The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a nonprofit organization that aids more than 40 countries during devastating humanitarian crises, providing resources and support to “restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power.” Through the organization’s efforts, it has provided food, shelter and clothing, influenced humanitarian policy, supported health care workers and provided educational opportunities.
Refugees
Along with these efforts, the IRC is committed to supporting women’s rights for refugees, those at high risk of gender-based violence and those who face discrimination. As the IRC states, nearly half of all refugees are “women and girls,” but are often overlooked during crises and unable to raise awareness for their own needs. Similarly, “nearly one in three women worldwide” who have experienced physical and sexual violence are also unable to receive help due to “fear of retaliation” and the stigma surrounding violence. For this reason, the IRC reports that “less than 1% of humanitarian funding worldwide” is allocated to assist programs supporting women. To assist, the IRC instituted the Listen Up Program, which elevates women’s voices in local communities to enact positive change. This program raises awareness of the alarming rates of gender-based violence and provides resources to prevent future violence.
Because of the Listen Up Program, female activists and women’s rights groups in Uganda have been encouraged to institute change in their communities, providing support for refugees, along with resources for women recovering from violence and abuse.
Gender-Based Violence in Uganda
Based on a 2020 World Bank assessment conducted by the UNHCR, it’s evident that 81% of the 1.4 million Ugandan women and children refugees face a heightened risk of gender-based violence. Additionally, a study conducted by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) found that approximately 95% of Ugandan females had encountered some form of sexual or physical abuse since the age of 15.
These harrowing statistics highlight the increased need for an outpouring of resources, support and funds for Ugandan women who have experienced gender-based violence and harassment.
Through the support of the IRC’s Listen Up Program, the following women’s rights groups in Uganda have positively enacted change through increased training and raising awareness and funds to alleviate gender-based violence.
The Karamoja Women Umbrella Organization (KAWUO)
Since 2015, the Karamoja Women Umbrella Organization (KAWUO) has partnered with the IRC to provide medical and counseling assistance to aid survivors of violence. When the COVID-19 pandemic increased violence in home spaces, the KAWUO and IRC worked together to provide accessible resources for those in need, including remote medical services, counseling and legal advice when necessary.
By instituting bi-weekly telephone calls with the 617 team members to discuss “survivor-centered case management,” the IRC used their Listen Up principles to amplify the voices of women in need. This involved instilling a safe space for female survivors, where they were able to safely interact with the team members with adaptable safe words.
After this outreach, the IRC reported that “as of September 2020, 1,246 survivors of violence received direct support or referrals to legal, law enforcement, health providers or livelihood services.”
With the support of the IRC and its increased commitment to following the Listen Up Program, the women’s rights group in Uganda, KAWUO, was able to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic’s demands and provide safe and easily accessible resources to support those affected by gender-based violence.
COSMESS
Another women’s rights group in Uganda benefitting from the IRC’s support is COSMESS, which “empowers local communities” through training and interaction. This involves training women to be proficient in professions like carpentry and mechanics, while also providing “awareness-training” sessions on sexual harassment.
One Ugandan activist involved with COSMESS, Grace Muuduru, discusses the importance of empowering women. She stresses the importance of silencing those who would argue that women are “not capable of some things,” and instead offers assistance to female refugees who are interested in learning new professions or starting their own businesses. She finds it extremely important to educate women on harassment and abuse, as she finds that most women do not recognize the extent of their traumatizing experiences, or the resources available to protect and support them.
The IRC’s Listen Up Program recognizes women as “forceful agents of change,” and encourages activists in women’s rights groups to provide training and support to refugees and women in need.
Looking Ahead
The IRC uses the Listen Up Program to amplify female voices within local communities to put real experiences at the forefront of humanitarian change.
The IRC continues to not only provide resources and support to those in need but to also advocate for further monetary support from the United Nations and non-government organizations (NGOs).
With the continuation of the IRC’s support and its focus on amplifying women’s voices, women’s rights groups in Uganda will continue to provide positive support for those affected by gender-based violence, fostering and strengthening relationships between local organizations and community members.
– Kristina Gaffney
Photo: Wikipedia Commons
Diseases Impacting Bahrain
Alongside poverty, the incidence of diseases impacting Bahrain has also surged. Multiple factors contribute to the spread and development of diseases in Bahrain, necessitating investments in disease management measures to mitigate potential long-term health and economic repercussions.
