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A New Chapter: Greenpeace in Kyiv

Greenpeace: A New Chapter in KyivGreenpeace has established its first office in Kyiv amid ongoing conflict, committing to support Ukraine’s green reconstruction. The environmental NGO links peace prospects with the country’s environmental rehabilitation, emphasizing that sustainable energy fosters a sustainable future. Natalia Gozak, office director of Greenpeace Ukraine, highlighted the importance of transitioning to green technologies during the office’s opening on Sept. 10.

Greenpeace Ukraine’s Mission and Challenges

In an interview with the New Humanitarian, Natalia outlined the three pillars of Greenpeace’s mission: The sustainable and green reconstruction of infrastructure. Incorporating solar panels, heat pumps and green technologies into regeneration projects is vital to the longevity of Ukraine’s recovery. The monitoring of nuclear sources and power plants, with particular focus on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is now occupied by Russian forces. The investigation into environmental crimes, such as the occupation of nuclear sites, threatens further environmental disasters. Nuclear energy sources could be weaponized as forms of warfare. 

Economic Implications and Political Scrutiny

The cost of Ukraine’s reconstruction being estimated by the World Bank to have grown to  $411 billion. It is now vital that such reconstruction projects have sustainable foundations as Gozak has pledged to be a role model for rebuilding devastated societies in as green a way as possible. Through advocating for the sustainable rehabilitation of Ukraine, Greenpeace has also exposed itself to political scrutiny and intimidation. The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office designated Greenpeace as ‘undesirable,’ interpreting its work as anti-Russian and threatening to the constitutional system and security of Russia.

Greenpeace Frameworks

Greenpeace is building on existing research and projects that advocate sustainable solutions to conflict. Guided by the European Union’s (EU’s) Green Deal, the Lugano Declaration on the Reconstruction of Ukraine committed to the rebuilding of infrastructure in alignment with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Ukrainian civil organizations are similarly creating conditions for a green recovery. Environmental NGOs such as Ecoclub Rivne and ro3kvit combine environmental policy with urban planning. The organizations have initiated projects that aim to place sustainability at the heart of reconstruction.

  • Ro3kvit. Ro3kvit was founded in March 2022 by a coalition of professors in response to the destruction caused by Russian military aggression. The knowledge and expertise of more than 100 academics have spawned green solutions to rebuilding Ukraine’s urban and rural areas. Studies on other postwar countries have informed their design methods. Projects such as ‘A vision for Mariupol: City strategy’ synthesize memory, identity and ecology in their environmental solutions. Working in partnership with Greenpeace, the project ‘Dnipro River Integrated Vision’ aims to optimize the green and economic potential of the Dnipro River. Indeed, Ro3kvit looks to a post-war future in its projects, creating urban plans that will outlast Russian military aggression. 
  • Ecoclub Rivne. Ecoclub Rivne has been working as an NGO for more than 20 years and links the sustainable development of society to the development of peace. Through linking sustainability to nonviolence and tolerance, it projects a post-war future for Ukraine that centers on green policy. Its recent Modernisation Partnership project aims to increase the efficiency of energy management in hospitals. This will be achieved by training specialists and disseminating this knowledge among managers. Alongside Greenpeace and other Ukrainian organizations, Ecoclub Rivne has sought solutions to the conflict through a focus on energy efficiency and sustainability.

Looking Ahead

The new presence of Greenpeace in Kyiv highlights a strong commitment to environmentally conscious recovery efforts in Ukraine. Through collaboration with local environmental groups, the focus remains on sustainable reconstruction, green energy initiatives and promoting long-term solutions. The efforts of Greenpeace in Kyiv represent a broader vision for rebuilding a resilient and environmentally secure Ukraine beyond the conflict.

– Lucy Tappin

Lucy is based in Oxford, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poverty and Water Infrastructure in Vietnam

Water Pollution and Poverty in Vietnam Rapid economic development and inadequate water infrastructure pose significant public health challenges in Vietnam. Climate changes exacerbates these issues by increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Vietnam, with its landscape rich in porous river systems, hosts more than 3,500 rivers longer than 10 kilometers. Around 70% of its population lives along these waterways, which are crucial to the nation’s culture and economy. These essential resources face threats from natural and human-induced challenges, putting the livelihoods, cultural heritage and economic stability of Vietnam at risk.

