Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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Portugal’s Foreign Aid Contributing to the Fight Against Poverty

Portugal’s Foreign AidAlthough Portugal only provides a limited amount of foreign aid compared to its Development Assistance Committee (DAC) counterparts, the country has been focusing its development strategy on the most deprived countries. In 2022, Portugal allocated $504.7 million of Official Development Assistance (ODA). Notably, 69.8% of this aid was directed toward Least Developed Countries (LDCs), representing the highest share among DAC members. This trend continued in 2021 when 61.3% of Portugal’s foreign aid was dedicated to fragile contexts.

Portugal’s ODA in Post-Conflict Settings

Foreign aid that Portugal disbursed has enabled several countries to limit and recover from conflicts. In Mozambique, Portugal has been providing vital assistance in the context of the Cabo Delgado Province insurgency. Back in 2019, the Mozambique Recovery and Reconstruction Support Fund, which Portugal implemented, enabled civil society programs to receive direct funds from private and public sector organizations in Portugal. In cooperation with the EU, the country also set up the +Emprego program in 2020, which improved youth employment, prevented radicalization and delivered humanitarian assistance. By stabilizing the situation, Portugal’s foreign aid thus prevented many people’s living conditions from worsening.

Similarly, Portugal significantly helped in the East Timorese transition after 1999 by providing non-negligible humanitarian assistance. Timor-Leste, still considered a fragile state, cooperates closely with Portugal toward reducing poverty and bolstering development in this country. 

Portugal’s Work in Social Infrastructures

Portugal, as part of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), has approved the Strategy for Food and Nutritional Security. Structured around three core principles, this program strives to establish and bolster effective governance and policies related to food security. Simultaneously, it seeks to promptly enhance food accessibility for the most vulnerable populations while also fostering increased food availability. As a strategic component of this initiative, the CPLP has successfully instituted National Food and Nutritional Security Councils in São Tomé, Cape Verde and Guinea Bissau.

Moreover, the program involves a Family Farming Work Group tasked with drafting guidelines as part of the program’s objective to enhance food availability. 

The country also participates in strengthening health systems in CPLP countries. Portugal has equipped Guinea-Bissau with laboratories to ensure its partner is prepared to face an Ebola crisis. In collaboration with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Portuguese government played a crucial role in distributing medical supplies. It provided 5,000 medical masks and 200,000 masks in the Maputo Province of Mozambique. This essential donation not only ensured the protection of those in need but also sustained economic and social activities.

Portuguese ODA and the Environment 

Out of its total bilateral allocable aid, Portugal spent 7.5% toward supporting the environment in 2020-2021. This can seem trivial compared to the DAC average (34.3%), but the country has made some important contributions to fighting climate change in developing countries. The OECD highlighted Portugal’s commitment to ocean protection, demonstrated when the country co-hosted the 2022 UN Ocean Conference. 

Moreover, Portugal is supporting the Carbon Sustainability and Ecosystem Services Roadmap in the Principe Island of São Tomé and Principe, which is analyzing the island nation’s carbon emission and removal and making projections for possible reduction. The project will conclude with recommendations that aim to support decision-making concerning carbon emission mitigation. 

In Guinea-Bissau, the Collective and Territorial Integrated Actions for the Valorisation of Agriculture (dubbed EU-ACTIVA) has the objective of enabling agricultural intensification while guaranteeing it remains sustainable. Approximately 4,000 families will receive training that enables them to teach others effective techniques for cultivating the local soil in accordance with climate patterns. By doing so, this initiative will ensure improved living conditions for the residents of Guinea-Bissau.

Room for Improvement

Despite all those significant contributions and achievements, there is still more Portugal’s foreign aid could do to improve the conditions of the world’s poor. The OECD points out that Portugal only invests 0.23% of its Gross National Income in ODA, and thus still has not reached the 0.7% ODA/GNI ratio that it has committed to, and still fares behind fellow DAC members. The organization also recommends that Portugal put more emphasis on long-term objectives and results to achieve more sustainable change in partnerships with other countries. 

However, Portugal’s vital work toward developing LDCs and improving the lives of those that inhabit them demonstrates the country’s enthusiasm when it comes to tackling poverty, and is a positive sign indicating the potential implementation of more effort in the future. 

