Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

Treating HIV/AIDS in Colombia

HIV/AIDS in ColombiaLatin America has been fighting to advance health care access for HIV patients since the 1980s. Colombia’s Ministry of Health has officially recognized the importance of Colombia’s HIV treatment plans in addressing patent barriers and high costs. This acknowledgment aims to ensure public access to affordable HIV medication, specifically Dolutegravir (DTG). In October 2023, the Colombian government made a “landmark decision to declare the HIV medicine Dolutegravir of public interest, allowing the country to purchase or manufacture more affordable, generic versions of the live-saving HIV medicine,” UNAIDS reported. Here is how HIV/AIDS in Colombia is being treated.

The Breakthrough of Affordable Treatment

Countries such as Costa Rica, Argentina and Brazil have improved their access to HIV-related treatment with hopes of controlling the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Unfortunately, as of 2022, Colombia’s HIV prevalence of 0.5% was one of the highest in Latin America, with an estimated 190,000 infected adults. Colombia continues to face challenges, with 13.8% of its population earning less than $49 per month as of 2022.

In 2022, the poverty rate among Colombians decreased to 36.6%, translating to 18.3 million people out of the total population of 50 million. The proportion of people living in extreme poverty rose to 13.8%, amounting to around 6.9 million Colombians. 

However, the recent approval of Dolutegravir marks a significant advancement in Colombia’s approach to HIV treatment. The declaration challenges the pharmaceutical company, ViiV Healthcare, by allowing the import of low-cost generic versions of the HIV medicine without needing permission from the patent owner. This move enables the Colombian Government to issue a compulsory license, breaking the monopoly and making the medicine more affordable for both purchase and local manufacturing. This decision appears to be a crucial step in enhancing public health measures for HIV/AIDS treatment in Colombia.

Not only is generic Dolutegravir available internationally at a fraction of ViiV’s price, but the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends it as the preferred first-line treatment for people living with HIV, including pregnant individuals.

Treatments that utilize Dolutegravir-based medications have proved greater adherence due to fewer side effects while also presenting a reduced likelihood of drug resistance.

How HIV Treatment Access Could Impact Latin America

ViiV Healthcare excluded Colombia and other populous middle-income countries from being able to gain health advancements from the license, protecting its monopoly and its authority to charge higher prices for the medications. Now, Colombia’s declaration is going to help neighboring countries, such as Brazil, in gaining access to more affordable generics.

Issuing the compulsory license could mean that the price of the life-saving medicine is “reduced by as much as 80%.” With this decision, the Colombian government estimates that it will be able to prescribe 28 people with Dolutegravir for the same price that it is allocated today to treat just one person. The implementation of the declaration will allow the country to access less expensive, but just as effective, medications that are globally available. Projections have indicated there will be a large increase in reach with such quality medicines, benefitting HIV/AIDS treatment in Colombia and saving millions of lives.

This action is not only crucial for saving lives in Colombia but also holds significance for the broader Latin American region. Colombia currently hosts the largest population of Venezuelan migrants globally, with 2.9 million as of October 2022. These migrants rely on Colombian health resources. Recent studies indicate a 0.9% HIV prevalence among this group, nearly doubling the 0.5% prevalence in the country’s adult population. The decision allows the government to produce or obtain more cost-effective versions of the vital first-line antiretroviral treatment. This includes all people living with HIV in Colombia, encompassing Venezuelan migrants, emphasizes Luisa Cabal, UNAIDS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Colombia’s Stand for Global Health Equity and Systematic Change

As Colombia boldly steps into the forefront of challenging pharmaceutical norms, the declaration to make HIV medicines public interest, coupled with the pursuit of affordable generic treatments, marks a pivotal moment. Colombia’s commitment to offering equal health care redefines the standards of care for those in need of Colombia’s HIV treatment. This courageous move not only transforms the accessibility of life-saving medication but also sets a precedent for global health equity. These cases have served as an initiative for growth in health care litigation generally, an expansion of the concept of a right to health and systemic transformation.

– Samantha Rentfro
Photo: Wikipedia Commons

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UN Women’s Oasis Program tackles gendered poverty in Jordan

UN Women’s Oasis Program
In 2016, U.N. Women reported that the majority of women living in Jordan were unemployed, with only 19% of Jordanian women and female Syrian refugees living in Jordan participating in the labor market. The U.N. Women’s Oasis Program has helped more than 30,000 Jordanian women and female Syrian refugees develop skills and become financially independent by working in Oasis centers — overcoming the multitude of barriers to employment that exist for women in Jordan.

