Mahtab Keramati Resigns from UNICEF

Mahtab Keramati, “Goodwill Ambassador for Peace at UNICEF,” has resigned from her position at this international organization.

Mahtab Keramati, a prominent Iranian actress and advocate for children’s and women’s rights, was appointed as a “Goodwill Ambassador for Peace” by UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) in 2006.

Mahtab Keramati announced her resignation from the organization by posting a message on her Instagram account (also featured on the header of the UN Children’s Fund page). In this post, she wrote: “I, Mahtab Keramati, have always been where I could do something for children. I announce my resignation from UNICEF…”

Mahtab Keramati had previously responded to the public protests of this year and the killing of many children, as well as the use of children under 18 by the Islamic Republic regime to suppress the people. Following this reaction, she had stated that she stands with the people of my country and condemn all forms of violence against people, especially women and children.

 She had also emphasized that she has reported the distressing reports of children being killed and the abuse of children under 18 to suppress the people to UNICEF officials and is following up on it. However, today she is publishing her resignation letter.

The question is: what is the reason for Mahtab Keramati’s resignation from a position in which she has defended children’s and women’s rights for years?