UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE 29 November 2021 On this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory -- including East Jerusalem -- continues to pose a significant challenge to international peace and security.  Persistent violations of the rights of Palestinians along with the expansion of settlements risk eroding the prospect of a two-State solution.   As the international community strives to re-start Israeli – Palestinian dialogue, I am encouraged by recent engagements between senior Israeli and Palestinian officials.  However, containing the situation is not sufficient. The overall goal remains two states living side-by-side in peace and security, fulfilling the legitimate national aspirations of both peoples, with borders based on the 1967 lines and Jerusalem as the capital of both states. I call on the parties to avoid unilateral steps that would undermine the chances for a peaceful resolution of the conflict based on international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.  I further call on the parties to engage constructively to end the closure of Gaza and improve the living conditions of all Palestinians under occupation. I commend the generous donors who support UNRWA and call for Member States to provide timely and predictable funding to allow the Agency to conduct its vital work. Together, let us reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the Palestinian people in their quest to achieve their inalienable rights and build a future of peace, justice, security, and dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis.  ***

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL VIDEO MESSAGE MARKING THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS 24 Nov 2021 Violence against women and girls continues to be the most pervasive and pressing human rights issue in the world today.   It is both an abhorrent crime and a public health emergency, with far-reaching consequences for millions of women and girls in every corner of the globe. The latest figures from UN Women confirm that during the COVID-19 pandemic, levels of violence against women and girls have increased. Across 13 countries, almost half of all women reported that they or a woman they know began to experience gender-based violence during the pandemic. Almost a quarter of women reported that household conflicts had become more frequent. A similar proportion said they felt less safe at home. Violence in any part of society affects us all. From the scars on the next generation to the weakening of the social fabric. We can draw a straight line between violence against women, civil oppression and violent conflict. From rape and sexual slavery used as tools of war, to the thread of misogyny that runs through violent extremism. But violence against women is not inevitable. The right policies and programmes bring results. That means comprehensive, long-term strategies that tackle the root causes of violence, protect the rights of women and girls, and promote strong and autonomous women’s rights movements. This is the model that the United Nations has built through its partnership with the European Union, the Spotlight Initiative. Last year, in partner countries, we saw a 22 percent increase in prosecution of perpetrators. Eighty-four laws and policies were passed or strengthened. And more than 650,000 women and girls were able to access gender-based violence services, despite restrictions related to the pandemic. Change is possible. Now is the time to redouble our efforts so that together, we can eliminate violence against women and girls by 2030.

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL MESSAGE ON WORLD TOILET DAY 19 November 2021 Life without a toilet is dirty, dangerous and undignified. Everyone should have access to hygienic, safe, and sustainable sanitation. Yet 3.6 billion people still live without safely managed sanitation, threatening health, harming the environment, and hindering economic development. Every day, 700 children under five years old die from diseases linked to unsafe water and sanitation. Toilets save lives and drive improvements in gender equality and in society as a whole.  We need urgent and massive investment and innovation along the entire ‘sanitation chain’, from toilets to the transport, collection and treatment of human waste. Delivering on this basic human right – the right to water and sanitation – is good for people, business and our planet. For every $1 invested in toilets and sanitation, up to $5 is returned in saved medical costs, better health, increased productivity, education and jobs. History teaches us that rapid progress is possible. Many countries have transformed their health systems by acting on sanitation facilities and ensuring everyone has access to toilets. On World Toilet Day, let us keep our promise to leave no one behind and take action to deliver health and sanitation for all. *** UNICEF PRESS RELEASE Landmark intergenerational poll shows young people are 50% more likely than older generations to believe the world is becoming a better place – yet impatient for action on mounting crises Amid COVID-19 pandemic, younger generation also more