuse. The event brought together prominent musicians, including the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Rod Stewart, John Denver and Earth, Wind & Fire, to raise awareness and funds for children’s rights. The event was organised to mark the International Year of the Child, a United Nations initiative intended to draw attention to children’s welfare and rights worldwide. The money raised through Chiquitita has helped UNICEF support programmes aimed at preventing abuse and assisting children who have experienced violence. The funding has supported child psychology and protection services, including work in the country’s Verapaz region, home to Indigenous Mayan communities. Psychologists and social workers conduct home visits, provide therapy and coordinate with local services to help children receive appropriate care. Many serve communities where language barriers, poverty and limited access to services can make it harder for children to seek assistance. The work also extends beyond individual therapy. UNICEF has supported hospital facilities for sexual-abuse screenings and referrals, while community outreach and local radio broadcasts help spread prevention messages in Q’eqchi’, a language spoken by many Indigenous people in the region. UNICEF’s report also highlights the work of local professionals who understand the communities they serve and speak their languages. Their familiarity with local conditions helps them build relationships with children and families, identify cases requiring intervention and connect survivors with appropriate services. The organisation has stressed that protecting children requires more than responding after abuse occurs. Investment in community services, prevention, training and local support systems is also necessary to create lasting change.