– Kenza Oulammou
Photo: Unsplash

A Glimpse into the Lives of Syrian Refugees in Lebanon

Syrian Refugees in LebanonSince the outbreak of war in 2011, millions of Syrians have been forced to flee their homes, creating one of the largest humanitarian crises in recent history. Natalie, a Syrian refugee in Lebanon and shared her challenges in an interview with The Borgen Project. She mentioned the support received from organizations like the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the current circumstances of Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

The Impact of the Crisis

The Syrian refugee crisis was born out of the devastating war that ravaged the country. Lebanon, as a neighboring country, became a significant host country for Syrian refugees, including Natalie, as they sought safety and stability away from the conflict.

Natalie’s story provides a glimpse into the human side of the crisis, highlighting the strength and determination of Syrian refugees.

Arrival in Lebanon

Natalie embarked on a challenging journey that brought her to Lebanon, where she encountered various challenges. The devastating war inflicted widespread destruction, resulting in the displacement of families, the disruption of lives and a strain on resources. Like countless others, Natalie had to start anew, rebuilding her life from the ground up.

During the interview, Natalie shed light on the invaluable support she and her family received from the UNHCR. She expressed deep gratitude for the neighboring country, highlighting Lebanon’s generosity in opening its borders to all Syrian refugees.

Before Natalie sought refuge in Lebanon, she lived in Homs, a city bordering the northern town of Tripoli in Lebanon. This proximity enabled her to manage her escape somewhat more easily when the civil war escalated. She made the decision to leave Syria on June 29, 2012.

Undoubtedly, leaving behind friends and family in Syria was a difficult experience for Natalie. However, she found solace in the fact that Lebanon shares a border with her hometown, allowing certain family members to visit occasionally. Unfortunately, her friends have dispersed across various parts of the world in search of refuge, resulting in limited opportunities for them to reunite.

UNHCR’s Support

Amid the crisis, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) played a vital role in coordinating the protection response for Syrian refugees in Lebanon. UNHCR provided assistance in various forms, including health care, shelter, education and addressing gender-based violence.

Upon their arrival in Lebanon, the UNHCR provided Natalie and her family with essential provisions. Before leaving Syria, her family had fallen into a state of extreme poverty, with nothing left but her mother’s gold jewelry, which proved inadequate for their survival.

Natalie expresses her gratitude for her fortunate circumstances. Her uncle, who worked as a professor at Kuwait University, sent them financial assistance to cover rent, food and basic necessities.

Natalie regarded herself as comparatively more fortunate than many other Syrian refugees due to her Lebanese heritage from her mother’s side. This meant she had a place to stay and her uncle continued to support her family until they regained stability. Furthermore, her father, a successful dentist in Syria, successfully secured a position at a dental clinic in Lebanon. It took the family approximately five months to regain their financial footing.

Notably, Natalie’s resilience and determination led her to accomplish remarkable achievements. She pursued and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology from the Lebanese International University.

The Current Reality

Unfortunately, the situation for Syrian refugees in Lebanon has become increasingly difficult. Reports indicate rising incidents of deportation and harassment, casting a shadow of fear and insecurity over the Syrian community residing in Lebanon.

Natalie explained that while the ongoing economic crisis in Lebanon has significantly exacerbated the challenges faced by Syrian refugees, her family did not experience an exceptional amount of suffering. Her family encountered similar experiences to those of a typical Lebanese household. They lost their savings and, like many others, are now facing financial constraints due to hyperinflation.

The latest figures provided by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlight that Lebanon currently grapples with a complex and challenging situation concerning Syrian refugees. The country faces an overwhelming number of people in need of humanitarian assistance, with a staggering 3.9 million individuals requiring support. Among these, 2.1 million are Lebanese citizens, 1.5 million are Syrian refugees, 211,000 are Palestinian refugees and 81,000 are migrants.

The Economic Impact

The influx of Syrian refugees has strained Lebanon’s already limited resources and infrastructure, worsening existing socioeconomic issues. It has created an increased demand for public services such as health care, education and housing. Consequently, both the Lebanese population and Syrian refugees have experienced rising poverty rates, contributing to the challenging circumstances faced by these communities.

