XUNICEF News and Views

  In the DRC Goma falls and a massive humanitarian crisis looms, ceasefire in Gaza but attacks worsen in the West Bank, Gaza refugees return to the north while counting up the human toll, particularly on children, Ecuador and Nicaragua condemned by UN Human Rights Committee for forcing young girls into motherhood, questions arise about how humanitarians inflate numbers in funding appeals, Israel closes UNRWA but its future in West Bank and Gaza remains unclear, Houthis arrest more UN staff.  

You might want to cover the impact of the freeze of US funding.Maybe you can reach out and ask UNICEF HQs? I asked a former team member who is now in Somalia and she said over74 UNICEF country programmes are affected and especially Humanitarian work was funded by USAID but also all other areas of work - for example - child protection and they really do not know what will happen, how to tell their partners, whether their projects/positions will continue or not. Apparently the ExDir had a Town Hall and told staff not to loose their morale etc. And other Donors are trying to help a bit while the discussions continue but as the ExDir was a Biden appointee - she might not be in such a great position with the new Regime. Thought to share with you. Maybe you have heard other such stories and can put together for the Newsletter? Very best, Niloufar Editor's Note : We thank Niloufar to pointing out how the US funding freeze and the confusion over what it covers and what it does not cover...

I am pleased to share with you that on 25 January 2025 Annual General Meeting of AFUNSOB (Association Of Former UN Staff Of Bangladesh) was held at UNICEF Bangladesh Country office JPG conference room. 

You may have heard the sad news of our very dear colleague, Suomi Sakai who passed away in what I understand was a diving accident in the Bahamas earlier this week on 27th January.  May she rest in eternal peace. Suomi's daughter (Lisa) and husband (John Quinley) have set up a website and sent a message below. Ian Dear Friends, Thank you all so much for the beautiful words about Suomi. We have and continue to receive such an enormous outpouring of love and support for her. Today we set up a website where we have posted some photos of my mom that you can look at. If you want, you can also leave a message, tell a story, or even post a photo if you have one. https://www.forevermissed.com/suomi-sakai/about Best, Lisa and John

I was nominated to represent Western Afghanistan at the E4 conference in Dakar, Senegal (May 2010) organized by the United Nations Girls' Education Initiative (UNGEI). Our team in the western region had done some commendable work in all the four provinces, especially in Herat for girls’ education. Calister Mtalo (IP) and a national education officer (NEO) based in Kabul were representing the country.

Greetings from Bangkok. Pleased to share this research work on "ASEAN Study on the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on Marginalised and Vulnerable Groups" - which was presented at a Validation Workshop with ASEAN member states, commissions, national researchers and others in Bangkok. I am the Deputy of the Regional Research Team for this study working together with 10 national consultants from all ASEAN member states.

Statement shared by Niloufar Pourzand The Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) welcomes the waiver by the U.S. State Department allowing the distribution of antiretroviral medicines (ARVs) during the 90-day freeze on U.S. international assistance and review of all aid. However, we cannot be complacent and we must continue to demand further change.

Shared by Fouad Kronfol L e sujet est la vaccination, mais avec un "twist". Fouad

Our unique moral values Love and compassion are integral parts of relationships, unique to the animal kingdom, especially among the mammals, and even more so among the primates. But the concept of justice is unique to the species Home sapiens, the mighty modern man.

The Holocaust Remembrance Day is especially sad this year. This remembrance is not only about the Jewish people, but more broadly, it has been a reminder of man’s inhumanity to man and a call to moral vigilance and “Never Again”.

THE BEAST SPEAKS FOR OTHERS IN THE SAME BOAT Rarely have I been happy to have survived a career with UNICEF, but this week, I felt that I had been taught so much to enable me to survive the attentions of our local County Council which thinks it is a bureaucracy well beyond UNICEF.  They have Council Offices which would make the UN jealous and a Council Meeting Chamber which I would be interested to see in the flesh.

