Statements and speeches
Statement
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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Statement by UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem on the suffering of women and girls in the Middle East
07 October 2024
Today marks one year since the horrific 7 October terror attacks by Hamas and other armed groups on Israel in which more than 1,250 people were killed, hundreds taken hostage and acts of egregious sexual violence reported. This has been followed by Israel’s deadly military campaign in Gaza, where months of relentless bombardment and ground operations have killed more than 41,000 people – most of them women and children – and caused untold pain and destruction.
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Adolescent girls have a vision for a better future: Let’s stand with them, and not in their way
04 October 2024
Every girl has a vision of what her life will bring. That dream needs to be supported and protected as she makes her journey from adolescence to adulthood. Yet, for millions of girls, adolescence is a time when doors slam shut.
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Statement by UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Diene Keita at the Summit of the Future Plenary
23 September 2024
Demographic shifts - population growth, ageing, migration - are reshaping our world and our future.
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Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory - These atrocities must end
23 September 2024
As world leaders gather in New York for the 79th United Nations General Assembly, and as the threat of a wider regional escalation looms, we renew our demand for an end to the appalling human suffering and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
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