The United Nations (U.N.) defines the rule of law as a system that holds both the State and common citizens accountable to equally enforced laws that adhere to international human rights standards. Currently, the Rule of Law is experiencing significant strain due to escalating tensions between the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan.
History of the Rule of Law in Taiwan
In 1945, at the end of the Second World War, Taiwan became part of the Republic of China. However, in 1949, a civil war broke out in mainland China, prompting nationalist forces under Chiang Kai-shek of the Kuomintang (KMT) party to flee to Taiwan. Both sides asserted their claim to represent all of China.
Chiang Kai-shek assumed the presidency and enforced strict martial law, leading an authoritarian government that seldom addressed poverty or the plight of Taiwanese citizens. Corruption thrived, and poverty was widespread as the country suffered from mismanagement under his rule. Rebellions were violently suppressed. Despite this, the Taiwanese people held onto their spirit and hope, envisioning a future marked by freedom and equality.
The KMT ruled for up to five decades until the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won the 2000 and 2004 elections. However, it returned to power in 2008 and 2012. But after the third democratization of Taiwan, in 2016, the first female president of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen of the DPP was elected to power.
Tensions With China
Since 1949, Taiwan has been officially called the Republic of China. Only 13 countries in the world recognize Taiwan as a separate country. China has openly stated that it does not believe in Taiwan’s independence and does not recognize Taiwan’s democratic rights as a separate sovereign state.
Chinese President Xi Jinping claimed in October 2019 that “reunification” with Taiwan “must be fulfilled,” considering it a breakaway province. The Chinese Communist Party has even threatened the use of force if Taiwan declares itself an independent country.
The One-China Policy
The One-China Policy recognizes the authority of the Chinese government as the sole representative of China. In its relations with China, the United States (U.S.) acknowledges this policy and has formal ties with China instead of Taiwan.
Under President Jimmy Carter, the U.S. established diplomatic ties with China in 1979. This resulted in an end to its connections with Taiwan and the U.S. closed its Taipei embassy.
However, the U.S. passed the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979, which aims to protect the human rights of Taiwanese citizens and advocates for a peaceful resolution to determine Taiwan’s future. The U.S. claims that it upholds an “unofficial robust” relationship with Taiwan and that it is an important economic and foreign ally.
On the other hand, Beijing believes that there is only “One China” and maintains a “One-China Principle”. China claims that Taiwan is an unalienable part of mainland China. The Chinese- Taiwanese relations continue to be tense to date.
The Rule of Law and Poverty
Constant political tensions and COVID-19 have aggravated the uneven income distribution in Taiwan over the past three years. More than 68% of workers earn below-average salaries. This is evident in the high cost of living in Taipei. An estimated 50% of employees receive a monthly salary lower than NT$42,000, and this can easily qualify as living in poverty.
In addition, critics often raise concerns about the government’s calculation of the poverty index in Taiwan. Currently, the poverty rate relies on the relative poverty line, which is “60% of median disposable income per capita,” with varying thresholds for each city or province. The baseline is set at TWD 10,244. Low-income families below the threshold receive benefits and services. However, if a family’s income surpasses the monthly threshold for a specific area, they have limited access to aid, which may increase the risk of poverty.
Current Rule of Law Under Tsai Ing-wen
President Tsai Ing-wen is known to fight for her country’s democratic rights and provide opposition to the One-China policy. Most recently, in April 2023, the Taiwan President and U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy met in California to further friendly and peaceful relations. Her administration has received praise for effectively managing the COVID-19 pandemic through vaccination campaigns, contact tracing and quarantines for travelers.
In terms of quality of life, according to InterNations, 75% of expatriates are content with a high quality of life, affordable health care, green goods and beautiful infrastructures.
Ongoing Defense Efforts
On June 10, Ing-wen stated that she will use new technology to improve and strengthen Taiwan’s defenses. The president is also working toward safeguarding border security in response to Chinese showcases of military superiority. Ing-wen has vowed to make Taiwan a prominent contributor to the global economy with new biotechnology and green energy initiatives.
The Taiwanese people continue to have a strong sense of community, strength and support for each other through non-profit NGO charities such as Tzu Chi and Garden of Hope.
In Romanized Taiwanese, Tzu Chi stands for “relieving suffering with compassion”. In 1966, Dharma Master Cheng Ten founded the organization in Hualien, an impoverished rural area of Taiwan. Tzu Chi strongly believes in healing spiritual poverty by spreading the message of love, compassion and humanitarianism regardless of gender, ethnicity and race.
Tzu Chi also fights poverty by fundraising and creating grassroots volunteers around the globe. They provide holistic support and humanistic education. It now has around 77,621 core volunteers and thousands of members worldwide.
Looking Ahead
With continuous and unwavering support from other developed countries, Taiwan can potentially strengthen its democratic rule of law and create more growth and stability for its local citizens.
