From Caryl Stern: The passing of a children’s champion

The U.S. Fund for UNICEF mourns the passing of the Honorable Donald M. Payne, the U.S. Representative of the 10th District of New Jersey.

Congressman Payne had an impressive career, marked by his advocacy for human rights here and around the world, for the fulfillment of human needs, and for prosperity and justice for all. He provided outstanding service to his constituents, to his country, and to the world.

UNICEF supporters especially salute him for his global work to save and to improve the lives of vulnerable children. He used his position of leadership on the House Foreign Affairs Committee to fight for the needs of those caught in emergencies, from Haiti to Darfur to the Horn of Africa. He was a key leader in the efforts to defeat malaria, tuberculosis, AIDS, and other ongoing challenges to global health.

He particularly distinguished himself for his leadership on global child survival and maternal health. He believed it was unacceptable that any child should die whom we have the capacity to save. Donald Payne was a genuine children’s champion.

We at the U.S. Fund for UNICEF were honored that Congressman Payne served as a member of our National Advisory Council in the 1990s. We honor his memory and give thanks for his immeasurable contributions to the survival and development of children everywhere.