14 hours ago
Agreed. Thank you Kul for expressing my thoughts. I appreciate the ED's report to the SC. I guess there is nothing like seeing for believing,
Yesterday
Was it just me? Although it was great to see the Sahel crisis highlight as a massive global conflict (that gets very little attention), the testimony was weakest at this point, when it came to proposing a solution. Really stood out for me, but maybe not for others. A hugely complex crisis, but sadly I didn't see a solution proposed.
Gautam Banerji commented on "Kul Gautam writes to Jeffrey Sachs regarding his proposal for a Peace and Development Fund"
Yesterday
Jeff Sach’s testimony before the UNSC is a must-see, must-hear, must-heed, if we only care to bounce back and rise from the anarchy and chaos we are plunged into. Time for the UNSC to heed the words of wisdom from intellectuals that count. There is enough wisdom in the world to fall back upon if we only care. Regrettably (and it is sad for me to repeat here as I do with a heavy heart) politics has turned to be the last bastion of scoundrels, propped up by bigger scoundrels around them, looking for short term gains, oblivious of the misery they bring along as a consequence. Jeff Sachs has pointed out where the malady lies. And it does not surprise, as you state, Kul, that the UNSC chose to overlook if not ignore what Sachs had stated. We couldn’t have descended lower with poor quality of political leadership all around. Sad indeed!
Tom McDermott commented on "UNICEF ED's op-ed on Gaza children"
Yesterday
Dear Anonymous - I am disappointed that you have not included your name. You have a point of view which I do not share, but it is impossible to discuss an issue with someone who declines to attach his or her name to an opinion. The ED, the SG, and countless other officials have called for the release of the Israeli hostages. Sadly, it is easy to forget the over 7,000 Palestinian hostages held by Israel, including over 600 children. Since Oct 7th Israel has increased the number of prisoners it holds by nearly 3,000, including 200 or so additional children. Both sides need to stop this hostage game, especially when the hostages include children. No child should be a hostage, and no child should be imprisoned outside his or her country by foreign military forces. If you wish to continue this discussion, please email me at mcdermott.tom@gmail.com and please include your name. Thanks.
Ellen Tolmie commented on "UNICEF ED's op-ed on Gaza children"
Yesterday
I share Kul's dismay at ED Russell's failure to name either side of this war, leaving the impression that there are no perpetrators, just victims. Who are "the parties to this conflict" that she finally references and why should they stop anything if their anonymity is so protected? And who are the hostages in the "hostage release deal" she also fails to name? The only exception to this naming is for "Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry" ... why this one exception? These obfuscations contribute to a confusion about what is happening that, in turn, undermines Unicef's credibility and neutrality, including in this otherwise strong statement about the catastrophe she is reporting on.
In Response to a comment by Unknown
Unknown commented on "UNICEF ED's op-ed on Gaza children"
2 days ago
I believe Hamas was the “perpetrator “ of the current war. Please tone down the rhetoric…
Unknown commented on "UNICEF ED's op-ed on Gaza children"
2 days ago
It is also disappointing that more people, supposedly educated, are not acknoweldging the brutal and horrendous attack by Hamas on innocent civilians and the kidnapping of hostages that created this situation. Innocent civilians are left to bear the brunt of this war. Why don't more persons call for the release of the hostages, abhor that innocent civilians are used as pawns and cry violently for peaceful existence in a two party State. Why can't the peace keeping missions be sent into ensure that the party that wishes to destroy and kill, openly admitting to annhilating a whole race be kept in check?
In Response to a comment by Tom McDermott
2 days ago
Many thanks, Doug, for the additional information about how the aquifer was drawn down by the former settlers and by neighboring settlements in Israel. I know that there have been similar issues in the W. Bank and over use of upstream waters taken from the Jordan River. The issue of sea / saltwater intrusion of course is one of those issues that once done may never be reversed. Thanks again.
In Response to a comment by Doug Higgins
2 days ago
To anonymous: Why don't you draft such a note? Remember that we cannot send it anonymously.
