UNICEF helps to begin changing attitudes towards early marriage in Niger
MARADI, Niger, 23 December 2010 – Sahira, 15, sits in front of a social worker at the Office of the Promotion of Women and the Protection of Children with a blank stare on her face. She has run away after being forced to marry a man she had never met who is three times her age.
MARADI, Niger, 23 December 2010 – Sahira, 15, sits in front of a social worker at the Office of the Promotion of Women and the Protection of Children with a blank stare on her face. She has run away after being forced to marry a man she had never met who is three times her age.
UNICEF supports efforts to keep young Angolans off the streets
LUANDA, Angola, 23 December 2010 – A line of ships wait to enter the port of Luanda, bringing goods that are paid for by Angola's oil boom. It's a holiday and the beach is busy with children playing. A restaurant's tables and chairs are covered with frilly cloths, ready for a wedding party, as two young women tuck into a lunch of Bacalhau – salted codfish.
LUANDA, Angola, 23 December 2010 – A line of ships wait to enter the port of Luanda, bringing goods that are paid for by Angola's oil boom. It's a holiday and the beach is busy with children playing. A restaurant's tables and chairs are covered with frilly cloths, ready for a wedding party, as two young women tuck into a lunch of Bacalhau – salted codfish.
Community mobilizers help to fight childhood malnutrition in Somalia
HARGEISA, Somalia, 22 December 2010 – Halima Awali, 60, shushes the crowd of boisterous children gathered around her and proclaims, "I was there to bring almost all of these babies into the world." Squinting into the fierce noon Somaliland sun, the smiling grandmother adds, "Now I am here to make sure all of them stay here."
HARGEISA, Somalia, 22 December 2010 – Halima Awali, 60, shushes the crowd of boisterous children gathered around her and proclaims, "I was there to bring almost all of these babies into the world." Squinting into the fierce noon Somaliland sun, the smiling grandmother adds, "Now I am here to make sure all of them stay here."
Japan supports UNICEF in the fight against polio with equity
TOKYO, Japan, 22 December 2010 – The Government of Japan has made a total contribution of approximately $25.4 million for the prevention of polio and other infectious diseases in Nigeria, Pakistan and Sudanin the pastmonth. Since 1993, Japan has been actively providing oral polio vaccines to the world's children through UNICEF.
TOKYO, Japan, 22 December 2010 – The Government of Japan has made a total contribution of approximately $25.4 million for the prevention of polio and other infectious diseases in Nigeria, Pakistan and Sudanin the pastmonth. Since 1993, Japan has been actively providing oral polio vaccines to the world's children through UNICEF.
Health care and immunization for Palestinian mothers and children in need
HABLEH, Occupied Palestinian Territory, 21 December 2010 – The Hableh government clinic on the West Bank is humming with activity. Today the clinic's paediatrician is immunizing children, and the benches are lined with women holding children in one hand and, in the other, a 'Mother and Child Handbook' designed to track a child's health and immunization status.
HABLEH, Occupied Palestinian Territory, 21 December 2010 – The Hableh government clinic on the West Bank is humming with activity. Today the clinic's paediatrician is immunizing children, and the benches are lined with women holding children in one hand and, in the other, a 'Mother and Child Handbook' designed to track a child's health and immunization status.
UNICEF and partners help educate children displaced by conflict in DR Congo
WALIKALE, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 20 December 2010 – Ujumbe Kiwabantu and her family were displaced by the conflict in DR Congo two years ago, when they fled their home and came to live with distant relatives in Walikale, a remote rainforest territory.
WALIKALE, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 20 December 2010 – Ujumbe Kiwabantu and her family were displaced by the conflict in DR Congo two years ago, when they fled their home and came to live with distant relatives in Walikale, a remote rainforest territory.
National Children's Forum brings young voices to Niger's electoral process
NIAMEY, Niger, 20 December 2010 – A quiet revolution is taking place in the unlikeliest of places, with children at its forefront. "I want our rights to be respected and ask that the new president build schools with well-built classrooms," said Hourey Amadou, 12, who was among the 161 participants in a National Children's Forum held late last month in Niger's capital, Niamey.
NIAMEY, Niger, 20 December 2010 – A quiet revolution is taking place in the unlikeliest of places, with children at its forefront. "I want our rights to be respected and ask that the new president build schools with well-built classrooms," said Hourey Amadou, 12, who was among the 161 participants in a National Children's Forum held late last month in Niger's capital, Niamey.
UNICEF and Japan support '1,000 Classrooms Project' in Afghan capital
KABUL, Afghanistan, 17 December 2010 – Girls and boys were thrilled with the recent inauguration of a new high school in the Afghan capital, built as part of a major project in which the government will construct over 1,000 new classrooms in 58 schools in and around Kabul. The project is supported by UNICEF and the Government of Japan.