Water Threats in Vietnam

  • Freshwater Access and Pollution Threatening Public Health. Many critical water infrastructures are insufficient or in a state of disrepair. Water access from centralized supply systems has reached only about 48% of the rural population. This has led to poor handwashing and other hygienic practices in some disadvantaged areas. Nearly 30% of people in Dien Bien, Gia Lai, Kon Tum and Ninh Thuan provinces had limited availability of basic handwashing facilities at home—one of the fundamental practices to prevent COVID-19.
  • Groundwater Over-extraction. Groundwater over-extraction is recognized as the main driver of land subsidence. The decline in groundwater levels leads to the compaction of the aquifer, causing the land surface to sink. Over the past 25 years, the Mekong Delta has sunk by an average of 18 cm due to groundwater withdrawal. This sinking land has exacerbated the vulnerability of Delta residents to floods and storm surges.
  • Climate Threat. Vietnam ranks among the countries most susceptible to climate changes. Its extensive coastline and river deltas are highly exposed to rising sea levels. Flooding alone is projected to affect an estimated 10 million people. Over the next 15 years. This climate-induced flooding poses a significant long-term threat to Vietnam’s agricultural production, economic development, food security and poverty reduction efforts.
  • Salt Drought. Drought and saltwater intrusion further extend the threat to the river deltas of Vietnam. Saltwater has intruded up to 60 kilometers from the river mouth of Ben Tre province. Saltwater intrusion changes the salinity of groundwater, significantly impacting agricultural productivity and challenging the regional freshwater supply. Major infrastructural and landscape-scale interventions are necessary for the future sustainability of the deltas.

Alleviating Water-related Poverty in Vietnam

The World Bank has been instrumental in supporting Vietnam’s water and sanitation sector. Through the Vietnam Urban Water Supply and Wastewater Project, the World Bank has aimed to improve water services in major cities while addressing the needs of low-income households. This project includes developing sustainable water management practices and enhancing wastewater treatment to improve both health and environmental conditions. In addition, UNICEF has played a key role in promoting water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs in Vietnam, particularly in remote areas and schools. The organization works with the Vietnamese government to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, emphasizing hygiene education to reduce water-borne diseases, particularly in children.

Looking Forward

Efforts to improve the water infrastructure and promote sustainable practices are vital for reducing poverty in Vietnam. International support, such as initiatives by the World Bank and UNICEF, plays a significant role in enhancing access to clean water and sanitation facilities, particularly for vulnerable populations. Building resilience to climate impacts and prioritizing long-term water management could help safeguard the country’s health, economy and natural resources.

– Yuhan Ji

Yuhan is based in Cambridge, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Gardener Combating Famine in Gaza

famine in GazaThe ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with almost 1.74 million more people poverty-stricken since the start of the war on October 7, 2023. Consequently, Gaza’s reality of food insecurity has escalated into one of famine. In response to the lack of food available, Mohammed Qomssan grows vegetables amongst the ruins of his family home in the Jabaliya refugee camp, combatting famine in Gaza and planting a glimmer of hope for the Palestinian people.

Famine in Gaza

In the face of food insecurity, foreign aid is crucial for survival and restoration. However, the unrelenting cruelty of the conflict in Gaza has caused barriers “for humanitarian agencies to safely get aid to affected populations.” According to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), “The danger extends to humanitarian workers. More than 260 aid workers have been killed, more than 190 of whom worked for the United Nations.” Considering that Palestinians no longer have their resources or land available to them due to the destruction of the war, this lack of foreign aid has significantly worsened the reality of hunger in Gaza. The U.N. experts report that “famine has spread across the entire Gaza strip.”

Gardening in the Face of Famine

Despite these bleak prospects, Mohammed Qomssan with the support of his family remains hopeful, unwilling to let the conflict take away their livelihood. Returning to their home in mid-June after facing displacement twice, the family found just two rooms of their house in a habitable condition. This was the moment that sparked Qomssan’s desire to reclaim what the conflict had taken from him and his loved ones, focusing on “survival, in a part of Gaza that most others have left.”

With the knowledge that the majority of the region’s farmers have been displaced and “an estimated 80% of cropland has been destroyed in some areas,” according to IRC, Qomssan and his family set to work to utilize the ruins of their home, clearing as much rubble and installing tarpaulin to create a temporary living room and garden. Qomssan’s innovative thinking saw the potential in objects such as a bathtub, buckets, tin cans, and various other containers found amongst the debris to grow vegetables in. Vegetables grown so far include aubergines, jute, rocket, and peppers, all now considered rare luxuries in Gaza.