In Response to a comment by Unknown
Unknown commented on "Letter to the Executive Director on behalf of XUNICEF"
Nov 22, 2023
Recognizing the fact that we are no longer in active service, I believe our interventions are best placed to encourage and appreciate efforts pf our serving unicef-ers! Reminds me of the age old saying, “a shoe pinches the most those wearing it”! One can only imagine what our colleagues and their near and dear ones are going through in these conflicting times. I think we should be thinking of sending a note of support and encouragement to those serving and those affected by these tragic events the most. Just a thought.
Nov 22, 2023
Thanks Tom, for the succinct summary. The EU funded DeSal plant opened in 2017 was the completion of a (Phase One) UNICEF/EU agreement signed in 2011. Committing to developing significant infrastructure in the Gaza Strip was a major departure from UNICEF's routine programming at the time. It was a brave undertaking knowing that the Israel Defence Force would question (and potentially prohibit) every single item needed for construction. Committed and coordinated support from the RC's Office, UNRWA, and the EU Office, made it happen. To make it more difficult, the EU refused to fund operational costs in the budget. However, the end product was more than just the physical infrastructure. The process put UNICEF front and centre in the understanding of and advocating for change in the dire Gaza WASH situation.
Yes, the inhumane population density has contributed to a depleted aquifer. However, as with most things in Palestine, it is more complicated than that. Until 2005, the Israeli Settlements in Gaza were water intensive and had become unsustainable. The salination of the freshwater aquifer would have taken decades to recover by the time the Settlements were abandoned. Meanwhile, across the border from the Gaza Strip, Israel has continued to deplete the freshwater aquifer drawing increased salination into the groundwater under Gaza. Kibbutz Kfar Aza and the other border communities attacked on October 7th have also directly contributed to the depleted aquifer under the Gaza Strip.
Yes, the inhumane population density has contributed to a depleted aquifer. However, as with most things in Palestine, it is more complicated than that. Until 2005, the Israeli Settlements in Gaza were water intensive and had become unsustainable. The salination of the freshwater aquifer would have taken decades to recover by the time the Settlements were abandoned. Meanwhile, across the border from the Gaza Strip, Israel has continued to deplete the freshwater aquifer drawing increased salination into the groundwater under Gaza. Kibbutz Kfar Aza and the other border communities attacked on October 7th have also directly contributed to the depleted aquifer under the Gaza Strip.
Nov 22, 2023
Doug, this is the kind of discussion we should be having.
I am not belittling any of the good work that staff members have been doing, and I have the highest regard for Sigrid and your work. What you identify as a weakness in UNICEF’s decentralized structure, is the failure of the organization to fully embrace the concept of the ‘whole of UNICEF’. I don’t recall who invented the term, but it sticks. It means that any UNICEF staff or country office anywhere can count on the full support by the organization including experts elsewhere, from the RO and HQ up to executive level for political support, if the matter so deserves. And if the ‘whole of UNICEF’ is behind a certain issue, any new rep or senior staff will quickly get the point.
The situation of Palestine and its children is such a matter. It didn’t need a genius to predict the violence that we see now. It was only a question of time. The UN had more than 50 years to work with all sides to find a durable solution. Development is not possible in the presence of unresolved underlying massive conflicts and injustice. It is irrational to get all enraged now, while nothing much visible was done – together with all and everyone - while the emotions could still be controlled. Much of the violence in the larger region could be traced back – or has some connection - to the unresolved Palestine situation.
We know that no American UNICEF executive director can ever squarely engage on Palestine. With UNICEF consistently reaping more income than it can spend, and having topped 8 billion Dollar annually, my proposal is that the SG and UNICEF forfeit the 1 billion USD that it receives from the US, cuts out the fat, sells its crypto, and becomes the facilitator and mediator it is meant to be.
On your leadership/cluster point: Leadership has to be earned through clear positions, unambiguous communication and operational effectiveness. One may leave it to judgement of the observers whether an organization is leading or not. I pointed to the WASH cluster, because the global relief community has assigned UNICEF to be the coordinator for the many dozens of agencies operating or planning to operate in Gaza, and this is where the global community will assess UNICEF’s performance and leadership. So far, I haven’t seen much else than UNICEF blowing its own trumpet.
For some of my other points and claims, you may browse through some of Insights from Outside the Bubble which all are available here on the blog.
I am not belittling any of the good work that staff members have been doing, and I have the highest regard for Sigrid and your work. What you identify as a weakness in UNICEF’s decentralized structure, is the failure of the organization to fully embrace the concept of the ‘whole of UNICEF’. I don’t recall who invented the term, but it sticks. It means that any UNICEF staff or country office anywhere can count on the full support by the organization including experts elsewhere, from the RO and HQ up to executive level for political support, if the matter so deserves. And if the ‘whole of UNICEF’ is behind a certain issue, any new rep or senior staff will quickly get the point.
The situation of Palestine and its children is such a matter. It didn’t need a genius to predict the violence that we see now. It was only a question of time. The UN had more than 50 years to work with all sides to find a durable solution. Development is not possible in the presence of unresolved underlying massive conflicts and injustice. It is irrational to get all enraged now, while nothing much visible was done – together with all and everyone - while the emotions could still be controlled. Much of the violence in the larger region could be traced back – or has some connection - to the unresolved Palestine situation.
We know that no American UNICEF executive director can ever squarely engage on Palestine. With UNICEF consistently reaping more income than it can spend, and having topped 8 billion Dollar annually, my proposal is that the SG and UNICEF forfeit the 1 billion USD that it receives from the US, cuts out the fat, sells its crypto, and becomes the facilitator and mediator it is meant to be.
On your leadership/cluster point: Leadership has to be earned through clear positions, unambiguous communication and operational effectiveness. One may leave it to judgement of the observers whether an organization is leading or not. I pointed to the WASH cluster, because the global relief community has assigned UNICEF to be the coordinator for the many dozens of agencies operating or planning to operate in Gaza, and this is where the global community will assess UNICEF’s performance and leadership. So far, I haven’t seen much else than UNICEF blowing its own trumpet.
For some of my other points and claims, you may browse through some of Insights from Outside the Bubble which all are available here on the blog.
Doug Higgins commented on "Letter to the Executive Director on behalf of XUNICEF"
Nov 22, 2023
Detlaf, of the many points you raise – and claims you make – that could be responded to, I’ll use one to focus on what might be a weakness in UNICEF’s decentralised structure. You’ve said: “… where have UNICEF leaders (and former UNICEF colleagues) been over the last 50 years …”.
In February 2013, UNICEF released a briefing paper entitled "Children in Israeli military detention: observations and recommendations". It was the culmination of two or more years of detailed research, extensive cross-checking, and endless consultation with high level Israeli government and military authorities. To use your own words Detlaf, the process saw UNICEF leaders seeking solutions through direct engagement with those having conflicting views.
For the record, I am not blowing my own trumpet here as my role was insignificant. Due to the highly sensitive nature of the initiative, Jean Gough, the Representative, navigated the process. With the technical support of Saudamini Siegrist, CO Chief of Child Protection, and close (!!) consultation with both the Regional Office and HQ, it was a textbook example of what UNICEF can achieve. Largely due to Jean and Saudamini’s credit, the publication was substantial and significant in what has long been a vexed context. It was not a workload for the fainthearted.
Periodic reviews of the Recommendations were anticipated, and these did happen under Jean’s successor. But then there were other successors. The international Child Protection personnel changed (Saudamini had left just before the report was launched). The Regional Director changed … often! As we all know, personalities have their own preferences and agendas. Ten years later, and the report seems to have been relegated to the too-hard basket. The Israeli military will not be sending any reminders for the periodic reviews.
UNICEF’s leadership roles (and in humanitarian coordination, they go well beyond the WASH cluster lead!) may have been uneven over the last 50 years, but you seem to suggest that they have been non-existent. That is neither accurate nor fair.
The question is: when a leading work is achieved that requires follow-up (in your words: “continuous engagement for a fair and peaceful solution”) across successive Representatives and Regional Directors, where is the mechanism for accountability to ensure the momentum is not lost? If there is none, does UNICEF’s structure undermine its own credibility? The Israeli government and military will have been counting on it.