KABUL, Afghanistan, 17 December 2010 – Girls and boys were thrilled with the recent inauguration of a new high school in the Afghan capital, built as part of a major project in which the government will construct over 1,000 new classrooms in 58 schools in and around Kabul. The project is supported by UNICEF and the Government of Japan.
UNICEF Executive Director brings a message of hope to Haiti's most vulnerable
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, 16 December 2010 – In a surprise visit to Haitian capital, Executive Director Anthony Lake yesterday reaffirmed the commitment of UNICEF and other UN agencies to continue the fight against the cholera epidemic here, and encouraged Haitians themselves to take action against the disease.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti, 16 December 2010 – In a surprise visit to Haitian capital, Executive Director Anthony Lake yesterday reaffirmed the commitment of UNICEF and other UN agencies to continue the fight against the cholera epidemic here, and encouraged Haitians themselves to take action against the disease.
After the floods in Benin, school year starts under harsh conditions
GANVIE, Benin, 16 December 2010 – In the past two months, Benin has experienced some of its worst floods since the 1960s. And now, students in the flood zone are returning to school under harsh conditions.
GANVIE, Benin, 16 December 2010 – In the past two months, Benin has experienced some of its worst floods since the 1960s. And now, students in the flood zone are returning to school under harsh conditions.
UNICEF supports village clinics to improve maternal and child health across Niger
MARADI, Niger, 15 December 2010 – With babies strapped to their backs and with health cards in hand, women begin arriving soon after daybreak, seemingly from every direction, in the dusty village of Sarkin Yamma Soffoua. By the time the small health post opens its doors at 8 a.m., more than 50 mothers are waiting with their children for regular check-ups or other consultations.
MARADI, Niger, 15 December 2010 – With babies strapped to their backs and with health cards in hand, women begin arriving soon after daybreak, seemingly from every direction, in the dusty village of Sarkin Yamma Soffoua. By the time the small health post opens its doors at 8 a.m., more than 50 mothers are waiting with their children for regular check-ups or other consultations.
Pioneer Youth Parliament commences in Timor-Leste
DILI, Timor-Leste, 15 December 2010 – "This is an historic day," proclaimed UNICEF Representative in Timor-Leste Jun Kukita in his opening remarks at the first seating of Timor-Leste's Youth Parliament.
DILI, Timor-Leste, 15 December 2010 – "This is an historic day," proclaimed UNICEF Representative in Timor-Leste Jun Kukita in his opening remarks at the first seating of Timor-Leste's Youth Parliament.
UNICEF supports emergency polio immunization efforts in Congo
POINTE NOIRE, Republic of Congo, 14 December 2010 - The Republic of Congo is carryibng out a three-round emergency immunization campaign launched in the wake of a deadly polio outbreak. Unusually, most of the victims have been young adults aged 15-29, pointing to inadequate or failing childhood vaccinations.
POINTE NOIRE, Republic of Congo, 14 December 2010 - The Republic of Congo is carryibng out a three-round emergency immunization campaign launched in the wake of a deadly polio outbreak. Unusually, most of the victims have been young adults aged 15-29, pointing to inadequate or failing childhood vaccinations.
Uganda modernizes birth registration Process
KAMPALA, Uganda, 13 December 2010 - When Beatrice Nassanga, 15, a student at Aga Khan High School met with Speaker Edward Ssekandi some months ago, she had a singular mission: persuade him to convince Parliament to declare birth registration mandatory for every child in Uganda.
KAMPALA, Uganda, 13 December 2010 - When Beatrice Nassanga, 15, a student at Aga Khan High School met with Speaker Edward Ssekandi some months ago, she had a singular mission: persuade him to convince Parliament to declare birth registration mandatory for every child in Uganda.
Motorbike ambulances help fight maternal mortality in Southern Sudan
YAMBIO, Southern Sudan, 13 December 2010 – Providing a fast, economical and efficient way to transport pregnant women to hospitals, the new E-Ranger motorbike ambulance - fitted with an attached sidecar bed in which a pregnant woman can sit comfortably - has become a veritable lifeline for Southern Sudan.
YAMBIO, Southern Sudan, 13 December 2010 – Providing a fast, economical and efficient way to transport pregnant women to hospitals, the new E-Ranger motorbike ambulance - fitted with an attached sidecar bed in which a pregnant woman can sit comfortably - has become a veritable lifeline for Southern Sudan.
UNICEF supports Uganda's committment to fight violence against women and children
MUNYONYO, Uganda, 10 December 2010 - "Today we are starting a three-day journey for creating a shared vision about a Ugandan society in which women and children live with no fear, in dignity and to their full potential."
MUNYONYO, Uganda, 10 December 2010 - "Today we are starting a three-day journey for creating a shared vision about a Ugandan society in which women and children live with no fear, in dignity and to their full potential."
