Newsline
2009
Pushing the education agenda with launch of Special Report
MEDIA INVITE: UNICEF and the Malaysian Bar Council invite a journalist and photographer / TV crew from your media agency to the launch of UNICEF’s flagship report – The State of the World’s Children Special Edition on children and their rights.
"Are you listening hard enough?"
KUALA LUMPUR, 9 November 2009 – UNICEF and its partner Leo Burnett/ Arc Worldwide have set out to bring to life children’s special place in the media on Friday, 20 November with Tune in to Me, a multimedia campaign to honour children’s right to be heard.
Media policymakers engage with Minister Shahrizat on children in the media
KUALA LUMPUR, 6 November 2009 – Twenty-four of Malaysia’s top media professionals gathered yesterday for a lively discussion with the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development on protecting children in media reporting and production.
Tune in to Me to celebrate children’s right to be heard
KUALA LUMPUR, 5 November 2009: UNICEF invites media to the launch of Tune in to Me, the largest collective multimedia effort by media owners in Malaysia to honour the Convention on the Rights of the Child Article 12: children’s right to be heard.
Protection, key for every child’s survival and development
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 November 2009 – Protection is key for every child’s survival and development highlighted UNICEF at media workshops held recently in Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur to mark the 20th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Child rights bags two golds at Kancil Awards 2009
KUALA LUMPUR, 1 November 2009 – Children’s rights received two golds at the prestigious Kancil Awards, Malaysia’s annual advertising awards by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia (4As).
Let’s Heal the World music video sends a prayer for child rights
CYBERJAYA, 20 October 2009 –Youth across the world are sending a message of peace and hope through the “Let’s Heal the World” music video, setting the tone for Limkokwing University and UNICEF partnership to create a world fit for children.
UNICEF gets set for global action to ‘Stand Up’ against poverty
NEW YORK, 8 October 2009 – Now in its fourth year, the ‘Stand Up: Take Action’ initiative exhorts individuals, groups and community networks to take action on the Millennium Development Goal of halving the number of people who live in extreme poverty.
Malaysian stamps pay tribute to children and their rights
KUALA LUMPUR, 6 October 2009 – In a special tribute to children across the world, Malaysia’s postal service, Pos Malaysia, has dedicated its 2009 Caring Society stamp set to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Without a protective environment, it's a harsh life for children
TOKYO, 6 October 2009 - While progress is being made in reducing some violations of children’s rights, not enough is yet known about the extent of abuses against children.
Malaysia’s TraXX.fm wins regional children’s broadcasting radio award
KUALA LUMPUR, 28 September 2009 – “Listen Up!”, an half an hour radio special by RTM Radio’s TRAXX.fm station has won the 2009 International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) regional award for best radio program in East Asia and Pacific.
Putting a stop to sexual violence against girls
NEW YORK/KUALA LUMPUR, 25 September 2009 – A new approach to address the rights violations and health impacts of sexual violence against girls is set to take off with a multi-sector partnership organised via the Clinton Global Initiative.
UNICEF Ambassador Lucy Liu raises awareness of child trafficking
WASHINGTON DC, 18 September 2009 – US Fund for UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Lucy Liu delivered an impassioned speech here this week to raise awareness about the estimated 1.2 million children who are trafficked worldwide every year.
International Child Neurology Congress affirms vaccination safety in Ukraine
KIEV, Ukraine, 16 September 2009 – UNICEF was among this year’s sponsors of the International Child Neurology Congress, held in Ukraine for the first time last week.
UNICEF statement on the death of 12-year-old child bride from Yemen
NEW YORK, 14 September 2009 - "It was with great sadness that we learned of the untimely death of 12-year-old Fawziya Youssef from Yemen. Fawziya was forced into a child marriage with a man at least twice her age.
Executive Board session opens, highlighting children’s and women’s rights
NEW YORK, 14 September 2009 – The UNICEF Executive Board began its second regular session of 2009 today with a special emphasis on promoting the rights of women and children facing abuse, poverty and hunger worldwide.
