Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Human Rights in Fiji

Human Rights in Fiji
The island nation of Fiji is considered to be one of the most developed economies in the Pacific. The celestial archipelago is rich in resources such as minerals, fishes and forests that contribute to the flourishing economy. Fiji also is home to an array of cultures that add to the unique feel of the country. Despite its level of development, there are still human rights in Fiji that are being violated and that need to be addressed.

Some human rights in Fiji that are not up to par include violence against women and prison overcrowding. Although in comparison to other countries Fiji has higher standards, these issue are still a problem.

Prison overcrowding results in human rights violations due to a lack of sanitation and infrastructure. One prison in particular had 1,423 inmates when the capacity was set at 1,000. This causes problems because there are only so many cells and beds, which leads to prisoners being cramped in small spaces. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for officers to rape detainees, particularly the female ones.

One of the most prominent human rights violations is violence and discrimination against women. Despite stringent domestic violence and rape laws, perpetrators are often not brought to justice. For instance, there is a “no drop” policy for domestic violence cases that states that under no circumstance can the case be put away.

However, many women’s rights organizations have brought light to the fact that the police are not always consistent with this policy. Moreover, courts often either dismiss or give the minimum sentence in these cases even if they go to trial. Cases involving violence against women are often taken very lightly by the courts. Some even release the offender without a conviction on the basis that they do not repeat the crime.

Regardless of the situation, progress has been made to educate and support women, especially in rural areas. There are currently four women’s centers available that offer counseling. Also, 43 percent of women of reproductive age are employing modern contraceptives as of 2015. These contraceptives are offered for free at public hospitals and clinics, increasing their usage.

Although rural areas still have plenty of advancements to make in the upcoming years, Fiji is on the right path towards modernization and equality for women.

– Tanvi Wattal

Photo: Flickr

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Nine Facts About Human Rights in the United Kingdom

Human Rights in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain is a constitutional monarchy with parliamentary democracy. A range of political parties participate in free and fair elections. Freedom of the press and human rights are, generally, constitutionally guaranteed and respected in practice.

However, in the recent past, reports on human rights in the United Kingdom show the development of some disturbing practices. Such trends were further complicated by Brexit U.K.’s vote out of the European Union (EU) and the victory of conservatives in the general election of June 2017, which changed the state of human rights in the country.

Here are nine of the most troubling facts about human rights in the United Kingdom that have gone unaddressed by the authorities.

  1. The new counter-terrorism policy seems to have trumped human rights and the freedoms of people. Prime Minister Theresa May, during her first party conference speech, said that left-wing human rights lawyers will no longer be allowed to pursue claims of victims of human rights by the British Armed Forces. Benjamin Ward from Human Rights Watch says “judging from the comments by Prime Minister May… you would think human rights are a dangerous and alien construct.”
  2. In 2015, the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom killed three people, including one British citizen, in a drone strike in al-Raqqa, Syria. In May 2016, the Joint Committee for Human Rights published its inquiry which called on the government to clarify the use of drones for targeted killings.
  3. In 2004, the U.S. and Libyan governments —with the knowledge and cooperation of the U.K. government—had subjected two Libyan families to rendition, torture and other ill treatment. In June 2016, the Crown Prosecution Service, the principal public criminal prosecuting agency in England and Wales, decided not to bring any criminal charges relating to the allegations by the families.
  4. Abuse and mistreatment by the British Armed Forces also loomed large in reports on human rights in the United Kingdom. In September 2016, it emerged that between 2005 and 2013 the Royal Military Police investigated approximately 600 cases of alleged mistreatment of those in detention in Afghanistan. Similarly, the Iraq Historic Allegations Team had concluded investigations into 2,356 of 3,389 allegations received. These allegations were related to abuse of Iraqi civilians by British Armed Forces personnel.
  5. Following Brexit and the conservative victory in recent U.K. elections, there has been a substantial increase in hate crimes. Member of Parliament Jo Cox, who had campaigned vigorously on behalf of asylum seekers, was murdered. There was also a marked rise in xenophobia and arson attacks against EU citizens, particularly those from Eastern Europe.
  6. Despite some progress, the U.K. government has generally not been immigrant-friendly lately. It passed the Immigration Act into law in May 2016, which “extended sanctions against landlords whose tenants’ immigration status disqualifies them from renting while increasing landlords’ eviction powers…” The government continued to resist calls for hosting more refugees, although it announced its plan to resettle up to 3,000 refugees from the Middle East and North Africa by 2020.
  7. Violence against women and girls remains a serious concern. There is a lack of funding of specialized services for women who have undergone domestic violence and abuse. Research by Women Aid shows that shelters were being forced to turn away two out of three survivors due to lack of space and resources. The rate among women who are ethnic minorities was four out of five.
  8. In November 2016, the U.K. Parliament approved the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA). This has entrenched and broadened the State’s surveillance powers both at home and abroad. The IPA increased the powers of public authorities to interfere with private communications and information. It also permitted “a broad range of vaguely defined interception, interference and data retention practices” without adequate safeguards for protecting the right to privacy.
  9. The government continued to refuse to set up an independent inquiry into the 1989 killing of Patrick Finucane—an Irish politician—although it was previously acknowledged that there had been a “collusion” in the case. This is one of the historical and structural issues of injustice, abuse and torture of Northern Ireland that has been systematically neglected for decades.

– Aslam Kakar

Photo: Flickr

Facts About the Yemen Poverty Rate

Yemen Poverty RateYemen is one of the poorest countries in the Arab Region and is home to ongoing civil conflict – which turned to Civil War in 2015. Of Yemen’s 26.8 million people, half of the population lives in areas directly affected by conflict. Basic services like healthcare and education are on the verge of collapse.

This unrest has taken a toll on the Yemen poverty rate. Before 2015, nearly half of Yemenis lived below the poverty line. As of 2017, the World Bank estimates that number has increased to 62 percent. Nearly 60 percent of Yemenis are food insecure. Since 2015, malnutrition has increased by 57 percent. About 14.4 million Yemenis do not have access to safe drinking water or sanitation.

As of early 2017, seven million people in Yemen were on the brink of famine. About 90 percent of Yemen’s food is imported, but it is difficult to get food into the country because there are few commercial importers willing to face the financial difficulties of doing so. The food crisis and increased Yemen poverty rate are partially driven by rising food prices and reduction in purchasing power.

Cholera is on the rise in Yemen. Cholera is a bacterial infection spread by water contaminated by feces – for most of the world, a disease that ended with modern sanitation. Today, it is still easily treatable with rehydration solutions and antibiotics. However, the government stopped paying civil servants in 2016, and sanitation strikes led to septic backups and garbage pileups that allowed the disease to spread in Yemen. The governmental healthcare system disbanded. Now, cholera has spread to 21 out of 22 of Yemen’s provinces. As of July 2017, the disease has infected at least 269,608 people and killed at least 1,614.

In January 2017, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced the death toll in the Yemen conflict had surpassed 10,000. The OCHA’s Jamie McGoldrick released another statement saying that up to 10 million people need “urgent assistance to protect their safety, dignity, and basic rights.”

With continuing violence and infrastructure breaking down, prospects for the Yemen poverty rate are grim. More than 70 humanitarian organizations have been working to help but are facing challenges due to lack of accessibility and poor infrastructure within the country. Lack of funds is also an issue; the U.N. appealed for $2.1 billion to assist people in Yemen, but only 7 percent of that appeal was met. For those who want to donate to humanitarian efforts, organizations like UNICEF, UNHCR, Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam and Save the Children are also doing essential work for the people of Yemen.

– Hannah Seitz

Photo: Flickr

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Common Diseases in Togo

Common Diseases in TogoAlthough it is a small country wedged between Ghana and Benin, the most common diseases in Togo can have a major impact on many.

The World Health Organization reported that in 2014, a little over five percent of the country’s GDP expenses went toward health. The organization also listed a 2015 data finding that males and females between 15 and 60 had slightly different death rates: 309 out of 1,000 people for men versus 266 out of 1,000 people for women.

HealthGrove further put this into perspective, highlighting that out of 100,00 people, 1,266 die yearly in Togo, and listed the country’s life expectancy at 60 years.

Of the common diseases in Togo, those that can be transferred (communicable diseases) are some of the most prevalent.

Diarrhea, lower respiratory and other common infectious diseases
These accounted for a little less than 20 percent of deaths overall and slightly over 30 percent of communicable diseases specifically. Compared to 1990, in 2013 lower respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases and meningitis all posed much lower threats of mortality.

HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis
These diseases led to between 14 and 15 percent of deaths overall and over 22 percent of communicable disease-related deaths. While tuberculosis’s threat of death has decreased since 1990, HIV/AIDS has increased substantially—by 1,038 percent.

Neglected tropical diseases and malaria
These made up 12 percent of deaths in general and almost 19 percent of deaths from communicable diseases.
Malaria, rabies and schistosomiasis death rates all fell from 1990.

Neonatal disorders
These accounted for 10 to 11 percent of deaths total and over 16 percent of mortality rates due to communicable disease.

Nutritional deficiencies
These led to about four percent of deaths in general and between 6 to 7 percent of deaths for communicable diseases.

In addition, diseases that cannot be transferred—non-communicable diseases—are among some of the common diseases in Togo.

Cardiovascular diseases
As the most common of the non-communicable diseases, these accounted for a little less than 11 percent of deaths overall and over 35 percent of NCD-related deaths. Stroke, ischemic heart disease and other cardiovascular/circulatory disease rates all fell from 1990.

Diabetes, urogenital, blood and endocrine diseases
In total, these only made up slightly more than five percent of deaths, but in terms of NCDs specifically, these increased to over 17 percent. While hemoglobinopathies and hemolytic anemias, as well as chronic kidney disease, both fell since 1990 (the latter only by one percent), diabetes mellitus actually increased by about 13 percent.

Cancer
Cancer led to over four percent of deaths in general and over 14 percent of NCD-related deaths. Liver, cervical and stomach cancers all fell by over 30 percent from 1990.

There are still a number of improvements that can be made. For 2015, Togo qualified as a low-income food-deficit country and only slightly less than 12 percent of its citizens used improved sanitation facilities that year.

However, about 63 percent of the population in the same year utilized improved water drinking sources, 85 percent of one-year old children had measles immunizations and the mortality rate of children below five years old fell from about 108 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2004 to 78.4 in 2015.

The WHO released a report in February of this year detailing a meningococcal disease outbreak, but listed methods undertaken to address the matter, including requests for vaccinations, support for management and surveillance and the training of health personnel.

Applying these same tactics to the communicable diseases listed may be beneficial. Other methods, like increasing knowledge on how to reduce the spread of disease, as well as improving access to clean water and other nutritional sources could also be key.

Furthermore, for non-communicable diseases—though some may be genetic—tactics like increased exercise and diet changes may yield a reduction in their prevalence.

The nation must still make specific improvements to ensure that its population is healthy. But judging by the fluctuations of common diseases in Togo, there is great hope for a decrease in their pervasiveness.

– Maleeha Syed

Photo: Flickr

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Global Need Through Graphic Novels

Global Need Through Graphic NovelsThe World Food Program has teamed up with comic writer Joshua Dysert, artist Alberto Ponticelli, colorist Pat Masioni and letterist Thomas Mauer to illustrate global need through graphic novels.

Their first collaboration was “Living Level-3: Iraq” in February 2016, which followed Khaled Bushar, an Iraqi refugee, as he tries to survive in the country during the rise of the Islamic State. In 2017, their second graphic novel, “Living Level-3: South Sudan”, follows members of a Sudanese family who have to leave their home for a more dangerous place because of famine. Both graphic novels also revolve around Leila Helal, an aid worker for the WFP.

Before working on either graphic novel, Dysert spent time in both countries, classified by the United Nations as level 3 emergencies due to extreme humanitarian crises, interviewing the citizens and studying the area. He then worked with the rest of the creative team to devise graphic novels that present an honest and compelling picture of the situation in each country.

One of the benefits of illustrating global need through graphic novels is the ability to create an engaging story while informing the public about the country’s humanitarian situation. In an interview with Humanosphere, Dysert discussed how he wanted to present facts about what was going on in Iraq, but not in a dry medium like many documentaries. Graphic novels provide him with that opportunity, using illustrations and storytelling.

Another opportunity that results from highlighting global need through graphic novels is the scope that graphic novels can cover compared to other mediums. WFP’s head of television communications Jonathan Dumont and head of graphic design and publishing Cristina Ascone have talked about how graphic novels provide an overall picture of everything involved with the crisis, from the citizens to the governments to the aid organizations and beyond. Details like these are harder to notice when looking at a photograph or watching a short video.

Illustrating global need through graphic novels also provides more opportunities for empathy. As discussed by Mashable, the readers get to know the characters, their personalities and their relationships. Therefore, the readers are more invested in what happens to those characters when the hardships of living in their communities occur. They wish for a better life for those characters and praise the efforts of the aid organizations. A final benefit that comes from describing global aid through graphic novels is that it promotes global advocacy to a new audience.

WFP is already working on a third “Living Level-3” graphic novel. Their dedication to explaining global need through graphic novels will hopefully spark an interest in global issues in others.

– Cortney Rowe
Photo: Flickr

The READ Act Passes into Law

The READ ActThe Reinforcing Education Accountability (READ) Act, H.R. 601 was passed into law on Sep. 8, 2017. The bill’s passage signifies a momentous victory in the effort to achieve universal basic education in developing countries. The purpose of the READ Act is to enhance transparency and to further the impact of education programs around the world.

The bill was first introduced in the House back in January by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY). After much consideration, the READ Act finally passed the Senate on Aug. 1. The bill, originally titled the Education for All Act, was first introduced in 2004 by Congresswoman Lowey and then-Senator Hillary Clinton.

The READ Act was the legislative vehicle to allow rapid expansion of federal spending for the disaster-relief fund. The READ Act was ideal for this alteration. It had already passed both legislative bodies, making it exempt from the customary back-and-forth procedures to which bill amendments are subjected. Considering the recent catastrophic hurricanes and other natural disasters, there has been a desperate need for accelerated assistance to be enacted. Thanks to the expedited amendments made to the READ Act, an additional $7.4 billion has been allocated for disaster relief.

Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), authors of companion legislation, praised the bipartisan legislation. Not only will the bill improve learning conditions for the 260 million out-school-children, but also counter-terrorism efforts. Indeed, countries in which education is poorest breed the kind of conditions in which extremist threats are most likely to fester. It is not coincidence that nations with the worst economic conditions and education systems are where the greatest threats of terrorism are witnessed. Sen. Durbin said of the bill, “this bipartisan achievement will help unleash the potential of children across the globe and arm them with the necessary tools to break the cycles of poverty, violence and extremism.”

Likewise, both Senators applaud the aspects of the READ Act that particularly address the needs of school-aged girls. Struggling, impoverished countries often face high levels of gender inequality, leaving many girls excluded from the classroom. Studies have shown that for every year girls remain in the classroom their potential future earnings increase by 15 to 25 percent. This staggering statistic demonstrates the power and necessity of providing children with the opportunities inherent with access to basic education.

The Borgen Project has advocated tirelessly for the READ Act since its introduction in the House. Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA), member of the Borgen Project’s board of directors, was the first Member of Congress to co-sponsor the bill. The Borgen Project has mobilized more than 5,300 emails from constituents to congressional leaders in support of the bill. Furthermore, supporters of The Borgen Project held 138 lobbying meetings with congressional offices in efforts to pass the bill. Now, months of diligent activism have paid off in this exciting achievement for the world’s poor. With the READ Act passed into law, the U.S. is one step closer to achieving sustainable global economic growth.

– Micaela Fischer

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Some of the Most Common Diseases in Hungary

Common Diseases in HungaryHungary is a landlocked European country sandwiched between Romania and Austria. With a population of about 10 million, Hungary is a relatively large country that is known for its tourist attractions.

Although most Hungarians are not drastically poor, 14.6 percent of the population is living below the poverty line. Compared to the European Union average rate of 17.2 percent, Hungarians are faring slightly better. However, 44 percent of Hungarians cannot afford to pay for all of their basic resources, well above the EU average of 19.5 percent.

The life expectancy from birth in Hungary is 76 years, a relatively high number when taking into consideration that a large portion of the population is deprived of some of the basic necessities for life.

Here are some examples of the most common diseases in Hungary that affect its residents.

1. Cardiovascular diseases

Diseases related to the heart are among the most common causes of death in Hungary. Approximately 60,000 people die from cardiovascular illnesses annually. It is not surprising that high systolic blood pressure and cholesterol are also high-risk factors in Hungary.

The most common of the various cardiovascular diseases in Hungary is ischemic heart disease. Strokes, myocarditis and other cardiovascular diseases have been decreasing within the past few years, though.

2. Cancer

As in America, cancer is one of the most common diseases in Hungary. This chronic illness makes up about 27 percent of the non-communicable diseases in Hungary, just behind cardiovascular issues.

The most prevalent type of cancers for Hungarians are those in the respiratory system: tracheal, bronchus and lung cancer. Deaths caused by pancreatic cancer have risen 32 percent since 1990 and kill about 20 people out of 100,000 annually.

3. Diarrhea and lower respiratory diseases

The most common and fatal communicable diseases in Hungary are diarrhea and lower respiratory illnesses. These infections account for about 68% of the total communicable diseases in Hungary.

Although diarrheal diseases have only taken the lives of 1.2 people out of 100,000 annually, the problem is still significant and should be solved. Many other infectious diseases like meningitis and tetanus have decreased dramatically.

– Sydney Missigman

Photo: Google

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The Positive Perspective on Tourism in Developing Countries

Tourism in Developing CountriesOver the years, there has been a longstanding debate about whether or not the unintended consequences of tourism in developing countries could be detrimental to locals in a developing community. On the other side of the argument, some tourists argue that tourism contributes to a flourishing economy and increases diversity.

One important aspect that contributes to a more positive outlook on tourism is the attitude of both tourists and locals regarding foreign travel. Leaders of countries with successful tourism industries tend to emphasize certain ground rules to encourage the community to view the tourists as a source of wealth creation, not of charity. This attitude contributes to a more healthy relationship between tourists and locals and fosters more respectful interactions instead of a transactional relationship.

In Rwanda, the majority of the country’s revenue comes from wealthy safari tours and other tourism cooperatives. The natives have welcomed tourism as a large contributor to their economy and a necessary part of life.

The life of Mukasinadere, a member of a weaving cooperative in Rwanda, has been completely changed by the tours. Working as a weaver and selling baskets to tourists, she is now able to pay for her family’s basic needs. As a result of these cooperatives, the economy in Rwanda is flourishing, food is abundant and mortality rates have decreased substantially.

Aside from financial improvements, tourism also has positive effects on infrastructure development. Tourism encourages local customs, artwork and festivals which contribute to a better cultural understanding for both tourists and locals.

Facilities in areas with high tourist traffic are often much more high-quality, not to mention more sanitary, than local facilities which increases the quality of life and health for locals. Environmental tourism encourages wildlife and nature preservation in addition to providing funding for these causes that might not have received allocations otherwise.

While tourism in developing countries is a controversial and often stigmatized topic of discussion, it is important to remember the positives that tourism affords for the local community and aspects of cultural acceptance.