Disease Statistics in Bahrain
According to a 2020 report by the Bahrain Ministry of Health, the United Nations and its partners, non-communicable diseases account for approximately 75% of all deaths in Bahrain, translating to around 2,000 people annually. Furthermore, nearly one in five adults in Bahrain succumb to non-communicable diseases before reaching the age of 70.
The predominant disease affecting Bahrain is cardiovascular disease, responsible for about 49% of non-communicable disease-related deaths. Additionally, cancer and diabetes also have a significant presence, causing 18% and 3% of deaths, respectively.
Causes of Disease
It is widely acknowledged that smoking is a cause and aggravator of several diseases. About 15% of Bahrain’s adult population engages in daily tobacco product consumption. In 2015, 17.7% of children aged 13 to 15 were tobacco users and nearly half of all Bahraini children were exposed to second-hand smoke in public spaces.
Insufficient physical activity also contributes to the diseases affecting Bahrain, with just over half of the population reporting activity levels below the recommended standard. Unhealthy dietary habits, coupled with a high percentage (72.4%) of overweight or obese individuals, have further exacerbated disease development. Poverty-stricken communities often struggle to afford nutritious food and opt for inexpensive, processed, sugary and nutrient-deficient alternatives. Consequently, those living in poverty are more susceptible to obesity, diabetes and other diet-related diseases.
The 2020 report also says that poor environmental conditions throughout the nation provoke the onset of health conditions. Bahrain’s climate is very hot, with temperatures reaching upward of 120 degrees Fahrenheit for more than half of the year. High temperatures worsen pre-existing conditions and impede outdoor physical activity. Additionally, the capital city, Manama, suffers from alarming air pollution levels, surpassing the World Health Organization’s recommended PM2.5 exposure limit by over six times. The report highlights that air pollution escalates the risk of non-communicable diseases such as “ischaemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancers.”
Making Progress
A new government-subsidized health insurance plan was implemented in Bahrain in 2019, extending coverage to all nationals. The country is also augmenting its health care infrastructure, with an influx of health facilities annually. Under a trade agreement, the United States supplies a range of health care products to Bahrain.
Bahrain’s largest health infrastructure project is currently in the works. The $1 billion hospital, called the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Medical City, will include four research centers, 300 beds and a medical college. New improvements like this will increase the ability of Bahrain to provide health services to its citizens, therefore better addressing some of the common diseases like heart disease, cancer and obesity.
Over the past years, several cities in Bahrain have earned the “Healthy City” designation from the WHO. Um Alhassam achieved this recognition in 2018, followed by Manama. These cities were lauded by the WHO for their commitment to enhancing health care and prioritizing public health initiatives.
The prevalence of tobacco smoking is also on the decline throughout the nation. Survey data from the WHO has shown a decrease of about 2% in the total number of adults who smoke tobacco daily since 2009. Students in Bahrain have also shown opposition to smoking, with 75.5% in favor of prohibiting indoor smoking in public places.
Overall, Bahrain has shown that it is a country committed to improving the health of its citizens. Despite the grim statistics, the country is on a solid path to reducing the prevalence and severity of the diseases impacting Bahrain.
– Tristan Weisenbach
Photo: Flickr
Gender Wage Gap in North Korea
It is surprising that North Korea has a relatively small gender wage gap compared to many other countries, challenging common assumptions. However, there is a need to approach these findings with caution due to limited access to inside information about North Korea. Nevertheless, the available information offers intriguing insights into the economic dynamics within the country.
North Korea’s Economy Throughout History
During the 1990s, when the Soviet Union collapsed and the Cold War came to a close, North Korea’s attempted economic recovery failed. This economic decline led to a devastating famine, resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands to millions of lives. In the aftermath of these disasters, women took up the task of selling mushrooms and scrap copper cables to provide for their families and achieve sustenance.
As the hope for state rations dwindled, North Koreans turned to the informal economy, and it was here that women thrived. Despite the continued dominance of men in society, the military and the government, reports stated that “women earned more than 70% of household income…mainly as traders in the informal markets.”
According to numerous defectors from North Korea, women’s business skills and their ability to sell goods and services accurately reflect the living standards of the country, rather than the influence of the state or the military power of men. Consequently, the once male-dominated society needs to recognize the increasing influence and significance of women, who have emerged as the primary drivers of economic activity within the state. This transformation has led to a remarkable reversal of the gender wage gap in North Korea.
However, despite their entrepreneurial success within North Korea, defectors who flee to South Korea encounter yet another economic hurdle as they face discrimination in the job market.
