UNICEF Australia

We are delighted to welcome Paul Kelly as UNICEF Australia’s new Head of Government Liaison. Paul joins us from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, where he recently served as Australia's Ambassador to Lao PDR. His extensive experience, including roles at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and CARE Australia provides him with a deep understanding of our sector from multiple perspectives. His trusted and strategic approach to building partnerships will be invaluable as he works closely with our Policy and Advocacy teams to strengthen our engagement with Federal and State governments to deliver impactful outcomes for children here at home and around the world.

“Keep the fire burning! Blak, loud and proud.” This year’s NAIDOC week theme is all about strength, vitality, and community in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, with fire as a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of tradition. We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional custodians of this place we now call Sydney, where our office sits. We recognise their connection to land as we celebrate First Nations identity, learn about their rich cultural heritage, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Join us as we stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and continue to amplify their voices and stories, especially those of children and young people. #NAIDOC2024 #NAIDOCWeek #BlakLoudProud

Growing up in a loving and caring environment gives children the best start in life. UNICEF’s New Nurturing Care Parenting program has given mothers like Samet in Cambodia a chance to learn about positive parenting so that her son Racchy, 4, can grow up safe and supported. #ForEveryChild #Protection With UNICEF Cambodia This program is supported by Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade #ANCP

10-year-old Nadia loves coming to school. Soon, she won't get the chance to. 1.5 million girls across Afghanistan have had their education cut short, following a ban on girls attending secondary school. It’s been over 1000 days since this ban was put in place – that’s the equivalent of three billion learning hours lost. For these young girls, it’s taking a toll on not only their mental health, but their future prospects. No matter what, we won’t give up in our fight for the rights of girls and women to an education. We’re providing young people with alternative learning pathways so that they learn the skills they need for their future. We continue to call for the de facto authorities to allow all children to access education. Their lives, futures, hopes and dreams are hanging in the balance.

The Australian Government Senate Inquiry has released their report on the Climate Change Amendment (Duty of Care and Intergenerational Equity) Bill - known as the Duty of Care Bill. We are pleased to see that the Committee has recommended that the Australian Government considers the wide use of the Child Rights Impact Assessment Tool to assist in policy development and decision making. UNICEF Australia collaborated with the Australian Human Rights Commission last year to develop this tool – the first of its kind in Australia. We encourage action on this recommendation as we are confident that systematic use of use of this tool by Government and its agencies would make a big difference in ensuring children’s rights are effectively considered and prioritised as new laws and policies are created. The Committee also recommended that the Duty of Care Bill is not passed. We know that there is overwhelming support from young people across Australia to see this Bill legislated - and we see this as a missed opportunity to safeguard future generations. We believe that all children and young people have a right to a healthy environment and a right to be consulted on decisions affecting their lives. They are disproportionately affected by #ClimateChange, yet most decisions about our climate are made without consulting them and without including their views and voices. Want more info? Read our submission to the Inquiry: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gFwRxxzP 🔗

We believe that all young people should be celebrated regardless of who they are, who they love or what their family looks like. Young people have the right to live free from discrimination and have the space and opportunity to be proud of who they are. Because we all deserve to feel seen, loved and included. Happy #PrideMonth to all, especially our LGBTQIA youth. We see you and we love you, because we are #ForEveryChild. Let’s celebrate #diversity today and every day! 🖤 🤎 ❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜

This year's UN Climate Change Meetings in Bonn, Germany featured the first-ever expert dialogue on the impacts of climate change on children, where UNICEF co-moderated discussions with 63 parties, including Australia. It was inspiring to see representation from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and across sectors such as civil society, faith and youth groups. Key takeaways included the need to recognise how children, especially girls and those from marginalised communities, are disproportionately and uniquely affected by climate change. It's never been more clear that children and young people must be involved in climate policy making, and that their voices are heard at forums like COP29 Azerbaijan. Our Head of Climate, Nishadh Rego, and Head of Policy and Advocacy, Katie Maskiell, took the opportunity to have meetings with negotiators and youth leaders, advocating for child-centred climate actions, from finance and adaptation planning to just transitions. Whilst these conversations at the UNFCCC are crucial for building consensus over time, our critical #climate work continues at both the national level and across the Indo-Pacific region. We remain committed to making sure that children are at the centre of climate policies and actions. Because every child has the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

Are you ready to speak up about climate change? We're inviting young climate activists to join us at the Australian Local Conferences of Youth (LCOY) on Climate Change. We’re giving your thoughts and ideas a platform at this conference run by young people, for young people. We’ll be discussing what Australia can do for climate action in a global context, including topics like investing in green skills and incorporating indigenous knowledge and practices. Participants will also be contributing to the Global Youth Climate Statement, which will be presented to the Australian government then shared with world leaders at UNFCC’s COP29 Azerbaijan climate negotiations in November. Join the conversation and express your interest at the link below or share with changemakers in your network! Expressions of interest close at midnight on Wednesday 26 June. https://unicef.au/3VotQQz Date: 29 June 2024 Time: 10am – 3pm With YOUNGO Plan International Australia

Last night, journalists from across Australia gathered in Sydney for The Walkley Foundation for Journalism's 2024 Mid-Year Awards. For the first time, UNICEF Australia proudly sponsored the Humanitarian Storytelling Award. This year saw an unprecedented number of high-calibre entries, with three finalists presenting powerful stories: - The mental trauma from the war in Ukraine (Al Jazeera) - ABC's Middle East correspondent Tom Joyner on the response to the Moroccan earthquake - ABC's Foreign Correspondent on Yazidi mothers in Iraq forced to abandon their children At UNICEF Australia, we understand the immense humanitarian impact of crises and conflicts globally. By sponsoring the Humanitarian Storytelling Award, we aim to amplify the voices of those affected by armed conflict, humanitarian crises, and other issues like violence, human trafficking, resource scarcity, and poverty. This award celebrates storytelling that respects dignity, is inclusive, compassionate, and people-focused. It also highlights the vital role journalists play in defending dignity during humanitarian crises, wars, and conflicts. Watch Al Jazeera English's winning entry here: https://lnkd.in/gjAcG8Tg

43.4 million children. In the time it took to post, this figure is already out of date. This isn’t just a number – these are children. Torn from their homes by war and natural disasters, millions of children around the world are living in limbo, seeking refuge, safety and protection with their families. In Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and more, we’re supporting children who have been displaced and helping them grow up safe from violence. All displaced children deserve a fair chance in life, to be given the opportunity to reach their full potential, and for their voices and stories to be heard and included in solutions. #WorldRefugeeDay Sources: Australian Bureau of Statistics | ACT Government