Worldwide deaths of children under five decline, continuing positive trend
NEW YORK, 10 September 2009 – There are fewer children than ever dying before they reach their fifth birthday, according to new figures released today by UNICEF.
UNICEF Executive Director, Ann M. Veneman defends UNICEF’s voice for children in Sri Lanka
NEW YORK, 7 September 2009 – “UNICEF is extremely concerned and disappointed with the Sri Lankan Government’s decision to expel UNICEF’s chief of communications in Sri Lanka, James Elder.
Despite regional efforts, trafficking continues to take heavy toll on children
BANGKOK/WELLINGTON, 1 September, 2009 – A recent assessment of child trafficking programs in seven countries in East and Southeast Asia found that the tides of trafficking have yet to be stemmed despite efforts by governments, donors and aid agencies.
Media Prima Radio Network supports International Literacy Day
KUALA LUMPUR, 1 September 2009 – Malaysia’s sought-after multi-language radio stations Hot.FM, Fly.FM and One.FM have united for a common cause – to defend every child’s right to learn to read and write.
Education for every child, everywhere
KUALA LUMPUR, 31 August 2009 – A child who is not literate is deprived of opportunities for education, participation and self-improvement. This International Literacy Day, UNICEF appeals for support to help ensure every child is literate.
4As spotlights child rights for Kancil Student’s Award 2009
KUALA LUMPUR, 24 August 2009 – The Kancil Awards, Malaysia’s most prestigious annual advertising awards by the 4As, has picked the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) as one of two themes for its Student Awards 2009.
Ladies of substance join Montblanc and UNICEF to promote literacy
KUALA LUMPUR, 21 August 2009 – The excitement was palpable at the recent launch of UNICEF and Montblanc Malaysia’s ‘Signature for Good’ campaign aimed at promoting increased literacy amongst vulnerable children in Malaysia and all around the world.
Safe water still a dream for almost one billion people
KUALA LUMPUR, 18 August 2009 – Access to safe drinking water, adequate sanitation and improved hygiene are crucial for survival. Yet almost one billion people still go without due to a rising water demand and unreliable availability.
EFAInfo 2.0 to identify who are missing out on school, and why
BANGKOK/KUALA LUMPUR, 17 August 2009 — Asia and Pacific EFAInfo, a dedicated one-stop Education for All (EFA) database goes online today to help governments better identify which of their population’s children are not in school or not learning and why.
My future, my responsibility
KUALA LUMPUR, 12 August 2009 – If young people are the future of the nation and the world, then their voices should be heard today.
Youth explore peace through creative expression
TAIPING, 9 August 2009 – Faced with the challenge of becoming the peace-builders of the future, 50 youth aged between 15 and 18 from Taiping, Perak share their perspectives of peace during a Youth Leadership Training jointly organised by UNICEF and TPI.
The “Incredible Game” kicks off World Cup 2010 fever for children
KUALA LUMPUR, 7 August 2009 – Riding on the influencing power of football and the internet to support vulnerable children everywhere, Sony Malaysia and UNICEF have joined together to launch the Sony-UNICEF Incredible Game website.
Breastfeeding: A vital emergency response
KUALA LUMPUR, 1 August 2009 – Breastfeeding is a life-saving intervention during emergencies like drought, floods, earthquakes, epidemics, war, civil unrest, and severe political and economic upheaval.
Breaking the barrier of exclusion: Education and minority and indigenous groups
NEW YORK, 30 July 2009 – Worldwide, more than half of the children not attending school are from minority or indigenous populations, according to a report released this month by Minority Rights Group International, in collaboration with UNICEF.
Childline to strengthen protection for children, 24/7
KUALA LUMPUR, 27 July 2009 – Emergency child-friendly assistance in Malaysia will soon become a reality with Childline Malaysia’s toll-free 24/7 helpline to provide vulnerable children a place to turn to when they feel they have no one to help them.