Gendered Poverty in Jordan

Providing security and rehabilitation for 700,000 Syrian refugees, Jordan has become a safe haven for women and girls fleeing the violence and destruction that has plagued Syria since 2011. However, without the support of husbands, sons, or brothers, many of them are now experiencing the effects of gendered poverty in Jordan. In 2022, the World Bank found that 14.7% of Jordanian women are employed. One can accredit this low figure to obstacles such as a lack of job opportunities and limited access to higher education and skill development.

Security and Opportunity: The UN Women’s Oasis Program

The U.N. Women’s Oasis program is a humanitarian mission with 22 centers in Jordan, all of which are aimed at combating gendered poverty by empowering Syrian refugees and vulnerable Jordanian women. Originally established to aid women and young girls in refugee camps, such as Za’atari and Azraq, the program expanded its goals by incorporating cash-for-work schemes and training women in labor markets such as home maintenance and childcare. 

Not only does the U.N. Women’s Oasis program help women become financially independent and break down structures of gendered poverty, but it also supports and protects women against gender-based violence. This is accomplished by creating accessible training programs where women can earn money and enter the labor market, supporting themselves and their children without being stuck in dangerous domestic situations.

A Brighter Future for Jordan

Since 2012, the U.N. Women’s Oasis program has had an array of positive effects on Jordanian women and Syrian refugees living in Jordan who seek to improve their financial position. According to a study carried out by the program, 70% of the participants experienced a decrease in domestic violence and 78% felt that they could take on more decision-making responsibility in the household. The Oasis centers also offer a safe, empowering space for women to interact and build social relationships, which 98% of women in the program feel improves their self-esteem, reducing loneliness and depression.

Women in Jordan also cited childcare and housework responsibilities as limiting their ability to access employment. The Oasis centers are working to mitigate this by including nurseries and childcare areas in their facilities. Allowing women to bring their children to work also empowers their children to develop skills and continue their education, further contributing to breaking down gendered poverty cycles.

Conclusion

The U.N. Women’s Oasis program in Jordan equips women with valuable skills that not only motivate them to start their own microbusinesses and further their careers once leaving the centers but also empower them through workshops built around raising awareness on human rights and gender-based violence. With increasing numbers of women able to access skill development services and safe spaces to network, the gendered poverty in Jordan can, with hard work and determination, perish. 

– Zara Brown
Photo: Pixabay

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Operation Christmas Child: Hope and Global Poverty

Operation-Christmas-
In a world fraught with challenges and uncertainties, Operation Christmas Child is a ray of hope, spreading joy and tackling global poverty one shoebox at a time. This heartwarming initiative, spearheaded by Samaritan’s Purse, has gained international acclaim for its impact on children in need. With a mission to deliver gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 100 countries, Operation Christmas Child has become a powerful force in alleviating the burdens of poverty while brightening countless young recipients’ lives.

The Essence of Operation Christmas Child

At its core, Operation Christmas Child is a simple yet profound scheme that invites individuals, families and communities to pack shoe boxes with gifts and essentials for children in need. These festive parcels are shipped to some of the most impoverished regions globally, bringing holiday magic to those who may never experience such joy. The impact of this initiative is far-reaching, transcending borders and cultures. By providing children with a tangible expression of love and generosity, Operation Christmas Child delivers material goods and fosters a sense of hope and belonging. Since 1990, more than 209 million children in more than 170 countries have received shoeboxes from the charity. These small shoeboxes, filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items, are potent symbols of compassion, reminding recipients that they are not forgotten.

Tackling Global Poverty Through Gift-Giving

Operation Christmas Child is a unique and impactful thread in the myriad efforts to tackle global poverty. The act of giving, especially during the holiday season, has the power to transcend socioeconomic barriers and create a sense of unity among diverse communities. The beauty of the operation lies in its simplicity and inclusivity. Anyone can participate, and every shoebox contribution becomes a building block in the collective effort to make the world a better place for children in need. This approach ensures that the initiative’s impact is widespread and deeply personal, as each donor contributes to the larger narrative of compassion and solidarity.

