Despite US Opposition to UNICEF's Strategic Plan, the Board Approved It 35 to 1 : Shared by Tom McDermott
The US was the sole delegation voting against adoption of UNICEF's Strategic Plan 2026-2029 at last week's Second Session of the Executive Board. The delegate's statement is below The Board then went on to approve the Plan by a vote of 35 to 1.
Although the delegations of Senegal and Nigeria voted to approve the Strategic Plan, both made post-vote statements of concern over the inclusion of 'non-consensual' language on gender and sex education.
You can view the US statement and the final vote at the 6th Session of the Board on UN Web TV by clicking here and going to the timestamp 2.20.40.
The vote follows the US statement at 02.26. See the final vote below the US Statement.
Many thanks to Detlef for his research in finding this video which was filed out of order in the WebTV archive.
Tom
AS DELIVERED
Mr. President, the United States would like to request a vote on the decision to adopt the UNICEF Strategic Plan 2026-2029 and to offer this explanation of vote before the vote.
The United States strongly supports the work that UNICEF does to help children around the world, but we cannot endorse a plan that contains elements that are at odds with U.S. policy. As an Executive Board member, the United States takes seriously its oversight responsibility over agency operations and how the agency allocates resources, including for the UNICEF Strategic Plan.
We reiterate that UNICEF must focus on its core mandate to protect children with a focus on fostering education, health and well-being. The United States strongly opposes the inclusion of harmful gender ideology, including comprehensive sexuality education as we believe it is detrimental to the well-being and development of children.
AS DELIVERED
Mr. President, the United States would like to request a vote on the decision to adopt the UNICEF Strategic Plan 2026-2029 and to offer this explanation of vote before the vote.
The United States strongly supports the work that UNICEF does to help children around the world, but we cannot endorse a plan that contains elements that are at odds with U.S. policy. As an Executive Board member, the United States takes seriously its oversight responsibility over agency operations and how the agency allocates resources, including for the UNICEF Strategic Plan.
We reiterate that UNICEF must focus on its core mandate to protect children with a focus on fostering education, health and well-being. The United States strongly opposes the inclusion of harmful gender ideology, including comprehensive sexuality education as we believe it is detrimental to the well-being and development of children.
Under the Trump Administration, it is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called “transition” of a child from one sex to another and will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures. We call on UNICEF to protect the most vulnerable human beings – children – from such horrid procedures.
The Trump Administration is committed to supporting families, promoting women’s health, and protecting children at all stages of life and reaffirms there is no international right to abortion.
There has unequivocally never been an international commitment on “sexual and reproductive health and rights,” and we strongly oppose UNICEF including this non-agreed term in the Strategic Plan.
Mr. President, thank you for the opportunity to deliver this request for a vote and explanation of vote.
The Trump Administration is committed to supporting families, promoting women’s health, and protecting children at all stages of life and reaffirms there is no international right to abortion.
There has unequivocally never been an international commitment on “sexual and reproductive health and rights,” and we strongly oppose UNICEF including this non-agreed term in the Strategic Plan.
Mr. President, thank you for the opportunity to deliver this request for a vote and explanation of vote.
How does this affect US funding of Unicef Programs
ReplyDeleteIt looks like the European allies have joined the Global South in confronting and defying the US, a historic move in itself. That being said, we have still no sound explanations nor questions from the Board about what is the difference between Regional Offices and Hubs of Excellence since they are both meant to be in the same locations.
ReplyDeleteWill this Board clarify matters?
Did any executive board member countries oppose strategic plan in the past?
ReplyDelete