Although the food markets in Gaza have a limited stock, especially fresh stock, they occasionally sell seeds which Qomssan looks out for to continue growing his food supply. Qomssan documents this journey on his social media accounts to encourage others and raise awareness of famine in Gaza, The Guardian reports.

Amongst the chaos and destruction, this family’s horticultural efforts in what Qomssan describes as a decision that would allow them “to live like ordinary people,” spreads a message to Gaza’s most vulnerable that in the face of crisis, there is hope and potential for restoration.

– Imogen Prince

Imogen is based in Oxford, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Diplomatic and Humanitarian Aid as Keys to Stability in Lebanon

Stability in Lebanon As of September 26 2024, Israel and Hezbollah forces have been exchanging fire over, which destabilized the situation in the Middle East further. So far, more than 700 innocent civilians have been killed in Lebanon, many of whom are women and children. Additionally, thousands of residents in the south of Lebanon have fled to the northern part of the country to escape the conflict, which could worsen the already high rate of poverty in the country. Despite the intensity of the conflict in the last few days, governments and humanitarian organizations have been relentless in improving stability in Lebanon and its vulnerable communities.

Regional Support to Lebanon

Middle Eastern countries have been at the forefront of providing aid to the Lebanese people in their darkest hours and to pave the way for stability in Lebanon. For example, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief) funded the ambulance services carried out by Lebanon’s Subul Al Salam Social Association in the northern part of the country. The association was able to carry out 59 ambulance missions on September 14, 2024, and they plan to use the funds to provide services to those in refugee areas, Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Similarly, on September 24, 2024, the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) conducted a relief campaign for 10,000 displaced Lebanese families in shelter centers by providing essential items such as food, cleaning supplies and mattresses. This highlights only a little bit of the exhaustive efforts by countries worldwide to help Lebanon.

International Support to Lebanon:

Countries beyond the Middle East have been involved in the efforts to ensure that there is stability in Lebanon. For instance, on April 3, 2024, USAID announced that it is providing more than $67 million for humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable communities in Lebanon. The funds will help organizations in Lebanon, such as the World Food Programme (WFP), continue to deliver life-saving aid to over 100,000 people in Lebanon. On the other hand, on May 2 2024, the European Union announced that it is providing financial assistance to the most vulnerable in Lebanon of €1 billion from 2024-2027 to support, among many things, basic health and education services. This shows that, despite the intensity of the current conflict in Lebanon, there are still good people trying to bring peace and stability to the country.

Stability in Lebanon: The Future

In the last few days since war broke out between Israel and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, media outlets have been focusing disproportionately on the doom side of the conflict. Although it is right to point out the level of destruction in this war, there is also the often-overlooked part where diplomats and aid workers are working tirelessly to bring stability to Lebanon.

Regional countries, such as Saudi Arabia, have been providing aid non-stop to Lebanon as part of the effort to bring peace to the Middle East. Similarly, the U.S. and the EU are also working to end the conflict in Lebanon via diplomacy and humanitarian aid to strengthen the international human rights system. It may be difficult to feel hopeful for Lebanon given the nature of the news cycle today. Still, the facts on the ground give a strong reason to feel optimistic for a better tomorrow for the Lebanese people.

– Abdullah Dowaihy

Abdullah is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Saudi Arabia

5 Charities Operating in Saudi ArabiaLocated in southwest Asia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shares borders with Jordan to the west and Yemen to the north. As the largest Arab country in the Middle East, it is home to Mecca and Medina, the two holiest Islamic cities. Millions of Muslims worldwide travel there annually for the six-day pilgrimage to the Kaaba. Over the years, Saudi Arabia has established numerous charities to aid the less fortunate and is the largest donor in the Gulf region to the Global Fund. It ranks as the 19th largest donor globally, contributing $142.5 million and recently pledged $39 million to the Global Fund, marking a 30% increase from its previous funding. Here are 5 charities operating in Saudi Arabia.

EKHAA Charitable Foundation for Orphan Care

Founded in March 2003, EKHAA provides services to more than 2,055 orphans, including those with special needs, across branches in the country. These services include employment, housing assistance, along with social and cultural program activities. EKHAA’s mission focuses on building independence for orphans through programs, partnerships and a supportive environment that helps them achieve self-sufficiency. Its objectives include ensuring social and financial stability while improving psychological and social well-being.