A Ripple Effect of Joy and Compassion

As these festive shoeboxes traverse the globe, they carry the spirit of giving and the promise of a brighter future. Operation Christmas Child’s ripple effect of joy and compassion is immeasurable. In tackling global poverty, addressing not only the material needs but also the emotional and psychological aspects of deprivation is crucial. Operation Christmas Child accomplishes this by fostering a sense of community and reminding children that they are part of a global family that cares for their well-being.

A Worldwide Movement of Generosity

Operation Christmas Child has evolved into a worldwide movement, engaging people from all walks of life to pursue a more compassionate and equitable world. In conclusion, is more than a seasonal charity; it is a testament to the boundless potential of human kindness.

– Genevieve Martin
Photo: Pexels

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5 Charities Operating in Cambodia

Charities Operating in Cambodia
Cambodia is predominantly associated with the world’s largest religious monument, Angkor Wat, a bucket list tourist attraction for avid travelers in South East Asia. It is this tourism, along with garment exports, that has fueled Cambodia’s economic growth over the last 25 years. According to The World Bank, this growth measured at 7.7% between 1998 and 2019. This correlates with the country’s declining poverty rate, dropping from 36.7% in 2014 to 16.6% in 2022. While these facts are impressive, it is the Cambodian people and the charities supporting them that truly demonstrate this progress. 

Here are five charities operating in Cambodia to maintain and expand on Cambodia’s elimination of poverty and encourage its people’s movement into the upper-middle income class.

1. Tiny Toones

Among the first charities operating in Cambodia in this list is Tiny Toones. This unique Cambodian charity takes an alternative approach to poverty reduction, teaching Cambodian children the art of break-dancing to prevent gang involvement, exploitative labor and substance abuse. Tuy Sobil established Tiny Toones in 2005, hosting dance lessons in his home for local kids living on the streets. As interest grew, Sobil became more than just a dance teacher; introducing English and computing lessons as well as general guidance. Fully funded by donations and staffed by former students, this grassroots Cambodian charity sees more than 100 children through its doors every day. Its scholarship program provides opportunities for students to attend university—breaking family poverty cycles and enhancing employment prospects. Tiny Toones offers a creative community for children most vulnerable to impoverishment and continues to expand with donations, sponsorship and popularity. 

2. Chab Dai

With a focus on anti-slavery, the Cambodian charity, Chab Dai, operates on various levels to empower individuals to demand their human rights. About 58% of Cambodians are vulnerable to modern slavery and 83,000 people are currently victims of these conditions. Taking a collaborative approach, this organization covers educating and resource sharing, supporting community development, counseling, legal guidance and assisting local and national authorities with policy making. Chab Dai founded the Global Learning Community in 2012, an anti-trafficking movement that connects grassroots organizations through interactive conversation and comprehensive research. The 2022 Impact Report commemorated the participation of 43 countries in their network, as well as specific milestones in Cambodia. About 69 police officers completed training to respond to trafficking cases and 172 counselling sessions occurred. Chab Dai elevates voices and pools together resources for a future far removed from modern slavery. 

3. New Hope Cambodia

Beginning as a grassroots Cambodian charity and growing into an internationally recognized NGO, New Hope Cambodia has three main objectives including education, health care and community and crisis care support. The Cambodian government’s Identification of Poor Households Programme (IDPoor) recognizes households that require targeted services. New Hope Cambodia provides 600 children from such households with free schooling, breaking the poverty cycle by enhancing the futures of the children they care for and allowing parents the time to seek employment of their own. In July 2010, the New Hope Cambodia restaurant opened, teaching Khmers skills that would lead to more prosperous lives beyond the program. 

4. Globalteer’s Helping Hands School

More than 300 students are enrolled at Globalteer’s Helping Hands School in the rural village of Prasat Char. This organization supplements the existing education system in Cambodia; while a half day at school is free to those with uniform and stationary, many do not meet these requirements. Helping Hands offers supplies and funds the other half of the day to offer its students a complete learning experience. The ‘Helping Hands Champions’ charity, a collection of individuals and social enterprises who donate their time and money to expand the school and its wider community, mitigate costs. Help did by no means come to a halt with the COVID-19 pandemic, as Helping Hands delivered 1,440 food packs in 2021 while schools were closed, and continued to provide uniforms when they reopened. It is this optimistic outlook that is guaranteeing a brighter future for rural Cambodia. 