United for UNICEF: Manchester United defend rights of vulnerable children
KUALA LUMPUR, 17 July 2009 – Manchester United stars Ryan Giggs, Patrice Evra and Federico Macheda took time out of the club's Asia Tour to join UNICEF to champion the rights of marginalised children in Malaysia and highlight their vulnerability to HIV.
Music video by The Killers raises awareness about trafficking and sexual exploitation
LONDON, 13 July 2009 — MTV audiences will see a new music video that aims to raise awareness about sex trafficking. Featuring the rock band The Killers, the video is a collaboration between UNICEF, MTV EXIT (End Exploitation and Trafficking) and USAID.
‘Junior 8’ youth delegates present views to G8 world leaders in Italy
L'AQUILA, Italy, 9 July 2009 – A select group of 14 young people have met with top leaders at the G8 Summit here yesterday and urged them to act on a set of recommendations aimed at protecting child rights around the world.
UNICEF and partners showcase child and maternal health innovations
GENEVA, 7 July 2009 – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited the 2009 Innovation Fair held at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva yesterday. The fair is part of the High-Level Segment of ECOSOC which is meeting this week with a focus on global health.
Young people open Junior 8 Summit in Rome
ROME, 7 July 2009 – Bright young minds from around the world have gathered for the Junior 8 Summit, a week-long conference for young people to exchange and debate ideas about how to best improve global conditions for children.
Do drugs control your life?
KUALA LUMPUR, 26 June 2009 – A huddle at the corner, a brief exchange of money, and 24 year-old Xan (not his real name) is ready to party to his Friday night routine of music and Ecstasy.
With education, we can protect girls from exploitative work
KUALA LUMPUR, 12 June 2009 – Improving children’s access to quality education is fundamental to protecting them from being exploited for labour affirmed UNICEF on the tenth anniversary of the World Day against Child Labour.
Executive Board closes Annual Session, mourning the loss of a colleague
NEW YORK, 11 June 2009 – The last day of UNICEF’s Executive Board Annual Session began on a sombre note. Executive Director Ann M. Veneman eulogised Perseveranda So, UNICEF Islamabad Chief of Education who was killed in a hotel bombing in Peshawar.
Executive Board explores strategic framework for partnerships and collaborative work
NEW YORK, 10 June 2009 – In an ever-changing world community now faced with a global financial crisis, UNICEF’s partnerships and collaborative relationships are becoming increasingly crucial.
Meeting of the Joint Learning Initiative on Children and HIV/AIDS held in New York
NEW YORK, 8 June 2009 - For an impoverished mother in a developing country whose child is infected with HIV, something as simple as finding the money for regular taxi trips to a clinic for treatment can be daunting.
Executive Board annual session discusses UNICEF's work in the face of a global financial crisis
NEW YORK, 8 June 2009 – UNICEF's Executive Board convened the first day of its annual session today at the UN headquarters where Executive Director Ann M. Veneman presented her annual report against the backdrop of a global economic downturn.
UNICEF Deputy Executive Director appeals for donor support in post-cyclone Myanmar
KUNGYANGON, 29 May 2009 – On a recent visit to Myanmar, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Hilde F. Johnson made a strong appeal to donors to assist recovery efforts here, especially on issues of housing and income generation.
As fighting ends, Sri Lanka faces a critical moment
NEW YORK, 20 May 2009 – A quarter-century of war between government troops and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has come to an end, but the humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka continues.
Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman on Sri Lanka
NEW YORK, 19 May 2009 - "It is reported that access to some camps for internally displaced persons within Sri Lanka has become restricted. Full and unimpeded humanitarian access must be ensured so that children and women can receive assistance.
Working together for child safety online
KUALA LUMPUR, 17 May 2009 – There are many challenges that children face growing up in the modern world. Today, children are increasingly being confronted with rapid social and technological change and a more competitive society.
Protecting children in cyberspace
KUALA LUMPUR, 15 May 2009 – World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2009 aims to ensure that children can safely access the Internet and its valuable resources without falling prey to unscrupulous predators in cyberspace.