Saudi Food Bank Association (ETAAM)

Founded in 2011, the Saudi Food Bank Association collaborates with various organizations and businesses to collect surplus food from grocery stores and restaurants, distributing it to those in need. This charity also delivers meals to individuals with special social conditions and low-income households. To ensure effective food distribution, the organization employs modern technology, strategic marketing and skilled staff. With a vision to become a leader in the Kingdom and the Arab world in food provision, the Saudi Food Bank Association aims to promote social solidarity by providing food, preventing waste and supporting food-related research initiatives.

Mawaddah Women’s Charity Association

This charity association was founded to help stabilize and secure families through divorce legislation in Saudi Arabia. The organizations take steps to find long-term solutions to reduce divorce rates and face its negative impacts on families. Founded in 2008, Mawaddah is committed to supporting Saudi families, with a special focus on women and children. It strives to strengthen family relationships and lower divorce rates. Mawaddah also offers courses to assist women who seek to join the workforce. This charity has milestones to work toward, including managing the impact of divorce. According to its website, ‘For women faced with divorce or its aftermath, the assistance on offer from Mawaddah can range from simple financial help to job-qualification programs.’

Alnahda Society

Alnahda Society is a nonprofit women’s organization that focuses on empowering Saudi women socially and economically through a range of programs, like providing educational services and employment opportunities for women. The society began with volunteering efforts, quickly evolving into a cultural institution that is committed to enhancing women’s role in community services. Since 2008, this nonprofit has provided 97,500 services and has operated 37 centers in the capital city of Riyadh.

EHSAN National Platform for Charitable Work

Launched in 2021, the EHSAN digital platform serves as a national donation hub, encouraging charitable activities and community involvement. It uses advanced technology to make these donations reach those in need. The donations have benefitted more than 48 million people. The platform has set a Genius World record for the highest daily donations in 24 hours globally. In March of 2023, more than 558,000 donors contributed to provide support for more than 476,000 people.

Looking Ahead

Saudi Arabia’s diverse charitable efforts demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and enhancing social welfare. Through the various charities operating in Saudi Arabia address issues such as food insecurity, women’s empowerment, family stability and digital philanthropy. The focus on community development and effective aid distribution reveals a growing drive to uplift and empower different segments of society. These programs underline Saudi Arabia’s dedication to advancing social progress and addressing the needs of its people.

– Nouf Hunaiti

Nouf is based in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Humanitarian Aid and Peace Talks in Sudan

Peace Talks and Humanitarian Aid in SudanPeace talks aimed at ending the prolonged civil war in Sudan concluded without a ceasefire, but negotiators achieved a significant breakthrough by securing humanitarian aid routes, offering hope to millions of civilians in desperate need. Mediators from the United States (U.S.), Saudi Arabia and Switzerland, along with other international partners, gathered in Geneva to discuss ways to alleviate the suffering caused by the 16-month war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Aid Routes Open Amid Crisis

While a ceasefire remains elusive, the Sudan peace talks have successfully opened two major humanitarian corridors: the Adré border crossing with Chad, facilitating aid into Darfur and Dabbah Road, connecting Port Sudan to regions experiencing severe food shortages. “Aid trucks are on the road to provide famine relief in Zamzam Camp and other parts of Darfur,” said negotiators. “These routes must remain open and safe so we can surge aid into Darfur and begin to turn the tide against famine.” The World Food Programme (WFP) estimates that more than 25 million people, more than half of Sudan’s population, urgently need assistance. The newly opened routes are expected to deliver much-needed relief to areas that have been difficult to reach due to the conflict. 

A Nation At War

The war in Sudan, which started in April 2023, stems from a power struggle between the SAF, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the RSF, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti. This conflict has roots in the legacy of former dictator Omar al-Bashir, who established the RSF as a counterinsurgency force to suppress rebellions, particularly in Darfur. After al-Bashir was ousted in 2019, efforts to establish a democratic government faltered, ultimately leading to violent clashes between these rival military factions. Since the conflict began, the humanitarian toll has been devastating, with the United Nations (U.N.) estimating nearly 20,000 fatalities. Approximately 8 million people have been displaced within Sudan, while another 2 million have fled to neighboring countries, all facing hunger and lacking access to medical care.

Humanitarian Progress Despite Setbacks

International mediators view the agreement on aid access as a critical step forward. The RSF has pledged to ensure safe passage for humanitarian convoys, previously hindered by both factions. The reopening of the Adré and Dabbah routes should alleviate suffering in famine-stricken regions. “The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is so severe that we could do four of these [negotiation rounds] and still be barely scratching the surface of what Sudanese people deserve,” stated U.S. Special Envoy Tom Perriello. However, the absence of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) from the peace talks curtailed the potential for a broader peace agreement. General Burhan, from Port Sudan, criticized the negotiations, claiming they favored the RSF.