The economic repercussions of hosting a substantial refugee population have also affected employment opportunities, leading to higher unemployment rates for both the local population and refugees. Job scarcity has resulted in wage depression and exploitation in some instances, further compounding the difficulties experienced by both communities.

The strain on resources and the socio-economic situation have heightened tensions between host communities and the refugee population, posing challenges to social cohesion and integration.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the European Union (EU) has stepped forward to provide substantial funding for Lebanon’s support. In 2023 alone, the EU allocated €60 million in humanitarian aid. Since 2011, the EU has contributed a total of €2.7 billion, with nearly €860 million specifically designated for humanitarian aid. The primary objective of this generous support is to alleviate the burden on Lebanon and ensure the provision of essential services and assistance to both the local population and refugee communities.

Looking Ahead

Natalie’s story provides a glimpse into the lives of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, accentuating their struggles and resilience in the face of adversity. As the Syrian refugee crisis persists, sharing such stories can potentially nurture empathy and understanding, fostering greater support and compassion for those impacted by the crisis. Addressing the needs of Syrian refugees in Lebanon remains an urgent concern, demanding continuous attention and collaboration from both national and international stakeholders.

– Tanya Hamad
Photo: Flickr

House of Hope Helping Internally Displaced Ukrainians

nternally Displaced UkrainiansHouse of Hope started helping internally displaced people (IDPs) in Ukraine, on February 27, 2022. It has so far provided a total of 3,400 tons of supplies for relief. The House of Hope team is also helping internally displaced people to evacuate Ukraine. There are 5.3 million internally displaced people in Ukraine, 2.5 million of whom are children. About 17.6 million internally displaced Ukrainians require humanitarian assistance as of 2023. 

Helping Food-Insecure IDPs

One in three families who are internally displaced in Ukraine do not have enough food to eat. To make matters worse, food prices have increased by 50% since 2022.

To help solve this food crisis, House of Hope has provided 40 tons of food in more than 120 trucks, to internally displaced Ukrainians in refugee shelters and active war zones. To ensure the food reaches its destination, House of Hope uses bullet-proof cars. They also distribute 25,000 loaves of bread every day to IDPs. They have also donated more than 15,000 ovens to them. House of Hope operates in Lviv, Ukraine. Currently, 350 shelters for internally displaced Ukrainians are located in Lviv.

Helping Internally Displaced Ukrainians Get Access to Medicine

Health care has been sabotaged over 1,000 times in Ukraine since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.

Studies reveal that one in three internally displaced people in Ukraine who reside in places that are occupied by the Russians or locations that are in active combat struggle to get medicine and health care services.

There are 12.1 million people in Ukraine who require treatment for issues caused by injuries they got from living in a war zone, as well as chronic health issues that treatment for has been neglected because of the war. To provide assistance to the people in Ukraine, House of Hope has provided 40 tons of medicine that are carried in more than 120 trucks to internally displaced people living in refugee shelters and places that are active war zones. They use bullet-proof cars to bring this medicine to those in need, every day.

Evacuating Ukrainians

House of Hope’s center of operations located in Lviv Ukraine, is on Poland’s border, as it is 80 kilometers from Poland. House of Hope has a total of 60 buses, ambulances and vans that are used to evacuate children and families. They have evacuated around 35,000 people. About 1.6 million refugees escaped Ukraine to reside in Poland, since May 9, 2023. Over 1.1 million Ukrainian children who are refugees have fled to Poland. Poland is home to 60% of the Ukrainian refugees. The main route that refugees in Ukraine evacuate on is a railroad that is in the small town of Pokrovsk, Ukraine, that travels to Dnipro and Lviv Ukraine. From either Dnipro or Lviv, refugees travel to Poland.

Equipment Donated to Internally Displaced Ukrainians

House of Hope has delivered 40 tons of equipment carried in more than 120 trucks, for internally displaced Ukrainians living in refugee shelters and places suffering from active war zones. They have also collaborated with Lviv’s governor to build a green corridor between Lviv and Poland. This green corridor ensures that aid can directly come into Ukraine. Lviv receives 80% of supplies used to help the Ukrainian people in need. These supplies are distributed all throughout Ukraine.