 Newsletter shared by Fouad Kronfol Recording of  FOGGS   Open Consultation Monday #4 Hosted by  FOGGS  President Richard Kinley, the fourth in the series of  FOGGS  Open Consultation Mondays focused on the topic "How multilateralism can more effectively enable action on climate change". Participants discussed the challenges of climate multilateralism and the need for stronger partnerships between governments, businesses, academia and civil society to advance implementation of existing agreements and commitments made by various actors. The meeting recording is available on the  FOGGS  YouTube channel , while the transcript and summary will soon be posted on the  FOGGS  Website . 

Video shared by Fouad Kronfol On old age.  Cute!! Fouad  

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Monday urged for an end to the "detention of children in all its forms," while welcoming Israel's releasing of 12 Palestinian children from detention.

“As we mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, we remember the victims of the Holocaust, many of them children, and reflect on the ever present dangers of anti-Semitism.

Statement shared by Robert Cohen Statement by Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA at the United Nations Security Council 28 January 2025, New York

 Jonathan Crickx in Gaza Catherine Russell in NY Catherine Russell "Our teams are working around the clock to scale up desperately needed humanitarian assistance, especially in areas not reached before the ceasefire due to operational challenges or restrictions,” said UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell. “UNICEF teams continue to encounter children in desperate need. The ceasefire has provided some relief, but families are returning to areas that have been completely destroyed. Physical and emotional scars run deep.”

Article shared by Baquer Namazi Tens of thousands of Palestinians walk back to destroyed homes. Baquer

Article shared by Anis Salem Sigrid Kaag succeeds Tor Wennesland of Norway. Ms. Kaag’s role as Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process ad interim will be concurrent with her present mandate as the Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza. Click here for the article

Excerpts from the Introduction by Dhirendra Asthana and the Prologue by Krishna Mahapatra "This Special Issue of LINK is a compilation of stories written by former staff members of UNICEF India based on their recollections of their personal experiences. As such, they offer a historical perspective and tell the story of the organization’s growth in India over the past seventy-five years."

Our feature this week : The Journey - "The Journey" - 75 Years of UNICEF in India ,  is an outstanding addition to UNICEF's history.  Our thanks and congratulations to the team who have assembled this book and to all those who contributed their memoirs.  

 

  Davos

Dear Friends, Pls find attached the first project newsletter of the year. As we march into the new year, we're heartened by all that we have accomplished together over the last few years including undertaking the largest global comics and activist research in history. In this newsletter we celebrate the launch of exciting new initiatives and partnerships and reflect on the progress made during Phase 1 of our global research efforts (2021-2024).

Article shared by Kul Gautam Stewart Patrick makes sensible points about the need for the US (and the world) to align its policies with the powerful megatrends of dramatic demographic shifts, a deepening environmental crisis, and accelerating technological innovation.

Editor's note: this post refers to an earlier post by Kul in which he provides links to a PassBlue article and the C-Span video of Stefanik's hearing.    Click here. ...... I watched the whole proceedings of Elise Stefanik's confirmation hearing at the US Senate. 

Stop shopping for one year The global consumer economy has turned the entire planet into a giant market place and the eight billion people into customers devoid of rational thinking – all these for the benefit of the few.

Tosca by Puccini It seems that I am a Philistine – according to my wife – and that to achieve some degree of ‘polish’, my character needs to be built, when opportunity presents itself. Recently, opportunity presented itself in the form of an invitation to the opera. As the invitation was not extended to me, my wife accepted on my behalf and only informed me minutes before I had to start preparing. I suspect that she reasoned that if I had no warning, I could not manufacture a creative excuse in the short time available.

It's a cold, depressing day . . . freezing temperature outside (9 degrees F/12.7 C). It will continue through the week. Yesterday was the coldest in 40 years while America got or bought (by Musk/Bezos/Zuckerberg . . . ) a new president––cloned in corruption, crime . . . a crazy-conjuror of deceit and lies, casual-cruelties . . .