Discrimination and Violence Against Women
In addition to the economic burdens they face, women in North Korea also actively experience gender inequality, as they confront daily discrimination that is socially accepted as an inevitable part of their lives. From a young age, society teaches girls to adhere to stereotypical gender roles, a practice prevalent in many countries and cultures, emphasizing their inherent differences and the contrasting standards they will be held to.
Moreover, social structures perpetuate discrimination against women on a daily basis, beyond disparities in education and unfair job opportunities. They are expected to use honorific forms of speech when addressing boys, reinforcing gender hierarchies. These detailed expectations persist throughout the lives of North Korean girls, extending from school to work, marriage and even the later stages of life.
Unfortunately, gender inequality represents just one aspect of the challenges that women in North Korea face. They also confront unaddressed issues of domestic violence, often dismissed as “private matters.” It is disheartening that only when such incidents occur in public do they have a chance of receiving some semblance of justice, yet most cases go unreported.
Ongoing Support
North Korea is an isolated country with strict border control measures in place to prevent foreign influence. However, despite the country’s isolation, there exist indirect channels through which aid can reach the citizens of North Korea.
One notable organization is Crossing Borders, a nonprofit organization that provides safety, counseling and medical care to North Korean refugees through its Refugee Care and Orphan Care programs. Supporting these initiatives would offer much-needed assistance to those in need.
Another organization making a difference is Helping Hands Korea, a Christian non-governmental organization located on the Korean Peninsula. Established in 1996, Helping Hands Korea, led by Tim and Sunmi Peters, has partnered with various international organizations to address the urgent needs of vulnerable individuals in the North Korean population. The organization plays a crucial role in providing aid to North Koreans during times of crisis.
Looking Ahead
The gender wage gap in North Korea exhibits intriguing dynamics where women hold significant power despite the isolated, militarized and patriarchal nature of the society. Although the limited access to information about North Korea necessitates caution, it is crucial to continue to address the challenging issues that hardly come to light. And efforts to support organizations like Crossing Borders and Helping Hands Korea can provide much-needed aid to vulnerable individuals in North Korea and contribute to positive change.
– Sandy Kang
Photo: Flickr
“Serbia Against Violence” Protests Across the Country
In May 2023, two mass shootings rocked Serbia for the first time in seven years. The two massacres totaled 18 deaths. As a result, the nation has responded with a wave of protests calling for the government to pursue action against the “culture of violence” spawned in the age of social media and television that cheer on violence. The movement has been termed “Serbia Against Violence.”
Two Mass Shootings
On May 3, a 13-year-old boy took his parent’s two legally registered pistols from their home and shot and killed 10 people at his elementary school in Belgrade. Less than 24 hours later, a 20-year-old man killed eight people and injured another 14 in a random shooting spree across three Serbian villages with one illegal automatic rifle.
Mass shootings in Serbia are very rare occurrences, as the country holds some of the tightest restrictions on gun control in Europe. Serbia has banned all automatic rifles and most semi-automatic weapons. However, according to the Small Arms 2018 Survey, there are still 2.7 million firearms in the hands of Serbian civilians. This is largely due to guns left over from Serbia’s involvement in the Yugoslav Wars throughout the 1990s.
“Serbia Against Violence” — The Movement
Following the back-to-back shootings in May, the grassroots movement “Serbia Against Violence” has risen to address the failures of President Aleksander Vucic and his government’s control of violence. Civilians have gathered, calling for Vucic to leave office and the resignation of the interior minister and the head of intelligence services. Beyond the removal of government officials, Serbians are calling for the government to revoke the broadcasting licenses of several television channels that currently promote violent content to their viewers.
Many Serbians blame the wave of violence on social media and television as perpetrators and normalizers of brutality. The movement began as a way to address this “culture of violence” and to honor and commemorate the victims from early May but very quickly morphed into a system of critiquing Vucic’s government. The “Serbia Against Violence” movement is bigger than anything the country has seen in years. On June 3, the one-month anniversary of the first shooting, the movement’s fifth protest, led by a group of college students, brought out the most support yet — tens of thousands of people.
The Government’s Response
Vucic denied responsibility for the shooting and refused to step down. He did, however, declare he would work to tighten the nation’s gun laws and seek “almost complete disarmament.” On May 5, Vucic implemented a one-month amnesty program allowing any unregistered gun owners to turn in their firearms without repercussions. In the first week, 13,500 weapons were overturned, and after the first month, that number rose to 50,000. Yet this remains strikingly low, as this is less than 2% of the total number of estimated firearms in civilian hands. Furthermore, Vucic chose to plan his own, pro-government rally to combat the critiques and opposition he has received.