Looking Ahead

House of Hope will continue to provide food, medicine and equipment to internally displaced Ukrainians in active war zones and refugee shelters. They will also keep evacuating refugees out of Ukraine to safer countries. It is extremely critical House of Hope continues helping internally displaced Ukrainians because an estimated 17.6 million internally displaced people desperately need humanitarian assistance, as of 2023.

– Rachael Weiser
Photo: Flickr

Renewable Energy in Yemen

Renewable energy in YemenThe United Nations Development Programme reported that only 40% of Yemeni households had access to electricity in 2021, primarily due to a severely damaged grid resulting from years of unrelenting war. Innovations in renewable energy in Yemen hold the potential to offer a sustainable solution to the immense human suffering caused by the lack of reliable electricity.

Energy Crisis

In 2020, Yemen’s big cities experienced up to 20 hours of blackouts per day while the poorest and most rural Yemenis suffered even more. Renewable energy in Yemen has not become widespread enough to entirely make up for oil and diesel-based energy, resulting in reduced agricultural productivity. Businesses struggle to operate without reliable power, hindering the country’s economic recovery.

Yemen’s electric grid is dependent upon expensive, imported oil that the country sources unreliably. For example, in September 2022, a Saudi refusal to allow oil tankers to enter Yemen’s Hodeidah port resulted in a severe energy crisis. Prices of electricity, foodstuffs and transportation soared, while economic activity ground to a halt. Rural farmers who relied on diesel to run their water pumps and irrigate their fields suffered greatly as the price of 20 liters of diesel rose from $4 in 2015 to $35 in 2022.

For those who do not want to rely on the public electricity grid, alternatives include subscribing to a private diesel-powered grid or using kerosene lamps, diesel generators, or personal solar panels to fill the gaps. But these systems are expensive and cheaper, low-quality versions often break down after just a few months, according to the World Bank.

Innovative Solutions

New innovations demonstrate the potential for addressing Yemen’s urgent need for more reliable and affordable energy. Yemen has access to a vast, untapped power source that can solve both of these problems: solar energy.

A significant portion of Yemen’s population has already adopted solar energy and its potential for further expansion is substantial. According to a 2018 analysis by the World Economic Forum, Yemen possesses the highest average solar energy potential among water-stressed countries due to the strength and concentration of sunlight.

International organizations like the World Bank have invested millions of dollars to finance the sustainable expansion of solar power.

The United Nations project “Enhanced Rural Resilience in Yemen” developed an innovative, affordable solar microgrid and funded its installation in three communities in 2020. As reported by the United Nations Development Programme, these microgrids significantly reduced the cost of energy, from 42 cents an hour to two cents an hour.

Solar microgrid projects have empowered young Yemeni women to set up infrastructure in their communities and increased school enrollment through solar-powered schools. Farmers have used solar power to pump water to keep their plants alive and health centers to power refrigerators.

The U.N. program also provided training to women and youth, allowing them to establish and maintain microgrid businesses to provide for their families, which had the added benefit of elevating their social status in their communities.

Broader Implications

This project is an example of development aid, which, in contrast to cash aid, builds sustainable self-reliance. It proves renewable energy in Yemen is a practical, important solution to many of Yemen’s electricity problems and shows how other countries and communities can follow in their footsteps.

Beyond benefiting the people of Yemen, more affordable renewable energy also contributes positively to the environment. As of August 2021, renewable energy in Yemen has already prevented 26,203 tons of carbon dioxide emissions from being released into the atmosphere and this figure continues to grow.

– Mitra Nourbakhsh
Photo: Flickr

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4 Charities Operating in Panama

Charities Operating in PanamaAccording to the World Bank, in 2022, 13.3% of the population in Panama lived under the poverty line of $6.85 per person per day. However, through the work of organizations, communities living in poverty receive aid. In particular, four charities operating in Panama are committed to improving the lives of the disadvantaged.

