UNFPA, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, is closely monitoring and working with partners, governments and UN agencies to address the outbreak of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Joint statement by UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore, UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the occasion of International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.

Message from UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem on Human Rights Day 2019

This World AIDS Day, UNFPA recognizes the vital role of communities in delivering sexual and reproductive health services that help prevent HIV transmission and improve the well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS. By putting communities at the centre, we can reach those furthest behind and achieve zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related deaths and zero stigma and discrimination.

The crime of rape is a severe human rights violation, yet it remains widespread around the globe. Sexual violence is an epidemic that thrives in times of conflict and during emergencies, once the rule of law and criminal justice systems collapse and, far too often, rape is wielded as a weapon of war.

The mental health consequences of crisis and conflict are serious, yet often overlooked. Those caught in humanitarian emergencies suffer psychological trauma and invisible wounds as devastating and crippling as any physical harm. Survivors can face long-lasting challenges to their health and well-being, and too often, suffer in silence.

As we mark World Humanitarian Day, UNFPA salutes those who respond to crises around the world. This year, we call attention to the courage and commitment of women humanitarians who assist people amidst conflict, disasters and displacement.

From their communities to their capital cities, young people everywhere are demanding their rights, as affirmed 25 years ago at the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo. In the decades since, we at UNFPA have accompanied countless young people on the journey from adolescence to adulthood.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the world’s blueprint for a better future for all on a healthy planet.  On World Population Day, we recognize that this mission is closely interrelated with demographic trends including population growth, ageing, migration and urbanization.