The document discusses UNICEF spokesperson James Elder being expelled from Sri Lanka for speaking out about the impact of the civil war on children. His expulsion generated significant media coverage that was supportive of Elder and critical of the Sri Lankan government. While UNICEF initially reacted angrily to Elder's expulsion and reaffirmed their support for public statements to protect children, later assessments found UNICEF becoming more risk averse in sensitive situations. The UN Secretary-General and NGOs supported Elder's actions, while the Executive Director later urged UNICEF to take more risks to fulfill its mission.

2. Setting the scene for taking calculated risks for children Truth

3. Establishing facts and speaking in one voice “ We have clear evidence that children are being caught in the crossfire and that children are being injured and killed” Daniel Toole, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia. New Delhi Colombo Kathmandu

4. Off the record briefings with Journalists in Colombo and Delhi 20 interviews with BBC 15 interviews with CNN 25 + with Al Jazeera UK Independent, Sydney Morning Herald, London Times, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, The Economist, Chicago Tribune, CBC, NPR, ABC, The Australian, LA Times, Le Monde. Close relations with the international media in Delhi and Colombo

7. Consequences

8. Expulsion Respect From NGOs, media and within the UN Controlling the follow-up vs kill pic of Ban, use only HDL

9. Breaking News - Expulsion Crowe did 48 interviews in 3 days - 7-10 Sept. UK Times / AFP / IRIN / CNN Lead story in all leading news networks the day it broke

10. UNICEF reacted furiously. "We are extremely disappointed with the allegations and we reject them unequivocally ," Sarah Crowe, UNICEF's regional communications chief, told AFP.

11. Elder had been doing his job by " speaking out on behalf of those who do not have a voice which we would expect from any UNICEF spokesperson” .

12. “ We categorically stand by all the statements we made throughout the conflict and since the conflict on the situation of women and children in Sri Lanka."

13. However, Crowe said that UNICEF would continue its work in the war-torn country. "We will continue to uphold our mandate. That will not change ," she said.

14. “ Elder’s expulsion..for speaking out against those abuses and child casualties....this was his brief and his responsibility” R E S P E C T ...from the media “ Voices of voiceless silenced” “ James Elder seemed utterly committed to one thing - the welfare of the hundreds of thousands of civilians caught up in the war. To several of us journalists, it was clear that raising the plight of these people was for him far more than just a job” australian logo

15. “ (The expulsion) is not something that did not have consequences but principles are important and it spared UNICEF” - Director, Human Rights Watch The SG expresses full confidence... in the United Nations in Sri Lanka, which includes making public statements when necessary in an effort to save lives and prevent grave humanitarian problems - UN Secretary General From NGOs and UN agencies

16. Government of Sri Lanka was astonished by UNICEF’s response as they thought UNICEF “ would roll over and play dead ” - say nothing and let Elder go. Sri Lankan media asked Sarah if he was going to be fired and she said “ no he would be rewarded ”. Sarah Crowe, Regional Chief of Communications, UNICEF South Asia “ I should like to say how bold and supportive you have been to James in his difficulties with the Sri Lankan government and its complete lack of tolerance to free and objective reporting....your report in which you SUPPORT your staff member and do not isolate him ...bloody done well you!! ” John Campbell, WFP official expelled from Sri Lanka 2008

18. State of the UNICEF brand The findings are based on consumer surveys conducted by a consulting firm (Brandasset consulting) and reflect opinions/views of people outside of UNICEF. (Sample populations from a general public are interviewed) measure of courage - worst rating!

19. ...and now From the ED : “ Take more rather than less risk” “ The job is more important than the paperwork” “ Go to the edge of the envelope...we will support you”