UNICEF Algeria honors its champion for children's rights and Olympic gold medalist Imane Khelif

ALGIERS, 09 September 2024 - The UNICEF Algeria Country Office honored its national ambassador and gold medalist at the last Olympic Games in Paris, Imane Khelif, on Monday, 9 September 2024.

At a ceremony held at the UNICEF office in Algiers, Imane Khelif was named "Champion for Children's Rights" by the Representative of the organization, Ms. Katarina Johansson, in the presence of the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Algeria, Mr. Alejandro Álvarez, representatives of UN agencies in Algeria, and UN staff and their families.

This symbolic and convivial ceremony was organized to pay tribute to the Olympic champion's exemplary and inspiring career and to mark her continued commitment to the child rights agenda since her appointment as UNICEF National Ambassador on 31 December 2023.

Speaking to Imane Khelif, UNICEF Representative in Algeria, Ms. Katarina Johansson said: “This is a very special day with a lot of emotions, we are immensely proud to have you back with us and to celebrate together with colleagues, family and friends our Olympic Champion and UNICEF ambassador. From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the whole UNICEF team, congratulations to your victory. We admire you for the incredible talented female boxer, your fighting spirit, mental strength, perseverance and for the incredible kind person you are" 
“Imane, you inspire us and that since the day we met. You are a role model not only for children and young people (also adults) in Algeria but around the world. You have shown that dreams can come true.  I hope that you felt our support throughout from the whole organization. We were with you at every moment. Following form different corners of the country and abroad. Today we will celebrate for your Olympic title but also for the commitment you have towards children and UNICEF’s mandate. You are not only a champion in boxing but a champion for children’s rights. So, it is an honor for us to work with you as a champion to further the child rights agenda in Algeria", she added.

The Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System, Mr. Alejandro Álvarez, said: “We want to tell you how much we are proud of you as UN family. You represent our values very much. We want also to tell you how much we are in solidarity with you because of what you had to go through; you had to fight in the ring to win the medal and outside the ring...You are an exemple for all of us and a tremendous champion. I want also to thank the UNICEF family for believing in Imane before anybody else”.