Niloufar Pourzand commented on "Iran: UN Human Rights Council Votes to Send Fact-Finding Mission to Investigate Violations"
23 hours ago
Thanks Kul for caring! I wrote to the Ex.Director and never heard back sadly. I also wrote to the RD and did not hear back. I have been in touch with the Representative in Iran and he has always kindly responded saying they won’t condemn these actions to keep their office and programme going. I don’t agree needless to say. I have tried to share with others too but have not heard much more as of yet, sadly. As a Professor of Human Rights and Development Studies now at York U, we talk about the Human Rights Mechanisms of the UN and the situation in Iran a lot. Young people are interested for sure. Also our Iranian diaspora in Toronto is very active as you might know and one of the current exiled leaders, Hamed Esmaelion, who lost his wife and daughter on Flight 752 is Toronto based and many other activists. Looking forward to more exchanges. Respectfully, Niloufar
Kul Gautam commented on "Iran: UN Human Rights Council Votes to Send Fact-Finding Mission to Investigate Violations"
23 hours ago
I am delighted to note that the UN Human Rights Council strongly deplored the violent crackdown on peaceful protests resulting in the death of hundreds of people, including dozens of children, and a disproportionate number of persons belonging to minorities, and the arrest of thousands in connection with the nation-wide protests following the death in custody of Jina Mahsa Amini on 16 September 2022. The UN Human Rights Council also established an independent, international fact-finding mission to thoroughly and independently investigate alleged human rights violations in Iran by a vote of 25 in favour, six against and 16 abstentions. I am glad Nepal voted in favour of the resolution. Those opposing or abstaining in the vote were the usual suspects who also voted along the same lines in condemning the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine in the UN General Assembly. It was good to see the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk making a strong statement urging Iran to stop violence against peaceful protesters, calling for the release of all those arrested and to impose a moratorium on the death penalty. I was proud of OHCHR. Hope UNICEF too will speak out strongly considering that dozens of children have been arrested and some sentenced to death, in total disregard of Iran's obligations under the CRC and other principles of human rights. https://www.ohchr.org/en/news/2022/11/human-rights-council-establishes-fact-finding-mission-investigate-alleged-human-rights
Yesterday
Erratum: In the text, Mia’s horse was misnamed as ‘Archie’ while the photo caption showed him to be called ‘Arthur’ – which is correct. ‘Archie’ was, in fact, a lurcher (greyhound cross breed). He had an astonishing turn of speed when in pursuit of a rabbit or hare, not matched in his stopping distance capability resulting in frequent visits to the vet to sew up damage to ears, head and so on. I believe that he managed to damage the boundary fence on several occasions. It seems that slower breeds cost less to maintain.
Fouad Kronfol commented on "The UNICEF Virtual Reality : Detlef Palm"
2 days ago
Contrary to Detlef I have a deep gutteral aversion to most things digital. After retirement I went ten years without a computer, then five more years before I got an IPad and until today I still do not have a smart phone! This puts me in the category of XUNICEF "dinosaurs", but I still manage to do a lot of things using the Laptop mainly as a typewriter and info-searcher. Thus, I join my colleagues in worrying about UNICEF's multiple ventures into the crypto world and the difficulties it might face. While innovation is commendable it should not affect the bread and butter issues that children increasingly face these days in many parts of the world and where UNICEF's tried and true actions have over seven decades provided the necessary assistance to alleviate the problems. It appears that many such actions are the result of donor "support" and UNICEF staff seem to have difficulty in refusing funds. The corollary to this is that all such monies in fact result in donors reducing "regular" contributions while giving to all kinds of innovative ventures, most of which it appears have not much succeeded.
Detlef Palm commented on "The UNICEF Virtual Reality : Detlef Palm"
Nov 24, 2022
@Sharad. The innovation office is not dead or dormant. It has opened three new offices in Stockholm and Helsinki, and is planning another one in Copenhagen. New applications for the venture fund are invited.
Sharad Sapra commented on "The UNICEF Virtual Reality : Detlef Palm"
Nov 24, 2022
Detlef also I checked with a few people involved. The contribution was in cryptos and paid for in cryptos as per donors conditionality. But they still should have been brought to a close even with a simple statement that they did not have desired impact it success and hence were brought to a close.
Sharad Sapra commented on "The UNICEF Virtual Reality : Detlef Palm"
Nov 23, 2022
Good points Detlef. To me it is an old process that ails UNICEF, that of leadership transition. When leaders change many initiatives started by predecessors are left unattended and left to die their own death. What I believe needs to happen is that if you don't agree with the initiatives for whatever reason, they need to be brought to a close and not left unattended and orphaned. One needs to remember that people don't see who is the new head of the division, they just see a shoddy UNICEF whose initiatives just didn't go anywhere and nothing was done to bring them to a close.