4 Charities Operating in Panama

  1. Fundación Calicanto. This community-based organization in Panama came about in 1994 to empower impoverished and disadvantaged women in Panama. The organization’s CAPTA program helps women become self-reliant and economically stable through professional and vocational training that will allow them to secure a job in the hospitality industry. The program also has a psychological development component that aims to improve the self-confidence and self-esteem of women. Considering that, in Panama, marginalized women in inner city slums lead around 50% of households and have, on average, four children by the young age of 25, the need for the CAPTA program is clear. At the heart of CAPTA lies its rigorous five-week “Foundation Cycle”  course, the cornerstone of women’s personal growth. Through this course, participants acquire essential life skills while cultivating a deep belief in their ability to shape their destinies. Thereafter, women move on to technical training at the Panama International School and Restaurant La Sexta. The staggering success of this program is apparent through the graduation of about 1,500 women, with an impressive 74% either securing permanent employment or advancing on to formal education.
  2. Enlaces. Enlaces is a Panama-based organization developed in 2010 to transform the lives of disadvantaged children and youth in Panama who aspire to make positive impacts in the world. Enlaces uses a three-pronged approach of “psychosocial care, artistic learning and pedagogical study programs” to help children reach their full potential. Many children and teenagers living in the neighborhoods around the Historic Center of Panama City face poverty and a lack of access to opportunities for economic and social growth. Their disadvantaged circumstances can result in a continuation of generational poverty. Enlaces aims to improve the futures of these children through a methodology that “combines dance, education and emotional development as preventive tools,” the GlobalGiving website highlights. Children in the program also have opportunities to secure scholarships for their education, both academic and artistic. Enlaces efforts teach integral life skills that shape the lives of about 400 children and adolescents (ages 4-17) annually.
  3. Asociación Panameña para el Planeamiento de la Familia. Founded in 1965, APLAFA aims to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged people in Panama through low-cost services offered in seven clinics located around Panama. In particular, its focus is sexual and reproductive health but its services also extend to pediatric and maternal care. These services play a pivotal role in addressing high-risk pregnancies and ultimately contribute to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in Panama. Over the last decade, APLAFA has served almost 500,000 people through its clinic services and educational initiatives and has delivered more than 15,000 low-cost health services.
  4. Fundación Oír es Vivir. Founded in 2008, Fundación Oír es Vivir supports individuals with hearing impairments in Panama by providing auditory services and aids regardless of financial means and resources. This organization aids people living in poverty who cannot receive the necessary medical help due to financial barriers or other difficulties. The organization actively promotes detection and intervention programs for hearing-related issues among newborns, preschoolers and students. The organization helps the audiologically impaired live a higher quality of life. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to improve productivity levels and enhance quality of life through the provision of hearing aids. Fundación Oír es Vivir has given care to more than 30,000 people.

These four prominent charities operating in Panama profoundly impact individuals and communities confronted with various challenges. 

– Elizabeth Antenucci
Photo: Flickr

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Poverty Reduction in Morocco

Poverty Reduction in MoroccoMorocco has made impressive strides in poverty reduction since the beginning of the century. Organizations such as the High Atlas Foundation are at the forefront of tackling poverty in rural areas, pushing the country closer to achieving its goals.  

High Atlas Foundation

“During my time as a Peace Corps volunteer, I gained a great overview of the potential of agriculture in Morocco, how it could multiply the incomes of rural farming families.”

In 1995, Yossef Ben-Meir envisioned a promising future for development in Morocco. In the first decade of the 21st century, 1.7 million Moroccans lifted themselves out of poverty. The poverty rate substantially dropped from 16.3% in 1998 to 8.9% in 2007. However, the impressive poverty reduction rate of more than 40% did not erase the drastic inequality between the urban and rural populations. By 2014, 40% of the population lived in rural areas, yet accounted for 79.4% of the poor and 62.1% of the vulnerable.

Ben-Meir also witnessed first-hand the lack of access to clean water and the consequent high infant mortality in rural Morocco. Moved by the dire need and the vast potential in the same region, he returned to Morocco a handful of times, taking on roles as a project builder, researcher and Peace Corps director. Eventually, he founded the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) as a nonprofit organization in 2000.

For 22 years, HAF has dedicated itself to developing agriculture and reducing poverty in Morocco. HAF has established organic fruit tree nurseries across seven provinces in Morocco, helping farmers gain agricultural skills. Additionally, HAF offers women literacy courses and professional training, while also linking marginalized communities to governmental and international agencies.

