UNICEF’s role in Israel and the State of Palestine
Jump to: 1. What is UNICEF’s humanitarian role during armed conflict? 2. What are the universal humanitarian principles that guide UNICEF’s operations and advocacy? 3. Why does UNICEF refer to “parties to conflict” without calling them by name? 4. Does UNICEF’s commitment to neutrality and other humanitarian principles prevent it from speaking up…, 1. What is UNICEF’s humanitarian role during armed conflict? , UNICEF’s humanitarian mandate is to help alleviate the suffering of children, no matter who they are or where they live. In certain situations, when resources are readily available to meet children’s needs during an emergency, we do this by offering guidance and support to decision-makers on the ground. In others, we mobilize UNICEF staff and…, 2. What are the universal humanitarian principles that guide UNICEF’s operations and advocacy?, As an operational humanitarian organization, UNICEF holds itself accountable to the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. We aim to uphold these universal principles in every context, by action and by word. Humanity: Human suffering must be addressed wherever it is found. The purpose of humanitarian action is to save…, 3. Why does UNICEF refer to “parties to conflict” without calling them by name? , UNICEF’s mandate in any conflict is to help protect children’s rights and alleviate their suffering. This means calling on those involved in fighting to abide by their obligations under international law, in the manner experience has shown to serve the best interests of children caught in hostilities. It also means working to reach those children…, 4. Does UNICEF’s commitment to neutrality and other humanitarian principles prevent it from speaking up against violations of children’s rights? , No. UNICEF will continue to speak out against violations of children’s rights, including grave violations committed against children on every side of violence. Our mandate is to conduct humanitarian advocacy for sustained, unimpeded access to all children in need, and to do so in line with humanitarian principles . How and where we speak out is…, 5. Has UNICEF spoken out on the violations committed against children in Israel and the State of Palestine? , Yes. In public and behind closed doors, UNICEF has spoken out on the violations committed against children in Israel and the State of Palestine unequivocally, consistently and since the earliest days. Even wars have rules. The killing and maiming of children is a grave violation condemned by the United Nations Security Council. Attacks on…, 6. How does UNICEF decide which images of children to publish online?, Reporting on children living through war, conflict and other forms of violence risks exposing them to further harm. When making decisions on if and how to share a child’s story or imagery, UNICEF prioritizes the safety, dignity and best interests of that child above all other considerations, including advocacy. Children in imminent danger,…, 7. How does UNICEF operate in Israel?, In high-income countries such as Israel, Governments generally have adequate capacity to respond to emergencies. Upon request from the Government, UNICEF can extend support, such as mental health and psychosocial support for children. In over 30 countries where UNICEF does not perform programmatic activities, National Committees for UNICEF serve…, 8. How does UNICEF operate in the State of Palestine?, UNICEF has been supporting Palestinian children in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip since the early 1980’s. Following the establishment of the Palestinian Authority in 1994, UNICEF appointed its first Special Representative to serve Palestinian children. With staff in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, we work to fulfil children’s rights and provide…, 9. What is UNICEF’s response to reports that aid is not reaching all those it intends to?, UNICEF aid is not reaching all the children who urgently need it. Getting humanitarian supplies into and through Gaza is an intensive effort, subjected to extensive constraints. Trucks carrying relief must undergo multiple layers of inspection before entering the Strip, with cargo increasingly rejected on unpredictable grounds. Items needed to…, 10. What measures does UNICEF have in place to prevent aid diversion?, UNICEF’s primary focus is to ensure life-saving supplies reach children in need. With decades of experience delivering aid in high-risk environments, we know that some proportion of relief items will inevitably be lost or damaged along the way. That’s why in Gaza, as in all emergency settings, we adopt a “no regrets” approach, adjusting…, 11. What is UNICEF’s humanitarian role within the wider United Nations system?, The United Nations was founded in the aftermath of World War II to bolster international peace and security and promote fundamental human rights. By mandate from the United Nations General Assembly, UNICEF works to protect the rights of children, in times of peace or crisis. Our duty to protect underlies all others during armed conflict: UNICEF…, 12. How do UNICEF and UNWRA work together in Gaza?, Everywhere we operate, UNICEF partners with civil society organizations and other aid agencies to help deliver more relief to more children. In Gaza, we work with UNWRA – the UN agency responsible for providing vital assistance to Palestine refugees in the State of Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria – to expand our reach. UNICEF has long…, 13. What is UNICEF calling for?, UNICEF appeals for world leaders to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law to protect children suffering through this unprecedented catastrophe. Children need a humanitarian ceasefire now. See all our calls for action here . Learn more about UNICEF’s core commitments for children caught in conflict and…, Resources for media, Current issues Read about UNICEF’s position on current issues affecting children. Press centre Browse our extensive resources for journalists and media, showcasing UNICEF's efforts around the world. Media contacts See UNICEF's range media contacts, available as communications resources for press colleagues. Experts Talk to our leading experts,…