Day care centres give hope to children living with HIV in Uzbekistan
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, 10 December 2010 - Azim, 12, has been living with HIV for two years. He currently attends the Boychechak Day Care Center, which provides services for people affected by HIV/AIDS in the eastern province of Namangan in Uzbekistan. Since June 2010, over 550 children like Azim who experience stigma and discrimination because of their HIV status have found solace in such centers. They have also found a chance to enjoy their childhood once again.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, 10 December 2010 - Azim, 12, has been living with HIV for two years. He currently attends the Boychechak Day Care Center, which provides services for people affected by HIV/AIDS in the eastern province of Namangan in Uzbekistan. Since June 2010, over 550 children like Azim who experience stigma and discrimination because of their HIV status have found solace in such centers. They have also found a chance to enjoy their childhood once again.
In Kazakhstan, Goodwill Ambassador Sir Roger Moore advocates for the rights of children with disabilities
NEW YORK, USA, 10 December 2010 – In a special video message marking the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sir Roger Moore called for better support for children with disabilities.
NEW YORK, USA, 10 December 2010 – In a special video message marking the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sir Roger Moore called for better support for children with disabilities.
Millions displaced by devastating floods in Pakistan brace for winter without a home
PUNJAB PROVINCE, Pakistan, 8 December 2010 – Flood waters that have devastated one-fifth of Pakistan's lands and affected the lives of more than 20 million people have been receding in most of the affected areas, but the misery left behind is indescribable. And now, at least 10 million displaced persons across the country are returning home to try to rebuild their shattered lives.
PUNJAB PROVINCE, Pakistan, 8 December 2010 – Flood waters that have devastated one-fifth of Pakistan's lands and affected the lives of more than 20 million people have been receding in most of the affected areas, but the misery left behind is indescribable. And now, at least 10 million displaced persons across the country are returning home to try to rebuild their shattered lives.
In Haiti, UNICEF trains educators to mobilize communities against cholera
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti 9 December 2010 - Chydena Laguerre Joseph holds up a brightly colored cholera prevention poster in Wharf Jérémie, one of Port-au-Prince's most overcrowded and poorest neighbourhoods. Gathered around her, a group of children wearing ragged clothes and shining smiles begins to sing a song she just taught them:
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti 9 December 2010 - Chydena Laguerre Joseph holds up a brightly colored cholera prevention poster in Wharf Jérémie, one of Port-au-Prince's most overcrowded and poorest neighbourhoods. Gathered around her, a group of children wearing ragged clothes and shining smiles begins to sing a song she just taught them:
Meningitis vaccination campaign targets 12 million in Burkina Faso
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso, 8 December 2010 – .By the end of next week, 12 million Burkinabe children and young adults will receive a new meningitis vaccine. The drive to tackle this potentially fatal disease, which infects the lining around the brain and spinal cord, was launched by President Blaise Compaoré in the presence of leaders and ministers from other African countries affected by meningitis.
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso, 8 December 2010 – .By the end of next week, 12 million Burkinabe children and young adults will receive a new meningitis vaccine. The drive to tackle this potentially fatal disease, which infects the lining around the brain and spinal cord, was launched by President Blaise Compaoré in the presence of leaders and ministers from other African countries affected by meningitis.
First municipal council of children and young people elected in Morocco
OUISSELSATE, Morocco, 8 December 2010 – Morocco recently launched its first Municipal Council of Children and Youth in the rural community of Ouisselsate, located in Ouarzazate Province. It is the first of five such councils that will be launched under the framework of a UNICEF-supported 'Child-Friendly Cities' initiative to protect and promote child rights in the country.
OUISSELSATE, Morocco, 8 December 2010 – Morocco recently launched its first Municipal Council of Children and Youth in the rural community of Ouisselsate, located in Ouarzazate Province. It is the first of five such councils that will be launched under the framework of a UNICEF-supported 'Child-Friendly Cities' initiative to protect and promote child rights in the country.
UNICEF supports large-scale intervention to prevent and treat malaria in DR Congo
DJUMA, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 7 December 2010 – The first day of Djuma's mosquito net distribution provided the most festive few hours of two-year-old Nicole Katshinga's life. It was as if the whole world had come to the remote village in Bandundu Province.
DJUMA, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 7 December 2010 – The first day of Djuma's mosquito net distribution provided the most festive few hours of two-year-old Nicole Katshinga's life. It was as if the whole world had come to the remote village in Bandundu Province.
Young people celebrate child rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
JERUSALEM, 7 December 2010 – Whirling and stamping, his feet carrying him through the steps of the traditional Palestinian 'Dabkeh' dance, Hamoudeh Rantisi, 11, smiles out at the audience
JERUSALEM, 7 December 2010 – Whirling and stamping, his feet carrying him through the steps of the traditional Palestinian 'Dabkeh' dance, Hamoudeh Rantisi, 11, smiles out at the audience