What is Next?
Serbia’s future remains unclear. While President Vucic has stepped down from the head role of his political party, the Serbian Progressive Party, many widely suspected this move prior to the May shootings. While there has been some progress, many onlookers still worry if Serbian civilians will be able to uphold the momentum of recent months for the “Serbia Against Violence” movement. As things stand, it appears only time will tell.
– Sayda Bir
Photo: Flickr
Urban Gardens and Food Insecurity in the Dominican Republic
In fact, as of April 2023, 287,000 people remain severely food insecure and 3.7 million people, or 35.5% of the population, are moderately food insecure. Food insecurity is broadly defined as a diet lacking in quality, variability or food intake. The phenomenon typically occurs in impoverished populations with no nutritional knowledge, minimal places to find food and limited finances to purchase produce. Both poverty and obesity are linked to food insecurity in the Dominican Republic. Individuals living in environments with reduced nutrition are more likely to have micronutrient deficiencies and a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables.
The factors driving more civilians into food insecurity include the socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19, the disruption of supply chains due to the war in Ukraine and the collapse of food systems from natural disasters. However, to improve the resiliency of the Dominican Republic’s food systems and to increase the accessibility of nutritious food, urban gardens could be the solution.
What Are Urban Gardens?
Cities are prime locations for food insecurity. Although the populations of urban landscapes are surrounded by different stores, their diets lack variety and nutrition. Not only is this the result of businesses selling unhealthy street foods to attract customers, but the buildings and concrete of cities make it hard to find arable land for growing produce.
Nonetheless, agriculturalists have implemented urban gardens into city landscapes to ensure residents receive a healthy variety of fresh foods. As a result of food insecurity, urban dwellers in the Dominican Republic also face health issues. Anemia, a sign of chronic undernutrition, affects 61% of children aged 6 to 11. However, by increasing household food security and food consumption with the fruits and vegetables urban gardens provide, the micronutrient deficiencies impacting children can be combated.
Urban gardens diversify the diets of individuals that would not regularly have access to produce. While providing low-income individuals with sufficient nutrients, gardening also helps people save money — up to $84 per month — by growing their own food instead of purchasing meals. Therefore, these gardens mitigate the effects of poverty on nourishment by making fruits and vegetables accessible to people of all socioeconomic backgrounds.
A Future of Food Security
Individual farmers, city boards, or non-profit organizations begin urban gardens to mitigate the consequences of socioeconomic inequality in cities. With urbanization on the rise in Latin America, population growth puts more demand on food supply chains. Therefore, cities across Latin America have successfully used urban agriculture to reduce food insecurity.
For example, Havana, Cuba is leading the world in urban agriculture. Its rooftop farms and community gardens produce up to 100% of the city’s vegetables, which have increased public health. By making cheap produce more accessible, the city increased food security for its residents and boosted nutritional health.
The non-profit research institute RAND Corporation sees other opportunities to reduce food insecurity in the Dominican Republic. Since residents of cities like Santo Domingo identify economic instability as the main reason for their food insecurity, increasing access to cheap fruits and vegetables would bring variety to diets.
In 2015, Mission Alpha International established a community garden in Bella Vista, Dominican Republic. By providing families with 21 parcels of land, free seeds and gardening tools and educational services from experienced gardeners, the organization supplies low-income families with a diverse diet made up of fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and eggplant.
Since the success of the Bella Vista garden, Mission Alpha International has distributed food to low-income families monthly. Through urban agriculture, the organization was able to deliver 3,500 kilograms of food to 132 families in 2019.
In the fight against hunger and food security, community gardens like those established by RAND and Bella Vista have proved to mitigate the effects of poverty on nutrition and food access. Urban dwellers are using their landscapes in creative ways to support the health and well-being of their communities.
– Meilyn Farina
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
A Home for Young Girls at Dream Catchers Academy
New Beginnings
Having experienced poverty herself as a child, Oluyole’s family had struggled with maintaining financial support for her academic and artistic education. Her upbringing was one with homelessness and trauma yet she maintained faith in herself by producing her own music and working toward a career in the entertainment industry. After having lived in the U.S. at age 21, she returned home feeling “unfulfilled” and sought to work with Nigerian girls like herself. By age 24, Oluyole had establishethe Dream Catchers Academy, a place of refuge and family for orphaned girls with artistic ambitions.
