SHAH ALAM - Despite worldwide calls for action and an immediate ceasefire in the escalating humanitarian crisis in Palestine, certain United Nation (UN) Women Goodwill Ambassadors who have the platform and influence on effect change, have chosen to remain conspicuously silent on the matter.
Here is the list of the UN Women Goodwill Ambassadors who remained silent on the ongoing atrocities committed by Israel against Palestinians:
1. Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman, an Academy Award–winning actress was appointed as Goodwill Ambassador in January 2006.
She has been actively raising awareness about global women's issues, stressing that women's contributions were vital for development and building just societies.
Kidman has primarily focused on ending violence against women.
She served as the international spokesperson for UN Women's "Say NO – UNiTE to End Violence against Women" initiative and has travelled to meet with survivors of sexual violence, highlighting this pervasive human rights violation.
The Australian actress known for her versatile career in film and television spanning over three decades, received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, multiple Golden Globes and Emmy Awards.
2. Danai Gurira
Danai Gurira is an award-winning playwright and actress, celebrated for her roles in films like "Black Panther" and the television series "The Walking Dead."
As a Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women, she actively promoted gender equality and women empowerment worldwide.
Gurira has been involved in initiatives such as the UN stereotype Alliance which aimed to combat harmful stereotypes in advertising.
She leveraged her platform to spark conversations about stereotypes and encouraged individuals to challenge and speak out against harmful societal norms.
3. Martina Vieira da Silva
Marta Vieira da Silva, popularly known as Marta, is a world-renowned Brazilian soccer player and a Goodwill Ambassador.
She supported UN Women's mission for gender equality and women empowerment globally, inspiring women and girls to challenge stereotypes, overcome barriers and pursue their dreams, especially in sports.
As a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, Marta advocates for women and girls in sports, emphasising the transformative power of sports in empowering women, challenging socio-cultural norms and promoting gender equality.
Her success in soccer and personal life experiences made her an exceptional role model.
Marta worked closely with UN Women to ensure equal opportunities for women and girls in sports and beyond using the universal language of sports to inspire and unite.
4. Joyce Azzam
Joyce Azzam, a Lebanese mountaineer, motivational speaker and activist was recently appointed as UN Women's first National Goodwill Ambassador for Lebanon.
In this role, she supported efforts to advance gender equality and women's rights in the country.
As a UN Women National Goodwill Ambassador, Azzam would connect with diverse communities across Lebanon, advocating for the support of women and girls and the promotion of women's rights.
She aimed to highlight key issues for women empowerment and gender equality in sports and other sectors, encouraging the government, civil society and the private sector to join the journey towards a more equitable society.
Azzam is the first Lebanese woman and one of the few Arab women to climb all Seven Summits of the world. She is currently working towards completing the full Explorers Grand Slam in its long-distance version, an achievement only a handful of women have accomplished.
5. Cindy Sirinya Bishop
Cindy Sirinya Bishop, a Thai celebrity and rights activist, has served as a Regional Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women since October 2020.
She was a prominent advocate for gender equality and women's rights, actively working towards the accelerated achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5.
In her role as a Regional Goodwill Ambassador, Cindy has participated in numerous initiatives to promote gender equality and women's rights.
She focused on combating harmful stereotypes in the media and has been a vocal advocate for ending violence against women and girls.
Bishop has also partnered with UN Women to organise the Social Power Exhibition against Sexual Assault in 2018 and has been a key figure in the #16Days campaign to end violence against women.
She was well-known in the entertainment industry and as an international activist and speaker for women's rights.
6. Karen Davila
Karen Davila, an award-winning Filipino broadcast journalist, television news anchor and radio presenter was recently appointed as UN Women's first National Goodwill Ambassador for the Philippines.
Throughout her career, she has been a staunch advocate for women's and children's rights, leveraging her journalism, documentaries and community initiatives to drive change.
In her new role, Davila aimed to highlight and address key issues related to gender equality, violence against women, women's economic empowerment, and climate change.
She planned to collaborate closely with UN Women champions and advocates in the Philippines, working on various projects and campaigns to effect positive changes in mindsets, behaviours and the daily lives of women and girls.
7. Jaha Dukureh
Jaha Dukureh, a renowned activist, assumed the role of UN Women Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Africa in February 2018.
She was the chief executive officer and founder of "Safe Hands for Girls" an NGO dedicated to supporting African women and girls who were survivors of female genital mutilation (FGM) and addressing its harmful effects.
She focused on advocating to end FGM and child marriage in Africa, using her platform to raise awareness and drive change.
Her efforts contributed to the Gambian government's ban on FGM following youth mobilisation and campaigning in the country.
Recognised for her impactful work, Dukureh was named as one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2016 and nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018.
8. Farhan Akhtar
Farhan Akhtar is an Indian actor, filmmaker, writer, dialogue writer, singer and songwriter who has been involved in various roles in the UN. He has been a Regional UN Women Ambassador for South Asia since 2016, focusing on promoting gender equality and women empowerment.
He spearheaded several initiatives and campaigns, including the social campaign "Men Against Rape and Discrimination" (MARD), which he launched in 2012 to raise awareness about gender-based violence and discrimination.
While he has spoken out against the mass killing of the Palestinians, it appeared that he focused more on the conflict itself and did not take sides.
There were only limited mention of the ongoing genocide on his platform.
"The Israel-Palestine conflict is complex, but the reality is that innocent people are dying every day. This cycle of violence must end," he said on X.
Most of them have neither posted nor spoken against the atrocities committed by the Israeli forces against Palestinians, choosing instead to remain silent amidst one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of the time.
Others UN Celebrity Ambassadors who have remained quiet on Palestine included Demet Evgar, Hai Qing, Eun Mee Kim, Camila Pitanga, Marion Reimers, Ximena Sariñana, and Tong Dawei.