likely to trust scientists and embrace international cooperation, according to a UNICEF-Gallup international survey of more than 21,000 children and adults released for World Children’s Day NEW YORK, 18 November 2021 – Children and young people are nearly 50 per cent more likely than older people to believe that the world is becoming a better place with each generation, according to a new international survey by UNICEF and Gallup released ahead of World Children’s Day. The survey shows that young people are also more likely to believe childhood itself has improved, with overwhelming majorities believing that healthcare, education, and physical safety are better for today's children than for their parents' generation. Yet, despite their optimism, young people are far from naïve, expressing restlessness for action on climate change, skepticism about information they consume on social media, and struggling with feelings of depression and anxiety. They are far more likely than older people to see themselves as global citizens, and more likely to embrace international cooperation to tackle threats like the COVID-19 pandemic. “There is no shortage of reasons for pessimism in the world today: Climate change, the pandemic, poverty and inequality, rising distrust, and growing nationalism. But here is a reason for optimism: Children and young people refuse to see the world through the bleak lens of adults,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore. “Compared to older generations, the world’s young people remain hopeful, much more globally minded, and determined to make the world a better place. Today’s young people have concerns for the future but see themselves as part of the solution.” The poll, The Changing Childhood Project, is the first of its kind to ask multiple generations for their views on the world and what it is like to be a child today. It surveyed more than 21,000 people across two age cohorts (15-24 years old and 40 years old and up) in 21 countries. Nationally representative surveys were undertaken in countries across all regions – Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America – and income levels. Overall, the data paint a picture of young generations as products of globalization. For example, young people (39 per cent) are on average almost twice as likely as older people (22 per cent) to identify most with being part of the world, versus their own nation or locale. With each additional year of age, people are on average about one per cent less likely to identify as a global citizen. The survey – conducted during the pandemic – also finds that children and young people are generally more trusting of national governments, scientists and international news media as sources of accurate information. And yet, the poll shows, young people today are aware of problems the world is facing: · The majority of young people see serious risks for children online, such as seeing violent or sexually explicit content (78 per cent) or being bullied (79 per cent). · Just 17 per cent of young people say they trust social media platforms “a lot” to provide accurate information. · While 64 per cent of young people in low- and middle-income countries believe children in their country will be better off economically than their parents, young people in high-income countries have little faith in economic progress. There, fewer than a third of young respondents say children today will grow up to be better off economically than their parents. · More than a third of young people report often feeling nervous or anxious, and nearly one in five say they often feel depressed or have little interest in doing things. · On average, 59 per cent of young people say children today face more pressure to succeed than their parents did growing up. The poll also finds young people want faster progress in the fight against discrimination, more cooperation among countries, and for decision-makers to listen to them: · On average, nearly three-quarters of young people who are aware of climate change believe governments should take significant action to address it. The share is even higher in low- and lower-middle income countries (83 per cent) where the impact of climate change is expected to be greatest.   · In nearly every country surveyed, large majorities of young people report that their countries would be safer from threats like COVID-19 if governments worked in coordination with other countries rather than on their own. · Young people demonstrate stronger support for LGBTQ+ rights, with young women leading the fight for equality.  · On average, 58 per cent of 15-24-year-olds believe it is very important for political leaders to listen to children. “We cannot know what is on the minds of young people if we do not ask them. UNICEF's survey reinforces the importance of hearing from the next generation and understanding their perspectives,” said Joe Daly, Senior Partner at Gallup. “The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow; it is crucial for older generations to do their part to ensure our children inherit a better world.” The survey finds some areas of strong alignment between young and older generations – notably around climate, the importance of education, global collaboration and children’s agency. By contrast, optimism, global mindedness and recognition of historical progress reflect some of the deepest divides.  “While this research paints a nuanced view of the generational divide, a clear picture emerges: Children and young people embody the spirit of the 21st century far more readily than their parents,” said Fore. “As UNICEF prepares to mark its 75th anniversary next month, and ahead of World Children’s Day, it is critical we listen to young people directly about their well-being and how their lives are changing.” World Children’s Day – celebrated every year on 20th November – aims to raise awareness for the millions of children that are denied their right to adequate health care, nutrition, education and protection, and to elevate young people’s voices as critical to any discussions about their future.   ###  Notes to Editors  Alongside the release of the survey, UNICEF is launching a new interactive platform, http://changingchildhood.unicef.org/, containing the full set of data from the survey and the project report.  The Changing Childhood Project is the first survey to ask multiple generations of people across the world for their views on what it’s like to be a child today. For the project, UNICEF partnered with Gallup to survey more than 21,000 adults and children in 21 countries between February and June 2021. All samples are probability-based and nationally representative of two distinct populations in each country: people aged 15-24 and people aged 40 and older. The coverage area is the entire country, including rural areas, and the sampling frame represents the entire civilian, non-institutionalized, population within each age cohort with access to a telephone. The countries surveyed are: Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cameroon, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Japan, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Lebanon, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, Spain, United Kingdom, Ukraine, USA and Zimbabwe.  About UNICEF  UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.   For more information about UNICEF and its work for children visit www.unicef.org  
Follow UNICEF on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube  About Gallup  Gallup delivers analytics and advice to help leaders and organizations solve their most pressing problems. Combining more than 80 years of experience with its global reach, Gallup knows more about the attitudes and behaviors of employees, customers, students and citizens than any other organization in the world.  For further information, please contact:  Helen Wylie, UNICEF New York, Tel: +1 917 244 2215, hwylie@unicef.org ‎

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL MESSAGE ON WORLD DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR ROAD TRAFFIC VICTIMS 21 November 2021 Every 24 seconds a life is cut short because of a road traffic collision. The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is a time to reflect on the tragic deaths of millions of people. This year’s theme highlights the importance of reducing traffic speeds to prevent death and serious injury – in particular of young women and men at the start of their adult lives, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users such as children, older persons and persons with disabilities. I urge every country, company and citizen to support local and global efforts to make roads safer, especially in low- and middle-income countries where more than 90 per cent of the world’s road fatalities occur.  I also encourage all Member States to accede to United Nations road safety conventions and implement whole-of-society action plans – and urge all donors to scale up much-needed financial and technical contributions through the United Nations Road Safety Fund. As we look ahead to next year’s High-level meeting of the UN General Assembly to improve road safety, let us remember that every one of us has a role to play in keeping roads safe. Today and every day, let us commit to make roads safer for everyone, everywhere. ***   UNICEF MEDIA ADVISORY 30 monuments to turn blue across Pakistan on Saturday night This Saturday night, 30 iconic landmarks and monuments will turn blue in Pakistan to celebrate World Children’s Day and UNICEF’s 75th anniversary. Monuments will go blue in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Ziarat and Peshawar. This initiative is led by the Federal Ministry of Human Rights, UNICEF and partners, to mark Pakistan’s collective commitment to child rights. Pakistan has set a world record in the number of buildings turning blue on 20 November since 2019. Since 2018, buildings, monuments and landmarks across the world have turned blue to mark World Children’s Day as part of a global initiative led by UNICEF. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has been working tirelessly for child rights all over the world since 1946. UNICEF opened its first office in Karachi in 1948, in the year following Pakistan’s independence. ### High resolution photos from monuments lit up last year are available here:   Go Blue Campaign
