Statements and speeches
Speech
Remarks by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
17 February 2025
We enter CEDAW deliberations on General Recommendation 41 on Gender Stereotypes at a moment of grave import for the human rights of women and girls and, indeed, their very bodily autonomy. There is powerful pushback against the rights of women, in all their diversities, and particularly their reproductive rights. Across the globe, we discern fierce opposition that threatens decades of progress.
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Strengthening alliances and building movements to end female genital mutilation
06 February 2025
NEW YORK/GENEVA, 6 February 2025 – Female genital mutilation is a violation of human rights that inflicts deep and lifelong physical, emotional, and psychological scars on girls and women. This harmful practice affects more than 230 million girls and women today. An estimated 27 million more girls could endure this violation of their rights and dignity by 2030 if we do not take action now.
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Statement by Dr. Natalia Kanem Executive Director, UNFPA at the First Regular Session of the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS
31 January 2025
In vulnerable settings across the globe, UNFPA is on the ground, working with partners, prepositioning supplies and developing anticipatory action plans with governments and civil society so that life-saving resources are at the ready – even before disaster strikes.
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Start with Her: Championing Women's Rights and Choices High-Level Panel on Reproductive, Maternal & Newborn Health & Wellbeing - Remarks by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem
29 January 2025
Maternal mortality is one of the most avoidable injustices in our societies and one of the most profound inequities of this generation. Childbirth is part of the fundamental rhythm of life. It should be an empowering and affirming experience, a celebration of life's incredible promise.
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Statement by the Executive Director on the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza
15 January 2025
UNFPA welcomes the announcement today of a deal to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. This is a vitally important breakthrough for the women, girls and their families in Gaza who have experienced the horrors of 15 months of war and devastation, and the hostages in Gaza and their families in Israel who have suffered so much.
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We must stand by women and girls in crises in 2025
23 December 2024
As 2024 draws to a close we at UNFPA have one resounding call: Peace. Peace on earth for all people, particularly for the women and girls we serve, caught up in crises not of their own making.
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For a more just, equal and prosperous world, prioritize the human rights of women and girls
09 December 2024
Human rights exist to protect us, all of us, from harm and to ensure lives of dignity and inclusion. Peace and prosperity depend on fulfilling human rights. Three decades ago, people from all over the world convened at the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo. They agreed that inclusive and sustainable development depends on women and girls fully realizing their human rights, particularly their reproductive rights.
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Heeding the voices of persons with disabilities for the benefit of all
27 November 2024
Globally, nearly one in six people lives with a disability. Their demand? Nothing about us without us. Persons with disabilities remain sorely underrepresented throughout the world’s parliaments and halls of power – excluded from policy- and decision-making on issues that affect their lives. As a result, their expertise is overlooked, and their rights and choices are too often denied.
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Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem on World AIDS Day (1 December)
22 November 2024
Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem on World AIDS Day (1 December): The path to a world free of AIDS begins and ends with human rights.The right to knowledge that is accurate and unbiased. The right to be treated with dignity and respect. The right to feel safe, no matter who you are or who you love.
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Even as they flee crisis and disaster, women and girls have the right to safety and support
20 November 2024
Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: When conflict and disaster force women and girls to flee their communities and homes, they face grave danger. Displacement takes a devastating toll on their well-being and leaves them exposed to violence and abuse.
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Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee: Stop the assault on Palestinians in Gaza and on those trying to help them
01 November 2024
NEW YORK/GENEVA/ROME – We the leaders of 15 United Nations and humanitarian organizations urge, yet again, all parties fighting in Gaza to protect civilians, and call on the State of Israel to cease its assault on Gaza and on the humanitarians trying to help.
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Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem: Cease the relentless attacks on healthcare in the Middle East
18 October 2024
UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, strongly condemns the repeated, egregious attacks on healthcare facilities in the Middle East. These attacks cause death and injury and deprive women of their essential right to access reproductive healthcare.
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