–Sharvi Rana
Photo: Unsplash
Tackling Poverty in the Netherlands Is Urgent
Statistics Show Poverty Remains an Issue
Poverty affects nearly a million citizens in the Netherlands (6% of the population), with children, migrants and the elderly being the most vulnerable groups. To combat this issue, the government plans to reduce poverty through measures like high-income taxes, which could potentially decrease poverty by 60%. Increasing the minimum income support is also likely to be a significant step toward alleviating poverty.
At the end of 2022, the at-risk-of-poverty rate in the Netherlands stood at 14.5%, as reported by EUROSTAT. A 2022 European Commission report highlighted the Netherlands as the only EU state with a social safety net that prevents people from falling into poverty; the country’s minimum income ensures citizens are not left in destitution.
According to CBS, the Netherlands has made progress in reducing the percentage of the poor. However, not all statistics indicate success, as wages have increased, but those at the bottom of the income ladder have become poorer.
Children Living in Poverty in the Netherlands
According to data from 2022, 6.6% of Dutch children live in low-income households. The Netherlands is one of the world’s richest countries; however, 10% of the population lives below the poverty line, which makes education and health care financially unreachable for children growing up in poorer families.
Another issue in the Netherlands is the punishment of children physically at home and school. Violence against children is still an existing problem in the culture. Many of the refugees are held in centers for a longer period, and children seeking asylum do have uninsured rights.
Advancements Toward Battling Poverty in the Netherlands
The National Plan concerning policy on child poverty has declared that every child has access to health care, and local authorities have the accountability to make sure children can get health services since 2022.
Child homelessness is almost nonexistent in the Netherlands, but exact information on children living on the streets is not available. The country does not have a program that focuses on supporting homeless children. They sometimes end up living in child-friendly women’s shelters for a maximum of three months.
The number of children at risk of poverty in the long term has shrunk every year since 2015. The National Plan shares the same view with the government to tackle child poverty. The cabinet is planning on establishing the improvement of the process.
Ongoing Efforts
The Dutch government is working to help those living in extreme poverty who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine by cooperating with organizations aiming to create food security. The Protestant Church in the Netherlands (PKN) initiated action against poverty this year. It plans to collect products for the food bank to stop poverty from expanding. This year the Dutch government decided to cut 3.4 billion euros from the budget for development cooperation and humanitarian assistance in the next few years as it intends to turn those funds inward and provide housing for asylum seekers within the country’s borders.
An association of more than 100 Dutch development organizations considers it ill-advised that the Dutch government cut back on tackling the root causes of conflict, climate change, poverty and humanitarian assistance. The Netherlands received €413 million from the European Social Fund in 2022 to resist growing poverty. The country became the first that used money from the EU to ensure people have enough to survive. This means that almost €16 million has been rearranged for essential support, food, books for children and hygienic products for girls. The funding for the European Social Fund runs up to 2027.
What is Next?
The Netherlands employs various methods to combat poverty, boasting one of the lowest at-risk-of-poverty rates at 5.4%, in contrast to the EU average of 21.7%. Marjolijn van Gerven, the National Sustainable Development Goals coordinator, highlighted the diverse approaches for addressing poverty in the country and emphasized the importance of scientific and methodological access in this endeavor. The efforts to tackle and prevent the spread of poverty are underway, as evident in Finance Minister Sigrid Kaag’s statement: “The government really wants to prevent more people from falling into poverty. But we weigh everything, and we do that in August.”
– Klaudia Laura Sebestyen
Photo: Flickr
The Role of Technology in Human Trafficking
For years, technology has pervaded trafficking spaces as a dangerous tool that traffickers use for surreptitious recruitment, advertisement and exploitation of victims. With reports illustrating the online inventories traffickers utilize to exhibit their victims as commodities that others can purchase and exploit, it is evident that the role of technology in human trafficking is one that provides perpetrators with an unsettling advantage. There is a strong link between poverty and human trafficking as traffickers often target the most vulnerable, marginalized and impoverished people.
How Traffickers Utilize Technology
The threatening reach of perpetrators even extends to children. According to the Shiva Foundation, online demand depicts that there could be as many as 750,000 users across the globe seeking to sexually exploit children online. Social media also plays a role in enabling traffickers to target, contact and lure potential victims into exploitative deals, as indicated by the 2018 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Report on Trafficking in Persons.
In addition, GPS software in phones, alongside video surveillance and live streaming technology, assists perpetrators in keeping constant control of their victims’ movements. Furthermore, post-captivity, victims who have permanent images and reminders of their sexual exploitation etched in the online space may struggle with recovery.
The Role of Technology in Human Trafficking Amid COVID-19
The virtual recruitment of trafficking victims has become significantly more prevalent with time, as outlined by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. Particularly, following the global outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, people around the world began relying on technology and social media to interact with others amid social distancing protocols. During this time, traffickers used online social media platforms to lure victims. This danger rendered offenders more difficult to trace to a concrete physical location.
In Save the Children’s 11th edition of the report “Little Invisible Slaves,” which documents child trafficking, the organization highlighted that, in 2020, Western and Southern Europe noted the highest number of confirmed child trafficking cases globally—a total of 4,168 child victims. Furthermore, numerous cases involved the sexual exploitation of young women, with 27.5% of incidents hailing from Tunisia. The report also marked a rise in the cases of trafficked women with children, primarily from Nigeria, which rose to 12% in 2020 in contrast to 6% in 2016.
