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.

New Year Message from UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem

Introductory remarks by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem at the High-level Technical Meeting on Advancing Comprehensive Sexuality Education to Achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, 14 December 2017, Oslo, Norway.

Today, as we commemorate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we celebrate the foundations that the Declaration provides for the right to sexual and reproductive health, and the growing recognition that these are fundamental human rights. This takes these rights and freedoms to new levels.

Human beings are born free and equal, both in rights and in dignity. This is the fundamental principle enshrined in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Ashley Judd was one of the “silence breakers” named by Time magazine as Person of the Year 2017. This designation makes us even prouder than ever to be working with Ms. Judd as UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador.

One new HIV infection is one too many – and in 2016 there were 1.8 million.

What kind of future do we wish to create for Asia and the Pacific? The answer to that sweeping question, in large part, lies in how we care for the girls of today – in particular the more than 325 million girls aged 10 to 19 across this vast region.

Keynote statement by Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA Executive Director, at the 14th International Inter-Ministerial Conference on Population and Development, Technical Session on "Improving Maternal and Child Health in the Urban Context: Sustainable Cities, Human Mobility and International Migration".