Aid as a Lifeline

For many in Sudan, the newly opened aid routes are a lifeline. In Darfur, where ethnic violence has surged, the reopening of the Adré crossing is expected to help thousands displaced by fighting. Hawa Zakariya, a refugee who fled to Chad with her two children, described the dire conditions: “I don’t know if my family is alive or dead.” Her child has contracted malaria and food supplies in their camp are running low. International aid organizations, including the WFP, are preparing to ramp up efforts with the new access routes. The WFP has classified Sudan as a Level 3 emergency, its most severe designation, reflecting the magnitude of the crisis. Aid groups are urging both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to permit unhindered delivery of supplies nationwide.

International Pressure

While the Sudan peace talks failed to secure a ceasefire, there is hope that the humanitarian progress achieved could lead to broader negotiations. Perriello noted, “We hope that this will be a source of momentum for much bigger steps down the road,” although he acknowledged the road to peace remains challenging. Currently, international efforts are focused on ensuring aid reaches those in desperate need. Given Sudan’s severe humanitarian crisis, one of the worst of the 21st century, sustained international pressure and support are crucial for the nation’s recovery.

– Georgia O’Keeffe

Georgia is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Migration to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Migration to Bosnia and HerzegovinaThe Balkan country of Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced the displacement of more than 2.2 million of its citizens during the 1992-1995 Bosnian war. However, now Bosnia and Herzegovina is at the forefront of a new migration crisis due to increased rates of global poverty and conflict. Since 2018, more than 110,000 migrants have entered the Balkan country. The numbers first increased in 2018 after 24,067 migrants and refugees arrived in the country compared to 755 in 2017. Despite migration challenging the infrastructure of Bosnia and Herzegovina, obstacles are often overcome thanks to the cooperation of various international institutions and charities

Western Balkan Migration Route

Bosnia and Herzegovina falls within the Western Balkan route, popular among migrants who look to enter EU countries. From January to September 2023, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) recorded 128,871 migrant, refugee and asylum seeker arrivals through the corridor. The large number and potential for an unexpected increase of migrants strain Bosnia and Herzegovina’s resources.

However, the IOM, UNHCR and EU provide financial support for the country to ease the pressure of this corridor on countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina and to protect migrants. The “Individual Measure to Strengthen the Response Capacity to Manage Migration Flows in Bosnia and Herzegovina” project aims to transfer the migration response to Bosnian authorities.

This project continues to receive considerable funding. In August 2024, The IOM confirmed 100% of the financing for protection management for the arrival of migrants into Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Accommodation for Migrants

The increased number of migrants in 2018 strained infrastructure in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Collaboration between the country’s Ministry of Security (MoS) and the IOM facilitated the creation of seven temporary reception centers (TRCs) to house more than 8,000 migrants.

In 2018, the IOM revealed that the national infrastructure was not adequate to house the sudden influx of migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The closure of TRC Lipa and Bira in 2020 reduced overall accommodation capacity from 8,282 to 3,540 beds.

Despite the challenges of accommodating migrants, international cooperation has helped resolve these problems. In 2021, a newly built TRC Lipa increased its accommodation capacity to 1,500 migrants compared to its prior 1,400 migrant capacity. Johann Sattler, Head of the EU Delegation, commented on the opening of TRC Lipa: “This is a good reminder for all of us that those crises can be solved, and the only way to resolve crises is through dialogue and a willingness to compromise.”

War and Poverty

In July 2024, the UNHCR reported that the top three countries of origin of migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina were the Syrian Arab Republic (35%), Afghanistan (29%) and Morocco (8%). The high number of Syrians and Afghans in Bosnia and Herzegovina correlates to the high levels of poverty in these countries due to war. In 2022, poverty affected 69% of Syrians and 90% of Afghans.

Mental Health

Migrants often face traumatic journeys that have psychological impacts. Adil, a Moroccan migrant who resides in TRC Lipa expressed how migration impacted his mental wellbeing to the IOM: “This journey is hard and dangerous. I have seen and experienced things that I do not want to remember.”

There are ongoing efforts by the IOM and Bosnian authorities to provide mental health support for migrants. The IOM continues to provide mental health screening for migrants inside and outside TRCs and aims to increase mental health support access for migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Between April 2024 and July 2024, the UNHCR assisted 585 migrants with psychosocial support.

