In the summer of 2019, one could have described a stroll through the streets of Istanbul or along the coast in Santorini as bustling. There would have been a great mix of cultures, languages and people around. Fast forward to 2020, and those same destinations were likely eerily empty, echoing the silence of the global tourism industry grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, 2023 presented a glimmer of hope. Air travel has made a remarkable comeback, with weekly numbers poised to surpass pre-pandemic 2019 levels for the first time in four years. Although annual figures have not fully recovered, the weekly trends of increased air travel are promising, highlighting the vital role of international tourism in the resurgence of developing economies.
Importance of International Tourism to Developing Economies
One can characterize many developing economies as “tourism-dependent.” These countries are usually small or isolated, such as Jamaica, Aruba or the Dominican Republic. Other larger countries, with still developing economies can be classified as heavily reliant on tourism, including Thailand, Greece, Croatia, Turkey and Mexico. These countries, having limited diversified economic streams, are prone to higher poverty levels and were hit particularly hard by the pandemic’s impact on the tourism industry. The percentage of the population classified as ‘the working poor’ is significantly higher in these countries, and the removal of a prominent economic stream exacerbated their challenges.
COVID-19’s Impact on International Tourism
The pandemic caused international tourism to plummet by a staggering 83% in 2020, with 2.40 billion tourists worldwide. This was an abrupt disruption for tourism-dependent economies, whose average net international tourism revenues were a significant portion of GDP in the years preceding 2020. Examples include the following nations and tourism’s contribution to their GDP:
- Croatia, 15%
- The Dominican Republic, 8%
- Thailand, 8%
- Greece, 7%
For the countries where economies are still developing and tourism makes up a significant part of the GDP, the sudden lack of tourism diminished revenue streams and removed jobs, which increased unemployment and negatively impacted the “working poor” the most, compounding poverty and its subsequent issues. A specific example of this is Santorini, where it is estimated that nearly 75% of the population depends on tourism for income.
COVID-19 Relief Initiatives and Their Impact on Tourism Industries
It is important to mention initiatives that were instituted to help combat the negative impacts of decreased tourism in these countries. In Greece, the government implemented a fiscal package of measures totaling about 13.7% of GDP in 2020, including loan guarantees, health spending, temporary financial support to vulnerable individuals, extension of unemployment benefits, support for short-term employment, subsidies to households and fiscal support to hard hit businesses, including the travel and tourism industry. The measures helped support those the lack of tourism impacted, as well as individuals living in poverty in the country.
Another example is Thailand, where a fiscal package amounting to at least 9.6% of GDP was instated, covering health-related spending, assistance for workers, farmers and entrepreneurs that COVID-19 affected, support for individuals and businesses through loans and tax relief, reduced water and electricity bills and measures to support local tourism. Specifically, this goal was to support travel and tourism industries through domestic travel, to mitigate the lack of international travel. From July 15 until October 2020, there was a tourism subsidy package, “We Travel Together,” covering up to 40% of travel costs for 5 million domestic tourists.
Despite these government issues, examination of tourism data, and GDP contracts indicate that support packages were not enough to compensate for the lack for international travel.
A Look at the Numbers
A comparison between 2019, 2020 and 2023 tourism numbers reveals the resilience and importance of developing economies. These countries saw the following changes in inbound tourism, for the listed years, respectively:
All figures represent international arrivals in the country and are in millions:
- Croatia: 19.6, 7, 16.2
- Greece: 34, 7.4, 17.4
- Mexico: 45, 24.3, 31.9
- Thailand: 39.8, 6.7, 19
- Turkey: 51.8, 15.9, 29.9
Evidently, in 2019, countries including Croatia, Greece, Mexico, Thailand and Turkey were prominent tourist destinations. Remarkably, they continue to rank highly in 2023. The countries are developing economies heavily reliant on inbound tourism. Increased air travel foreign arrivals to the nations is a promising sign of economic recovery.
Why it Matters
The pandemic caused an economic shock to these nations. For instance, Greece, which was projected to grow by 2.3% in 2020, actually contracted by more than 8% due to its reliance on tourism. Tourism plays a vital role in economic growth by supporting foreign exchange reserves, driving infrastructure investments, enhancing human capital, creating jobs and boosting income levels. Those living in poverty are most affected by changes in human capital and job creation. The resultant GDP growth fosters a positive cycle. With a continuing rise in GDP, countries can invest in their infrastructure, thereby further increasing international tourism as conditions improve. This will in turn create further job opportunities for the working poor and increase individual purchasing power.
Travel Today
Looking at 2023 so far, the resilience and adaptability of these countries, and of travelers, becomes evident. Croatia, Greece, Mexico, Thailand and Turkey, though not back at 2019 tourism levels yet, have proved remarkable recovery so far, especially prior to winter holiday travel numbers. Croatia has seen a 79% increase in international tourists since 2020, Greece is up by 81%, Mexico shows a 27% improvement, Thailand is the standout with a 96% growth and Turkey has surged by 61%. Crucially, tourism revenues in Turkey have shown a promising 23.1% growth to $13 billion in the second quarter of 2023, with 85.5% coming from foreign visitors. This signals a strong comeback in the country’s tourism industry.
Next Stop, Economic Improvement
In summary, while the COVID-19 pandemic took a heavy toll on tourism-dependent economies, their resilience and the spirit of travelers are now leading to a resurgence of the industry. The rebound in international travel post-pandemic is intrinsically tied to the economic well-being of these countries. Improving economies in developing nations creates jobs, elevates GDP per capita, reduces poverty rates and enhances the overall quality of life. Increased air travel and international tourism serves as a catalyst for progress, shaping a brighter and more prosperous future for these nations and their people.
– Kailey Schwinghammer
Photo: Flickr
Addressing Child Marriage in Nigeria
Political Efforts
Child marriage remains prevalent in Nigeria due to the federal and state governments not implementing proper laws to prevent it. Passed in 2003, the federal Child Rights Act (CRA, 2003) prohibits marriage under the age of 18. Child marriage blatantly violates Nigeria’s constitution as well as the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Human Rights Watch says the states using Islamic legal systems have failed to execute the Child Rights Act and continue endangering young girls. In Sharia-legislated states, child marriage is justified through their traditional grounds, meaning they believe that adulthood begins with puberty. “It is disturbing that almost two decades after the Child Rights Act was passed, Nigerian girls are still being forced into child marriages,” said Mausi Segun, Africa director at Human Rights Watch on the HRW website.
External Influences
Married girls within the Imo and Kano states face heavy influences from traditional practices and family relations. In August and September 2021, Human Rights Watch discovered that child brides in this northern Nigerian region are “denied their fundamental rights to education, a safe dwelling, freedom from violence and often do not have access to adequate health care.”
Due to the lack of protection for adolescent females, their families force them into marriages, leaving these young girls with little bodily autonomy or individual rights. Global Citizen states that overall, Nigeria’s child marriage crisis stems from gender inequality, religious practices, patriarchal authority, family poverty, stigma around teenage pregnancy and a lack of enforcement of legal protections.
Positive Changes
The Spotlight Initiative, an active partnership between Europe and the United Nations (UN), supports ending all forms of harmful gender-based practices globally. Between 2019 and 2020, the European Union (EU) invested $35 million which was distributed to developing countries through five main categories: policy, institution, prevention, data and women’s movement and civil society. Additionally, in 2020, the Katsina State House Assembly passed the Child Protection Bill which ensures commitment and improvements towards ending child marriage. In November 2022, the Katsina State House Assembly eventually voted to adopt the Child Protection Bill, guaranteeing girls the necessary protection against sexual violence.
Organizations Fighting to End Child Marriage in Nigeria
Created in 2000, the Bella Foundation for Maternal and Child Care is a community-focused grassroots organization in Imude, Ojo, in Logos State. Bella Foundation decided to focus its work on ending child marriage in the Ojo Local Government because “it is one of the places in Lagos State with the highest number of cases,” founder Bella Akhagba reports. Akhagba believes that the solutions start with educating and empowering women, which is why the Bella Foundation trained 10 women specifically to speak as advocates to young girls in Nigerian schools. The team has received training in various skills so that “they are empowered to generate income for themselves and their families since poverty is one of the greatest causes of child marriage in South West.”
Bella Foundation advocates for policy changes and promotes the improvement of female health by spreading awareness within schools and communities. “Through mentorship meetings with the girls of Ojo, we have been able to change their mindsets and attitudes,” Akhagba added.
It’s Never Your Fault is another organization making efforts to end child marriage in Nigeria. Started by a group of friends in 2018, this nonprofit is attempting to ban child marriage in all 36 states across Nigeria by advocating for a change in legislation, since it is a loophole in their constitution’s legal jargon that allows it. Susan Ubogu, Kurdirat Abiola and Temitayo Asuni felt compelled to take action against child marriage in Nigeria and created their campaign #BanChildMarriageNigeria with hopes of changing the law via a Change.org petition. Since creating the petition on December 18, 2018, it has obtained 473,640 of its 500,000 needed signatures.
The organization petitions as a way to campaign for change, raise awareness, and “give a voice to girls who couldn’t speak for themselves.” From its platform, it began a #RaiseTheAge petition to try and urge the government to amend the constitution. Ubogu, Kurdirat and Asuni have begun focusing on workshops surrounding gender equality and partnering with Nigerian celebrities to raise awareness. In the future, it plans to work directly with victims of social injustice and find ways to rehabilitate or reintegrate these women back into society ethically.
Looking Ahead
The current trends suggest that there is a need for Nigeria to address contributing factors to child marriage to achieve positive change. Efforts could involve advocating for and implementing laws and policies that safeguard girls’ rights. Prioritizing the protection of children’s rights, fostering gender equality and empowering communities to challenge entrenched cultural norms are essential steps. By cultivating a society that values the well-being of its youth, Nigeria can potentially pave the path to a brighter future.
– Samantha J. Rentfro
Photo: Flickr
Increased Air Travel: Next Stop Economic Improvement
Importance of International Tourism to Developing Economies
One can characterize many developing economies as “tourism-dependent.” These countries are usually small or isolated, such as Jamaica, Aruba or the Dominican Republic. Other larger countries, with still developing economies can be classified as heavily reliant on tourism, including Thailand, Greece, Croatia, Turkey and Mexico. These countries, having limited diversified economic streams, are prone to higher poverty levels and were hit particularly hard by the pandemic’s impact on the tourism industry. The percentage of the population classified as ‘the working poor’ is significantly higher in these countries, and the removal of a prominent economic stream exacerbated their challenges.
COVID-19’s Impact on International Tourism
The pandemic caused international tourism to plummet by a staggering 83% in 2020, with 2.40 billion tourists worldwide. This was an abrupt disruption for tourism-dependent economies, whose average net international tourism revenues were a significant portion of GDP in the years preceding 2020. Examples include the following nations and tourism’s contribution to their GDP:
For the countries where economies are still developing and tourism makes up a significant part of the GDP, the sudden lack of tourism diminished revenue streams and removed jobs, which increased unemployment and negatively impacted the “working poor” the most, compounding poverty and its subsequent issues. A specific example of this is Santorini, where it is estimated that nearly 75% of the population depends on tourism for income.
COVID-19 Relief Initiatives and Their Impact on Tourism Industries
It is important to mention initiatives that were instituted to help combat the negative impacts of decreased tourism in these countries. In Greece, the government implemented a fiscal package of measures totaling about 13.7% of GDP in 2020, including loan guarantees, health spending, temporary financial support to vulnerable individuals, extension of unemployment benefits, support for short-term employment, subsidies to households and fiscal support to hard hit businesses, including the travel and tourism industry. The measures helped support those the lack of tourism impacted, as well as individuals living in poverty in the country.
Another example is Thailand, where a fiscal package amounting to at least 9.6% of GDP was instated, covering health-related spending, assistance for workers, farmers and entrepreneurs that COVID-19 affected, support for individuals and businesses through loans and tax relief, reduced water and electricity bills and measures to support local tourism. Specifically, this goal was to support travel and tourism industries through domestic travel, to mitigate the lack of international travel. From July 15 until October 2020, there was a tourism subsidy package, “We Travel Together,” covering up to 40% of travel costs for 5 million domestic tourists.
Despite these government issues, examination of tourism data, and GDP contracts indicate that support packages were not enough to compensate for the lack for international travel.
A Look at the Numbers
A comparison between 2019, 2020 and 2023 tourism numbers reveals the resilience and importance of developing economies. These countries saw the following changes in inbound tourism, for the listed years, respectively:
All figures represent international arrivals in the country and are in millions:
Evidently, in 2019, countries including Croatia, Greece, Mexico, Thailand and Turkey were prominent tourist destinations. Remarkably, they continue to rank highly in 2023. The countries are developing economies heavily reliant on inbound tourism. Increased air travel foreign arrivals to the nations is a promising sign of economic recovery.
Why it Matters
The pandemic caused an economic shock to these nations. For instance, Greece, which was projected to grow by 2.3% in 2020, actually contracted by more than 8% due to its reliance on tourism. Tourism plays a vital role in economic growth by supporting foreign exchange reserves, driving infrastructure investments, enhancing human capital, creating jobs and boosting income levels. Those living in poverty are most affected by changes in human capital and job creation. The resultant GDP growth fosters a positive cycle. With a continuing rise in GDP, countries can invest in their infrastructure, thereby further increasing international tourism as conditions improve. This will in turn create further job opportunities for the working poor and increase individual purchasing power.
Travel Today
Looking at 2023 so far, the resilience and adaptability of these countries, and of travelers, becomes evident. Croatia, Greece, Mexico, Thailand and Turkey, though not back at 2019 tourism levels yet, have proved remarkable recovery so far, especially prior to winter holiday travel numbers. Croatia has seen a 79% increase in international tourists since 2020, Greece is up by 81%, Mexico shows a 27% improvement, Thailand is the standout with a 96% growth and Turkey has surged by 61%. Crucially, tourism revenues in Turkey have shown a promising 23.1% growth to $13 billion in the second quarter of 2023, with 85.5% coming from foreign visitors. This signals a strong comeback in the country’s tourism industry.
Next Stop, Economic Improvement
In summary, while the COVID-19 pandemic took a heavy toll on tourism-dependent economies, their resilience and the spirit of travelers are now leading to a resurgence of the industry. The rebound in international travel post-pandemic is intrinsically tied to the economic well-being of these countries. Improving economies in developing nations creates jobs, elevates GDP per capita, reduces poverty rates and enhances the overall quality of life. Increased air travel and international tourism serves as a catalyst for progress, shaping a brighter and more prosperous future for these nations and their people.
– Kailey Schwinghammer
Photo: Flickr
Disability and Poverty in Armenia
Current Reality for People With Disabilities in Armenia
Estimates from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) place the number of Armenians living with disabilities between 6.2% and 15%.
The following are some statistics on the living conditions of people with disabilities in Armenia:
An Increased Need
Between late September and early October 2023, there was a mass exodus of ethnic Armenians from the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. In particular, these ethnic Armenians fled to Armenia. This has only exacerbated the need to better address the interconnectedness of disability and poverty in Armenia. Of the more than 100,000 refugees, many are “vulnerable people including pregnant women, people with disabilities and others with chronic health conditions,” according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Additionally, Doctors Without Borders has reported that many of these new refugees experience symptoms of mental health issues. The World Health Organization includes mental health disorders, such as depression, in their definition of a disability.
Armenian Government Action
The current Constitution of Armenia, adopted in 1995, codifies the rights of Armenian citizens with disabilities to receive social security benefits from the government. For just under two decades since the passage of the current constitution, there was little to no new legislation protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities in Armenia, despite the government’s 2010 ratification of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This past decade, however, has shown additional progress in improving the lives of disabled Armenians.
In 2014, the Armenian government began to specifically tackle the issue of access to education for people with disabilities. The government passed the Law on Mainstream Education, which stated that every school in Armenia accept children with disabilities by 2025. Incorporating children with disabilities into the same school system as non-disabled children is called mainstreaming, and that is exactly where the law got its name.
Then, in 2021, the Armenian government passed the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This law officially banned discrimination on the basis of disability, ensured the right for people with disabilities to access reasonable accommodations and allowed nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to file lawsuits on behalf of a person with a disability who has faced discrimination, but does not have the ability to represent themselves in court. The law also created more passageways for people with disabilities to live independently instead of inside institutions, and allowed disabled Armenians the right to justice and accessibility.
Finally, in 2022, Armenia signed the Marrakesh VIP Treaty. This allowed libraries to create versions of books that accommodate those with “print disabilities,” including those who are blind.
NGO Action
With all the progress the Armenian government has made toward tackling the issue of disability and poverty in Armenia being interconnected, it is important not to forget the important work of NGOs. After all, it was Armenian NGOs focused on disability rights who fought for years for legislation such as the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
For everything the Armenian government has addressed, there have been NGOs on the ground working to address the same issues. Bridge of Hope, an NGO based out of Yerevan, Armenia, has provided accessible education to disabled Armenian children since 1996. Since the Law on Mainstream Education passed, Bridge of Hope has trained staff at 20 special education centers.
The Agate Rights Defense Center for Women With Disabilities, based out of Gyumri, Armenia, and Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities (EREO), based out of Vanadzor, Armenia, provide independent living for Armenians with disabilities. Its work combined has allowed many disabled Armenians to find meaningful employment. Countless disabled Armenians have benefitted from peer support and self-advocacy tools to better their own lives.
Looking Ahead
For those with disabilities in Armenia, there is hope. NGOs are working to combat stigmas and the lack of support numerous citizens face. The outcome of their work is destined to improve the lives of those facing disability and poverty in Armenia.
– Natalie Coyne
Photo: Flickr
The Promotion of Renewable Energy in Nigeria
Changing Weather Patterns in Nigeria
Consequences of changing weather patterns have increased the demand for plans toward clean energy. The floods from October to November 2022 are an example of the devastation it has caused, with more than 600 deaths, thousands injured and 1.3 million people displaced from their homes. Green energy policies work to limit the effects of changing weather by working toward the goal of carbon neutrality by 2060.
Transitioning to Renewable Energy
The ETP website highlights that “the next couple of decades present a unique opportunity to merge these two priorities: economic development and climate action, and to achieve in Africa’s largest economy, one of the world’s first true just transitions.” The website claims that renewable energy in Nigeria will lift 100 million people out of poverty and create up to 340,000 jobs by 2030 and 840,000 jobs by 2060. The transition creates opportunities for economic growth in new industries such as hydrogen, solar energy and electric vehicles.
The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), the Energy Transition Academy (ETA) and the Africa Energy Program strive to educate workers on the switch to renewable energy. They collaborate with the Global Fellowship Program, which provides Nigerians with “a demand-driven curriculum to underpin the deployment and scaling of distributed energy resources that could unlock jobs and electricity access.” The program provides knowledge through on-site examples, leadership development and capstone projects. Dismantling the fossil fuel industry creates unemployment, but training the local workers fills the jobs needed to transition to clean energy.
Another way to involve the local community is by including them in the economic benefits of the clean energy movement. Community-led projects can implement new management strategies and tailor the projects to local needs. For example, the Sharing the Power project allows locals to be a part of an ownership structure, motivating more of the community to get involved in energy initiatives. Another example is the Energizing Agriculture Program, which connects clean energy technologies to the agricultural industry, the third largest economic contributor in Nigeria.
Promoting Gender Equality
Transitioning to renewable energy in Nigeria will promote gender equality and economic growth. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) found that “only 32 percent of renewable energy jobs are held by women, who are among the most vulnerable to climate change.” In 2016, The Clinton Climate Initiative created the Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE) Network to combat the gender imbalance in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs. WIRE believes in educating women who desire personal and professional growth through mentorships and building connections in the energy sector.
Conclusion
Since 2021, Nigeria has made great progress toward achieving carbon neutrality. In those years, the country promoted community-led projects, initiatives for diverse populations and training for workers in transition. To meet its goal, Nigeria needs to continue investing in programs that direct the country away from fossil fuels and toward clean energy. Renewable energy technologies and countrywide economic growth are the answer to Nigeria’s growing socioeconomic needs.
– Diana Grant
Photo: Flickr
How Renewable Energy in Jordan Fights Energy Poverty
A Greener Jordan
Jordan’s initial investment into domestic energy was the National Energy Strategy Plan for 2007 to 2020. This plan sought a $20 billion investment in energy development, with a significant portion allocated to renewable energy projects. This plan led to the construction of many solar and wind farms nationwide. Throughout the 2010s, Jordan’s energy sector steadily incorporated renewables. The proportion of electricity generated by renewables in Jordan grew from 0.7% in 2014 to 13% in 2019.
The significance of renewable energy in Jordan has only continued to grow. In the government’s updated energy strategy for 2020 to 2030, the Jordanian government aims to increase the share of electricity generated from renewables to 31% by 2030. A target that Jordan is on track to exceed. As of 2022, renewables accounted for 27% of the total electrical energy produced, just 4% off their 2030 target. This trend has led to discussions within the Jordanian government to increase the target to a whopping 50% by 2030.
Green Initiatives Tackling Energy Poverty
The success of Jordan’s renewable energy sector has had tangible implications for the country’s quest to tackle energy poverty. Energy poverty has been a continual problem for the country, with studies in 2020 suggesting that 16% of the population qualifies as fuel-poor. This issue has been particularly prevalent in refugee camps in Jordan. In a 2019 United Nations report, the camps were identified as often lacking sufficient, reliable and affordable energy for electricity and heating.
While challenges concerning energy poverty remain, the Jordanian government has been utilizing its growing renewable energy sector to take on this issue. Various initiatives actively introduced assistance to help low-income households cope with energy poverty. For example, the government provided solar heater systems to 30,000 homes across the Kingdom for water heating.
The Jordanian government also utilized renewable energy to address the energy poverty faced by the students. In 2015, the government launched the Schools Heating Program to provide heating powered by solar energy. In 2021, 134 public schools implemented this program and plans to expand its coverage to include 3,700 public schools.
Looking Forward
While there is still work to do, Jordan is actively using renewable energy to address energy poverty. The substantial growth in the country’s renewable energy sector in recent years gives reason to be optimistic.
First, the growth signifies the development of the country’s energy security. In the medium to long term, this will increasingly protect the population from the price fluctuations of the international energy market. Furthermore, it creates further opportunities for introducing more initiatives that directly influence energy poverty, such as the ones mentioned previously.
–Joss Thomas
Photo: Wikimedia
Child Poverty in Slovakia
School in Slovakia
Although many Slovakian children do have access to schools, it is apparent that minority groups do not have the same access to education throughout the country. Often, these children of minority groups are sent to mentally handicapped schools. However, they are not seen to have symptoms of any mental or learning disabilities, therefore severely damaging their opportunity for psychological development. Reports by Eurochild show that there is a high number of high school dropouts in the Roma minority population.
Child Abuse in Slovakia
There is a significant issue with child abuse within Slovakia. For every 100,000 children, one will die of abuse. Many parents still consider abuse as a disciplinary tool. Despite significant efforts to prevent child trafficking by the Slovak government, trafficking is still a prominent problem. There are significantly low conviction rates for those caught committing crimes involving sex trafficking, and very few serve jail time after these prosecutions.
Child Health Care in Slovakia
There is also a significant struggle for rural and minority populations to access health care. Due to a poor public transportation system, complications occur when trying to reach hospitals. There is a 9% death rate for infants and a 10% death rate for children over the age of 5. Slovakia currently struggles with a shortage of doctors, restricting many children from vitally needed care. Slovakia has some of the highest death rates from preventable mortalities within the EU.
Child Labor in Slovakia
Although child labor is banned within Slovakia, it is still an issue. It is often seen through begging or sending young children to ask for money. Traffickers often force Roma children with disabilities to beg on the streets throughout Western Europe. Many labor traffickers exploit Slovak children in foreign countries in fields such as agriculture, manufacturing and construction. Labor effects mainly target young boys and men to carry out physically demanding tasks. Young girls are more vulnerable to domestic labor, such as cleaning or working in restaurants or massage parlors.
Looking Ahead
Although Slovakia is still battling with child poverty, the country is taking strides to counteract its struggles and better the lives of many Slovak children. The government initiated a trafficking prevention scheme, conducting public awareness campaigns about the signs of trafficking. It also issued a prevention scheme for child labor in which all worker recruitment companies were forced to register with the government, therefore limiting child exploitation. The Slovak government aims to create 170 new GP jobs between 2022 and 2026, therefore increasing the accessibility of health care.
–Elle Chipperfield
Photo: Flickr
Organizations Improving Conditions Inside Syrian Refugee Camps
The Karam Foundation
Karam means generosity in Arabic. The Karam Foundation works alongside displaced Syrian youth to empower and educate individuals, redefining what it looks like to be a refugee. The organization works on the ground in Istanbul and Reyhanli, Turkey.
This foundation believes in self-sufficiency and takes a radically unique approach toward humanitarian aid. Community and mentorship are founding values that are present in the Karam House, a safe space for youth and their families to connect with others and learn through creative workshops and innovative educational programs.
Also, the Karam Foundation strives to inspire Syrian youth to become future leaders, empowering individuals with the skills they need to thrive. Nearly 5,000 lives have been impacted so far; their objective is to reach 10,000 young Syrian refugees by 2028.
UNHCR, the U.N. Refugee Agency
Located in Jordan, the Za’atari Refugee camp is the largest Syrian refugee camp in the world, hosting approximately 80,000 people. According to the U.N. Refugee Agency, 32 organizations and nonprofits are currently operating within Za’atari, all employed and managed by UNHCR.
UNHCR has been leading humanitarian efforts since the founding of the camp in 2012. It provided tents to the first refugees and has since replaced them with 25,000 prefabricated shelters. In 2017, a solar power plant was installed, providing power to the camp between nine and 12 hours a day.
This global organization also provides refugees with money quarterly to assist them in attaining their basic needs.
International Medical Corps
As a global first responder, the International Medical Corps is another important organization improving conditions inside Syrian refugee camps. Its international team responds to those affected by war, natural disasters and disease, regardless of location.
Since its founding in 1984, the International Medical Corps has delivered aid to people in more than 80 countries. The organization values self-reliance and thus trains communities in medical response, further strengthening global health care systems.
Its 2022 operations in Damascus alone have provided 316,702 primary health care consultations, 24,638 child screenings for malnutrition, and reached 6,690 people with psychosocial activities. The International Medical Corps has also responded to thousands in need of mental health support in Syria.
Several other organizations and nonprofits are delivering humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees, including Direct Relief, World Relief, the International Rescue Committee and Anera. Each organization provides vital support and resources to those trapped in the ongoing conflict.
– Sophia Loizos
Photo: Flickr
Fondation Chanel To Help Women in Africa
Fondation CHANEL
In 2011, Chanel established Fondation CHANEL to champion the freedom and gender equality of young girls. The foundation operates with a distinctive and individualized approach, providing access to essential resources. It actively supports women across various regions, including Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the United Kingdom (U.K.) and the United States (U.S.). Notably, Fondation CHANEL is a part of the global initiative Equal Measure 2030, contributing to the advancement of women’s rights on a global scale.
Fondation CHANEL, Global Fund and Voix EssentiELLES
In 2020, The Global Fund and Fondation CHANEL partnered with Voix EssentiELLES to enhance access to health policies for girls in Western and Central Africa. In this region, people encounter gender discrimination and face violence against women. Gender bias contributes to health challenges for women, impacting areas such as HIV and post-partum complications for mothers and their children. The onset of COVID-19 has further exacerbated these existing health issues.
Voix EssentiELLES, with support from the Global Fund, is working to establish a meaningful connection between girls and Global Fund resources. These resources include decision-making websites and grant processes. Opportunities provided involve experiential learning under the guidance of the HER Voice Fund, an organization that focuses on strengthening women’s engagement in grant and policy processes in Eastern and Southern Africa. The $1.5 million campaign has been ongoing in Senegal, Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire since 2020.
Andrea d’Avack, President of Fondation CHANEL, highlights that supporting women-led organizations is crucial in combating gender inequality globally. Previous experiences have shown the significant impact of such campaigns, contributing to progress in promoting women’s roles in society. Chanel is excited to extend this transformative opportunity to Western and Central Africa.
Fondation CHANEL and myAgro
African women benefit from additional financial support. Fondation CHANEL partnered with myAgro to provide funding and training to female farmers in African countries: Mali and Senegal. MyAgro was formed by Anushka Ratnayake in 2011 to enhance the crop earnings of small farmers in West Africa. Due to social and financial obstacles encountered by women in Africa, female farmers do not reach their full potential in crop production.
The main goal of the company is to supply farmers with relevant coaching, fertilizer and first-rate seeds. Along with resources, myAgro focuses on augmenting the prevalence of women in the agricultural field. The organization is intent on maximizing their harvests by contributing to females’ access to technical training and farmlands. Fondation CHANEL financed the campaign and contributed to the recruitment of female directors to develop and expand the economy for female farmers.
–Stephanie Len
Photo: Flickr
Mitigating Global Indigenous Poverty for the Preservation of Cultures
Indigenous People Experience Higher Levels of Poverty Everywhere
Across the globe, indigenous communities face disproportionately high levels of poverty. This unfortunate reality transcends geographical boundaries and affects indigenous populations in various regions. From the Americas to Africa, Asia to the Pacific Islands, indigenous poverty plagues marginalized groups with a substantial disadvantage regarding economic stability.
Several interconnected factors contribute to the increasing levels of indigenous poverty. Historical injustices, namely colonization and forced assimilation, have profound and long-lasting impacts on indigenous societies that disrupt traditional livelihoods and cultural practices, often leading to economic marginalization and loss of self-determination. Furthermore, indigenous people frequently encounter systematic barriers that hinder their economic advancement and only exacerbate poverty rates. These people reside in remote or geographically isolated areas, limiting their access to essential services and economic opportunities.
Indigenous People of Guam: CHamorus
Picture postcard beauty, tranquil seas and lush jungles — images of a bygone era in Guam. Deep within the Pacific Ocean lies the enchanting U.S. territory of Guam, an island where the vibrant culture and traditions of the CHamoru people have thrived for thousands of years, embodying the complex dynamics of globalization, colonial history and cultural resilience, all intersecting in a delicate balance. However, like many indigenous communities around the world, the CHamoru people face the pressing challenges of poverty and cultural erosion in the face of external influences.
The CHamoru are plagued with historical dispossession of their lands, resources and traditional territories, and this loss of control over their ancestral lands limits economic opportunities and control over resources, all the while economic availability is already limited in regions where indigenous communities reside. Simultaneously, cultural erosion and marginalization can occur when indigenous communities face socioeconomic challenges, further exacerbating indigenous poverty.
Poverty forces the prioritization of immediate survival needs over cultural practices and traditions, inevitably leading to the loss of cultural identity and weakened intergenerational transmission of knowledge. This profound social fabric of indigenous communities erodes the sense of identity and pride, and this loss of cultural capital contributes to social exclusion, reduced social cohesion and limited opportunities for community development and empowerment.
Addressing Indigenous Poverty
Addressing indigenous poverty for CHamorus requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that takes into account the unique needs and challenges faced by the community. Here are some key initiatives that have seen success in assisting those affected by indigenous poverty in Guam.
CHamoru Land Trust Commission (CLTC)
The CLTC was established in Guam in 1975 by enacting the CHamoru Land Trust Act, which helped return lands to CHamoru families and communities. This government agency’s mission is to address indigenous poverty by providing land to qualified CHamoru applicants at an affordable cost, making land accessible for various purposes, including residential, agricultural and commercial use. By offering land at a significantly reduced cost compared to the open market, the CLTC empowers indigenous CHamoru families with the opportunity of land ownership. Moreover, by incorporating cultural preservation requirements into land leases, the CLTC has reinforced CHamoru’s identity and heritage, ensuring the continued vibrancy of the indigenous culture.
Policy Reform
The Land Rights Recognitions argues that government systems should prioritize recognizing and protecting indigenous land rights, ensuring secure land tenure and supporting sustainable management practices. In addition to land restitution and repatriation efforts, policy initiatives also have sought to promote economic opportunities and improvements in education and health care for indigenous CHamorus. Guam’s unique historical and geopolitical context as a U.S. territory shapes the policy landscape and the efforts to address indigenous poverty.
The Commission on Decolonization
The historical experience of colonization has had a profound impact on indigenous poverty, exacerbating disparities and limiting self-determination while silencing the political empowerment of the people of Guam. Decolonization represents a transformative shift, allowing for the formulation of policies and practices that directly address indigenous poverty and breaking the cycle that perpetuates economic and social inequalities. For indigenous people in Guam, decolonization stands as the linchpin in the broader effort to confront and rectify the deeply rooted challenges of poverty among Guam’s indigenous population.
–Aprile Kim
Photo: Flickr
Remittances to Sri Lanka Rebound to Boost Recovery
The percentage of Sri Lankans living in poverty doubled between 2021 and 2022, leaving a quarter of the population living on less than $3.65 per day. This followed an economic crisis allowed to manifest due to a depletion of foreign currency reserves. A string of misinformed economic decisions characterized the crisis, one of which led to a collapse in remittances to Sri Lanka. In July 2022, public disapproval culminated in riotous political protests leading to a change of leadership.
Sri Lanka is now rebuilding. The re-emergence of its vital tourism sector since the pandemic and an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout have each played a role. Moreover, remittance payments — money sent to the country by Sri Lankans living abroad — have increased by 46% in 2023, helping relieve poverty on the ground and providing much-needed foreign currency.
The recovery of remittance payments has helped negate the worst impacts of the crisis on poverty levels in Sri Lanka. The money sent helps people make vital repairs on homes, pay off outstanding debts or buy some type of income source, like a vehicle. In addition, foreign currencies coming into the banking system have allowed the country to import basic necessities and meet IMF criteria for debt restructuring.
The Sri Lankan Diaspora
Remittances have historically been a large source of income for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s diaspora totals more than 2 million people and up to 3 million when you count their descendants. This is a large proportion of a country with a population of only 22 million.
Much of the diaspora are Sri Lankan Tamils, who fled to places like Canada, Europe and Australia to escape persecution during and after the 30-year civil war. Sri Lankans of all backgrounds, however, spend extended periods as guest workers in the Middle East, often with the sole intention of earning money to send home. More than 500,000 Sri Lankans currently live and work in Saudi Arabia, with another 250,000 in the UAE, according to UN statistics. With this steady flow of outward migration throughout the 21st century, total remittances to Sri Lanka rocketed from around $1 billion in 2000 to more than $7 billion in 2016.
Remittance Collapse in Early 2022
A sharp fall in remittances to Sri Lanka through official channels was partly responsible for the economic collapse in 2021. Persistent attempts by the government to peg its exchange rate to the U.S. dollar while pursuing expansionary fiscal policies elsewhere effectively devalued the Sri Lankan rupee. This prompted unofficial exchanges to offer around 20% more in exchange for foreign currency than the market rate. In short, workers sending remittances could get much better value for money via unofficial channels.
The situation was so desperate that the Central Bank, at one point, threatened to freeze the bank accounts of the diaspora sending back funds via unofficial means. While remittances were finding a way through, they were not contributing to Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange reserves. This contributed to the fuel crisis, preventing Sri Lanka from importing crude oil. The problem also impacted the market for food and medicine, with inflation rates of more than 50%.
Remittances Rebound Throughout 2023
Attempting to reverse Sri Lanka’s economic woes, several drastic actions were taken by governments in 2022. One of these was a sharp devaluation of the rupee in an attempt to attract remittance payments, which by this point had reached a 10-year low. In February 2022, the dollar had been worth around 200 rupees, but by February 2023, $1 bought 360 rupees.
The devaluation served to close the gap that opened up between official and unofficial exchange rates. It also meant that remittances from abroad went further in Sri Lanka. The policy was effective, with the most recent figures showing that remittances to Sri Lanka coming through official channels went up to $517.4 million in October 2023, up 46% from $355.4 million a year earlier.
Recovery Through Remittances
To the relief of those battling poverty across Sri Lanka, all indicators show that the country is well on the way to recovery. Remittances to Sri Lanka have been key to stabilizing foreign currency reserves and providing a source of household income in the country. Going forward, they can even play a role in educating and upskilling younger generations amid a national brain drain.
On this note, the government hopes to create economic conditions that will reduce the number of people seeking opportunities abroad, with 200,000 reported to be leaving each year. With outward migration of such magnitude, however, remittance payments are likely to continue to play a vital role in the economy.
– Alex Finch
Photo: Wikimedia Commons