Article shared by Baquer Namazi I wanted to share this article from CSMonitor.com. Please share widely: A retired bishop transforms guns into garden tools to help youths envision peace. Baquer

Article shared by Kul Gautam In a hearing laced with the no-holds-barred pro-Israel and anti-China hyperbole, and sweeping criticism of the UN's "dysfunction", it was reassuring to hear strong support for UNICEF and WFP as Elise Stefanik testified at the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The UN and multilateralism will face tough times ahead under the Trump administration. Kul

WHO comments on United States’ announcement of intent to withdraw The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization.

Article shared by Baquer Namazi How can we contribute to a fairer income and wealth distribution, ensuring prosperity for all? Baquer

Article shared by Nuzhat Shahzadi Dear Editors, This heartbreaking news (source CNN) caught my attention. Medical research has beaten plague, cholera . . . checked many bacterial and virus-borne illnesses like Covid, RSV, Strep, as well as NCDs, etc. that have prolonged life, possibly? 

The SG visited UNIFIL Hqs in Naqoura where he thanked peacekeepers for the courage and determination they have shown in one of the most challenging environments amid a fragile ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters.

“As the ceasefire entered into force today, humanitarian aid moved into Gaza as part of a prepared surge to increase our support to survivors. More than 630 trucks with humanitarian aid entered Gaza today, with at least 300 of them going to the north. There is no time to lose. After 15 months of relentless war, the humanitarian needs are staggering.

Scottish Portrait Awards moves to the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland Just wanted to share this news- with colleagues who know Sara. I’m super proud of my wife Sara Cameron McBean… who on our retirement to Edinburgh in 2012 had the idea of launching a Portrait Award for Scottish Artists (At the time most artists in the UK entered the BP Portrait Awards). 

I am very grateful to current UNICEF and XUNICEF friends who kindly enrich my classes at York University as well as University of Toronto, teaching International Development and Ethics in Global Affairs, during the 2024-2025 Academic Year. 

The special issue of LINK,UPGI newsletter to commemorate 75 years of UNICEF in India was launched on 18 January 2025 at UNICEF office,New Delhi. I am attaching a brief report on the same. With warm regards Girija Devi

©Sammy Roth, LA Times 16 January 2025 As the wildfires in the Los Angeles continue to rage, sustained by strong Santa Ana winds, I have tucked-away images of emergency situations where I served with UNICEF appearing unbidden in my mind. That got me to wondering if UNICEF has improved its ability to provide briefings to staff going into humanitarian situations and if counseling services have improved.

  Feature - In her thought-provoking essay, "Mental Health in the Wake of the CA Fires ", Paula Claycomb reflects on her experiences in a number of emergency/humanitarian situations during her UNICEF career.

Australia's human rights violations in Nauru, investment giant leaves climate pact, industry leaders fear impact of armed conflicts, displacements worsen in DRC and Haiti, psychosocial needs of children in Gaza, hundreds of paternity cases remain unsettled for peacekeepers, UXOs continue to kill children in Syria, unprecedented challenges ahead for the UN in 2025.

Article shared by Kul Gautam Once again, the indomitably optimistic Nick Kristof reminds us that even in our messed-up world, many trends are still going right.

Comments and article shared by John Gilmartin From today’s Nature post. Working in public health can get nasty. Below are current examples of attacks linked to smoking and food advocacy.

“UNICEF welcomes the announcement today of a ceasefire deal between the parties to the conflict in the Gaza Strip. This is long overdue for the children and families of Gaza who have endured more than a year of bombardment and deprivation, and for the hostages in Gaza and their families in Israel who have suffered so much.

My granddaughter’s school in London sent this letter to all parents. Anis

 Article shared by Niloufar Pourzand and Kul Gautam Some interesting ideas for reform of the Security Council that have long eluded the   @UN . Finding ways to get rid of the veto power is key to real reform.

Dear All members   I am pleased to send the Zoom link for the scheduled launch of Special edition of LINK @75 years UNICEF with India on 18 January 2025 , UPGI is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

I have been asked by some of my colleagues why I should write about local matters because they are not about UNICEF. Well, in reality, they are very much about UNICEF, or to put it more accurately about life after UNICEF which is XUNICEF by another name. So, please bear with me for a while because to me, this is about the real world. *****

Global achievements We just entered the last year of the first quarter of the 21st century. The economic development and technological advancement during this quarter has been phenomenal.