Cultural Programs for Migrants

Alongside the efforts of international organizations and the Bosnian government to integrate migrants into the workplace and provide psychological aid for migrants, cultural programs also help improve their well-being.

In 2024, IOM ran creative programs in multiple TRCs. TRC Blažuj held a canvas painting workshop which allowed migrants to express their creativity. TRC Lipa has a creative zone where handcrafting workshops were held for migrants and refugees from Afghanistan, Gambia, Iran and Syria.

Cultural programs extend beyond reception centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina into mainstream society. Migrants from reception centers contributed to a fashion collection for The No Nation Fashion brand showcased at the 30th Sarajevo Film Festival.

Cooperation for Solutions

The impact of global poverty meant the influx of migrants to Bosnia and Herzegovina from 2018 onwards presented challenges to the country’s infrastructure and the safety of migrants. However, cooperation between the former Yugoslav country, international governments and organizations shows the capacity to overcome the potential challenges of migration to improve the quality of life of migrants.

– Sofia Brooke

Sofia is based in Oxfordshire, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Humanitarian Crisis in Syria

Humanitarian Crisis in SyriaSyrians urgently need assistance as more than 16 million residents struggle with homelessness, food insecurity, dilapidated infrastructure and inadequate water and sanitation. The United Nations (U.N.) reports that at least 90% of the population lives below the poverty line, placing Syria among the nations facing severe economic challenges. The country’s economic instability is so prolonged that it defies conventional poverty rankings. Compounding these economic issues, changing weather patterns has wreaked havoc, with floods and earthquakes destroying infrastructure and disrupting essential services. As international aid wanes—distracted by global crisّّّis—the burden increasingly falls on government initiatives and nonprofit organizations (NGOs) to provide critical support.

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and climate-induced storms are worsening the economic struggles of the impoverished, leading to increased displacement. On Feb. 6, 2023, Northern and Western Syria were struck by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake. This disaster affected more than 8 million people, with a death toll surpassing 50,000. The earthquake also impacted Syrian refugees and humanitarian organizations near the Turkey-Syria border.

More than 10,000 buildings have been destroyed, further damaging Syria’s already crumbling infrastructure. According to the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA), direct physical damages amounted to $5 billion, with an estimated $8 billion required for recovery and reconstruction across six governorates. Additionally, heavy rainfall and flash flooding have disrupted the lives of thousands in northern Syria, adversely affecting more than 40 refugee camps in the Idlib and Aleppo governorates. These floods destroyed camps, closed roads and inundated agricultural lands, exacerbating food insecurity and prolonging the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

Infrastructure

The humanitarian crisis in Syria has severely limited access to water for many residents. As reported by the U.N. in 2022, 52% of Syrians do not have access to piped water, forcing them to rely on alternative sources such as rivers, wells and springs. The deterioration of the water infrastructure results from the ongoing Syrian civil war. Currently, more than 7 million displaced Syrians reside in overcrowded camps and shelters that are either partially or fully damaged, offering inadequate conditions for daily life. In northern Syria, more than 2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) live in last-resort sites, which are areas with conditions that pose significant health and safety risks.

Government forces have attacked civilian water infrastructure, damaging nearly two-thirds of Syria’s water treatment plants, half of its pumping stations and a third of all water towers. An immense drought in the northeastern, southern and eastern regions of Syria is crippling the agricultural sector, pushing many displaced Syrians into food deprivation. The drought has also decreased water levels, compelling farmers to use contaminated alternatives such as raw sewage, which spreads diseases and heightens health risks.

Food Insecurity in Syria

The humanitarian crisis in Syria has driven up food prices, with prolonged conflict, rising production costs and droughts contributing to widespread food insecurity that affects more than 12 million Syrians—more than half the population. This food insecurity is causing additional problems; millions of children are at risk of malnutrition and acute malnutrition, which has already stunted the growth of more than 600,000 children in the country. As of 2023, more than 3 million children needed nutritional assistance. Additionally, a recent cholera outbreak is placing unprecedented strain on Syria’s health services.

World Vision, a Christian relief organization, has found that female-headed households in Syria suffer most from food insecurity, which often leads to gender-based violence, abuse and exploitation. Meanwhile, the World Food Program, which has aided more than three million people in Syria, recently ended its main aid initiative. This termination has left many who relied on food distribution without alternatives. Cuts were necessary due to rising global economic challenges, donor fatigue and declining funding. Northeast Syria, a region already struggling with these issues, will likely see the most significant effects of the WFP’s reductions, exacerbating extreme poverty among residents.