5. Daughters of Cambodia

Poverty and sex work often have close links, especially in developing countries like Cambodia. Growing up in poverty often means a lack of basic education, which subsequently leads to very few job prospects. The desperate need to support their families, or even to fend for themselves, can often lead young girls into the commercial sex industry, selling their bodies to stay alive. Daughters of Cambodia offers these girls a way out, providing jobs and recovery programs to support them in building new lives free from exploitation. In this case, girls initially receive training to sew and craft jewelry, with their products being sold in the Daughters of Cambodia store located in Phnom Penh. While not a shelter, this social enterprise operates to provide a safe space for these young girls to improve their quality of life, working through psychological trauma and reducing the risk of re-trafficking. 

Looking Ahead

Cambodia’s aim of becoming an upper-middle income economy by 2030 remains attainable, and it is organizations like these charities operating in Cambodia that create the backbone of a society capable of such progress. Those who these organizations help are the very individuals who will fuel the future economic landscape. Therefore, maintaining and expanding their success is vital for the country’s growth out of poverty.

– Connie Champain
Photo: Flickr

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Social Change and Public Displays: Durga Puja Pandals of India

Durga Puja Pandals of India
In India, the month of October brings festivities and celebrations to each part of the country. In a nation full of people belonging to diverse religions and cultures, one witnesses the coming together of lights, colors and veneration with every festive season. One such festival celebrated in India is the nine-day-long Durga Puja, a worship of the nine avatars of the goddess, one on each day. Durga Puja pandals in India is paving the way for a fresh channel of social transformation.

Durga Puja for Social Purposes

Majorly celebrated in Eastern India, in the state of Bengal, Durga Puja has slowly permeated into being celebrated all over the country, complementing the migration of people to different states. On the other hand, the biggest celebration is still restricted to the state of West Bengal and its capital, Kolkata. Makeshift pavilions, known as pandals, are set up and decorated around the city with idols of the goddess being placed in them for worshipping. These huge spectacles of creativity are a magnificent sight to behold and the bright lights and traditional drum music only add to their imagery of grandeur. More often than not, the pandals are created around a specific theme that changes from year to year and pandal to pandal, becoming a way to make social statements in recent years.

In an interview with The Borgen Project, Priyanka Mukherjee, who recently visited Kolkata, India, during the festive season said “I think Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata have been a means to make a statement through art in the society, over the years. There was a pandal this year on the theme of menstruation with depictions of the uterus system and with the interior of the pandal showcasing the entire process. Apart from that, over the years, some pandals have taken ‘Sindoor Khela’ –a ritual only restricted to married women– to widows, pandals on the theme of child malnourishment, premature children, acid attack survivors and even pandals talking about mental health issues.” One of the pandals that gained popularity due to its theme was the one at Kashi Bose Lane, focusing on the theme of child trafficking and sexual abuse.

Child Trafficking in India

According to the 2023 Trafficking in Persons report, traffickers often target those who belong to the most disadvantaged groups, such as tribals and the poor. Nearly 8 million people are trapped in human trafficking in India as per an article published by the Exodus Report in 2022.

“Trafficking has become a terrifying shadow throughout the world as an organized crime. We wonder if children of all ages will ever be able to return to society after being auctioned off and sold into child labor, begging or sexual exploitation,” said Somen Dutta, general secretary of the pandal, in conversation with Kolkata Tales.

In the intersection of poverty and gender, the threat becomes much worse. According to the data by the National Crime Records Bureau of India in 2022, out of the 2,189 cases of human trafficking filed with 6,533 victims involved, 4,062, that is more than half, were female. Thus, it becomes more important than ever to address the issue of human trafficking in India. With the end goal being better policy and implementation, the first step needs to be to create awareness within the general public.

An Avenue for Awareness and Inspiring Change

This is where such public displays with a social message come in. Themed pandals have increasingly transformed into a platform for the artists of India to send a bold message to society. The pandal at Kashi Bose Lane, with its bright colors and intricate work, was imprinted in the mind and heart of every onlooker–inspiring them to think, if not take action, on the issue that plagues millions.

In an interview with The Borgen Project, Prerana Paul, who visited the pandal at Kashi Bose Lane this year, mused, “Something that stayed with me? Well, in the pandal there were models of girls in cages and swings–a depiction of their inability to move even though they wanted to, suggesting the experience and feeling that those who are trafficked go through.”