In 2020, the National Human Trafficking Hotline in the U.S. saw a “125% increase in reports of recruitment into trafficking through Facebook and a 95% increase in reports of recruitment on Instagram compared to the previous year.” Considering this link between technology and human trafficking, the National Human Trafficking Hotline reports the “internet as the top recruitment location for all forms of trafficking.”
The Positive Role of Technology in Human Trafficking
While social media can be a dangerous space for traffickers to gather intel on and recruit victims, it can also be beneficial in raising awareness, informing and educating the general populace on the issue. Technology plays a crucial role in undercutting human trafficking through techniques such as data aggregation, which refers to the synthesis of relevant online trends. For instance, in 2022, Thomas Reuters collaborated with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to examine whether an online demand exists for the exploitation of particularly vulnerable groups, such as Ukrainian women facing the impacts of the conflict in Ukraine.
The results of their investigation pointed to a spike of up to 300% in online interest in the sexualization of Ukrainian women following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. As Ukrainian women face high risks of becoming victims of trafficking n their attempts to escape wartime strife, this illustrates the necessity of technology and data aggregation in identifying online trends and in victim identification.
Moreover, through the use of data analysis and aggregation to pinpoint vulnerable groups, technology can provide a platform for the launching of campaigns that promote safety and spread awareness. Notably, in light of the increased risk of trafficking for Ukrainian women, the OSCE and Thomson Reuters launched the “Be Safe” campaign in 2022. The online awareness campaign targeting Ukrainians critically outlines warning signs of trafficking, minimizes the risk and guides potential victims to local sources of assistance.
Using Technology in Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts
Love Justice International, funded by the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking (UNVTF), uses technology to intercept trafficking situations. “By combining its own data on previous potential victims with road network graphs from OpenStreetMap (a collaborative open-source geographic database), [Love Justice International] has created route heatmaps showing the road segments that are likely to be most heavily used for human trafficking in certain areas,” the UNODC website explains.
Love Justice International establishes transit monitoring stations to identify potential victims of trafficking and intervene before the trafficking occurs. In 2006, the organization began its human trafficking interception work at the border of India and Nepal and in Bangladesh. Since then, it has established transit monitoring sites in several countries with high human trafficking rates. In 2022, monitoring extended to Romania, Moldova, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Burundi, Mexico and Indonesia. Love Justice International now has 78 transit monitoring sites and has intercepted more than 46,000 potential victims of trafficking. The organization’s trafficking work has led to more than 1,300 arrests.
In July 2023 in a video message published on the UNODC website, Ghada Waly, executive director of the UNODC, says, “To protect people, we need to protect digital spaces from criminal abuse.” Exploring the role of technology in human trafficking shows that technology does provide certain advantages to traffickers. However, as seen in the activities of Love Justice International and other organizations, technology also plays a significant role in efforts to combat human trafficking.
– Katrina Girod
Photo: Flickr
Water Access in Iraq: How Two Men in Iraq Helped Save Their Community
It was 28-year-old Ali Sattar, a financial expert for a flourishing oil field, and his neighbor Nazim Yousif who came up with a solution.
The Solution
To address the water scarcity issue, Sattar and Yousif led the community in combining their resources to purchase weekly tankers to bring clean water to Al-Huta. These containers were able to supply ten households with potable water, ensuring safe drinking water and supporting agricultural activities in the neighborhood.
While this solution effectively provided clean water, the cost of each tanker was around $400, equivalent to a month’s salary. Sattar and Yousif realized that this approach was not sustainable in the long term. They recognized the need for external assistance to bring lasting change. Eventually, they sought support from USAID, understanding that collaboration was crucial to achieving their goals.
As early as 2019, USAID has worked with the United Nations Development Programme regarding supporting water treatment plants found throughout Basrah. Since then, its actions have adapted to meet local and international standards, renovating these plants for safe, clean water access in Iraq to roughly 625,000 residents, according to USAID.
By extension, tankards dropped from $400 to $30 for the community, an attainable cost for a sustainable solution.
Iraq As a Whole
Al-Huta is not the only community struggling with contaminated water in Iraq. In fact, according to The Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights, as of March 2023, the majority of the country’s natural water supply is polluted with oil, feces and medicinal waste. Drinking it has caused a massive upheaval of diseases among the populace.
The Tigris and Euphrates are not safe to drink. However, support from USAID and others may be able to help the rest of the country, as was the case with Al-Huta.
Ongoing Support
Some activists based in Iraq have also been working to fight the water crisis. Salman Khairalla, founder of the advocacy campaign Save The Tigris and Iraqi Marshes in March 2012, partnered with 30 other activists across the Iraqi Social Forum and Iraqi Activist Network. Their actions include bringing attention to the negative impact of dams on the safety of their water. Their voices created such a stir that the UNESCO World Heritage List added the marshlands in 2016, allowing the movement to receive more funding.
