UNICEF appoints Algerian Iman Khalif as Child Rights Champion

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) office in Algeria said on Tuesday that it had appointed boxer Iman Khalif, who won the gold medal in the under-66kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, as a champion for children's rights.

UNICEF revealed in a statement that it organized an official ceremony yesterday, Monday, to commemorate the exemplary and inspiring journey of Olympic champion Iman Khalif, and to record her continuous engagement in opening the agenda of children's rights, since her appointment as a national ambassador for UNICEF on December 31, 2023.

“We are very proud to have you with us and to celebrate with colleagues and families our Olympic champion and UNICEF Ambassador. From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of our team, I congratulate you on your achievement. We have the utmost appreciation and respect for your boxing talent, your struggle, your mental strength and your kindness,” said UNICEF Representative in Algeria, Katharina Johansson, addressing Khalifa.

She added, "You are a role model not only for children and youth, but also for adults in Algeria and the whole world. You have proven that dreams can come true. We celebrate with you the Olympic coronation. You are not only a boxing champion, but also a champion of children's rights."

"We are proud of you (Khalif) because you are really embodying our values. We also want to tell you that we are in great solidarity with you because of what you have been through. You have fought on and off the track, and you are an example to all of us and a great champion," said Alejandro Alvarez, UNICEF Resident Coordinator in Algeria.

For her part, Iman Khalif thanked the UNICEF family for the ceremony organized in her honor, saying, “I dedicate my Olympic gold to all children. I am aware of the responsibility placed on my shoulders, and this is an honor for me. I am determined to continue my work with the organization and to be a role model for children and youth.”

Source: German