Statements and speeches
Statement
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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Statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem
16 October 2023
“Each step felt like a race against death.” That is what one pregnant woman told UNFPA after being forced to evacuate her home – just one among many of the desperate testimonials women and girls have shared with us as bombs fall and the siege in Gaza continues.
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Let them lead: Ensuring 600 million adolescent girls have what they need to create the future they want
09 October 2023
Every girl is born with boundless potential – to learn and thrive, to lead, inspire and change the world. Today, on the International Day of the Girl, we celebrate the infinite possibilities of the world’s 600 million adolescent girls. They represent a generation of innovation and action, leading calls for justice and a world that works for all.
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Getting it right on family planning
27 September 2023
By Dr. Julitta Onabanjo, Director, UNFPA Technical Division
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