One of these movements also involves the ongoing Iraq Water Fund, established through Human Appeal in 2016. Through donations, the initiative builds solar-powered purifiers for water access in Basrah villages, offering fresh water and electricity to those who need it most. These efforts have proven successful in rehabilitating over 20 schools and providing meals for 85,000 children. This is alongside many other impressive feats that continue to bear fruit for the country even today.
– Nathan Bronk
Photo: Picryl
Fragility and Rule of Law in Taiwan
History of the Rule of Law in Taiwan
In 1945, at the end of the Second World War, Taiwan became part of the Republic of China. However, in 1949, a civil war broke out in mainland China, prompting nationalist forces under Chiang Kai-shek of the Kuomintang (KMT) party to flee to Taiwan. Both sides asserted their claim to represent all of China.
Chiang Kai-shek assumed the presidency and enforced strict martial law, leading an authoritarian government that seldom addressed poverty or the plight of Taiwanese citizens. Corruption thrived, and poverty was widespread as the country suffered from mismanagement under his rule. Rebellions were violently suppressed. Despite this, the Taiwanese people held onto their spirit and hope, envisioning a future marked by freedom and equality.
The KMT ruled for up to five decades until the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won the 2000 and 2004 elections. However, it returned to power in 2008 and 2012. But after the third democratization of Taiwan, in 2016, the first female president of Taiwan Tsai Ing-wen of the DPP was elected to power.
Tensions With China
Since 1949, Taiwan has been officially called the Republic of China. Only 13 countries in the world recognize Taiwan as a separate country. China has openly stated that it does not believe in Taiwan’s independence and does not recognize Taiwan’s democratic rights as a separate sovereign state.
Chinese President Xi Jinping claimed in October 2019 that “reunification” with Taiwan “must be fulfilled,” considering it a breakaway province. The Chinese Communist Party has even threatened the use of force if Taiwan declares itself an independent country.
The One-China Policy
The One-China Policy recognizes the authority of the Chinese government as the sole representative of China. In its relations with China, the United States (U.S.) acknowledges this policy and has formal ties with China instead of Taiwan.
Under President Jimmy Carter, the U.S. established diplomatic ties with China in 1979. This resulted in an end to its connections with Taiwan and the U.S. closed its Taipei embassy.
However, the U.S. passed the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979, which aims to protect the human rights of Taiwanese citizens and advocates for a peaceful resolution to determine Taiwan’s future. The U.S. claims that it upholds an “unofficial robust” relationship with Taiwan and that it is an important economic and foreign ally.
On the other hand, Beijing believes that there is only “One China” and maintains a “One-China Principle”. China claims that Taiwan is an unalienable part of mainland China. The Chinese- Taiwanese relations continue to be tense to date.
The Rule of Law and Poverty
Constant political tensions and COVID-19 have aggravated the uneven income distribution in Taiwan over the past three years. More than 68% of workers earn below-average salaries. This is evident in the high cost of living in Taipei. An estimated 50% of employees receive a monthly salary lower than NT$42,000, and this can easily qualify as living in poverty.
In addition, critics often raise concerns about the government’s calculation of the poverty index in Taiwan. Currently, the poverty rate relies on the relative poverty line, which is “60% of median disposable income per capita,” with varying thresholds for each city or province. The baseline is set at TWD 10,244. Low-income families below the threshold receive benefits and services. However, if a family’s income surpasses the monthly threshold for a specific area, they have limited access to aid, which may increase the risk of poverty.
Current Rule of Law Under Tsai Ing-wen
President Tsai Ing-wen is known to fight for her country’s democratic rights and provide opposition to the One-China policy. Most recently, in April 2023, the Taiwan President and U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy met in California to further friendly and peaceful relations. Her administration has received praise for effectively managing the COVID-19 pandemic through vaccination campaigns, contact tracing and quarantines for travelers.
In terms of quality of life, according to InterNations, 75% of expatriates are content with a high quality of life, affordable health care, green goods and beautiful infrastructures.
Ongoing Defense Efforts
On June 10, Ing-wen stated that she will use new technology to improve and strengthen Taiwan’s defenses. The president is also working toward safeguarding border security in response to Chinese showcases of military superiority. Ing-wen has vowed to make Taiwan a prominent contributor to the global economy with new biotechnology and green energy initiatives.
The Taiwanese people continue to have a strong sense of community, strength and support for each other through non-profit NGO charities such as Tzu Chi and Garden of Hope.
In Romanized Taiwanese, Tzu Chi stands for “relieving suffering with compassion”. In 1966, Dharma Master Cheng Ten founded the organization in Hualien, an impoverished rural area of Taiwan. Tzu Chi strongly believes in healing spiritual poverty by spreading the message of love, compassion and humanitarianism regardless of gender, ethnicity and race.
Tzu Chi also fights poverty by fundraising and creating grassroots volunteers around the globe. They provide holistic support and humanistic education. It now has around 77,621 core volunteers and thousands of members worldwide.