Combating Poverty with Tree Nurseries

In an interview with The Borgen Project, Ben-Meir affirms that the whole agricultural process begins with tree nurseries. Ecosia, a German eco-driven enterprise, primarily funds HAF’s nurseries, which have a total capacity of 2.44 million seeds through 2021. The nurseries grow a rich variety of fruits and nuts, as well as aromatic and medicinal plants. Traditionally, farmers have grown staples like barley and corn, covering 70% of the agricultural land but only yielding 15% of income. Transitioning to these lucrative products effectively improves farmers’ livelihoods and the environment, creating a sustainable outlook for poverty reduction in Morocco.

Ben-Meir told The Borgen Project, “Our tree planting program has 25 formal partnerships. Planting trees is the present and future of HAF’s financial sustainability.”

Women’s Empowerment

HAF is known for its participatory development strategies. The organization fully dedicates its revenue and donations to community projects. With a special focus on women’s rights, HAF mobilizes university students and rural women to run regular “Imagine” workshops, empowering women to find their voice, understand their needs and take action.

Another workshop, “Moudawana” family code, informs rural women of their legal rights according to the national landmark reform in 2004 that equalizes men and women in regard to marriage and children.

Ben-Meir articulated, “The participatory approach is embedded in government programs, constitutions, municipal charters and even the family code, enabling incredible fulfillment in community planning, as well as the ability to decide their own future and development. Yet, Morocco’s problem is the lack of that fulfillment.” Upon being asked why the participatory approach is so important to poverty reduction in Morocco.

He added, “We need to train people to be facilitators of community planning, finance the projects, train empowerment trainers and ensure that women are voicing with confidence what they seek in their lives and know what it is.”

Implementing Domestic Policies

As Ben-Meir mentioned, the Moroccan government has provided ample frameworks and strategies in recent years to target regional poverty and promote decentralization. HAF is among the local councils and NGOs striving to implement these policies and fulfill the government’s intent.

Ben-Meir emphasized, “A participatory development organization has only one assurance and that rests upon the people: the projects are what they decided and in their interests.”

So far, HAF has conducted “Imagine” workshops in more than 25 provinces with more than 2,500 women, engaged more than 3,000 university students and impacted more than 50,000 people through its tree program projects, as well as thousands of farmers through capacity-building programs.

Multicultural and Interreligious Development

In 2021, HAF undertook the operation of the USAID Dakira Program, which strengthens multicultural preservation. The objective of the program is to capture the stories of communities’ intercultural past—Jewish, Moroccan and Christian—to take ownership of the revitalization of their own histories.

In a world of increasing migration, intolerance and conflicts, enhancing interreligious and inter-ethnic solidarity in Morocco’s diverse social landscape could prove vital. Since 2012, HAF’s project “House of Light” has united local religious communities through the relationship between land and farming.

With the help of partnerships, HAF identified saints’ burial sites and cemeteries as free-loaned land for the benefit of neighboring farming communities. In the process of clearing, planting and restoring the land, HAF facilitates conversations between local Muslims, Jews and Christians, raising awareness of their history of unity and diversity.

Speaking proudly of their impact, Ben-Meir said, “When trees live 200 years bearing fruit and women’s empowerment has generational impact, only so much of it is quantifiable.”

Due to its unique location and diverse history, Morocco serves as a meeting point for various cultures and identities. As the High Atlas Foundation grows into one of the leading development organizations in the area, its achievements in agricultural work, women’s empowerment and interreligious efforts can serve as an inspirational story for other human development projects on the African continent and among Islamic countries.

– Shixin Zhao
Photo: Unsplash

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Child Soldiers in Iran

Child Soldiers in IranAn anonymous former Iranian soldier shared with an Iranwire reporter the profound impact the Iraq-Iran War had on his life. At just 14 years old, he was sent to the frontlines, robbed of the joys of adolescence, such as going to school and experiencing love. This practice of using child soldiers in Iran commenced during the Iraq-Iran War in 1980 and has persisted, with reports of its employment as recently as 2022. Notably, Iranian government officials specifically target children from impoverished families, enticing them with promises of financial rewards and martyrdom.

Martyrdom

After the 680 CE Battle of Karbala, the glorification of martyrs within the Shiite religion (the official religion of Iran) started. The Sunni Caliph Yazid killed Hussain ibn Ali, the third Shiite Imam and grandson of Muhammad, along with his fellow fighters (including children) during this battle. Due to the praise that martyrs receive, the Iranian government commonly recruits child soldiers by promising them martyrdom.