Access to Education
Through exposure to extreme poverty, young African girls are significantly vulnerable to gender-based violence within their communities as well as a lack of education and achievement of aspirations. According to the Malala Fund, Nigeria’s 10 million out-of-school children are made up of 60% of Nigerian girls, where 30% of girls aged 9–12 have not had any opportunities for schooling. The importance of universal primary education is crucial to ensuring the prevention of diseases and lessening infection rates within vulnerable communities while also allowing for equality and female empowerment in places such as Nigeria. While increasing access to education is needed, it is crucial that investments are being made to maintain current infrastructure and resources so the demand is met and the supply is not strained.
Unaffordable education due to high expenditures and school fees has severely affected young girls and women within sub-Saharan Africa. However, The U.N. reports that national governments have abolished the two in order to achieve the goal of universal primary education, which has increased attendance and accessibility. Through the reduction of rural poverty and unaffordable education, data provided by the U.N. has proven positive benefits such as improved maternal health and lower HIV/AIDS infection rates. Educating young girls is especially important for allowing them to start families when they are older and more comfortable in doing so, at an age where they make higher wages and maintain job security.
Moving Forward
With the help and support of Dream Catchers Academy, young Nigerian girls are mobilized into classrooms and homes where they are taught formal education, leadership and technological skills in order to sustain their artistic careers and personal lives.
Programs that are included at Dream Catchers Academy also include farming. Their website states that each girl has a portion of land — a way to evolve self-sustaining skills and financial independence through agricultural practices. Part of this program teaches the importance of “working hard, communication and caring for others” while also encouraging sustainability.
As the girls train at the academy to become “seasoned performers,” their performances are not only held at events but also on digital social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube. According to their website, a portion of the donations received from performances are placed into trust funds that support the girls when they are older. On Instagram, many of their dance videos have impacted the scope of the academy’s donations. On July 18, the academy’s Instagram shared a video thanking donors for providing a new kitchen shed for the girls. A previous video from July 2 had shown the faulty state of the kitchen, which was endangering the health of the girls as smoke from firewood and charcoal would travel across the academy. Within a matter of two weeks, their Instagram video had reached enough people to raise enough money.
Oluyole’s efforts with Dream Catchers Academy have educated over 40 orphaned girls, according to their Instagram. Oluyole’s endearment towards the students has led to a mother–daughter relationship with each of the girls, emphasizing the importance of family as the basis for personal growth.
– Lucy Cosme Vera
Photo: Flickr
Cable Cars Reduce Poverty in Bolivia
An above-ground public transportation system has recently taken hold in several Latin American countries, including Bolivia. In addition to aiding the environment, cable cars reduce poverty in several ways, and governments are targeting transport poverty and general poverty with these transportation infrastructure projects.
What is Transport Poverty?
Transport poverty is a culmination of several factors. Lucas et al. broke down these factors in a 2016 research paper. First is transport affordability, as those in transport poverty are often unable to pay for transportation. Mobility poverty is a lack of transportation, usually motorized transportation in the modern world.
Lucas et al. has defined accessibility poverty as barriers to physically reaching places of important activity “at reasonable time, ease and cost.” Finally, “exposure to transport externalities” is explained as the result of being exposed to adverse consequences of transportation such as roadway casualties and illnesses resulting from pollution.
Cable cars reduce poverty related to transportation by providing an accessible, fast, inexpensive mode of transportation. A 2014 news release by the North American Congress on Latin America (NACLA) details some key statistics on the cable car system in La Paz, Bolivia.
The cable car’s low fare of three bolivianos ($0.43) per ride is affordable. Accessibility is achieved with the commute from La Paz to the city of El Alto taking less than 20 minutes as opposed to 60 minutes, the usual time of an on-ground commute.
Poverty in Bolivia
Before going into greater detail on how cable cars reduce poverty in Bolivia, an introduction to poverty in the country is necessary. Despite its being classified as middle-income, a 2018 report by the Government of Canada claims Bolivia is “the poorest country in South America.” Bolivia’s extreme poverty rate in 2017 was 17%, again one of the highest in the continent.
How Cable Cars Reduce Poverty and Why They Are in Demand
A 2021 World Bank blog entry lists several positive impacts of cable cars on underprivileged populations in cities. Cable cars reduce poverty by improving the conditions in cities while expanding access to jobs and other forms of personal development.
The aforementioned cable car system in the city of La Paz, Bolivia is called Mi Teleférico, or “My Cable Car.” A 2020 research study by the World Bank provides a socio-economic rationale for this project’s development: 29% of urban residents of Bolivia live in poverty, which an accessible transportation system would help reduce.