Tom McDermott commented on "The UNICEF Virtual Reality : Detlef Palm"
Nov 23, 2022
Thanks Detlef for this excellent analysis of the dangers facing UNICEF or any humanitarian aid or development agency of dabbling in the world of crypto, NFTs, and other unregulated banking and investment systems. I must add my concern that what starts with good intentions can too easily end up leaving aid agencies as 'shills' for the global companies wanting to sell their investment schemes to countries and populations they otherwise find difficult to 'open for business'. UNICEF's brand and good name is valuable and must be protected. Let us not end up being the sheep's clothing. Beware, beware, be skeptical Of their smiles, their smiles of plated gold Deceit so natural But a wolf in sheep's clothing is more than a warning
Ken Gibbs commented on "The UNICEF Virtual Reality : Detlef Palm"
Nov 23, 2022
Bravo for stating the obvious. This article should be mandatory reading for existing senior UNICEF staff from ExDir down to P4/L4. Might I respectfully suggest that UNICEF should not give ‘cyber’-explanations for failure to provide essentials for children and women ? There must be sustainable funding for – for instance – the cold chain to ensure that kids don’t die unnecessarily from preventable diseases. Crypto currency does NOT ensure sustainability. You could use the same logic for the provision of essential nutrition, essential pharmaceuticals, essential education and essential safe water, etc. I wonder if UNICEF has ever considered making it mandatory for the audit section to evaluate donor reports ? If this were done as a matter of course, I am sure this ‘cyber’ reporting would never have been allowed to proliferate. Such an unnecessary waste of children’s lives and squandering of resources.
Nov 23, 2022
I used to be indecisive; now I’m not sure! 😉 I love these quotes! Thank you Doreen!
Nov 23, 2022
Salutation to Tom, Kul and particularly to our dear colleague, Niloufar. We must all together join forces and denounce the obscene abuse of children's rights where ever it is taking place with impunity. Millions of people should voice their outrage and bring pressure of world opinion, showing zero tolerance for violation of human rights, particularly rights of children. The voices should be backed by actions designed to bring perpetrators to account. And the pressure must be sustained to make impact. I too had the pleasure of working with Shirin Ebadi in Iran with the objective of actively promoting CRC through collaboration of all major stakeholder partners, particularly civil societies. I hope our messages will prompt a stronger principled stand by UNICEF Warm regards and power to all of you Baquer Namazi, November 23, 2022
Nov 22, 2022
I went back on our twelve previous posts about children in Palestine being killed, wounded, or imprisoned and found only one single comment from our readers which talked inter alia about the survivors/families of the children. Does this mean there is no interest among our XUNICEF colleagues in the fate of these children living under a military occupation? It is heart warming, but sad, that these children in Palestinian refugee camps, despite all their miseries, are sending positive greetings to others in respect of the World Cup soccer championship...
Niloufar Pourzand commented on "Children's deaths 'must stop' in Iran, says UNICEF, as protests continue : CNN"
Nov 22, 2022
Dear Gianni, thanks. The situation has gone from worse to worse. The IRI is waging a full war against its citizens all over Iran but especially in Kurdestan and Sistine & Baluchistan. In Kurdestan, it is bombarding by planes and moving tanks and randomly killing residents. It is there strategy to destroy the movement at any cost possible and also to provoke the Kurdish and border/ethnic groups to take action and then say that they are separatist and armed insurgents and have another reason to silence all protesters and sounds of dissent. It is a very dirty and brutal effort and the international community/those in power know this well but their actions are not strong enough as usual sadly. It is very very painful for us the Iranian diaspora but of course nothing as hard as it is for the families affected in Iran and now mourning their children. Today there is confirmed news of also the use of rape by their forces - which is not new of course - and blinding children/youth and so much more brutal and horrific accounts. What can I say? Best wishes, Niloufar
Gianni Murzi commented on "Children's deaths 'must stop' in Iran, says UNICEF, as protests continue : CNN"
Nov 22, 2022
This is very good Best regards, Gianni
Niloufar Pourzand commented on "Shirin Ebadi Critical of UNICEF, Sees Tehran Office as Failing to Condemn Child Rights Violations : France24 / Kul Gautam"
Nov 22, 2022
Hello, yes, I recruited her in Unicef - as we had common activist friends - to translate the CRC when it first was signed/ratified and compare it with Iranian and Islamic law in the first ever such effort in Iran and we undertook various joint activities with Shirin Ebadi before she won the Nobel Prize and was forced into exile. My husband had earlier recruited her in UNHCR Iran to work on Refugee Rights in Iran. She later established a Child Rights CSO in Iran which continues and whose members have been arrested. She herself is now based in the Uk and has two adult daughters, one who works with her. She spoke at the UN recently on Iran with Nazanin Bonyadi, an actress/activist. She is very active these days and especially on Club House almost every day.
Nov 22, 2022
Shirin was once very close to UNICEF, would given the current situation this is not surprise. I met her once. Great advocate for children, for human rights, and for Iran.
