U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has announced the resignation of Martin Griffiths, the U.N. humanitarian chief, for health reasons after nearly three years of trying to address mounting humanitarian crises in various regions such as Ukraine, Gaza, and Africa. Griffiths, 72, had contracted a severe case of COVID-19 in October and is still experiencing symptoms of long COVID.
Griffiths took on the role of U.N. undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator in July 2021, prior to which he had served as the U.N. special envoy for Yemen for three years. During his tenure with UNICEF and Save the Children, Griffiths showcased his expertise as a seasoned negotiator with broad global experience, advocating for individuals impacted by crises and mobilizing resources to meet their needs.
Haq mentioned that Griffiths will remain in his current position until the end of June to ensure a smooth transition.
Griffiths has previously held several positions within the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations like UNICEF, Save the Children, and Action Aid throughout his career.
As conflicts continued to escalate worldwide and funds for humanitarian assistance dwindled during Griffith’s tenure at UNICEF and Save the Children, he took on the role of U.N. undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator in July 2021.
Griffith’s expertise as a seasoned negotiator with broad global experience was put to use during his tenure as the U.N.’s special envoy for Yemen from 2018 to 2021.
Prior to this role at UNICEF and Save the Children, Griffiths had been appointed director of UNICEF’s regional office in New York City from 1995 to 1996.
Throughout his career as a British diplomat working with international humanitarian organizations like UNICEF, Save