A catastrophe for Sri Lankan children trapped in northern conflict zone
COLOMBO, 13 May 2009 – Engulfed by gunfire, Tharshini, her husband and their two-week-old baby daughter, Anandi, plunged into the lagoon.
International forum issues joint call for enhanced investment in micronutrients
NEW YORK, 12 May 2009 – UNICEF is one of a wide range of development partners that today called on the world’s governments to invest more in life-saving vitamins and minerals to prevent illness and blindness that result from vitamin deficiencies.
Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman on the situation of children in Sri Lanka
NEW YORK, 12 May 2009 - “Thousands of children remain trapped by the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka, putting their lives at serious risk. It is unacceptable that children continue to be the innocent victims of this ongoing conflict.
AIDS endangers motherhood, threatens the joys of childhood
KUALA LUMPUR, 1 May 2009 – Mothers are special. Not only do mothers go through both the joys and difficulties of pregnancy and giving birth, she dedicates her life to nurturing and caring for her children, ensuring their wellbeing.
UNICEF welcomes Media Prima Radio Networks’ commitment to children and their rights
KUALA LUMPUR, 30 April 2009 – Children and young people have received a resounding yes from one of Malaysia’s hottest radio networks, Media Prima, who recently joined hands with UNICEF to celebrate twenty years of the UN child rights treaty.
Impact of the financial and economic crisis on women and families
PUBLIC LECTURE – The informal sectors of Asian economies, such as tourism, textiles and garments, and trade and retail, with a high concentration of female workers, are already among the hardest hit by the financial crisis.
UN partners prepare for potential Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic
NEW YORK, 29 April, 2009 – As the World Health Organization (WHO) warns of an increased likelihood of a pandemic of Influenza A – also known as H1N1 – UNICEF is working with its UN partners to prepare for a potential outbreak.
Crisis in Sri Lanka: UNICEF airlifts 50 tonnes of emergency supplies as numbers in urgent need swell
COLOMBO, 27 April 2009 – UNICEF said that 50 metric tonnes of airlifted emergency relief supplies landed today in Colombo. The supplies will immediately be sent to northern Sri Lanka to meet some of the most urgent needs of more than 100,000 people.
Hear us out, before the transmission is lost!
KUALA LUMPUR, 26 April 2009 – The students of Taylor’s University College organised a youth conference to bring to light many environmental and global issues that the youth of today are concerned about.
Together, we are the solution
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 April 2009 - The theme for the 2009 International AIDS Memorial Day is aimed at promoting both global solidarity and resolution to the problem of AIDS, and that only when we work in partnership together, can we see change.
Early childhood investments vital during economic crisis
KUALA LUMPUR, 24 April 2009 – The food and financial crisis places families under economic duress and affects the coping strategies of households, with the greatest impact on the developmental and protection rights of children in the early years.
Global health leaders to address urgent crisis of prematurity and stillbirth
SEATTLE, 21 April 2009 - Every year around the world, more than three million stillbirths occur, and more than one million babies die because they were born preterm.
UNICEF fears for thousands of children trapped in Sri Lanka’s conflict
KATHMANDU, 20 April 2009 – As 35,000 people today fled Sri Lanka’s conflict zone, UNICEF said it held grave fears for those children who remain trapped in escalating fighting.
Closing the gender gap: Youth and adult literacy and lifelong learning
20 April 2009 - No strategy for development has proven as effective as the empowerment of women, yet of the 500 million+ illiterate adults across the Asia and Pacific region, two-thirds are women.
Child Rights Award 2009: A call to broadcasters
KUALA LUMPUR, 15 April 2009 - UNICEF, the Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia, and the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union are now inviting Asia-Pacific broadcasters and producers to submit entries for the Asia-Pacific Child Rights Award 2009.
Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman on Child Marriage
NEW YORK, 13 April 2009 - UNICEF is deeply concerned by reports that Saudi Arabian tribunals have decided not to annul the marriage of an eight-year-old girl.
2009 International Children’s Day of Broadcasting Award
KUALA LUMPUR, 10 April 2009 – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is calling for entries from radio and television broadcasters for the 2009 International Children’s Day of Broadcasting (ICDB) Award.