Looking Ahead
With continuous and unwavering support from other developed countries, Taiwan can potentially strengthen its democratic rule of law and create more growth and stability for its local citizens.
–Sharvi Rana
Photo: Unsplash
Dalits of India
Past and Present
According to Minority Rights, there are approximately 166 million Dalits, constituting an oppressed minority. Under the caste system, the Dalits remain the poorest inhabitants of India and this continues in modern times. Around 80% live in rural areas, where they work as farmers or laborers earning minimal money. Some are moving to the cities and are stuck doing menial jobs.”In areas such as health, education, housing, employment and wages, application of legal rights, decision-making and political participation and rural development, Dalit women have been almost entirely excluded from development policies and programs,” Minority Rights says. In terms of Dalit women’s sexual assault cases, 2% result in convictions, compared to the national 25% average.
Dalit Activists
Despite the challenges, many Dalits have been vocal in speaking out against the discrimination they endure and play prominent roles in Indian social justice organizations. One example is Manjula Pradeep, a longtime activist who is a co-founder of the National Council of Women Leaders. The Council fights for women’s issues in India, even going past Dalit women. Dalits like B.R. Bhaskar Prasad are also leaders of the Social Democratic Party of India, another group that often advocates for India’s lower classes.
Prasad has also been able to maintain Dalit unity. Ruth Manorama is one of the most recognized Dalit activists, having founded and been on the board of many empowerment organizations. Manorama has always maintained that women should be equal in the cause. She was awarded the Right Livelihood award in 2006.
Dalit Organizations
Activist-founded organizations have made significant strides in advancing the rights of Dalits in India and providing assistance to marginalized communities worldwide. Dalit Solidarity, a nonprofit organization founded in the Indian Dalit community in 2000 and now based in the United States (U.S.), focuses on providing education and health care support. Its website explains that its drive in assisting those in need has even expanded to other areas, such as with refugees in Ukraine and Malawi.
One organization that has always had the female voice involved is the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights. In addition to promoting women’s rights, the campaign also works to promote awareness to end crimes against Dalits. The National Confederation of Dalit Organizations (NACDOR) collaborates with the U.N. to raise awareness of minority rights and align their work with the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The Future
Dalit communities in India have made notable strides, with their largest political party, the Bahujan Samaj Party, assuming a prominent position in the country’s politics. India’s constitution ensures affirmative action for Dalits, which includes employment opportunities and other rights. Furthermore, there has been progress in improving access to education for Dalits. Drawing upon their unwavering determination and resilience, Dalits will persist in raising their voices against the obstacles they encounter.
– Josh Sobchak
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Addressing Food and Bed Poverty in the UK
According to the Independent, as of March 2022, 14.4 million individuals resided in low-income households in the U.K. Although this figure has decreased to pre-pandemic levels of 13.4 million, the impact of high living costs and inflation persists, affecting a significant portion of the population. Among those most affected are children and ethnic minority families, who often lack the necessary resources to provide proper nutrition and ensure a good night’s sleep, crucial for school readiness. Recognizing that education serves as a proven pathway out of poverty, it becomes imperative to address issues of food and bed poverty in the U.K. to support children’s success in school and secure their future prosperity.
Food Poverty in the UK
Children experiencing food poverty do not have the same access to food options as their peers. Rising food prices in the U.K. have made it difficult for many households to afford essential, nutrient-rich foods. According to data from January 2023, 17.7% of households in the U.K. could not afford a day’s worth of food, as reported by the Commons Library.
Bed Poverty in the UK
Limited access to safe sleeping arrangements also puts children at a disadvantage. During a House of Commons debate on child bed poverty, Kim Leadbeater, a member of the U.K. Parliament for Batley and Spen, highlighted that at least 163 pupils in the Batley & Birstall Excellence in Schools Together group of 21 schools do not have their beds. The lack of a bed affects a child’s family life, personal growth and education.
The Importance of Addressing Food and Bed Poverty in the UK
Sleep and nutrition are essential in ensuring children’s well-being and future success. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting proper sleep at night helps students stay focused, improve concentration and enhance academic performance. The National Sleep Foundation emphasizes the connection between nutrition and sleep, stating that healthy eating habits promote better sleeping patterns. Unfortunately, nutritious food and a secure sleep environment are limited for children from low-income homes.
Food and sleep significantly impact a child’s education. Zarach, a charity in the U.K., focuses on addressing food and bed poverty to ensure that children come to school ready to learn.
What is Zarach?
Zarach is a charity dedicated to helping children experiencing poverty in the U.K. Initially established in Leeds, it has expanded its services to Dewsbury, Romford, Calderdale, Huddersfield and Stockport. Through partnerships with schools, Zarach aims to provide beds and essential resources to help children arrive at school prepared to learn. Education serves as a crucial stepping stone toward providing opportunities that can change a child’s future. Zarach supports children through its projects, enabling them to succeed.