In his book “Brain Rules,”  John Medina says that (three days later) humans only remember 10% of what they hear but will remember 65% of information if they consume it visually. This means that such extravagant public displays, which talk about the things that matter and issues that might usually be ignored, go a long way in impacting people’s minds and thinking.

Thus, these Durga Puja pandals in India become an inspiration for the art world, opening up a whole new avenue for social change. After all, when art speaks, people listen.

– Manasvi Kadian
Photo: Flickr

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Thailand’s Increased Minimum Wage Will Help Alleviate Poverty

Thailands minimum wage.
Thailand recently announced plans to increase its daily minimum wage. This proactive measure will benefit millions of workers across multiple industries, reducing income inequality and promoting economic growth. Thailand’s increased minimum wage is vital to aiding economic recovery from the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Increase

On December 8, 2023, a committee of representatives, labor unions and employers met, unanimously agreed on and announced Thailand’s increased minimum wage. The daily pay is expected to rise by 2.37%, making the new minimum wage 330 to 370 baht per day — roughly $9.33 to $10.38. The exact numbers will vary depending on the specific region, according to the Ministry of Labor. Government officials say this increase will begin on January 1, 2024, with another increase to 400 baht per day expected by the end of 2024. This promise of the ruling Pheu Thai Party is creating a bright future for the country.

Thailand’s Workforce

Thai workers have faced numerous challenges in the past years. The COVID-19 pandemic triggered widespread job losses, especially in sectors reliant on international tourism. Unfortunately, the Thai economy and workforce have still not recovered from the impacts of the pandemic. 

Reports from the World Bank show that the overall labor force participation rate is expected to decrease by 5%, or 14.4 million people, by 2060. Additionally, employees endure reduced working hours, inadequate job security and labor rights issues. These struggles, accompanied by an increasing cost of living, intensify the burden on households and reduce the quality of life for Thai workers.

Thailand’s increased minimum wage will help combat these struggles and support workers by providing increased financial stability and access to resources.

The Impact on Poverty Rates

Thailand grapples with persistent poverty, primarily due to drought and extreme weather. Though Thailand reduced its poverty rate from 58% in 1990 to 6.8% in 2020, 79% of those living in poverty work in the agriculture sector. Studies found that almost 40% of Thai farmers live below the national poverty line. The Equitable Education Fund estimates that 1.8 million Thai students come from extremely low-income families which earn just 34 baht, or $0.95, per day.

By elevating the minimum wage for the nation’s workforce, Thailand’s government is raising living standards for millions. A higher minimum wage will improve access to basic needs, such as health care, education and housing. Additionally, the increase will stimulate consumer spending, resulting in a boost to the economy. These factors may help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty, creating a promising future for the country. 

Conclusion

As Thailand strives to lift its citizens out of poverty, the increased minimum wage stands as a pivotal point in fostering a sustainable future for the country. Thailand’s increased minimum wage is the key to countering worsening economic conditions and poverty rates.

– Trisha Borde
Photo: Flickr

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The Connection Between Burning season in Thailand and Poverty

Thailand's Burning Season and PovertyOn April 6, 2023, the city of Chiang Mai in north Thailand temporarily became the most polluted city in the world. Unlike Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok, and other highly polluted cities, northern Thailand’s extreme seasonal air pollution is not due to fossil fuels and industrial activity. “Burning season” in Thailand drives poor air quality and is both a cause and consequence of poverty.

Slash-and-Burn Farming

“Burning season” in Thailand occurs every year from January to April when farmers in the north, particularly rice and sugarcane farmers, use a traditional practice to cultivate their farmland. This practice, tagged slash-and-burn agriculture, consists of farmers cutting down and burning the remaining vegetation from the previous harvest, with approximately 70% of rice straw being burned yearly. 

Slash-and-burn is a low-cost and efficient method of cultivation that effectively removes leftover agriculture and is thought to eliminate invasive plants and animals that may hinder future crop yields. The widespread use of this method led to the coining of the term “burning season,” which also refers to the high levels of pollution generated due to this technique.

The Problem with Burning Season 

While slash-and-burn practices are effective for farmers, the burning season has adverse impacts across Thailand, predominantly in the form of extreme, hazardous air pollution, which, in 2023, affected an estimated 1.7 million Thai citizens. The presence of PM2.5 pollution particles in the air has substantial consequences for human health, worsening preexisting conditions such as asthma and causing other conditions such as lung disease, cancer and sometimes premature death. In some areas of Thailand, such as Chiang Rai, PM2.5 levels were over 76 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended exposure level. 