Securing rights of adolescent girls is critical for achieving development goals
ADDIS ABABA, 8 April 2009 – Parliamentarians are convening in Addis Ababa today to address the urgent need for accelerated progress in protecting the rights of adolescent girls and ending gender discrimination if development goals are to be met.
Pregnancy complications kill half a million women annually, 80% preventable
KUALA LUMPUR, 24 March 2009 – A woman’s pregnancy is typically a period of great joy, and a cherished new life. However, for hundreds of thousands of families living in poverty, pregnancy is a silent emergency shrouded in heartbreak and tears.
World Water Day 2009
NEW YORK, 22 March 2009 – World Water Day 2009 calls for collective action to tackle the issue of access to safe drinking water and water sharing.
UNICEF receives RM250,000 from the Humanitarian Fund for the Palestinian People
KUALA LUMPUR, 19 March 2009 – UNICEF received RM250,000 (US$ 68,681) to help further its efforts for children in Gaza, as part of the contributions made by Malaysians to the Humanitarian Fund for the Palestinian People.
Hundreds of children reported killed, more injured, in Sri Lankan violence
NEW YORK, 18 March 2009 – In a statement issued yesterday, UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman expressed alarm at the high number of children affected by continuing violence in the northern area of Sri Lanka known as the Vanni.
Pos Malaysia to help children send goodwill messages to Gaza’s children
KUALA LUMPUR, 12 March 2009 – “To My Friend in Gaza” will benefit from a new partner, Pos Malaysia who has set-up a PO Box address to help children in Malaysia send messages of hope, love and peace to children in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Rotary Club of Malaysia donates RM20,000 to UNICEF in support of children in Gaza
KUALA LUMPUR, 11 March 2009 – Over 1,800 members of Rotary Club Malaysia’s District 3300 have joined forces to raise a total of RM20, 000 to support UNICEF’s relief efforts in aid of the children in Gaza.
'Girl Power' reception outlines plans for UN task force on adolescent girls
NEW YORK, 6 March 2009 – Leaders from seven international organisations converged for 'Girl Power and Potential'. The event featured a panel of speakers outlining the strategies and goals of the United Nations Interagency Task Force on Adolescent Girls.
Violence against women takes a toll on children
KUALA LUMPUR, 5 March 2009 – Behind the closed door of a family home, a woman is being beaten while her children hide in the bedroom, unable to help or stop listening.
Malaysian teens reveal their lives and concerns through sixty-second videos
BANDARAYA MELAKA, 1 March 2009 – Qusyairi Zazili, 15, is a budding environmentalist with a concern he recently revealed at the first ‘OneMinutesJr’ video workshop hosted in Malaysia by UNICEF and the Ministry of Education.
Malaysian Prime Minister launches fund for children in Gaza
PUTRAJAYA, 26 February 2009 - Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has launched a humanitarian fund to support actions by UNICEF for children and their families who survived the recent conflict in Gaza.
Campaign fights infectious diseases in the wake of Gaza's long crisis
EAST JERUSALEM, 25 February 2009 – A fragile peace is holding in Gaza since hostilities ended last month. But damage to vital infrastructure is widespread, and primary health care services have been reduced by 90 per cent.
Sixty-second videos give fresh meaning to teen realities
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 February 2009 (International Children's Day of Broadcasting) – Ever wondered if sixty seconds is enough time to tell a story that is poignant, funny, or inspiring?
Children trapped in Sri Lanka’s conflict
VANNI, 23 February 2009 – Sennappu had a split second to throw her body around her 18-month-old daughter before the bomb landed. Her reactions were enough time to save the life of her baby girl. Sennappu was killed instantly.
‘Beyond Sport’ teams up with UNICEF for Children’s Rights Award nominations
NEW YORK, 17 February 2009 – The search is on to find the world’s most inspirational sport programs. Beyond Sport, a British NGO, is scouring the world to honour the people and organisations that change the world through sport.