Urban poverty reduction was a major objective in the development of Mi Teleférico. The Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) explains a goal that the World Bank set in a 2014 article: accessibility to transportation opens access to job opportunities — a lifeline for poorer populations of cities in Bolivia.
Again, the cost of a ride on Mi Teleférico is not high. According to the CEPR’s article, the cable car costs three bolivianos ($0.43) per ride and reduces spending on fuel.
Following Colombia’s Example
A decade before Mi Teleférico, Colombia created a cable car system in Medellín. The CEPR’s article shows that not only did this system create more jobs, but Medellín’s cable cars also reduced poverty by providing other resources to the city’s poor. For example, in the areas surrounding cable car stations, public libraries are more available to commuters.
In addition, entrepreneurial hotspots have sprung up around these stations. Alejandro Echeverría, former director of urban projects under Mayor Sergio Fajardo, explained this in the CEPR’s article: in these areas, “people can get a cheap loan if they want to start up a small café or shop.” In short, cable cars reduce poverty around their stations as well as on their lines.
In the long term, hopefully, Mi Teleférico will help elevate the poor of La Paz, Bolivia like cable cars reduced poverty for those of Medellín, Colombia. Low fares, elimination of fuel costs and opportunities for commercial development around cable car stations lay the groundwork for a sustainable mode of transportation.
– Noel Teter
Photo: Wikipedia Commons
The Labor Exploitation of Immigrant Workers in Canada
Every year, Canada welcomes hundreds of thousands of immigrants. Between January and March 2023, Canada welcomed more than 145,330 permanent residents. As more immigrants arrive in the country, Canada keeps improving its ties with other nations, encouraging international cooperation and offering a safe haven to people escaping perilous situations. While the immigration of individuals to Canada yields numerous favorable effects, it also creates a feeling of susceptibility and uncertainty inherent to being an individual in an unfamiliar environment. The prioritization of equitable treatment for workers in Canada, regardless of their background, is of utmost significance, with a particular emphasis on the preservation of principles related to dignity and fairness.
What Does Labor Exploitation Look Like in Canada?
According to the Migrant Workers Centre in the province of British Columbia, the legal definition of labor exploitation is the violation of labor laws, wherein employers treat employees in a way that infringes upon their legal rights. Labor exploitation can take many forms, such as the provision of wages that fall below the legally prescribed minimum, non-compliance with safety protocols and the prevalence of harassment and discrimination.
In 2021, Canada witnessed the arrival of approximately 777,000 laborers, with 39% of this population finding employment in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction and food processing. The agencies identified several issues pertaining to workers’ knowledge. Firstly, they observed a notable deficiency in the comprehension of their rights. Secondly, agencies discovered that nearly half of workers were unaware of the existence of labor trafficking as a prevalent problem within Canada. Immigrant workers may be vulnerable due to their limited linguistic abilities, social isolation, apprehensions regarding their immigration status and inadequate understanding of Canada’s immigration policies, labor regulations and human rights legislation.
How is Canada Addressing this Issue?
In Canada, the government has implemented several measures since the 2019 consultations to combat labor exploitation in global supply chains. These initiatives comprise various measures, such as the implementation of a ban on the importation of products produced through coerced labor. Furthermore, Canada actively participates as a partner in “Alliance 8.7,” an international collaboration to eliminate forced labor, modern slavery, human trafficking and child labor.
In addition, the Canadian government has implemented the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act of 2014 and the Export and Import Rough Diamonds Act of 2002. These legislative measures enforce reporting obligations and promote transparency within the Canadian extractive sector. The Minister of Labour has the responsibility of spearheading the implementation of legislation aimed at eliminating forced labor within the supply chains of Canadian enterprises. Additionally, the Minister must ensure that Canadian businesses operating internationally do not engage in activities that perpetuate human rights violations.
The primary objective of the Migrant Workers Centre of British Columbia is to enhance and facilitate the attainment of justice for migrant workers. This occurs through the provision of legal services, advocacy efforts, research endeavors, public education initiatives and active involvement in law and policy reform undertakings. Through engaging in collaborative efforts with various nonprofit organizations and other parties, the Centre has successfully cultivated a community united by its shared commitment to advocating for the rights of immigrant workers who have experienced labor exploitation or trafficking. The Centre provides assistance to individuals who experience exploitation, while also striving to advance principles of equality and legitimacy within workplaces throughout Canada.