In Chiang Mai alone, pollution-induced illnesses caused the deaths of 1,800 people during the burning period. 

Burning Season Is Driven by Poverty 

Approximately 40% of Thai farmers live below the poverty line and rely on high crop yields to make a living, so naturally, they would resort to cheaper farming practices, such as slash-and-burn. 

Alternative options for these farmers, while less detrimental to air quality, are minimal due to their higher costs. For instance, a common method of clearing and cultivating agricultural land is using heavy machinery such as combine harvesters; however, this option is not always a feasible option for farmers in Thailand due to the expense of owning and operating machinery and the incompatibility between these machines and rice farming itself, which tends to be done in steep upland areas. Another alternative would be for farmers to hire laborers to cut manually and clear crops. Yet again, this process is costly and time-consuming, which, in turn, could lead to a delay in growing the next cycle of crops and generating income, thus worsening poverty. 

After burning vegetation, a nutrient-rich ash settles on the newly cleared land, providing farmers with a natural fertilizer to aid crop production in the following season. This process eliminates the need to buy manufactured fertilizers, which tend to be imported and costly. 

Burning Season Worsens Poverty

In just one week in March 2023, more than 200,000 Thai citizens were admitted to hospital with conditions caused by pollution. This figure indicates the human health consequences and presents economic challenges, particularly for those below the poverty line. Hospitalization and treatment come at a high cost, which is problematic for those without adequate health care plans. Additionally, families are at risk of income losses if they cannot work due to health problems, equally affecting local businesses that lose their employees. Businesses are also implicated by reduced consumerism due to sickness and advice to stay indoors during periods of high air pollution. 

Chiang Mai is a popular tourist destination, and tourism significantly contributes to the city’s GDP per capita. However, tourists are advised to avoid the city and other areas of northern Thailand during the burning season, leading to income losses for local businesses and employees, especially those working directly in the tourism sector. In fact, in 2019, the burning season in Thailand caused an 11% reduction in the nation’s gross domestic product. 

Government Policies Are not as Effective as They Seem

In 2019, the Thai government banned open burning, making it illegal for farmers to burn their land. While this ban is a seemingly positive advancement, it has been criticized as ineffective as farmers have resorted to burning their land at night to detract any attention from their now illegal practice. This response results from the government’s failure to provide Thai farmers with the resources to assist them in shifting away from slash-and-burn practices, such as providing grants or farming supplies. 

Innovative Solutions 

IQAir recommends that citizens wear facemasks, use air purifiers/filters, purchase air pollution monitors and avoid the outdoors during the burning season to protect themselves from PM2.5 pollution, yet this is not always feasible for those living in poverty.

However, Chiang Mai University has created and begun to install vending machines that provide citizens free face masks, air filters and purifiers, which remove the presence of PM2.5, in places such as schools and hospitals where the most vulnerable citizens are present. 

In the Chiang Rai province, the Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna recently developed a smartphone app known as “Smoke Watch,” which uses NASA satellite data and detailed data on fire “hotspots” to monitor fires in the region in real time. Local communities and firefighters receive alerts when there is nearby burning, providing information such as fire location and the fastest route to get there. This app allows for the fast elimination of fires and reduces the pollution they generate. In collaboration with organizations and NGOs, a second app, “Burn Watch,” is currently being developed. The app requires local farmers to submit requests to burn their land, allowing for more regulated and controlled burning. 

Thailand Clean Air Network 

The work of the nonprofit organization Thailand Clean Air Network (CAN) is leading the effort to alleviate the threat of air pollution caused by the burning season in Thailand. The organization comprises volunteer activists and academics who raise awareness of problems surrounding the burning season to the Thai government and the public. 

In 2022, Thailand CAN drafted the Clean Air Act, which discusses the various catalysts and consequences of the burning season while outlining potential solutions the government could implement. Thailand CAN is awaiting the Prime Minister’s endorsement to make the act official legislation. 

– Lucy Jacks
Photo: Wikimedia

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How Catholic Relief Services Is Providing Aid in Ethiopia

Aid in EthiopiaSince 2020, the Tigray War and other armed conflicts within Ethiopia have displaced more than 10 million people, creating increased poverty and food insecurity in the country. Despite U.N. efforts, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Food Program (WFP) have suspended aid to Ethiopia several times, citing the theft by soldiers of millions of dollars’ worth of donated food. Few humanitarian organizations are willing to assist Ethiopian civilians in such a tumultuous period, but the forerunner of this group is the Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Here is how CRS is providing aid in Ethiopia.