The City of Aleppo and Government Initiatives

Aleppo, the capital of the Aleppo governorate and Syria’s most populated city stands at the epicenter of the nation’s economic struggles. The humanitarian crisis in Syria spans issues from food insecurity to the changing climate. However, the most significant driver of increased poverty rates remains the prolonged civil war. This conflict, involving the Syrian government with its allies against various militia groups, including ISIS and the Free Syrian Army, has severely impacted civilians. They endure the brunt of the conflict with damaged health facilities, failing water and energy infrastructure and widespread food shortages.

The International Labour Organization (ILO), funded by Japan, has launched a new initiative in partnership with Syria. This project aims to create jobs for Syrians in Aleppo and support the country’s infrastructure recovery efforts. The focus areas include debris removal, sidewalk rehabilitation and repairs to the sewage and stormwater networks in Aleppo’s Kadi Askar district.

The Syrian Recovery Trust Fund (SRTF) is dedicated to enhancing water infrastructure in Aleppo. It is advancing a project to improve the health environment and living conditions across Syria. This initiative includes constructing a water tank, rehabilitating and extending water supply networks and building a new water storage reservoir. These ongoing efforts aim to improve water access for more than 75,000 residents.

IRC and Oxfam’s Efforts in Syria

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has actively supported various aspects of Syria’s humanitarian crisis. After the 2023 earthquake, the IRC provided affected Syrian communities with essential items such as blankets, feminine products and hygiene supplies. Additionally, the organization supports crucial health services and has implemented classes, counseling and protection services for children in camps for displaced residents and other affected areas. To address the humanitarian crisis in Syria, more than 1,000 staff members are on the ground providing emergency cash and food assistance. They operate clinics and mobile teams offering life-saving support and work to bolster households’ economic stability through job training, apprenticeships and small business support.

Oxfam, a global organization dedicated to ending inequality and poverty, has been working diligently to provide Syrians with clean water, access to materials and proper hygiene practices. The organization has restored water infrastructure and improved sewage systems to enhance the quality of water and public health in Syria. To combat the humanitarian crisis, Oxfam has distributed thousands of hygiene kits, provided cash support and supplied seeds to farmers across several governorates.

Looking Ahead

As Syria continues to face compounding crises, from natural disasters to economic instability, the role of humanitarian aid remains critical. Organizations such as the International Rescue Committee and Oxfam are providing life-saving support, focusing on essential needs like clean water, food assistance and health care. However, the scale of the challenges requires sustained support to help the millions affected by conflict and displacement.

– Immanuel Wiggins

Immanuel is based in Jackson, MI, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Student Mission Trips Making Differences in Poor Communities

Student Mission Trips Making Differences in Poor Communities Poverty exists all around the world, with an estimated 700 million people living in extreme poverty – meaning they survive on less than $2.15 a day. In response, there are plenty of nonprofit organizations (NGOs) that are working to alleviate poverty, such as Oxfam International, a confederation of 19 organizations that work in 90 countries. However, not only adults and professionals who are fighting against poverty. High school and college students are also doing their share of helping poor communities around the world, specifically through student mission trips. There are organizations throughout the United States (U.S.) that provide numerous student mission trips – long-term and short-term – for students to sign up and join.

ExperienceMission

ExperienceMission has missions for middle school, high school, college and young adults, emphasizing their goal to make relationships with the people in poor countries. For example, one former missionary wrote how the missionaries “were able to make these very emotional connections with the Kosovar Albanians as they ate together and helped work on homes in the towns of Semetisht and Suva Reka. the personal touch in the aftermath of such tragedy (the Kosovo war) was powerful.”  On the same mission trip, a businesswoman gave some money to the people there, but “she was overwhelmed by what had meant the most to the local people. It had been the simple fact that she had come to Kosovo along with the money.”

ExperienceMission emphasizes the personal touch of these mission trips, believing in the power of relationships and kindness to the people in poverty. In addition, it practically helps the communities. Donations are used to build and rebuild homes or establish English language schools so that people can get jobs as translators. The missionaries also help youth practice English and support orphanages and dental clinics. The practical work extends to assisting greenhouses, working on farms, helping students with homework, cooking, packing food parcels, playing games with students and sorting storage units.

Mission Discovery

Mission Discovery is another organization that focuses on short-term missions. For its medical mission trips, its volunteers work in daily medical clinics and can also educate school students on health. On medical mission trips, the missionaries also give out water filters and grocery items to people in the community, as Mission Discovery did in Antigua and Guatemala. For its regular mission trips, such as in Bulembu and Eswatini, short-term missionaries work to improve the lives of orphans. They renovated an abandoned mining town to create a self-sustaining community where orphans can live in peace. To do so, the volunteers help with construction projects tutor Bulembu’s students and create sports and school clubs to enrich their education.

