World Humanitarian Day this year highlighted the alarming rise in attacks on aid workers. With a record number of casualties in 2023, (280 were killed during 2023, 224 wounded, and 91 were kidnapped). the humanitarian community faces unprecedented risks. Explore the 4 most dangerous countries for humanitarian workers according to the EU.
UNICEF in Armenia - As more and more of our country offices are reaching anniversaries of their founding, we are delighted to see efforts to research and document their pasts. Here is a chance for all of us to help. UNICEF and Armenia are celebrating 30 years of collaboration this year. The Representative, Christine Weigand, has assembled a list of past heads of office. She needs your help in finding the contacts for these and others who have served in Armenia. If you know the whereabouts of any of those listed, please help in contacting them.
Reunion News - This week Ces Adorna and the Manila Reunion Core Organizing Group have shared an update on their preparations. The dates are fast-approaching - 3 February is only 23 weeks away. Now is the time to make your plans. Hope to see you there!
Our Columnists
With the UK elections now finished and the US elections looming, in "Dhaka Elections" Ken Gibbs recalls the leadup to an election he witnessed and the motto of a gardener he and his wife employed during their time in the city. The man's wise advice to voters was "Vote Early, Vote Often".
In "Fighting Poverty" Ramesh Shrestha takes a hard look at the many faces of poverty and the narrow definitions by which institutions and governments try to understand why it persists and what to do about it.
Earlier this month Fouad Kronfol recalled his sporting accomplishments as an undergraduate at the AUB Field Day of 1957. This week in "An Olympic Moment Redux" Fouad tells us of his return to university sport competitions 13 years later as a graduate student, now married and already 10 years into his UNICEF career.
In "A Gorgeous Day on Nun's Island" Fouad takes us on a photo tour of the flowers around his condo building on Nun's Island.
In "Cat Ladies and Dog Gentlemen" Nuzhat Shahzadi reflects on current politics in the US and attacks by at least one candidate on "childless cat ladies". She goes on to consider "dog-gentlemen" and "dog-ladies" and wonders why with so many men and women in love with their pets any politician could use pets as a a way of mocking childless people, along with attacking the rights of everyone to reproductive rights.
In "Tutu" Nuzhat tells us about the joys she and her granddaughter share in the visits of one deer which visit their garden frequently to feast on the flowers and plants.
Books and Surveys
Views of Youth - Last week we published a survey by UNICEF USA and the Harris Poll of young people's views on their includion in the political process. We asked Victor Karunan to review the results with regard to their implications for youth the US and for other countries. Many thanks, Victor.
Award Winner - we understand that Sheela Sheth, spouse of Dr. Mahendra Sheth, has won an award at the International Impact Book Awards for here book, "Journey through Captivity". We announced the publication of the book last November. The awards ceremony will take place this November. Congratulations, Sheela.
Interviews
In "A Rare Frank Talk on Gaza and Sudan" Martin Griffiths is interviewed by Jamie McGoldrick.
In "What if..the Vietnam War Had Ended in 1964" David Rauciman interviews Thant Myint-U about the role his grandfather, former Secretary-General U Thant played in bringing the US and the Vietcong to the negotiating table.
Back from vacation? - for our readers in the northern hemisphere summer is near its end, and many are back from their vacations. Take a few minutes to share your memories - good and bad - along with photos of your travels. A few words, a few photos are all we need. Write to us at xunicef.news.views@gmail.com
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