The UNICEF Blog focuses on promoting children's rights and well-being, offering insights from child rights experts and UNICEF staff across over 190 countries and territories. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect UNICEF's official stance.

International students in Winnipeg face significant challenges adjusting to life in Canada, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Students like Muhommad Arqam Naveed from Pakistan and Yashas Samtani and Ish Khattar from India struggle with loneliness, homesickness, financial constraints, and navigating local systems. Despite these difficulties, they find solace in cultural and religious practices, student politics, and friendships. The high cost of education for international students is a vital revenue source for Canadian universities, but the pandemic has disrupted this dynamic, potentially impacting university finances.

Babies born during the COVID-19 pandemic are falling behind on their recommended immunization schedules, with a notable drop in vaccination rates for the Meningococcal C Conjugate (Men-C-C) vaccine. Dr. Bunmi Fatoye from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority highlights the importance of maintaining high coverage rates to prevent infections and protect vulnerable populations. The decline in immunization rates is attributed to disruptions in healthcare services during the pandemic. The article emphasizes the need for increased awareness and conversations with healthcare providers about the importance of vaccines.

CBC Manitoba is establishing a 15-member community advisory board to add context and perspective to its coverage, reflecting the province's diverse communities. The board, which will not have editorial control, aims to deepen the public broadcaster's connection with Manitobans. Members will serve two-year terms, meet bi-monthly, and receive an honorarium. The initiative follows similar models by global newsrooms like BBC and NPR. CBC Manitoba invites public applications for the board, seeking to represent the province's diversity.

Felicita Ovadje, a Nigerian-born lawyer and entrepreneur, and Delia Joseph, a professional life coach, discuss the challenges and opportunities for Black female entrepreneurs in Winnipeg. They emphasize the need for exposure, access to mentorship, and representation to inspire future generations. Ovadje's business, Felicheeta Artistry, aims to empower the Black community by providing cosmetics for diverse skin tones. Both women highlight the importance of internal and external support systems, including community mentorship and media exposure, to foster entrepreneurial success among Black women.

Manitoba, with the largest Indigenous population per capita in Canada, presents significant economic opportunities. Indigenous-owned businesses are growing rapidly, yet Indigenous people remain underrepresented as business owners. In a conversation between two Indigenous female entrepreneurs, Brandi Woodhouse and Eva Wilson-Fontaine, they discuss the challenges and opportunities for Indigenous women in business. Woodhouse, who started RezGal Lashes during the pandemic, aims to empower young Indigenous girls. Wilson-Fontaine, co-founder of several businesses, emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness and support among Indigenous women. Both highlight the need for visibility and support for Indigenous women in business to inspire future generations.

Susan Thompson, former mayor of Winnipeg and previous owner of Birt Saddlery, and Miriam Delos Santos, owner of Hello Darling Co., share their experiences as female entrepreneurs. Thompson recounts how a surge in cowboy boot sales, spurred by John Travolta's film 'Urban Cowboy,' saved her family business during an economic downturn. Delos Santos, daughter of immigrant parents and a young entrepreneur, discusses the importance of networking and community support for women in business. Both emphasize the value of perseverance, especially during the pandemic, and celebrate their achievements, including Delos Santos' feature in Vanity Fair.

The article critically examines the effectiveness of sanctions, particularly those imposed by the West on Russia. It highlights the economic impact of sanctions on Russia but argues that their political impact has been minimal. The article discusses the resilience and adaptability of targeted countries like Russia, which have diversified their economies and endured the fallout. It also points out that sanctions often serve as a tool for signaling unity and moral outrage rather than achieving strategic goals. The article concludes that while sanctions have a role, they cannot replace diplomacy and strategy in dealing with international crises.

The article examines the effectiveness of sanctions, particularly those imposed by the United States and the European Union on Russia. It highlights the limited political impact of sanctions despite their economic consequences, citing examples like the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the poisoning of Alexei Navalny. The piece argues that while sanctions can signal moral outrage and unity, they are not a substitute for comprehensive diplomatic strategies. It also discusses how targeted countries like Russia adapt to mitigate the effects of sanctions, questioning their long-term efficacy.

Miriam Delos Santos, a Winnipeg entrepreneur, uses her Instagram platform to support local BIPOC artists and makers. This initiative aligns with broader movements like Aurora James' 15 Per Cent Pledge, which advocates for better representation of BIPOC brands in Canadian retail. CBC Manitoba is launching the 'Begin Anywhere' series, featuring live-streamed craft tutorials by local BIPOC makers. The series aims to educate and inspire, while also addressing cultural appropriation in Indigenous art. Key figures include Catriona Dooley of Monias Beads and Dionne Friesen of Poppy Joy Pompoms, who share their expertise and personal stories.