Statements and speeches
Statement
Human rights require bodily autonomy for all – at all times
09 December 2023
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly 75 years ago. Yet its promise to humanity still speaks to us today, louder than ever, calling for dignity, freedom, peace and equality for all.
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Ending inequalities and empowering communities are key to vanquishing AIDS pandemic
01 December 2023
The world has made remarkable strides in curbing the AIDS pandemic. There is much to celebrate: New HIV infections have dramatically slowed, and AIDS-related deaths are down 51 per cent from 2010. Yet, we are not at the finish line: The virus still claims far too many lives – an average of one per minute in 2022 – and progress towards ending HIV transmission remains uneven.
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All women and girls – including those with disabilities – have a right to bodily autonomy
01 December 2023
Persons with disabilities are too often defined by what they cannot do, or by what society assumes they cannot do. The International Day for Persons with Disabilities is a moment to recognize the important contributions, achievements and leadership they demonstrate in making our societies more just, equitable, and inclusive.
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Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem during the Security Council open briefing on the Situation in the Middle East
22 November 2023
UNFPA deplores the loss of life in Israel and in the Occupied Palestinian Territory in the escalating crisis since October 7th. We are deeply concerned for the safety and wellbeing of all women and girls caught up in the conflict. The situation they face is beyond catastrophic.
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Violence against women and girls has invaded all spaces, including virtual ones, and this must end
17 November 2023
For many women and girls, no place is completely safe. Violence invades their homes, schools and workplaces, and now, it is becoming alarmingly widespread in their digital lives.
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Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, Humanitarian chiefs will not take part in unilateral proposals to create “safe zones” in Gaza
16 November 2023
NEW YORK/GENEVA/ROME, 16 November 2023 – As humanitarian leaders, our position is clear: We will not participate in the establishment of any ”safe zone” in Gaza that is set up without the agreement of all the parties, and unless fundamental conditions are in place to ensure safety and other essential needs are met and a mechanism is in place to supervise its implementation.
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UNFPA statement on the dire situation of hospitals in Gaza
11 November 2023
UNFPA vehemently condemns the reported attacks on or around Al Shifa Hospital, Gaza's largest healthcare facility, as well as those on other health facilities across Gaza which are already strained to breaking point.
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Remarks by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem at United Nations Correspondent Press Briefing, UN Headquarters, New York
07 November 2023
Chad today faces multiple challenges, and a humanitarian emergency. Instability, violence in neighbouring countries, and the disproportionate impact of a climate crisis - not of its own making - not to mention socio-economic and other development challenges.
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Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, on the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, "We need an immediate humanitarian ceasefire"
05 November 2023
NEW YORK/GENEVA/ROME, 5 November 2023 – For almost a month, the world has been watching the unfolding situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory in shock and horror at the spiralling numbers of lives lost and torn apart.
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Women and newborns bearing the brunt of the conflict in Gaza, UN agencies warn
03 November 2023
East Jerusalem/Geneva/ New York, 3 November 2023 - Women, children and newborns in Gaza are disproportionately bearing the burden of the escalation of hostilities in the occupied Palestinian…
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Executive Director statement on the situation in Gaza
28 October 2023
Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem on the situation in Gaza.
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Joint statement by UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, WFP and WHO on humanitarian supplies crossing into Gaza
21 October 2023
21 October 2023 - A first, but limited, shipment of life-saving humanitarian supplies from the United Nations and the Egyptian Red Crescent entered Gaza today on 20 trucks, passing through the Rafah…
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