Regional Goodwill Ambassador Mahmoud Kabil lends support to hospital serving Gaza
GAZA STRIP, 17 February 2009 – Egyptian actor and UNICEF Regional Goodwill Ambassador for the Middle East and North Africa Mahmoud Kabil paid a special visit last week to El-Arish hospital in Egypt, near the Rafah border crossing to Gaza.
Sri Lanka: More children victims of the conflict, says UNICEF
COLOMBO, 17 February 2009 – With a growing number of children being recruited by the LTTE and scores of children being killed or injured in fighting, UNICEF today expressed its gravest concerns for children, as Sri Lanka’s conflict enters a new phase.
On 'Red Hand Day', children call for an end to their forced use in conflict
NEW YORK, 13 February 2009 – Children from 101 countries have appealed to international leaders to take stronger action to end the use of child soldiers.
Web4Dev conference kicks with an eye on the future of innovation
NEW YORK, 11 February 2009 – With plenty of bells and whistles, and not a few mobile phone alerts and Twitter chirps, the fifth annual ‘Web4Dev’ conference kicked off at UNICEF House today.
Board session closes with focus on Gaza crisis and aspirations for 2009
NEW YORK, 6 February 2009 – The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, along with UNICEF’s aspirations to work efficiently in the challenging year ahead, topped the agenda on the third and final day of the Executive Board’s first regular session of 2009.
Celebrating Malaysian teens through one-minute videos
MEDIA ADVISORY, KUALA LUMPUR, 5 February 2009 – Guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNICEF provides young people with platforms to share their realities and dreams to create awareness in their communities and influence decision-making.
Vulnerable Malaysian children to tell their stories through 60-second videos
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 February 2009 – Every child has an interesting story to share. Few however, particularly from marginalised and vulnerable backgrounds, ever have the opportunity to do so.
UNICEF seeks $34.5 million to address urgent recovery needs for children and families in Gaza
AMMAN/GENEVA, 3 February 2009 – UNICEF is seeking US$ 34.5 million to address urgent recovery needs for children and their families in Gaza. The request forms part of the UN appeal for US$ 613 million to cover needs for over a nine-month period.
Keep kids safe from injury
KUALA LUMPUR, 3 February 2009 – Unintentional injuries are a major killer of children, but are largely preventable through the implementation of multisectoral, multipronged strategies that involve all levels of the government, community and families.
Child injuries leave lifelong scars
KUALA LUMPUR, 2 February 2009 – Worldwide, more than 2,000 children die every day as a result of unintentional injuries. Tens of millions more suffer lifelong disabilities, bringing grief to their families and communities.
“Make a difference for the children and the world”
KUALA LUMPUR, 29 January 2009 – Nine-year old Dhanya Ashley avidly raised her hand, resolute that her young voice will be heard. She had a simple message for leaders who were determined to bring peace to the battered Gaza Strip.
UNICEF provides educational supplies and safe spaces for children in Gaza
NEW YORK, 26 January 2009 – With the return of hundreds of thousands of children to school in Gaza, UNICEF is providing essential educational equipment and materials to re-establish learning and recreational activities.
UNICEF rehabilitating learning centres for adolescents in Gaza
JERUSALEM, 23 January 2009 – The recent and extreme levels of conflict in Gaza have affected the lives of 840,000 children and young people. Many have lost their schools, health facilities, play areas and even neighbourhoods.
Displaced families in Gaza face public health crisis
NEW YORK, 23 January 2009 – While the fighting in Gaza has stopped, tens of thousands of Palestinians remain in United Nations Relief and Works Agency emergency shelters. Thousands of others who fled their homes remain with friends or relatives.
‘Everything is destroyed’: Siblings describe destruction of their school in Gaza
NEW YORK, 22 January 2009 – When Gaza’s schools reopen in the coming days, Maram, 12, does not know where she’ll go. “I want to see what happened to my school,” she said in a telephone interview with UNICEF Radio.