Unknown commented on "Top of Mexico : Detlef Palm"
Nov 22, 2022
Deflect thousands thanks for this colorful and vivid travel account. It brought memories for my post graduate studies in Mexico in the early 80’ . Going back is in my retiree bucket list. Michel Saint-Lot
Niloufar Pourzand commented on "An anonymous note from Iran on the occasion of 20th November/Gianni Murzi"
Nov 21, 2022
Our compatriots, brothers and sisters, are being killed and targeted by the IRI in what are like full war like attacks. This is tragic and a blatant violation of all human rights of the people. It deserves the most urgent and serious condemnation by all International Organizations, all progressive organizations, Civil Society Organizations, activists and others. The Kurds of Iran have seen such violence and oppression on many occasions in our modern history but enough is enough. I also expected UNICEF to speak out again these crimes against humanity as many children/youth are also being killed and targeted. I am reminded of the early 1990s when I would go on UNICEF missions to Kurdestan (Iran) for our Girls' Education project and interact with Kurdish teachers, students, parents...who would share their aspirations, experiences with earlier rounds of regime brutality and stories of resistance with us. Let us all stand up for the peoples of Iran and especially these days, the people of Kurdistan. Niloufar
Unknown commented on "Top of Mexico : Detlef Palm"
Nov 21, 2022
Juan Aguilar wrote: Thank you Deflet for your wonderful narrative of Mexico which brought back memories of the memorable XUNICEF Reunion in 2017. Warmest regards from Guatemala. Juan Aguilar
Mary Sidawi commented on "SOS: Slower, Older, Smarter : Fouad Kronfol"
Nov 20, 2022
Very true unfortunately
Elizabeth Gibbons commented on "Top of Mexico : Detlef Palm"
Nov 20, 2022
Thank you Detlef for sharing this terrific report on your trip to Mexico, so full of variety, challenge and charm. Just last month I visited Oaxaca for the first time and it remains exactly as you described. Hope you are happy healthy and thriving. Cheers from Boston. Liz
Ken Gibbs commented on "Buying A Carpet in Herat, by Nuzhat Shahzadi"
Nov 20, 2022
It's nice to be reminded of the carpet sellers and we, too in Iran, were encouraged to take any carpet home and live with it on the off-chance that we might buy it that way. While we never went that route, at the same time we drank a lot of tea discussing the relative merits of some of the rugs we saw, and we did end up with a few memorable carpets. When UNICEF decided to send me to Turkmenistan to help evaluate a school sanitation project, I took the opportunity to invade the local market in Ashgabat. There, I found a lovely Teke rug which lives in our dining room now. I was quite surprised that no Pharsi/Dari was spoken anywhere in that market despite being not too far from Herat. Against this was the Quetta bazaar where many of the traders did speak Pharsi. Was this something to do with being on the Silk Route, I wonder ?
Nov 20, 2022
Thanks Mohr Boudewijn for the fascinating account of the preparation and carrying out of the Sport Aid/Run For Africa event back in 1986. It brings back a lot of memories for me personally as a young UNICEF Asst PSC Officer in India and of my own little contribution to the global event. The India Country Office had secured the cooperation of one of India's ex-Olympian distance runner Ranjit Bhatia to be the runner for the daily pre-event runs. I and a freelance video cameraman we hired videoed the daily runs and the final Run for Africa events using the professional video broadcast quality equipment that I had procured and set up for the then UNICEF Regional Office for South Central Asia (ROSCA) in New Delhi. Our coverages were sent to the then only national TV network, Doordarshan, for its daily news broadcast. UNICEF India also secured the cooperation of a well know Bollywood singer, late Kishore Kumar who joined the global Sport Aid concert as it was relayed across the globe via satellite link. Doordarshan provided the uplink. I think that all this was done on a voluntary basis and free of cost. I wasn't involved in the logistic and organizing committee. I wonder how many other retirees can recall their own roles in the global Sport Aid and Run For Africa event in other countries. It will be good to share some of their stories too. Best regards Peter Chen
Horst Max Cerni commented on "Top of Mexico : Detlef Palm"
Nov 19, 2022
Fantastic travel report and very beautiful photos. It showed many areas in Mexico I missed. (By the way, we also got robbed by a traffic policeman during the World Cup 1986...)
Fouad Kronfol commented on "World Toilet, World Philosophy, and World Handwashing Days"
Nov 19, 2022
On the occasion of World Toilet Day 2022, this was taken in 1980 in the Hotel Hoa Binh in Hanoi which was the UNICEF office and residence for some staff, including the Representative. Our room 112 was the only one on the floor with an ensuite bathroom with a club foot bath tub and a tiny basin. The toilet, inexplicably , was on a raised pedestal. We decorated it as best we could to give it a « homey » air.! The pose was inspired by Rodin’s. The Thinker. https://photos.app.goo.gl/mEkhBueo2tRmW5Ja6 Fouad
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Iranian women are proving to be brave, knowlegable, demanding and marching forwar for the good of the future generation. Sadly, I can't say one good thing about the Iranian religiosity or any other religiosity in power, lets say those next door to them in Afghanistan. Bravo and more power to the Iranian women!
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