Concluding Thoughts
Based on the most recent Report on the Status of Migrant Farm Workers in Canada, business utilization of migrant workers is growing in Canada. This trend has resulted in a rapid deterioration of existing safeguards, which were already insufficient, aimed at protecting these workers from exploitation. Ensuring a seamless transition and safeguarding newcomers from exploitation in their workplaces are crucial considerations as they arrive in Canada. The manifestation of poverty in Canada is exemplified by a heterogeneous demographic, with certain segments experiencing a greater impact of poverty, particularly individuals who have recently immigrated to the country.
Labor exploitation is a pervasive phenomenon that occurs throughout the nation, exacerbating the precarious circumstances of individuals who are already in vulnerable situations. The Canadian government’s implementation of workplace policies is of paramount importance to ensure equitable outcomes and prevent individuals from experiencing marginalization or exclusion. It is imperative to ensure that Canadian newcomers, particularly those experiencing poverty, are not subjected to excessive workloads, inadequate compensation and degrading treatment in the pursuit of their livelihood.
– Valentina Ornelas
Photo: Flickr
FORAGUA Tackles Water Scarcity in Ecuador
Background
Poor land and forest management is one of the main causes of water scarcity in Ecuador. Since the federal government has no water policy, the well-being of watersheds is overlooked. As a result, citizens using land for livestock and agriculture threaten the quality of freshwater sources. Water pollution from pesticides and human waste, as well as desertification from overuse of farmlands, makes Ecuador’s water supply unacceptable for daily consumption or use.
Rural and isolated lands are hit especially hard by the lacking water infrastructure in Ecuador. As more forests are cleared to make space for cities and towns, trees and vegetation do not catch water and soak it up for use later in the dry season. For instance, Zaruma, located on the dry Andean slopes, cannot sustain its cattle or agriculture during the dry season when it only receives two to four hours of water per day.
What are Water Funds?
However, municipalities of rural and urban areas are putting their efforts together in organizations called water funds. As defined by The Nature Conservancy, water funds occur when towns, cities, companies, residents and other water users use financial mechanisms to protect their water sources.
With a focus on watershed conservation, water funds are helping both the people and the environment. Providing citizens with a sanitary source of water ensures fewer people catch waterborne illnesses like E. coli and more citizens can make a living. In an economy dominated by agriculture where clean water is necessary to care for crops and cattle, water scarcity in Ecuador puts impoverished rural communities at risk.
The Work of FORAGUA
The Regional Water Fund of Southern Ecuador (FORAGUA) is one of many water funds working in Ecuador. Targeting 14 municipalities and 500,000 residents, FORAGUA requires community residents to pay $1 per month for water consumption. The price is not demanding for locals, and 90% of the funds go towards water conservation efforts.
FORAGUA uses its funds to purchase land or enter into agreements with farmers with the intention of allowing the environment to regrow its natural vegetation. Residents receive an income for letting their land rewild, meaning farmers cannot cut trees or native plants. While giving watersheds the time to restore themselves, FORAGUA also provides rural dwellers with funds. With the rural poverty rate in Ecuador at 43%, a consistent income provided by the water fund helps communities dependent on cattle and agriculture avoid poverty.
FORAGUA is tackling poverty among farmers in a sustainable way. The water fund has so far restored 3,700 acres of land and planted 400 trees for every 160 acres to optimally protect ecosystems. Allowing lands once occupied by humans to return to their original states allows for biodiversity to advance as natural fauna and flora can flourish.
Even though water scarcity in Ecuador remains a pressing issue, water funds are innovative financial mechanisms protecting citizens’ water accessibility by restoring the environment. At the intersection of environmentalism and humanitarianism, FORAGUA demonstrates how communities can come together to tackle financial instability among rural individuals while simultaneously helping the planet.
– Meilyn Farina
Photo: Flickr
How the Listen Up Program Supports Women’s Rights Groups in Uganda
Refugees
Along with these efforts, the IRC is committed to supporting women’s rights for refugees, those at high risk of gender-based violence and those who face discrimination. As the IRC states, nearly half of all refugees are “women and girls,” but are often overlooked during crises and unable to raise awareness for their own needs. Similarly, “nearly one in three women worldwide” who have experienced physical and sexual violence are also unable to receive help due to “fear of retaliation” and the stigma surrounding violence. For this reason, the IRC reports that “less than 1% of humanitarian funding worldwide” is allocated to assist programs supporting women. To assist, the IRC instituted the Listen Up Program, which elevates women’s voices in local communities to enact positive change. This program raises awareness of the alarming rates of gender-based violence and provides resources to prevent future violence.