About CRS’s Work

With funding from the Department of Agriculture, CRS has provided aid in Ethiopia in the form of food, shelter, medical care, sanitary care and humanitarian training in Ethiopia for nearly 60 years. In 2023, CRS received $529.3 million in funding from the U.S., distributing it through local partners such as churches and NGOs in Ethiopia. CRS is currently extending aid into regions of Tigray that war has destabilized. Nearly 71% of the region’s population received wheat, split peas and vegetable oil from CRS partners, with 50% of the aid going to women who the conflict left widowed.

Its outreach includes training Ethiopian citizens in humanitarian work, enabling communities to respond more quickly and efficiently to disasters. Following a series of devastating droughts in Dire Dawa, CRS provided packets of wheat, split peas and vegetable oil, and kept the market prices of necessities low by selling directly to residents.

Challenges with CRS’s Work

While CRS has seen its share of success in Ethiopia, the work has not been without its obstacles. In addition to the theft of donated food, multiple CRS workers have died while performing humanitarian work in violent regions like Amhara and Tigray. Despite these setbacks, CRS continues to work toward its goal of eliminating food insecurity and extreme poverty in Ethiopia.

CRS is one of the leading humanitarian agencies working to reduce extreme poverty in Ethiopia. With regular funding from the U.S., its food aid and training to communities who the ongoing conflicts affected foster an environment of humanity and compassion.

– Parth Mishra
Photo: Flickr

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Child Poverty in Turkmenistan

Child Poverty in TurkmenistanIn Turkmenistan, 41 in every 1,000 babies born in 2021 died before reaching their fifth birthday. About 21.8% of the population has been living in poverty, the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific estimated in 2018. Child poverty in Turkmenistan is prevalent as well but efforts are in place to address it.

The Situation

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has further worsened its preexisting economic crisis. Vulnerable Turkmen in the densely populated region of Velayat Marijsk had even tried to enroll children in orphanages, being unable to feed their families. 

Among Turkmen children, malnutrition is prevalent. More than one in three kids, aged 6 to 59 months, are anemic. In 2022, UNICEF reported that 7% of the youngsters experienced stunting due to the lack of nutrition for an extended period of time in their early childhood.

Poverty thwarts children’s physical and cognitive growth. It violates their rights to education and health care. In Turkmenistan, child rights violation take place on multiple fronts ranging from child labor, early marriage, religious discrimination to human trafficking.

Child labor and human trafficking are two primary concerns due to the region’s financial catastrophe.

Child Labor

Economic disparity triggers forced labor in Turkmenistan’s rural regions. Despite official prohibition on child labor since 2005, hundreds of adolescents work during the cotton harvest at exploitative wages every year. 

The government’s ‘repressive’ social policies often lead to forced labor of public sector employees and opens the door to child labor, states Cotton Campaign in its June 2022 report.

Mandatory labor of public sector employees in cotton harvest, coupled with perennial poverty across the society, is a key contributor to child labor in Turkmenistan. Children of humble backgrounds often replace those employees in cotton fields to sustain their families.

In 2021, Turkmen.news has reported, schoolgoers went to harvest cotton in the fall of 2020 for 30 to 40 manats (roughly between 6.5 and 9.0 GBP) of daily wage. Between September and December, rural schools were shut down. 

According to Radio Liberty’s sources, that year, “Dozens of children, some of them coughing and sneezing, could be seen in the fields along the road in the Baharden farmers’ association (Ahal region). Though they were clearly unwell, they were still kept in the fields.”

Despite being an arid geography, Turkmenistan has become the 10th largest cotton producer in the world under intensive irrigation and state control. Last year, the country exported cotton valued at roughly $300 million to the global textile market. 

Child Trafficking 

Turkmenistan has become the fifth most affected country by human trafficking in the Global Organized Crime Index (OCI). The US Department of State in its 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report evaluated that Turkmenistan has not taken adequate steps to eliminate human trafficking from its soil in recent times.

The country’s students have an obligation to spend their summer in farming. Authorities also compel them to labor in organizing events hosted by the state without compensation.