In February 2013, UNICEF released a briefing paper entitled "Children in Israeli military detention: observations and recommendations". It was the culmination of two or more years of detailed research, extensive cross-checking, and endless consultation with high level Israeli government and military authorities. To use your own words Detlaf, the process saw UNICEF leaders seeking solutions through direct engagement with those having conflicting views.
For the record, I am not blowing my own trumpet here as my role was insignificant. Due to the highly sensitive nature of the initiative, Jean Gough, the Representative, navigated the process. With the technical support of Saudamini Siegrist, CO Chief of Child Protection, and close (!!) consultation with both the Regional Office and HQ, it was a textbook example of what UNICEF can achieve. Largely due to Jean and Saudamini’s credit, the publication was substantial and significant in what has long been a vexed context. It was not a workload for the fainthearted.
Periodic reviews of the Recommendations were anticipated, and these did happen under Jean’s successor. But then there were other successors. The international Child Protection personnel changed (Saudamini had left just before the report was launched). The Regional Director changed … often! As we all know, personalities have their own preferences and agendas. Ten years later, and the report seems to have been relegated to the too-hard basket. The Israeli military will not be sending any reminders for the periodic reviews.
UNICEF’s leadership roles (and in humanitarian coordination, they go well beyond the WASH cluster lead!) may have been uneven over the last 50 years, but you seem to suggest that they have been non-existent. That is neither accurate nor fair.
The question is: when a leading work is achieved that requires follow-up (in your words: “continuous engagement for a fair and peaceful solution”) across successive Representatives and Regional Directors, where is the mechanism for accountability to ensure the momentum is not lost? If there is none, does UNICEF’s structure undermine its own credibility? The Israeli government and military will have been counting on it.
Nov 22, 2023
Thank you Tom for this update. We are concerned with the now and any positive movement is better than none. But I also think of the impact on children for the future. Will children who have seen their siblings or parents killed become better peacemakers in the future?
Tom McDermott commented on "UNICEF ED's op-ed on Gaza children"
Nov 22, 2023
I am pleased that the ED has written about the growing health crisis in Gaza, but wish she had said more about the likelihood that given the absence of places to sleep, the lack of clean water and access to sanitation, epidemics are likely to further devastate the population.
I was very disappointed to see her use of the phrase "Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry". This term is often used by the NY Times and other western media. Yet they do not write, "Israel's Likud-run health ministry".
Hamas is the party that was elected by people in Gaza, just as Likud is the majority party elected in Israel. The reason that western media use this term is to suggest that statistics reported by the public health authorities in Gaza provide are suspicious, and likely to have been manipulated. The MOH in Gaza has been UNICEF's partner and WHO's partner for many years. Neither agency have never expressed doubt about their reporting, just as we have never expressed doubt about reports by Israel's MOH.
I am disappointed to see the ED's use of this term and urge UNICEF and XUNICEF to be careful in picking up similar 'loaded language'.
I was very disappointed to see her use of the phrase "Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry". This term is often used by the NY Times and other western media. Yet they do not write, "Israel's Likud-run health ministry".
Hamas is the party that was elected by people in Gaza, just as Likud is the majority party elected in Israel. The reason that western media use this term is to suggest that statistics reported by the public health authorities in Gaza provide are suspicious, and likely to have been manipulated. The MOH in Gaza has been UNICEF's partner and WHO's partner for many years. Neither agency have never expressed doubt about their reporting, just as we have never expressed doubt about reports by Israel's MOH.
I am disappointed to see the ED's use of this term and urge UNICEF and XUNICEF to be careful in picking up similar 'loaded language'.
Nov 22, 2023
Mary suggested more discussions on the participatory process and the content:
On the participatory process:
There might be situations where consultations have to be cut short. It is necessary that those taking a decision on behalf of all, include a fair representation of the main prevailing ideas. Many ‘young retirees’ (if such exist) keep themselves updated on new policies and procedures, the changing programme environment, or UN reform. Many maintain connections to current UNICEF staff members, who have insights in the existing or lacking operational efficiencies, advocacy positions and internal politics. A participatory process is not just good for the sake of it, but is required to arrive at decisions or recommendations that are more likely to have some effect.