As early recovery work begins, the toll of conflict on Gaza’s children is clear
NEW YORK, 21 January 2009 – Amira, 15, is a survivor. After her two siblings and father were killed during the conflict in the Gaza Strip, she crawled from her family’s home and was found three days later in a neighbour’s house.
Malaysian children to lend support to children in Gaza
KUALA LUMPUR, 21 January 2009 – Malaysian children are invited to lend their support to children in Gaza through a project called ‘To My Friend in Gaza’ that was launched today.
Ceasefire holds in Gaza: ‘It’s a hopeful day’
NEW YORK, 19 January 2009 – UNICEF is moving swiftly to deliver supplies and support to children after a ceasefire was declared on Saturday following three weeks of conflict.
“To My Friend in Gaza” invites children to send messages of love and hope to children in Gaza
MEDIA ADVISORY: The humanitarian crisis due to the recent violence in Gaza is hitting children and women most. Over 800,000 children have been exposed to extraordinary levels of violence, some 1,600 have been injured and more than 400 children have died.
Fighting halts in Gaza but humanitarian challenges remain
NEW YORK, USA, 18 January 2009 – UNICEF emergency supplies are ready to go into the Gaza Strip now that a ceasefire has been declared.
UNICEF: In Gaza, nearly one-third of fatalities are children; massive destruction of homes, schools and health facilities
NEW YORK, 16 January 2009 - After three weeks of fighting, OCHA reports that nearly one-third of those killed in the Gaza Strip – some 340 – were children, and that 1600 more children have been moderately to severely injured.
‘We didn’t sleep at all’ – Gaza aid worker evacuates home
NEW YORK, 16 January 2009 – Shelling and bombing continued in the Gaza Strip yesterday, impeding movement into and within the territory and further damaging infrastructure and public utilities.
UNICEF flagship report urges investment in a continuum of care for mothers and newborns
NEW YORK, 15 January 2009 – UNICEF’s flagship publication, ‘The State of the World’s Children 2009’ – launched today in South Africa – addresses maternal mortality, one of the most intractable problems for development work.
UNICEF aid for Gaza arriving, despite challenges
GENEVA, 15 January 2009 - The humanitarian operation in Gaza has been dealt a blow by the strike today that devastated warehouses in the United Nations compound and destroyed essential emergency goods and products.
Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza
JOHANNESBURG, 14 January 2009 – Over 300 children have been killed and more than 1,500 wounded, since the beginning of the Gaza crisis on 27 December, 2008. Each day more children are being hurt, their small bodies wounded, their young lives shattered.
‘We cannot wait’ – Gaza aid worker’s wife about to give birth amidst crisis
NEW YORK, 14 January 2009 – The conflict in the Gaza Strip holds special terror for Sajy, one of 10 UNICEF staff members who have persevered in the territory throughout the current crisis. His wife is due to give birth any day.
‘I wish the war would end’ – Gaza’s children pay psychological cost of conflict
NEW YORK, 12 January 2009 – The children of Gaza have three hours a day in which it’s safe, at least in theory, to go out. The humanitarian ceasefire does not always hold, but it provides a measure of relief for those who need to find food and water.
UNICEF Project Officer and mother of three copes with Gaza crisis
NEW YORK, 12 January 2009 – Ten UNICEF staff have remained in Gaza, working under very difficult conditions to bring some relief to children in need. One of those workers, Reem, is a Project Officer with the UNICEF child protection team.
Young Malaysian rugby players donate RM 1,000 to UNICEF for children in Gaza
ARAU Perlis, 12 January 2009 – Malaysian children and young rugby players involved in the “Save the Children of Gaza” humanitarian program rallied together recently to raise RM 1,000 for children and women in Gaza.
UNICEF delivers emergency supplies for children and families in Gaza
NEW YORK, 11 January 2009 – As the conflict in the Gaza Strip escalates into deeper ground incursions, UNICEF is appealing for $16 million in new funding to provide families and children with emergency supplies.