Unemployment, poverty and lack of social support put Turkmen at a greater risk of trafficking. Poor families send their children to work as porters in marketplaces and cultivate potatoes and carrots. 

Though a specific figure could not be obtained, a growing number of adolescent girls has undertaken prostitution to sustain themselves. In a blog post, Humanium, an NGO contributing towards ending child rights violations, stated that schoolgirls sell their service on streets in the cotton belt of the country.

Making a Difference

Turkmenistan has lifted most of the country’s population out of extreme poverty over the last couple of decades. The number of families surviving daily on less than $1.90 per person has decreased from 31.5% to 0.6% between 2000 and 2022. 

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to end poverty in its all forms by 2030. The UN has supplemented with $2,882,510,000 to improve the well-being of Turkmenistan. 

To reduce malnutrition in neonates, 38.6% of mothers have received maternity benefits in 2021. Among the households with children, 15.3% have received another cash cover to sustain their families.

The 2019 analysis of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has confirmed that the nation has advanced its accessibility of education and health care services across the civil society. 

The organization has emphasized the need for multisectoral economic growth that a transparent social support system fuels, accessible health care, education and the participation of people to curb child poverty in Turkmenistan and uphold child rights. 

– Soham Mitra
Photo: Flickr

5 Facts About Disability and Poverty In Colombia

Disability and Poverty In ColombiaThe number of Colombians who suffer from functional difficulty is around 41.8% of the population. The persons who suffer from a lot of functional difficulty and thus can be classified as disabled make up 12.5% of the population. Consequently, disabled persons have a multidimensional poverty headcount of 39% compared to 18% for persons without disability. While disability and poverty in Colombia are inextricably linked to each other, reforms enacted by NGOs and the government have eased the burden of multidimensional poverty for the disabled by a large margin. These five facts highlight the improvements enacted as well as needed concerning disability and poverty in Colombia.

Government Policy Geared Towards Inclusion of the Disabled

With the hardships of disabled Colombians in mind, the Colombian government passed Law 361 of 1997, which ensures protection from discrimination for any disabled individuals within Colombian borders. The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ratified and incorporated in 2011, allows the government to pass policies concerning affirmative action and other social benefits for disabled persons.

These policies helped form the political framework for social inclusion policies such as the National Disability and Social Inclusion Policy, laying the groundwork for NGOs and governmental organizations to enhance social benefits for disabled persons. While progress has been slow, the government is consistently working towards providing more services (unemployment benefits such as 50% of the last job’s salary paid by the state, food security, etc.) for the disabled population to ensure their economic, physical and social well-being.

Barriers to Employment for the Disabled

Despite strides in the inclusion of disabled persons into the corporate labor force, many in the productive sector still consider them to be incapable and unproductive. In fact, a 2022 study by the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE) found that only one in five disabled persons had employment in Colombia.

IGOs and NGOs Work Within Local Communities to Provide Resources

Many organizations base themselves in various local communities to provide helpful resources specifically tailored to the needs of the disabled there. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provided peer counseling to individuals suffering from physical disabilities in five sites from 2016 to 2019 and is working with the Colombian government to develop a policy to introduce large-scale counseling for disabled persons. Corfrodis, a lesser-known NGO, is making education, health care and culture more accessible for disabled people by establishing micro-projects in local communities.

Disabled Persons Have Lower Literacy Rates

The 2015 National Demographic and Health Survey in Colombia found that the percentage of adults with less than primary schooling attained is significantly higher among disabled adults (38%) than adults with no difficulty (13%). Since most medium to high-paying jobs require the completion of lesser education, this statistic means that a significant portion of disabled persons work jobs that pay wages insufficient for maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.

How NGOs Lobby Government and Provide Educational Resources

Working within the framework established by the Colombian government, many NGOs establish themselves on a national scale to directly address problems that disabled persons face. Organizations such as Incluyeme help disabled people learn valuable skills within a certain field and seek employment that provides ample pay and growth opportunities. Meanwhile, lobbying organizations like the Disability and Human Rights Network have consistently succeeded at securing policy support that establishes disabled people’s rights and social welfare.

Conclusion

The rising availability of educational resources for the disabled and greater legislative efforts speak of a more prosperous future for disabled Colombians going forward. However, with international assistance, the Colombian government and NGOs based in Colombia would be able to address the plight of disabled Colombians much more effectively.

– Parth Mishra
Photo: Flickr