Dear XUNICEF, What are you most looking forward to in our 2025 Philippine XUNICEF Reunion? Watch these wonderful video messages from our dear friends and colleagues across the world as they share heartwarming thoughts and wishes about our highly anticipated reunion in the Philippines.

Article shared by Fouad Kronfol No comment needed...it is a powerful statement of one person's grief of pain but which certainly is felt by multitudes of Palestinians and many others all over the globe.

Article shared by Niloufar Pourzand and Kul Gautam Powerful message by @Malala @MalalaFund  to the world's Muslim leaders not to condone weaponizing of Islam against girls and women's education, dignity & existence itself as in Afghanistan under Taliban and elsewhere. Kul

Also: Children under attack, Prospects for Children in 2025, Reaching every child with life-saving vaccines January 2025 View online  In focus  Stop attacks on children. 2024 was one of the worst years on record for children in conflict. Children's rights are being brutally violated – and we're tired of hearing excuses for it.  We refuse to accept a deadly new normal.

Article and video shared by Kul Gautam A bit late, but thanks CBS @60Minutes  for airing this account of US complicity in Israel's war in Gaza as told by knowledgeable officials from within the Biden/Blinken administration in the last week before Biden leaves office.

Video shared by Kul Gautam Of all the eulogies to Jimmy Carter, I found this one by Stuart Eizenstat the most substantive and impressive.

Dear all We regret to inform the sad demise of Mr. Keerti Wadhawan, a retired colleague of UNICEF.

Article shared by Ken Gibbs Tim Dowling, an American by birth, is married to a long-term Guardian journalist and in one of the early articles I read about them, he was described as having been trafficked to the UK by her. He has a quirky sense of humour.

Article shared by John Gilmartin To my surprise The New Yorker published one of the clearest and potent pieces on how healthcare in the USA has changed in recent years. Many of us on this message have heard about the Seward health issues, but this piece makes it very clear. The current governor of MA was the attorney general who originally blessed the deal that enabled Cerebus to pull off this debacle.

Article shared by Robert Cohen Click here for the article

The Bunker in Hamburg has been a landmark since 1942, when it was built to provide shelter to the citizens during air raids. Since last summer it has become a tourist attraction as a hotel, museum, botanical garden, etc. It is now known as the Green Bunker.

Welcome back!! We hope you and your families had a wonderful holiday season. We also hope that the year ahead will be a good one for all, full of good health, happiness, and many other blessings.

 

  Reflections on the year ahead for the UN and humanitarians, worsening situation in Gaza and in Afghanistan, Indonesia launches a massive drive to improve child nutrition, and a UN envoy was finally allowed to enter Yemen hopes to negotiate release of UN staff.  

A narrow escape for Dr. Tedros, the last hospitals in north Gaza forced to close, a hospital in Jordan heals wounds, a look back at Mostar, the first aid shipments reached beseiged areas south of Khartoum, and UNICEF appeals for governments to treat orphaned victims of boats lost in the Mediterranean with compassion and according to international accords.

©Dave Whamond It might be of interest to many former colleagues to know about the possible plans to enlarge the USA, or, alternatively, to get rid of the territories (which of course would be of special fear here in the Virgin Islands.

Articles shared by Kul Gautam US exceptionalism in not abiding by or defying international treaties & conventions drafted with the help of many distinguished US experts, lawyers and senior officials is truly regrettable. It greatly weakens US claim as a champion of human rights. These include CRC, CEDAW, ICC, Mine Ban Treaty, etc. The US even refused to ratify the genocide convention for several decades.

Dear Friends,   I have been reading memoirs of the first women from East Germany who became Chancellor of united Germany. She keeps referring to the terms social capitalism. I got AI to do a short essay on this concept, which I thought I could share with you.