On the content
The time is over where the world’s problems are solved by self-appointed leaders talking to leaders, including those appointed by others. We do not need leaders making more statements, but leaders who seek solutions through direct engagement with those having conflicting views.
For the voice of UNICEF (as represented by the Executive Director) to be taken seriously, UNICEF needs to be respected and credible. UNICEF is no longer the premier advocate for bringing the senses back in the fog or war, for many reasons. They include the direction of UN reform, and UNICEF’s operational laissez faire, its bloated bureaucracy, its focus on seeking to handle ever larger budgets and its inability to demonstrate results.
What do we expect the Executive Director to do or say differently in yet another visit to Gaza? What about the reception of her by UNICEF staff? Who will be welcoming her? Who, at the present time, needs to be convinced by the Executive Director that the situation is really horrible? Who can claim today that he or she didn’t know? Does UNICEF have any specific proposal that will bring peace and relief?
Gaza requires a multi-agency relief operation of unseen proportions. With all the Core Commitments for Children, risk assessments and endless emergency preparation exercises, WASH is the only cluster that UNICEF leads, supposedly coordinating more than 65 (and probably many more) agencies and civil society organizations that help local authorities to bring water to the people. UNICEF performance will not be measured according to how many speeches someone made or how many water bottles or tons of fuel UNICEF sent into Gaza, but how well UNICEF coordinated the overall GAZA WASH support. I have been enquiring and engaging with those concerned. As of now, six weeks into the disaster, the WASH cluster lead is not able to say what currently is done to plan, prepare, and coordinate a response that most likely will be going on for a long time, on a massive scale. Everyone of us can engage with our colleagues, including with those on the thirteenth floor who may have been there for the last 20 years.
Besides
Not that this is the time to discuss it, nor put it into any letter - but where have UNICEF leaders (and former UNICEF colleagues) been over the last 50 years, where it must have been clear to everyone that the Palestinian situation will not go away, but would require continuous engagement for a fair and peaceful solution? Why did we wait until hell broke loose?
On the participatory process:
There might be situations where consultations have to be cut short. It is necessary that those taking a decision on behalf of all, include a fair representation of the main prevailing ideas. Many ‘young retirees’ (if such exist) keep themselves updated on new policies and procedures, the changing programme environment, or UN reform. Many maintain connections to current UNICEF staff members, who have insights in the existing or lacking operational efficiencies, advocacy positions and internal politics. A participatory process is not just good for the sake of it, but is required to arrive at decisions or recommendations that are more likely to have some effect.
On the content
The time is over where the world’s problems are solved by self-appointed leaders talking to leaders, including those appointed by others. We do not need leaders making more statements, but leaders who seek solutions through direct engagement with those having conflicting views.
For the voice of UNICEF (as represented by the Executive Director) to be taken seriously, UNICEF needs to be respected and credible. UNICEF is no longer the premier advocate for bringing the senses back in the fog or war, for many reasons. They include the direction of UN reform, and UNICEF’s operational laissez faire, its bloated bureaucracy, its focus on seeking to handle ever larger budgets and its inability to demonstrate results.
What do we expect the Executive Director to do or say differently in yet another visit to Gaza? What about the reception of her by UNICEF staff? Who will be welcoming her? Who, at the present time, needs to be convinced by the Executive Director that the situation is really horrible? Who can claim today that he or she didn’t know? Does UNICEF have any specific proposal that will bring peace and relief?
Gaza requires a multi-agency relief operation of unseen proportions. With all the Core Commitments for Children, risk assessments and endless emergency preparation exercises, WASH is the only cluster that UNICEF leads, supposedly coordinating more than 65 (and probably many more) agencies and civil society organizations that help local authorities to bring water to the people. UNICEF performance will not be measured according to how many speeches someone made or how many water bottles or tons of fuel UNICEF sent into Gaza, but how well UNICEF coordinated the overall GAZA WASH support. I have been enquiring and engaging with those concerned. As of now, six weeks into the disaster, the WASH cluster lead is not able to say what currently is done to plan, prepare, and coordinate a response that most likely will be going on for a long time, on a massive scale. Everyone of us can engage with our colleagues, including with those on the thirteenth floor who may have been there for the last 20 years.
