Article shared by Niloufar Pourzand
It is deeply worrying that, at such a critical time, the post of OCHA head and emergency relief coordinator remains vacant. The retirement on medical grounds of Martin Griffiths was known well in advance of his departure. The fact that the post is sitting empty is due to UN traditions demanding the post be filled by a UK national, while the UK seems unable to find a suitable candidate, is particularly concerning. Equally concerning is the suggestion of the author that the UK may not have a candidate for the post until after the US elections in November. This situation underscores the need to reevaluate appointment processes for key humanitarian roles, ensuring they prioritize global needs over national interests.
On another point made in the article, we regret to learn that PassBlue is temporarily suspending publication as it searches for funders. PassBlue has long been a reliable source of news from within the UN, and its absence will be keenly felt. We hope that the publishers of PassBlue will succeed soon in their search for funders.
Tom McDermott
Hi Tom,
ReplyDeleteJust read your XUnicef post regarding Passblue's piece - below - on Blue Smoke report on OCHA head replacement.
t states that Blue Smoke has lost its Open Society funding, NOT Passblue itself. This is confirmed in the Blue Smoke team link - https://bluesmoke.blog/about-us/?utm_source=PassBlue+List&utm_campaign=3149154155-Blue-Smoke_RSS_2024_08_04&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4795f55662-3149154155-54986133 -
that also affirms that Passblue is only one of Blue Smoke's partners.
Best, E
Thanks Ellen for the correction and clarification. I am happy to know that PassBlue is not suspending its work due to funding issues, rather only their 'Blue Smoke' team. Much appreciated.
DeleteMost unfortunate situation. This bureaucratic and political stalemate is what gives the UN a bad press, adds to the clamoring for "reform' and reinforces the those citing its redundency.
ReplyDelete