UNICEF staff perseveres under difficult and dangerous conditions in Gaza
NEW YORK, 10 January 2009 – UNICEF has 10,000 staff working around the world in a wide range of environments, including conflicts such as the one now under way in the Gaza Strip. Ten stalwart UNICEF staff members have remained in Gaza.
UNICEF: Number of child casualties still rising in Gaza
JERUSALEM/NEW YORK, 9 January 2009 - The number of children being killed and injured in the fighting in Gaza continues to climb and the humanitarian situation is becoming more desperate every day.
UNICEF mobilises emergency supplies for children at risk in Gaza
AMMAN, 9 January 2009 – As the conflict in the Gaza Strip continues into its third week, UNICEF teams are working to ensure that critical supplies are ready to reach women and children at risk.
Security Council calls for immediate, durable, fully respected ceasefire in Gaza leading to full withdrawal of Israeli forces
NEW YORK, 8 January 2009 – The United Nations Security Council tonight overwhelmingly called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza leading to a full Israeli withdrawal, the unimpeded provision throughout Gaza of food, fuel and medical treatment.
Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman regarding the humanitarian operation in Gaza
NEW YORK, 8 January 2009 - “UNICEF is deeply concerned that the ongoing violence has forced UNRWA to suspend its humanitarian operation in Gaza."
As UN aid operations are suspended, a Gaza teenager describes life amidst conflict
NEW YORK, 8 January 2009 – As fighting in the Gaza Strip continued into its 13th day today, UN humanitarian assistance in the territory was suspended for an indefinite period because of the danger facing aid workers there.
Columbia University and UNICEF awarded top honour in USAID innovation competition
WASHINGTON, DC, 8 January 2009 – Columbia University and UNICEF today received the first-place award in the ‘Development 2.0 Challenge’ of the US Agency for International Development.
UNICEF: During short ceasefire, some life-saving supplies delivered in Gaza
AMMAN, 7 January 2009 – A three-hour ceasefire today provided a limited opportunity for UNICEF to release some life-saving supplies for delivery to families in Gaza, including 560 family water kits and 5 health kits.
Palestinian families endure 11 days of conflict in Gaza
NEW YORK, 6 January 2009 – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza to enable humanitarian agencies to deliver aid to the thousands of civilians flooding into hospitals and clinics in the territory.
Child-focused NGOs share their hopes with UNICEF
KUALA LUMPUR, 6 January 2009 – 40 child-focused NGOs and individuals came together recently for a dialogue with the UNICEF Malaysia Representative, to share their vision for children and exchange ideas for the way forward in anticipation of the new year.
East Asia and Pacific countries discuss policies, measures to address Impact of Economic Crisis on Children
SINGAPORE, 6 January 2009 – At the start of a new year mired by a worsening economic crisis, key leaders in East Asia and the Pacific began discussions on how to protect children by maintaining or scaling up social spending despite tightening budgets.
UNICEF’s Eminent Advocate, Queen Rania, speaks out on Gaza crisis
AMMAN, 5 January 2009 – Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah made an urgent plea on behalf of all the civilians living in Gaza for a “humanitarian ceasefire” and for the international community to do all it can to help alleviate the suffering.
Life in the midst of Gaza conflict, through the eyes of a Palestinian teenager
NEW YORK, 5 January 2009 – Ten days of aerial bombing on Gaza has caused extensive devastation throughout the territory and is threatening the health and welfare of many children.
UNICEF delivers supplies for children suffering as a result of critical shortages of food, fuel and medicine in Gaza
AMMAN/JORDAN, 5 January 2009 - In an effort to reduce the suffering faced by children in Gaza, UNICEF is delivering urgent supplies of food, fuel and medicine to Gaza hospitals.
UNICEF in 2009: Protecting and shaping children’s futures in challenging times
KUALA LUMPUR, 4 January 2009 – In the best of traditions, a new year offers much hope as we forge ahead with renewed optimism and dedication to protect childhood and build bright futures for our children.
Commit to a ceasefire to protect the children
NEW YORK, 31 December 2008 – Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, calls on all parties to commit to an immediate ceasefire.
