- January 24, 2025
- 6:58 pm
- World News
Russia initiated a meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss the “tragic situation with children in the Gaza Strip.” Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN Vasily Nebenzya attacked with claims at UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell for “refusing to personally brief meeting participants.”
“We see a blatant violation of UNICEF's mandate. It’s difficult to understand why children in Ukraine are more important to this organization than children in Gaza,” Nebenzya said on January 23, 2025.
He also promised to complain personally to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
“The refusal of the head of UNICEF to brief the UN Security Council on the horrendous tragedy associated with the deaths of tens of thousands of children in Gaza is a blatant step that deserves the most serious condemnation,” Nebenzya cried at the beginning of the meeting.
He also accused the US of being “responsible for the murder of children in Gaza” after the state used its veto power at the UN Security Council.
Russia: accusations and claims
The Russian representative not only accused Russell of being selective, but also expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that she previously spoke “at the snap of her fingers” at a briefing on Ukraine last December.
According to Russia, the behavior of the head of UNICEF demonstrates bias. Nebenzya emphasized that such actions allegedly violate Article 100 of the UN Charter, which requires impartiality from employees of the organization.
UNICEF response and US position
UNICEF said Catherine Russell was unable to attend the meeting due to her participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos. The director of emergency situations could make a statement instead.
US Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea rejected Russia's accusations, saying:
“We categorically deny allegations that the United States is responsible for the suffering of children in Gaza.”
Table: Key points of the dispute
| Subject | Russia's position | Response from UNICEF and the USA |
|---|---|---|
| Priority for children of Ukraine and Gaza | Russia says UNICEF is biased | UNICEF denies, citing Russell's employment |
| US charges | Russia accuses US of killing children in Gaza | The US called the charges unacceptable |
| Russell's participation | Russell refused to personally inform the Security Council | UNICEF proposed an alternative speech |
Political implications of the accusations
It is obvious that the accusations against Russia are connected not only with the “humanitarian agenda”, but also with an attempt to politicize the activities of international organizations.
NAnews – Israel News We have already written about Russia’s repeated attempts to use the UN platform to promote its interests.
“UNICEF’s criticism looks like a political maneuver aimed at diverting attention from its own actions in Ukraine,” experts note.
Ukrainian context: why does Russia mention Ukraine?
While Russia accuses UNICEF of being “biased,” it is important to remember that it started the war in Ukraine, leading to a humanitarian catastrophe.
Since the beginning of the war, Ukraine has demonstrated the ability to self-organize and attracted global support, including from UNICEF.
NAnews – Israel News emphasize:
“Russia is trying to use every opportunity to justify its actions in Ukraine, including through manipulation of humanitarian issues.”
Bottom line
The UNICEF scandal is less about the children of Gaza and more about Russia's attempt to divert attention from its responsibility in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the international community continues to provide assistance to children in Gaza, while Russia's actions remain only loud statements.
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