How Zarach Works With Schools and Families to End Bed Poverty in the UK
Zarach collaborates with schools to identify instances of bed poverty and refer families to its programs. In addition to providing referrals, Zarach works with schools to raise awareness about families experiencing poverty through assemblies, fundraisers and bundle collections.
Children need support at home to improve their opportunities in the classroom. The essentials provided by Zarach give children the opportunity to grow in school. Zarach hopes to help families transition from focusing on survival to self-sustenance.
“Every Head a Bed”
This project focuses on providing bed bundles and food packages to families living in poverty. Children need stable access to healthy meals and a safe bed to sleep in every day. Without these essentials, children struggle to grow.
“We are here to bring lasting and positive change to those children growing up in the grips of poverty crisis through bed bundle deliveries, tailored support packages, raising awareness, advocating policy change and galvanizing people and resources across the U.K.”
Looking Ahead
In addressing the critical issues of food and bed poverty in the U.K., organizations like Zarach are making a tangible difference in the lives of children experiencing poverty. By providing essential resources, such as nutritious meals and safe beds, Zarach supports children’s well-being and educational success. Its efforts not only alleviate immediate hardships but also work toward breaking the cycle of poverty, fostering a brighter future for these young individuals and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
– Ellie Bruce
Photo: PxHere
Improving Food Security in the Philippines
The Role of GMOs in Improving Food Security
To combat food insecurity, various agrochemical companies have been genetically modifying crops globally since the 1990s. The Philippines has been actively involved in approving genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for commercial use, including Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn, Bt eggplant, and golden rice.
Golden Rice: A Solution to Vitamin A Deficiency
Golden rice, named for its golden-orange appearance, gained approval in 2021 due to its rich content of beta-carotene, a vital nutrient that a third of preschool-aged children are deficient in. The introduction of golden rice aims to reduce visual impairments and digestive issues that are a result of low vitamin A intake.
Positive Impacts of GM Technology
Beyond addressing nutrient deficiencies, GM technology offers various positive impacts. By utilizing GMOs, the use of chemical pesticides could be reduced by 37%, thus minimizing the environmental impact. Some reports have linked artificial pesticides to diseases and behavioral changes in animals, resulting in decreased reproduction and survival rates.
Controversy Surrounding GMOs
Despite the potential benefits, opposition to GMOs remains strong. Concerns about the sustainability of genetically modified crops have led to a recent Supreme Court writ prohibiting their commercial release.
Wilhelmina Pelegrina, the Southeast Asia strategy and analysis director for Greenpeace, stated in a press release that this decision “is a win for farmers and Filipinos who have long opposed genetically modified (GM) crops and the harm they bring to the people and the environment.”
The press release voiced the concerns of many GMO skeptics who argue that the Department of Agriculture should be prioritizing ecological agriculture in a way that equally addresses the needs of the farmers and access to nutritional food. Greenpeace suggests that the Department of Agriculture’s funding of GMOs only benefits larger corporate interests as opposed to the interests of the poor.
The Path Forward
With an anticipated surge in food demand by 2050, addressing food security becomes imperative. In Addition, the discourse between activists, lawmakers and the government could play a crucial role in determining the future approach to farming. As things stand, balancing the need for food security with concerns about GMOs remains an ongoing challenge in the Philippines.
– Christian Vince
Photo: Flickr
Mind the Gap: Businesses Commit to Ending Gender Wage Gap in Palestine
Addressing the gender wage gap in Palestine necessitates a broader conversation. In a positive development, 15 Palestinian companies have signed the U.N.-established Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP) as of 2021. By endorsing these principles, these companies demonstrate their commitment to promoting gender equality in the workplace and advancing progress for women. This commitment goes beyond monetary values and reflects a dedication to female empowerment and the advancement of positive change.
The Gender Wage Gap in Palestine at a Glance
In Occupied Palestinian Territory, reports from 2015 revealed that a woman’s median daily wage is 24% less than that of men in the same employment, most notably in the education sector. Women employed in public secondary schools receive $32.40 less per month than men. In contrast, women working in private primary schools in the West Bank receive $160 less per month.
The implications are equally severe. Women-headed households make up more than 11% of Palestinian family units as of 2018, and yet the percentage of poverty among such households comes in at 54% in the Gaza Strip. When compared with the overall percentage of poverty among Palestinians (29.2% in 2017), the extent of the challenges that working women face in fighting to avoid falling below the poverty line becomes apparent.
Addressing the gender wage gap in Palestine is crucial to alleviate the financial and emotional strain that holds back women who are grappling with poverty. They often find themselves struggling against challenging circumstances while witnessing their male counterparts navigate more favorable conditions.
Digging Deeper
The gender wage gap in Palestine extends beyond just basic salary and becomes evident when considering various forms of remuneration, such as paid leave, allowances, severance pay and other financial rewards. Even in cases where the disparity in wages appears small, the inclusion of family allowances (which only men can claim) and additional benefits like bonuses and health insurance widen the gap significantly. This creates a substantial divide that poses a risk for female teachers and professionals, hindering their financial security and potential.