LeaderTreks Youth Ministry

LeaderTreks Youth Ministry is an organization that makes youth groups wanting to go on mission trips easier by helping plan the logistics. The youth groups go to underprivileged communities within the U.S. and assist them with learning English, as well as helping build, paint, clean and cook for these people. The volunteers deliver care packages that contain clothes and hygiene products, which they distribute to the community and also travel with mobile clinics to places with no health care. It also has a program called Global Aid Network (GAiN) working in the country of Benin. According to UNICEF, only 67.4% of people in Benin have access to drinking water. GAiN works to provide access to clean drinking water by drilling wells and installing pumps and concrete pads. On top of that, GAiN volunteers help with community development programs to encourage and educate residents on sanitation.

Looking Ahead

These organizations that support youth mission trips focus on Christian youths and young adults who are dedicated to sharing their faith in impoverished communities. In addition to spreading their faith, these missions strive to enhance the living standards in these areas through various initiatives. Not only do professionals and NGOs make a difference worldwide; but students also effect positive change.

– Hannah Chang

Hannah Chang is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Good News, Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Biofortified Sweet Potato: A Solution for Food Insecurity

Biofortified Sweet PotatoVitamin A deficiency affects approximately 140 million children worldwide, posing serious public health challenges, including weakened immunity, stunted growth and potential blindness. Since 2009, the International Potato Center (CIP), a component of CGIAR, has led initiatives to combat this deficiency, especially in Africa and Asia. Their solution includes the development of a climate-resilient, biofortified orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP). This innovation aims to address significant global challenges like malnutrition and food scarcity.

Combating Vitamin A Deficiency

CIP’s innovative crop plays a crucial role in combating vitamin A deficiency. Consuming just 125 grams of boiled orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) can fulfill the daily vitamin A requirements for preschool-aged children, addressing malnutrition effectively. Researchers have released more than 100 pro-vitamin A sweet potato varieties in more than 20 countries, adapting each to local environmental conditions to ensure their success.

Nutritional and Health Benefits

While OFSP is rich in pro-vitamin A, biofortified potatoes developed by CIP also provide a wealth of essential nutrients. 100 grams of boiled potatoes can provide 16% of the daily potassium and 30% of the daily vitamin C needs. Recently, new varieties contain 40 to 80% more iron and zinc, with an absorption rate of 29%.  Due to OFSP, there has been a 22% reduction in vitamin A deficiency in 17 African countries.

Reaching Households

CIP’s biofortified sweet potato initiative currently benefits more than 6.4 million households, a number that’s projected to climb as the organization aims to reach 10 million households within the next five years. Studies reveal significant nutritional impacts: in Mozambique, incorporating Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes (OFSP) into children’s diets has slashed vitamin A deficiency by 15%. Meanwhile, in Kenya, the incorporation of sweet potato puree into bread and buns has not only enriched food with essential nutrients but also spurred economic activity, generating more than $1 million in annual sales. Consuming just two slices of bread made with OFSP puree meets 10% of an adult’s daily vitamin A requirement.

Biofortified Sweet Potatoes in the Face of Harsh Climates

The continent of Africa contributes less than 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions and yet it is disproportionately impacted by changing weather patterns. By 2040, temperatures are expected to rise by 2 degrees Celsius. This not only presents a huge risk to food security but will have a severe impact on smallholder farmers who produce 90% of sub-Saharan Africa’s food. OFSP is a drought-resistant crop. More than 10 million households in Africa and South Asia now grow this crop. Furthermore, in addition to OFSP, CGIAR is developing more than 350 biofortified and climate-resistant crop varieties to benefit more than 50 million people in 41 countries. 

Future Prospects

The sweet potato program at the International Potato Center (CIP) has gained acclaim for its significant impact on global food security. In 2016, CIP researchers received the World Food Prize for their work in enhancing nutrition and food security through the cultivation of this crop. Continuing into the 2022-2024 period under the CGIAR Investment Prospectus, there is a strategic focus on transforming systems and bolstering resilient agrifood systems. This initiative champions the development of nutrient-rich and climate-resilient crops, including the biofortified sweet potato, aiming to secure a sustainable future for millions of smallholder farming families worldwide.

– Ellisha Hicken

Ellisha is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr