Pregnancy and childbirth should be among the happiest of occasions in a woman’s life. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many of the world’s poorest and most marginalized women.

On this International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, stands with all members of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) communities worldwide.

Opening statement of UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem to the 51st session of the Commission on Population and Development on sustainable cities, human mobility and international migration.

I am happy to learn of today’s release of some of the girls who had been abducted by insurgents in Dapchi, Nigeria. Like their families and community, I am deeply concerned about their physical and emotional well-being after their ordeal.

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, has zero tolerance for sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse. This policy is strictly enforced.

The economic inequalities plaguing much of the world today are reinforced by many other forms of inequality, including inequalities in sexual and reproductive health. More than 200 million women—many of them poor and living in rural and remote parts of the world—lack access to voluntary family planning methods. In addition, more than 800 pregnant women—many in fragile socio-economic situations—die each day from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth.

Remarks by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem at the 2018 Graduation Ceremony of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, where she was awarded an Honorary Fellowship, the School’s highest honour.

UNFPA notes the recent news stories on possible sexual exploitation and abuse in the distribution of humanitarian aid inside Syria. UNFPA underscores that it has zero tolerance for any form of abuse or exploitation.

Statement of Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UNFPA, the UN Population Fund, in response to Escalation of Violence in Syria

Female genital mutilation is many things: A violent act that causes infection, disease, childbirth complications and even death. A cruel practice that inflicts lasting emotional harm and preys on the most vulnerable, least powerful members of society – girls between infancy and age 15. A violation of human rights that both reflects and perpetuates the low status of girls and women in too many places. A drag on the well-being of communities and economies.

Statement of UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem to the First Regular Session of the Executive Board of UNDP, UNFPA and UNOPS.