Besides
Not that this is the time to discuss it, nor put it into any letter - but where have UNICEF leaders (and former UNICEF colleagues) been over the last 50 years, where it must have been clear to everyone that the Palestinian situation will not go away, but would require continuous engagement for a fair and peaceful solution? Why did we wait until hell broke loose?
Unknown commented on "Letter to the Executive Director on behalf of XUNICEF"
Nov 21, 2023
Dear former colleagues. I have read and re-read the letter from Mary Racelis. I do not feel ignored or unrepresented as some of you do. It would be interesting to see your complaints against the initiative from our former colleague and friend Mary Racelis. I do not support or agree with using anonymous as an answer to who you are, but would appreciate your reasons and how you arrived at this position. In the middle east there are very few angels in the choir loft and two wrongs do not make a right. I support the difficult and ungainly place that our ED finds herself. Also, an effort by a selfless Mary to provide some support to Ms. Russell. Let us give thanks and respect to our current leader. Let us pray for the peaceful repose of the many souls who have been removed from our world during this ongoing horrific event. Jim Mayrides
Nov 21, 2023
I agreee with Detlef and don't feel represented in the letter.
In Response to a comment by Detlef Palm
Unknown commented on "Letter to the Executive Director on behalf of XUNICEF"
Nov 21, 2023
Dear Mary: Thank you for this initiative.The letter expresses good intentions and should be taken with a positive spirit.
Habib Hammam commented on "Letter to the Executive Director on behalf of XUNICEF"
Nov 21, 2023
Thank you Mary, an excellent well crafted letter. I wonder if the children who saw their siblings and parents and friends die today will make good partners for peace tomorrow.
Unknown commented on "Recognize anyone? PPP Workshop in 1999 in Broumanna, Lebanon : Mahendra Sheth"
Nov 21, 2023
I wasn't there but besides the names Mary mentioned I also recognize the Lebanon Rep Ekrem Birerdinc
In Response to a comment by Mary Sidawi
Nov 21, 2023
Great initiative and well done video. Beautiful images. An English version may not be needed, if subtitles could be added - both in German and English, eventually also Spanish? Congratulations, Ute, and thanks for telling the story of thw Lörrch Group.
Niloufar Pourzand commented on "Letter to the Executive Director on behalf of XUNICEF"
Nov 21, 2023
Thanks dear Mary. We can share each thru our various networks.
Niloufar x
Niloufar x
Robert Cohen commented on "Letter to the Executive Director on behalf of XUNICEF"
Nov 21, 2023
Mary, this is such an excellent letter. It certainly took a lot of effort and patience on your part, with all us "cooks" chiming in with our 2 cents!
I'm really curious to see what Ms. Russell's response will be. She is being lobbied and pressured from all sides; I wouldn't want to be in her shoes. Let's hope she pushes the envelope as much as is feasible for a UN agency.
Sending you much gratitude as Thanksgiving approaches
Robert
I'm really curious to see what Ms. Russell's response will be. She is being lobbied and pressured from all sides; I wouldn't want to be in her shoes. Let's hope she pushes the envelope as much as is feasible for a UN agency.
Sending you much gratitude as Thanksgiving approaches
Robert
Nov 20, 2023
XUNICEF is a diverse group. I don’t feel represented by the letter. My focus would have been completely different. Aside, all former staff members are free to communicate with anyone in UNICEF to offer advice, in their own personal capacity.
Doug Higgins commented on "Letter to the Executive Director on behalf of XUNICEF"
Nov 20, 2023
Thank you, Mary. As a former UNRWA staff member in Gaza and, later, a UNICEF Palestine staff member, this initiative is appreciated.
Unknown commented on "Letter to the Executive Director on behalf of XUNICEF"
Nov 20, 2023
Nobody asked me if I wished to be represented in this letter from Mary Araceli’s, purporting to be on behalf of XUnicef. Totally illegitimate communication, I fear…
Nov 20, 2023
Bernt, Please see our Weekly Digest to view ED's interview after her visit to Gaza as well the Devex report of her mtg with the local staff., who express their frustrations.
Nov 20, 2023
I recognize Jan van Manen, Lucia Elmi, Ibrahima Fall, Ekrem, Yin Yin Nwe, Sulafa Hamdan and of course Dr. Mahendra
Nov 20, 2023
Congratulations Sheela !!
Nov 20, 2023
There is a carnage of children going on in Gaza. SG has been vocal and condemning Israel`s bombing of civilians. UNICEF local staff are making heroic efforts, but where is ED? Her silence is shameful. I think retirees should sign a request for her resignation. UNICEF needs a boss who understand that Child Rights are for all children. It`s not supposed to be a just social media slogan. If we, the UNICEF oldtimers, stay silent, what`s the point of this organization? Is it just about sharing old stories about how good we were?
It seems to me our silence would mean we accept UNICEF becoming just another UN agency always just seeking more money to employ more people.
It seems to me our silence would mean we accept UNICEF becoming just another UN agency always just seeking more money to employ more people.
Ramesh Shrestha commented on "A funeral for truth : Ramesh Shrestha"
Nov 20, 2023
Thanks Paula. A big problem in our society is that the majority of people have no time to think and analyse what they see, hear and read. Many of them are busy with their family, household chores, children, work, etc. To add to this, their brain is totally rewired by the hyper entertaining social media. For many governments uneducated people are best as they can manipulate them easily. This situation is also spreading gradually in other parts of the world. The society and social bonding of the next generations will be totally unrecognisable. Unfortunately, academics and technocrats who are aware of this are unable to influence the governments of their countries. it is all about $$$. Ramesh
In Response to a comment by Paula Claycomb
Unknown commented on "UNICEF Staff Petition Signed by 4.246 Employees so far"
Nov 19, 2023
Yes you read my mind
Let’s talk at the human level
No race no religion no color
When did UNICEF condemned the barbarian act from a terrorists group who massacred more than ONE
At the same time I deplored bitterly the bombing on innocents civilians regardless which side they are
I am imploring those politiciens to go to the field on the left on the right to stop those carnage’s
Stop criticizing
It’s unacceptable that civilians are killed while debating at the UN n every where i am deploring the same for Ukraine !! Enough it’s enough babies are the bullets let’s not talk about Africa we as UNICEF shld put a fist down and go physically to those gov n talk to stop
Yes shouting Speaking from the UN very confortable n back home to repeat the same thr day after
An upset FORMER STAFF
Let’s talk at the human level
No race no religion no color
When did UNICEF condemned the barbarian act from a terrorists group who massacred more than ONE
At the same time I deplored bitterly the bombing on innocents civilians regardless which side they are
I am imploring those politiciens to go to the field on the left on the right to stop those carnage’s
Stop criticizing
It’s unacceptable that civilians are killed while debating at the UN n every where i am deploring the same for Ukraine !! Enough it’s enough babies are the bullets let’s not talk about Africa we as UNICEF shld put a fist down and go physically to those gov n talk to stop
Yes shouting Speaking from the UN very confortable n back home to repeat the same thr day after
An upset FORMER STAFF
In Response to a comment by Unknown
Unknown commented on "UNICEF Staff Petition Signed by 4.246 Employees so far"
Nov 19, 2023
A shame that the atrocities committed by Hamas against Israeli children are not acknowledged, nor is the gruesome Hamas practice of using women and children as human shields. What happened to “all children, everywhere?
Unknown commented on "Moscow and Beyond: The Trans Siberian Adventure - Gautam Banerji"
Nov 19, 2023
Hi Gautam and Madhu, thanks so much for sharing your exotic journey. Having been everywhere myself, I never really had an opportunity to visit Russia. Thanks again. Jim Mayrides
Unknown commented on "Moscow and Beyond: The Trans Siberian Adventure - Gautam Banerji"
Nov 19, 2023
Dear Gautam and Madhu,
It is an excellent post on your travel from Mosco to Vladivostok. The photos gives an impression of of the country and nature. I really like the photos with your brief write up.
Kind Regards,
Md. Fazlur Rahman,
Bangladesh
It is an excellent post on your travel from Mosco to Vladivostok. The photos gives an impression of of the country and nature. I really like the photos with your brief write up.
Kind Regards,
Md. Fazlur Rahman,
Bangladesh
Nov 19, 2023
Dear Madhu/Gautam
Thanks for this marvelous travel, your pics are worthed thousand words...
Love from Guatemala
Juan Aguilar
Paula Claycomb commented on "A funeral for truth : Ramesh Shrestha"
Nov 19, 2023
Thanks for this article, Ramesh. Recent studies and surveys indicate that many of today's political officials who lie, actually BELIEVE that what they are saying is the truth. And, in the US at least, with Fox News (and of course AI) shamelessly spreading these leaders' lies and their own, many ordinary people believe that what they are reading and seeing is true. Hard for me to understand.
Nov 19, 2023
This whole middle east situation is so tragic and upsetting. Our colleagues, the 5,000 Palestinian children, the constant bombing of families is a genocide. This indiscriminate violence and bombing must stop now.
Nov 19, 2023
Israeli Foreign Ministry accuses UNICEF head of using 'car accident' as excuse to cancel subsequent trip to Israel for meeting with hostages' families!!
“Damned if you do and Damned if you don’t”
https://www.timesofisrael.com/stop-the-horror-says-un-childrens-agency-chief-after-visit-to-gaza/
“Damned if you do and Damned if you don’t”
https://www.timesofisrael.com/stop-the-horror-says-un-childrens-agency-chief-after-visit-to-gaza/
Steve Umemoto commented on "Gaza: UNICEF, WFP confront growing dissent in ranks over Gaza : Devex / Robert Cohen"
Nov 19, 2023
Robert, thanks very much for sharing this release. I am in awe of both the courage and forthrightness of the Gaza UNICEF staff and others. The constraints on the UNICEF Executive Director are evident and it is indeed difficult to know just how much UN agency heads can lead ahead of the UN political establishment, which is so paralyzed by it total lack of political concensus. However, I DO believe that UNICEF leadership could do MUCH MORE to specifically profile and publicise the toll the conflict is taking on children -- number of child dealths, injuries and numbers of children orphaned and held hostage (in Gaza, Israel and the West Bank) should be published daily and repeated wherever and whenever possible, so that advocates and the meda can put them in the face of political actors who should be doing much, much to stop the killing. UNICEF should do whatever it can to help the media and he NGO community to profile specific cases of family tragedy and loss.
Russell is from one perspective doing as much or more than might be expected given her history -- lets hope the courageous UNICEF staff of Gaza may emboldened her to move to the next level, accepting the internal US and international political risks involved.
Russell is from one perspective doing as much or more than might be expected given her history -- lets hope the courageous UNICEF staff of Gaza may emboldened her to move to the next level, accepting the internal US and international political risks involved.
Nov 18, 2023
UNICEF should tell in plain language what it is doing in Gaza. What actions are taken to implement its mandate? We all have been in the system and understand, and understand, … but what are UNICEF field staff doing (they are at the sharp end), what is MENA doing, and where is HQ in all this mess?? From the news in the public media we see of course UNWRA and (as usual) a lot of WHO. But what are UNICEF’s efforts and actions to prevent the death toll of thousands of children and women to rise? Is UNICEF failing in terms of actions, or in communicating these actions, or in both??
Nov 18, 2023
Excellent initiative and much welcomed as the situation becomes even more drastic for civilians, especially children, in Gaza.
Nov 18, 2023
Notwithstanding the temerity of statements from ED Russell and Cindy McCain, the stark realities in Gaza cannot but horrify with the published stats ; Palestinian children dead, 4500 plus 1500 not accounted for, a rough total of 6,000; Israeli children 33 dead ! I note that the total casualties reported on the Israeli side has been down graded from the original 1,400 to 1,200. I also note that while the children in Gaza have been "killed" by the deadly bombardment and stifling embargo on survival essentials, those on the Israeli side were "slaughtered". Is it necessary to insist on such inflammatory wording , even in the DEVEX article ?
Gautam Banerji commented on "FOLIO Four... "One Man's Garbage..." redux: Fouad Kronfol"
Nov 18, 2023
Amazing artwork!
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