[hbrown24]

My large extended family has a family website we all participate on. We have been discussing on ways to make charitable contributions as a family.

Here's my dilemma: It was suggested we donate THROUGH UNICEF to Niger to help feed the starving people there. They all think that's a great idea and are complimenting UNICEF's efforts. How do I explain about UNICEF's position on international adoption to them? They can be very defensive and some of them are "know it alls" so I'm afraid to say anything for fear of being wrong. I have read UNICEF's position on international adoption and I'm not sure I even understand all of it but will you please help me on how to explain it?? BTW, they don't know much about international adoption.

Thanks so much in advance!

[busterleroy]

I actually work with international organizations, and heard an interesting speech last year that best sums up what the problem is with UNICEF and many other UN organzations.

The international community actually refers to something called 'shrinkage" ( for any Seinfeld fans, I had a hard time keep a straight face for this one) Shrinkage is also called the 90/10 or 10/90 rule. Basically it means that you have to accept upfront that corruption is a way of life for African and many third world governments, so you try and modify your own policies so that 90 percent of aid dollars reach intended recipients, while only 10 percent is skimmed by government officials. If you are not careful, 90 percent is likely skimmed and 10 percent might make its way to whoever is in need.

It is my opinion that the UN discourages personal involvement; instead encouraging contributions from governments and inviduals to its own organizations, so they can control and appropriate dollars where they see fit. International adoption is threatening primarily because it serves the short term financial interests of UN organizations to have legions of children waiting for adoption, then UNICEF or associated organizations can control funds, and keep the children in their native countries to preserve 'cultural heritage'.

It does NOT serve the financial interests of the UN to have third world children successfully placed in loving homes in developed nations.

You will notice that some of the celebrities, cultural or religious leaders who have Africa as favorite cause set up their own charities and fundraise primarily for them. They do this as a means of controlling how dollars are spent, rather than fundraising for the UN or governments of troubled nations. Many leaders and activist celebrities are reluctant to acknowledge the corruption of certain governments, fearing that fundraising efforts will be hurt.

I was so furious when I began to understand the scope of this problem. I remember being at a dinner in Europe, seated next to someone who once worked with one of the international organizations fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS. I asked why there wasn't more outrage over this corruption, and why it was so widespread, particulary in Africa. She explained that if corrupt practices were all government officials had ever known, and that people grew up thinking and accepting that that is how government is supposed to operate, it was very hard to implement change. Also, it helps the people in power remain in power if they have control over money, information and the ability to direct access to aid resources.

One more point to help drive home what we are up against: Many people will find this hard to believe, but there are leaders of some nations of Africa who refuse to even acknowledge at this very moment that there is a disease called HIV/AIDS. They do not allow information regarding prevention and treatment to be distributed, nor do they allow treatment including lifesaving antiretrovirals to be administered.

I hope this helps.

[busterleroy]

PS Forgot to mention the reason I talk so much about Africa is that is where the UN focus and control is - for instance last time I checked, UNICEF board had 8 representatives from Africa, 7 or so from Asia, 5 from Latin America/Carribean - though can't recall seeing a Guatemala rep, can't be sure, I remember Peru and El Salvador - and only one representative from the US.

[SweetMoody]

I dont know what to tell you but I told my mother their stand on international adoption and she exclaimed "And I sent you out to trick or treat for them"!


LOL I thought that was funny, but it helped me remember how proud I was to trick or treat for unicef and how much I think they lie to people about what they do.

I think if I faced your situation I would do alot of research and just print out the facts and give it to them for them to look at.

[kcsunshine925]

Hey Joey's mom,

Thanks for that great summary...

Sheila

[keltsalazar]

You should also research past articles on guatadopt.com. It goes into detail UNICEF's activities as related to Guatemala. Based on my poor memory, changes started taking place in UNICEF's policies in the 1990's when a new executive director was appointed. I forgot her name. But previous to that UNICEF was doing what it was doing best and providing enormous amounts of vaccinations, medical care and food aid to children. They have gone way off course. Also read some of the old petition drives on guatadopt.com.

Allison
Daniel home 1/2004
Waiting for Ruth and PGN

[busterleroy]

Thank you, I was worried that people would think I was a geek for such a long and boring post.

[avoel]

Also check out the Focus on Adoption website...they spend a lot of time and effort educating about UNICEF's stand on intercountry adoption. I think it is www.focusonadoption.com
I know they have a little hand out that briefly explains the problem for handing out when kids do trick or treat at your door for UNICEF.

[hbrown24]

Thank you so much for your wonderful replies! This helps a lot and I will research those websites.

[mksilvermoon]

thanks from me as well - my close friends were stunned that UNICEF was trying to block ICA and i was trying hard to explain what was going on

[lovelivvy]

Thank you for the wonderful article busterleroy. I have been researching unicef and what they stand for, and I am completely appaled. I just hope the rest of the world wakes up and finds out what a devious organization they really are.

[becky]

For another great explanation of UNICEF's stand on ICA check out www.familieswithoutborders.org

They have a 63 page break down of UNICEF's reports on ICA and why they simply are not valid. It's a lot of reading, but very imformative!!!

Hey Joey's mom...what are you doing with my Louisville Cardinal Helmet??? Well I know it's not really the Louisville Cardinal, but it was the closest thing I could find

[JoTed]

We just donated to Niger through WorldVision. We sponsor a child through them also. They have been wonderful. We are hoping our sponsor child will be able to tell our adopted child about his life and culture in Guatemala.

[busterleroy]

Hey Becky, I just wanted the cardinal - it is lucky! -would toss the helmet if I could. I am a fan of the twelve- time world champion Green Bay Packers.



Maybe we can time share. Ha!

[hibbard]

Glad someone else remembered trick or treat for UNICEF. I was beginning to think I had made that up! Thanks to everyone for the info and resources on this issue.