Following UNICEF’s recent statement marking two years since the October 7 attacks, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) and the Jordan National NGOs Forum (JONAF) addressed a letter to Ms. Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF.
The letter emphasized the importance of maintaining balance, fairness, and consistency in humanitarian messaging and urged UNICEF to ensure that all children, regardless of nationality or geography, are equally acknowledged and protected.
The letter highlights ARDD’s and JONAF’s shared belief that humanitarian credibility rests not only on principles but also on the perception of neutrality and empathy — and that grieving all children equally is central to the mission of justice and humanity.
Below is the full text of the letter sent to UNICEF’s Executive Director:
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7th October 2025
Ms. Catherine Russell, Executive Director
UNICEF Headquarters
New York, USA
When Neutrality Feels Uneven: On UNICEF’s Statement Marking Two Years Since the October 7 Events
I am writing on behalf of the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD), a Jordan-based organization and the coordinator of the Jordan National NGOs Forum (JONAF), a network that brings together national civil society organizations committed to advancing human rights, justice, and dignity for all.
We acknowledge UNICEF’s recent statement marking two years since the October 7th events. The statement rightly condemned violence against children and communities, reaffirming that every child deserves safety and protection. However, across the Arab World, the post has caused discomfort and deep concern — not because people disagree with the universal principle of defending children’s rights, but because the message appeared selective. By naming one perpetrator and one group of victims, while omitting any reference to the ongoing genocide, suffering, and devastating loss of Palestinian children, the statement risks undermining the very neutrality and moral authority that give humanitarian institutions their credibility.
This is especially painful because UNICEF has been one of the strongest and most consistent advocates for children in Gaza, courageously documenting the catastrophic toll of the conflict, calling for a ceasefire, protection of civilians, and unimpeded humanitarian access. When such advocacy is not reflected in global communications, it creates a sense of dissonance and erodes the trust of the communities that UNICEF serves and represents.
In deeply polarized contexts, neutrality must be felt, not just declared. The credibility of humanitarian action depends not only on principles but also on the perception of fairness, empathy, and the courage to grieve all children equally, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or geographical location.
We therefore urge UNICEF to ensure that all future public statements, particularly those marking moments of violence and loss, reflect the organization’s universal mission: to uphold the rights, protection, and dignity of every child, without exception or selectivity. Such consistency will strengthen UNICEF’s standing as a global moral voice and a trusted advocate for children everywhere.
With respect and appreciation for UNICEF’s tireless efforts to protect children in the region and beyond,
Sincerely yours
Samar Muhareb,
ARDD Chief Executive Director & JONAF Coordinator
