UNICEF recognizes that this crisis in Haiti is a children's emergency -- half of the people in Haiti are children. UNICEF’s role in emergencies is to focus on protecting and assisting children. UNICEF 's emergency relief efforts in Haiti are saving children's lives by making sure life-saving supplies reach children in need. In addition, UNICEF is the UN's designated lead agency for coordinating relief efforts in water and sanitation, child protection, education, and nutrition.