Because of the Listen Up Program, female activists and women’s rights groups in Uganda have been encouraged to institute change in their communities, providing support for refugees, along with resources for women recovering from violence and abuse.
Gender-Based Violence in Uganda
Based on a 2020 World Bank assessment conducted by the UNHCR, it’s evident that 81% of the 1.4 million Ugandan women and children refugees face a heightened risk of gender-based violence. Additionally, a study conducted by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) found that approximately 95% of Ugandan females had encountered some form of sexual or physical abuse since the age of 15.
These harrowing statistics highlight the increased need for an outpouring of resources, support and funds for Ugandan women who have experienced gender-based violence and harassment.
Through the support of the IRC’s Listen Up Program, the following women’s rights groups in Uganda have positively enacted change through increased training and raising awareness and funds to alleviate gender-based violence.
The Karamoja Women Umbrella Organization (KAWUO)
Since 2015, the Karamoja Women Umbrella Organization (KAWUO) has partnered with the IRC to provide medical and counseling assistance to aid survivors of violence. When the COVID-19 pandemic increased violence in home spaces, the KAWUO and IRC worked together to provide accessible resources for those in need, including remote medical services, counseling and legal advice when necessary.
By instituting bi-weekly telephone calls with the 617 team members to discuss “survivor-centered case management,” the IRC used their Listen Up principles to amplify the voices of women in need. This involved instilling a safe space for female survivors, where they were able to safely interact with the team members with adaptable safe words.
After this outreach, the IRC reported that “as of September 2020, 1,246 survivors of violence received direct support or referrals to legal, law enforcement, health providers or livelihood services.”
With the support of the IRC and its increased commitment to following the Listen Up Program, the women’s rights group in Uganda, KAWUO, was able to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic’s demands and provide safe and easily accessible resources to support those affected by gender-based violence.
COSMESS
Another women’s rights group in Uganda benefitting from the IRC’s support is COSMESS, which “empowers local communities” through training and interaction. This involves training women to be proficient in professions like carpentry and mechanics, while also providing “awareness-training” sessions on sexual harassment.
One Ugandan activist involved with COSMESS, Grace Muuduru, discusses the importance of empowering women. She stresses the importance of silencing those who would argue that women are “not capable of some things,” and instead offers assistance to female refugees who are interested in learning new professions or starting their own businesses. She finds it extremely important to educate women on harassment and abuse, as she finds that most women do not recognize the extent of their traumatizing experiences, or the resources available to protect and support them.
The IRC’s Listen Up Program recognizes women as “forceful agents of change,” and encourages activists in women’s rights groups to provide training and support to refugees and women in need.
Looking Ahead
The IRC uses the Listen Up Program to amplify female voices within local communities to put real experiences at the forefront of humanitarian change.
The IRC continues to not only provide resources and support to those in need but to also advocate for further monetary support from the United Nations and non-government organizations (NGOs).
With the continuation of the IRC’s support and its focus on amplifying women’s voices, women’s rights groups in Uganda will continue to provide positive support for those affected by gender-based violence, fostering and strengthening relationships between local organizations and community members.
– Kristina Gaffney
Photo: Wikipedia Commons
5 Facts About Poverty in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is a region in the mid-Atlantic Ocean composed of island nations known for their easy-going lifestyle and beautiful weather. The Caribbean has everything that a tourist looking for the perfect beach vacation could want; from historical landmarks to world-renowned beaches and more, the Caribbean is a popular choice for vacationers of all preferences.
However, like many tourist destinations, the Caribbean has economically successful tourist towns bordering impoverished villages. The region boasts mansions of the world’s ultra-wealthy but also houses an astounding number of the world’s extremely poor. Despite the wealth that a healthy tourism industry can bring to a country and a people, many inhabitants of the Caribbean’s island nations experience extreme poverty. Here are five facts about poverty in the Caribbean.
5 Facts About Poverty in the Caribbean
Looking Ahead
Although the Caribbean is one of the poorest regions in the world with weak institutions, trafficking issues and challenges from COVID-19, the tourism industry offers these countries opportunities for economic growth. As long as the natural beauty of the region can be preserved, the Caribbean can expect a steady and even growing tourism sector that creates jobs and brings money into local economies. This sector has the power to bolster the entire region’s economy and decrease the poverty rate in many island nations.
– Suzanne Ackley
Photo: Flickr