Photos of monuments lit up this Saturday night will be shared as soon as available. For more information, please contact: UNICEF Pakistan
Arsalan Khalid, arsalanksr@hotmail.com, +92 333 525 1175
Abdul Sami Malik, asmalik@unicef.org, +92 300 855 6654 About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org and www.unicef.org/pakistan. For more information about COVID-19, visit www.unicef.org/coronavirus. Find out more about UNICEF’s work on the COVID-19 vaccines here,   ہفتے کی رات کو پاکستان کی 30 یادگاری عمارات کا رنگ نیلا کردیا جائے گا۔ اس ہفتے کی رات، پاکستان کی 30 تاریخی اور یادگاری عمارات کا رنگ نیلا کردیا جائے گا۔ یہ تبدیلی بچوں کا عالمی دن اور یونیسف کی 75 ویں سالگرہ منانے کے لئے عمل میں لائی جائے گی۔  اسلام آباد، کراچی، لاہور ، کوئٹہ ، زیارت اور پشاور میں تاریخی و یادگاری عمارات کا رنگ نیلا کردیا جائے گا۔  اس اقدام کی قیادت وفاقی وزارت برائے انسانی حقوق، یونیسف اور دیگر شراکت دار کریں گے اور اس   کا مقصد بچوں کے حقوق کے تحفظ کے لئے اجتماعی عزم کا اظہار ہوگا۔ پاکستان نے 20 نومبر کی رات زیادہ سے زیادہ عمارتوں کا رنگ نیلا کرکے 2019 سے عالمی ریکارڈ قائم کیا ہے۔ 2018 سے دنیا بھر میں عمارات ، یادگاریں اور تاریخی مقامات بچوں کا عالمی دن منانے کے لئے نیلے کردیے جاتے ہیں اور اس عالمی اقدام کی قیادت یونیسف کرتا ہے۔  اقوامِ متحدہ کا بچوں کا فنڈ (یونیسف) 1946 سے دنیا بھر کے بچوں کے لئے انتھک جدوجہد میں مصروف رہا ہے۔ یونیسف نے پاکستان کے قیام کے ایک سال بعد 1948 میں اپنا پہلا دفتر کراچی میں کھولا تھا۔   گذشتہ برس یادگاری عمارتوں کی نیلے رنگ میں تصاویر یہاں دسیتاب ہیں۔     Go Blue Campaign
  ہفتے کی رات نیلے رنگ میں نہائی ہوئی عمارتوں کی تصاویر بہت جلد یہاں دستیاب ہوں گی۔  مزید معلومات کے لئے رابطہ کریں: یونیسف پاکستان ارسلان خالد ای میل: arsalanksr@hotmail.com فون نمبر: +92 333 525 1175 عبدالسمیع ملک ای میل: asmalik@unicef.org فون نمبر: +92 300 855 6654  یونیسف کے بارے میں یونیسف دنیا کے مشکل مقامات میں کام کرتے ہوئے دنیا کے سب سے زیادہ محروم بچوں تک رسائی حاصل کرتا ہے۔ دنیا بھر کے 190 ممالک میں ہم ہر جگہ ہر بچے کے لئے کام کرتے ہیں تاکہ ہر ایک کے لئے ایک بہتر دنیا کا قیام ممکن ہوسکے۔ یونیسف اور بچوں کے لئے اس ادارے کے کام کے بارے میں مزید جاننے کے وزٹ کریں www.unicef.org  اور www.unicef.org/pakistan۔ کووڈ 19 کے بارے میں مزید معلومات کے لئے وزٹ کریں: www.unicef.org/coronavirus. کووِڈ 19 ویکسین کی فراہم کے سلسلے میں یونیسف کے کام کے بارے میں مزید جاننے لئے یہاں کلک کریں یا پھر یونیسف کے مامون کاری(ویکسینیشن) کے کام کے سلسلے میں مزید جاننے کے لئے یہاں کلک کریں۔ ٹویٹر، فیس بک اور انسٹا گرام پر یونیسف کو فالو کریں۔ ***   UNDP PRESS RELEASE UNDP, INL and KP Police Inaugurate the Joint Police Training Center Phase-II Nowshera, 19th November 2021—The newly constructed Phase-II of the Joint Police Training Center (JPTC) Nowshera was inaugurated by Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mr. Moazzam Jah Ansari, U.S. Consul General Peshawar Mr. Richard H. Riley, and UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Knut Ostby in Nowshera, yesterday. Spread over 88 acres, Phase-II of the center has doubled the capacity of JPTC. This phase includes an academic block, barracks, a quarter guard, multipurpose hall, an assembly hall, health care centre, separate hostels, and residences for both men and women officers. The construction of JPTC Phase-II also included an additional Academic Block for 500 students, a hostel for 60 officers, another barrack for 200 students and an additional floor of the Quick Response Force building, which were not of the initial plan. The American Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section (INL) Director Mr. Mark A. Tervakoski said that this facility will help in developing a more effective, professional and a transparent criminal justice system. “Since 1989, INL has provided over 292 million USD in aid and military assistance to Pakistani law enforcement agencies. United States will continue to support capacity building and training of the law enforcement sector across the country.” “Today marks yet another step in the longstanding partnership between the United States of America and Pakistan. This facility is a result of the efforts of Unites States, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government and UNDP’s working together to achieve the same objective; increasing security and prosperity for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Newly Merged Districts”, said U.S. Consul General Peshawar Mr. Richard H. Riley. Speaking at the occasion, UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Knut Ostby said that the Joint Police Training Center is now a state of the art training facility of the KP Police. “UNDP will support the KP Police to provide specialized trainings to 2000 police personnel from the Newly Merged Districts in 2022 and 2024. These trainings enable them to deliver services in an effective manner. I want to especially emphasize the importance of women in police. I appreciate INL and KP Police for developing a facility that has offers an enabling environment to women police officers”. JPTC is a remarkable addition to police force because it provides specialized training facilities to meet the challenging training needs of KP Police men and women. For additional information, please contact Ayesha Babar at ayesha.babar@undp.org  or +92 (51) 835 5650