– Sarah Coiro

Photo: Pixabay

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Five Facts About Common Diseases in Palau

Common Diseases in PalauPalau is a small island of about 18,000 citizens located in the western Pacific Ocean. Among its neighbours are Guam, New Guinea and the Philippines. The Republic of Palau only recently gained sovereignty in October of 1994. The country is so small that there is only one major hospital that provides healthcare to all citizens; in fact, more remote parts of the country are served by field dispensaries of this hospital or by private clinics. Disease control is critical for Palau’s small population. The following are five facts about common diseases in Palau.

  1. As the developing nation of Palau undergoes political, economic and cultural transitions, health emphasis has shifted from communicable diseases to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs currently cause 78 percent of deaths in Palau – a number which is still expected to rise.
  2. Three out of four Palauan adults are overweight or obese, often leading to high blood pressure and elevated blood glucose – these are associated with hypertension and diabetes, respectively. However, hypertension and diabetes, already common diseases in Palau, are often under-diagnosed.
  3. One quarter of adult Palauan men smoke, and three of five Palauan adults chew tobacco. Tobacco usage is tied to the advent of four major NCDs: cancer, cardiovascular disease, lung disease and diabetes. The World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) has partnered with the Palauan government to implement mechanisms for tobacco control and develop a five-year NCD plan.
  4. In Palau, over 40 percent of adult males binge drink, while young females binge drink even more than their adult counterparts. Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to acquiring more than 60 different diseases. Among them are liver disease and cardiovascular disease, both common diseases in Palau. Fortunately, Palau has an NCD Prevention and Control Strategic Plan of Action that includes the goal of reducing harmful alcohol use by 10 percent by 2020.
  5. One major challenge to strengthening the health system in Palau is the lack of healthcare employees. Even the majority of existing healthcare workers are underprepared. This begs the solution of more thorough medical schools and training programs, as well as better access to necessary medical materials. Most important is a heightened recruitment process for the healthcare system. These are some of the goals of the WHO’s strategic plan for Palau.

Although it is disheartening to see development tied to a slew of new diseases and causes of death, NCDs are fortunately preventable as they are chiefly associated with lifestyle choices. Palau’s Ministry of Health is clearly aware of these health problems and is taking necessary and effective steps toward making progress in controlling them, including developing a comprehensive five-year plan.

– Sophie Nunnally

Photo: Google

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Jordan Poverty Rate Increases with Refugee Crisis

Jordan Poverty RateJordan, while small in size, is often seen as a focal point in many Middle Eastern conflicts. This, among other points of stress, has been a major contributor to the country’s economic struggles.

The Jordan poverty rate has taken some hits in recent years, with high unemployment and weak economic growth. Job growth is a particular challenge in the area. In 2016, unemployment was at 15.3 percent.

The World Bank reported that in April that there are over 650,000 Syrian refugees currently in Jordan, which has put a strain on the country’s economy.

Economic growth has slowed in recent years. In 2016, Jordan’s economic growth saw a slight decrease, from 2.4 percent in 2015 to 2 percent. The ongoing Syrian crisis and the closure of export routes to Iraq and Syria have contributed to the country’s state of minimal growth.

However, the Jordan poverty rate is expected to see improvement in the coming years. The World Bank reports that Jordan should see a 2.3 percent growth rate for 2017, and an average rate of growth of 2.6 percent between 2017 and 2019.

According to data from the World Bank, Jordan’s GDP is approximately $38.655 billion. Its population is approaching 9.5 million.

As of 2010, the poverty headcount ratio at national poverty lines was approximately 14.4 percent, according to data from the World Bank.

According to a report from the World Bank, Jordan has undergone massive reforms in respect to education, health services, privatization and liberalization.

Additionally, social protection systems and reformed subsidies have been introduced by the country’s government. While issues of investment and business exchanges are still present, these improvements have positively influenced the region’s economy and poverty rate.

Jordan’s proximity to major conflicts in the area has put a major strain on the country’s economy. However, Jordan’s government has major improvements in the works that will benefit the economy and the Jordan poverty rate.

– Leah Potter

Photo: Flickr