The current socio-cultural climate backs the working female into a corner, with the current unemployment rate for women in Palestine as of March 2023 coming in at 40%. For comparison, the percentage of unemployed men stands at just 20%. For Palestinian women, it is enough of a battle to even enter the workplace, let alone get paid equally for doing so. An example is Shatha Odeh who spent a year in an Israeli prison under claims of heading up an illegal organization in Occupied Palestinian Territory, when she said they arrested her due to her role as Director of Health Work Committees.
Bridging the Gap
Efforts to bridge the gender wage gap in Palestine appear to rely solely on economic measures, which may be precarious and temporary based on the trends. However, an alternative solution may lie in prioritizing people over financial considerations. In line with this perspective, the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP) report that as of July 2023, 20 local Palestinian companies, including the Bank of Palestine, Birzeit Pharmaceutical Company and Vitas Palestine, have committed to promoting gender equality in the workplace by signing the WEP. This signifies a concerted effort by these companies to advance gender equality and empower women in Palestine.
The United Nations (U.N.) unveiled the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEP) on International Women’s Day in March 2010, aligning with international labor and human rights standards. This global initiative consists of seven principles that provide a comprehensive framework for businesses to empower Palestinian women in the workplace. One key aspect of these principles is ensuring equal pay for equal work, and promoting fair compensation based on the value of the job performed.
According to the official U.N. WEPs brochure, such principals are already making waves. As of March 2021, more than 5,000 companies in 141 countries have signed and committed to implementing the WEPs. This has a cumulative effect of transforming the careers of more than 10 million employees and the families they are working to support.
Vitas Palestine
Vitas Palestine is not only taking steps such as launching its “Vitas Values Equality” initiative, enforcing commitment to embracing gender equality, within its organization, but is also working hard to ensure such commitment resounds through its clientele and beyond.
Through an increased focus on empowering female entrepreneurs, from CEOs to those working in small businesses, Vitas makes its standpoint quite clear. The working woman is a force to be reckoned with, deserving of equal opportunity, equal support and most importantly, equal remuneration.
Vitas’ efforts align with the WEP. The WEP goes beyond being a temporary solution and aims to create lasting cultural change by valuing and empowering women in the workplace. This program is a crucial step toward closing the gender wage gap in Palestine and achieving financial equality. With a strong foundation in socio-cultural transformation, there is hope that Palestinian businesses can bridge this gap and overcome gender disparities once and for all.
– Izzy Grout
Photo: Unsplash
Eliminating Child Poverty in Croatia: Successful Efforts
Socio-Political Background
The Croatian government worked with the EU, eventually becoming a member in 2013. Since then, the quality of life has shifted for Croatians altogether, and the country has worked hard to promote a way for everyone to grow and succeed equally. The EU has developed plans specifically for children and their caregivers in hopes that no child is denied any opportunities based on social and economic status. The government of Croatia is also prioritizing the alleviation of child poverty through various initiatives.
In 2010, the percentage of Croatians under 18 years old living below the poverty line had reached a record high, according to the World Bank. Since then, the country has put many efforts in place to reduce these numbers. In the years moving forward, Croatians experienced a steady decrease in the percentage of those living under the poverty line.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a slight increase in poverty levels, but the numbers have since reduced substantially. Not only has the country reduced all types of poverty, but the specific attention to children has helped give Croatian children and their families better opportunities. As of 2022, 18.4% of the population of Croatians under the age of 18 faced the risk of poverty and social exclusion.
The European Child Guarantee
Adopted in 2021, The European Child Guarantee aims to ensure every child in Europe has access to the same opportunities in life. It focuses on children who are at risk of poverty and social exclusion. This includes free education and health care as well as sufficient housing and healthy nutrition.
The Croatian government has explicitly been working toward decreasing the poverty rates among those under 18 years old. In the Croatian government’s plan, the aim is to address hidden costs within education and provide free meals at school. It is also a goal to provide health care services at home and housing allowances to foster-care families. The Croatian government also hopes to enhance the social mentoring system for caregivers in need.
Croatia’s Child Guarantee National Action Plan is run by a committee assigned to ensure this plan is being properly implemented. The country encouraged children to participate in this planning process and share their opinions. The well-being of children has been a top priority within the government, which has been a huge factor in decreasing child poverty in Croatia. So far in four countries including Croatia, the program has reached more than 30,000 children and 16,000 caregivers.
EU Strategy on the Rights of a Child
In Europe, children’s rights have been a growing topic of discussion throughout the years. The EU Strategy on the Rights of a Child aims to ensure that children feel that they have rights within their country and don’t experience violence or exclusion. Like the European Child Guarantee, the plan included the input of more than 10,000 children.
Each year, Croatia holds an annual conference to track the successes of the rights of a child. In 2024, this strategy will be evaluated with the expectation that it has provided steady benefits and ensured that all children are being treated fairly, according to National Plan Overview.
Child Benefits
The economy in Croatia has seen its ups and downs during and after the pandemic. The country provided various stimulus packages over the past two years to alleviate pressures on families. It has also worked hard to help individuals obtain steady incomes. The government made loan programs more accessible to those in need and extended many loan repayment deadlines. Additionally, families can apply to receive a stipend for each child they are providing for. The amount awarded can continue every month until the child reaches adulthood.
Looking Ahead
Croatian authorities have made significant efforts to address poverty and prioritize the well-being of youth, particularly by targeting child poverty in Croatia. The implementation of the European Child Guarantee has played a crucial role in providing equal educational opportunities for all children, while also ensuring access to free education and healthcare. Child benefits have offered crucial support to parents in navigating the challenges of the post-pandemic economy. As a result of these government initiatives, child poverty rates in Croatia have shown a steady decline, and there is an expectation that this positive trend will continue in the future.
– Alesandra Cowardin
Photo: Wikimedia
Innovative Solutions for Water Scarcity
Around the world, 1.1 billion people lack access to water, while 2.7 billion face water scarcity for at least one month each year. With changing weather patterns and an increase in extreme weather events like drought and extreme heat, water scarcity has become an even bigger threat than before. Every year, 829,000 people die from diseases directly related to the Triple Threat (unsafe water, poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene).
Despite challenges in how to tackle the issue of water scarcity, organizations and governments across the globe have already begun to implement initiatives to address this issue. For instance, in 2015, the OECD introduced its Water Governance Programme to advise governments at all levels on improving water policies. Scientific research conducted by institutions like the University of Birmingham and organizations like WWF is also focusing on finding solutions for water scarcity.
There are a variety of technologies undergoing development across the globe, from startups to governments, that are addressing the issue of water scarcity. Among these, the following innovative solutions stand out and show potential for tackling the issue successfully.
Solar Panel Technology: Desolenator
Desolenator, a desalination start-up, anticipates a 400% increase in the demand for drinkable water in the manufacturing sector. The company employs solar panel technology to harness sunlight and generate electricity. By utilizing thermal energy, it is able to purify contaminated water through the process of boiling, transforming it into steam and ultimately producing clean water.
Desolenator is currently partnering with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority to work on a project in Dubai, aligning with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050. Its goal is for 100% of energy production to come from clean energy sources by 2050. Not only is Desolenator helping to harness innovative solutions for water scarcity, it is doing so in a sustainable way.
Microfiltration: LifeStraw
LifeStraw, a company specializing in microfiltration, has developed a device that removes 99.9% of waterborne bacteria. It is relatively inexpensive, can be used at home or outdoors and removes more than 30 contaminants in water including chemicals, pesticides, bacteria, microplastics and parasites. LifeStraw is finding innovative solutions to tackling water scarcity. For example, with every 500 products sold, it distributes a LifeStraw purifier to a school in need as part of its Give Back Programme. It also works in partnership with the Carter Center for Guinea worm eradication and in emergency response work, distributing its products to those in need to ensure access to clean water.
Filter Paper: Folia Water
Folia Water has developed a filter paper infused with silver nanoparticles that can eliminate bacteria, viruses and parasites from water. The filter is cost-effective and capable of cleaning 20 liters of water. In 2015, Folia Water trialed the filter at 25 contaminated water sources in Ghana, Bangladesh and South Africa and successfully removed more than 99% of bacteria. While Folia Water needs more funding, it has provided safe drinking water to more than 40,000 low-income individuals in two districts of Bangladesh and aims to extend this to 500 million South Asians.
Agricultural Irrigation Technology
Agricultural irrigation technology generally involves how farmers can efficiently yield crops in the face of water shortages. The three main technologies include gravity, sprinkler and micro irrigation. These allow farmers to maximize crop yield despite water shortages. Since agricultural practices consume around 70% of the world’s freshwater supplies, governments around the world have been implementing policies to encourage agricultural irrigation. For example, the Moroccan Government has expanded irrigation with investment in the agricultural sector. Agricultural irrigation helps to manage water scarcity by increasing the effectiveness of water management and reducing water waste.
Wastewater Recycling: Membrane Bioreactor
Wastewater recycling reduces dependence on freshwater resources and limits the amount of discharged wastewater. Water recycling can be defined as the process of treating wastewater by using machines and chemicals for the reuse of water in industrial cycles. Recyclable water can include sewage, industrial drainage or domestic greywater. An effective solution is recycling waste water through a Membrane Bioreactor which removes toxins through a filtration system. Currently, the U.K. only recycles 2-10% of wastewater. Despite this, there are many positive impacts to recycling wastewater, including reducing costs for incoming water use, reducing costs for water disposal and lowering the environmental impact of operations. Alongside this, recycling wastewater can help address water scarcity, since less is going to waste.
Looking Ahead
Water scarcity remains a global issue facing billions of people worldwide, but organizations and governments are making efforts to tackle water scarcity through various initiatives. For example, the OECD’s Water Governance Programme provides guidance to governments on improving their policies, while scientific research has led to the development of products such as Desolenator, LifeStraw and Folia Water which are attempting to address water scarcity. Continued collaboration, policies and research show that innovative solutions can help in combating water scarcity.
– Rosie Lyons
Photo: Flickr