In 1979, Iranian ayatollahs (Shiite religious leaders) introduced child martyrdom into school curricula throughout Iran. They promised children as young as 9 years old that dying as martyrs against the Iraqi enemy would lead them straight to heaven. This teaching continues to be part of the curriculum, as a 2021-22 interim update report on Iran’s radical education revealed that authorities teach students to seek suicide or death in battle even when not required.

Common Duties for Child Soldiers in Iran

Clearing minefields is one of the common duties assigned to child soldiers in Iran. Former New York Times foreign correspondent, Terrence Smith, brought attention to the mine-clearing process that young boys were involved in during the Iraq-Iran war. Many boys between the ages of 12 and 17 would wear red headbands with inscriptions like “Sar Allah” or “Warrior of God” and carry small metal keys around their necks, symbolizing their “keys to heaven” as they prepared for battle.

Military authorities took measures to prevent desertion by binding the child soldiers with ropes. Despite facing withering machine gun fire, these brave children fearlessly hurled themselves on barbed wire or marched into Iraqi minefields to clear the way for Iranian tanks. Their courage and sacrifice in performing such dangerous tasks highlight the unfortunate reality of child soldiers in Iran.

Iran’s authorities exploit child soldiers as propaganda tools, showcasing them in pro-regime media with placards that glorify Iran’s involvement in various wars. Additionally, there are repeated mentions of children in speeches at parades commemorating the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Sadly, this practice of involving children in warfare only exacerbates the poverty Iran confronts.

Connection to Poverty

Approximately 60% of Iranians are grappling with poverty and among them, 20 to 30 million are living in absolute poverty. The use of child soldiers in Iran contributes to this distressing cycle. In their quest to join the war efforts, many child soldiers fall for incentives that particularly appeal to impoverished families.

In 2022, the Iranian government employed young boys to suppress anti-government street protests. Disturbing images of children and young men donning military uniforms and holding batons circulated on social media. Reports from more than 500 supporters of the Imam Ali Society, a local charity in Iran, indicated that authorities recruit these children from impoverished families, offering them a meager exchange of “a few bags of food.”

Moreover, poor families exploit their children’s “martyr status” for benefits. They receive monetary compensation per child involved in conflicts and a martyr card granting them access to food and other privileges. This exploitation of children as both tools of suppression and sources of financial gain further exacerbates the challenges of poverty faced by many Iranian families.

Solutions

The use of children as soldiers has long been a concern of the United Nations (U.N), but there are currently no reported Iran-specific initiatives to prevent this troubling practice. A governmental pattern of recruiting child soldiers persisted as recently as March 2022.

However, UNICEF has been diligently working to support children in Iran for nearly seven decades. Its efforts include providing essential services such as health care, immunization, proper nutrition, access to education and protection. Additionally, UNICEF maintains regular communication with Iranian authorities to safeguard children’s rights.

Globally, UNICEF has taken action to end the use of children as soldiers through its impactful 2014 Children, Not Soldiers campaign. This initiative, in collaboration with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, aimed to garner international support to halt the recruitment of children in conflicts. The campaign focused on countries like Afghanistan, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen. Member states, the U.N., NGO partners, regional partners and the general public promptly rallied behind this vital cause, culminating in the campaign’s success in 2016.

Regrettably, Iran persists in using children as tools of war. But sustaining awareness about this critical issue and receiving support from organizations like UNICEF could play a pivotal role in ultimately ending the use of child soldiers in Iran, once and for all.

– Taylor Barbadora
Photo: Flickr

5 Facts About the Gender Wage Gap in Armenia

Gender Wage Gap in ArmeniaArmenia, a small country located between Europe and Asia, has a long way to go to close the gender wage gap. As of 2022, Armenia ranked 89th out of 146 countries on the Gender Gap Index and 84th out of 146 countries on a subindex that focused specifically on economic participation and opportunity.

5 Facts about the Gender Wage Gap in Armenia

  1. More than half of Armenians living in poverty are women. Armenia has a poverty rate of 26.5%. According to the Asian Development Bank, 56% of the people who live in poverty are women, suggesting that poverty in Armenia disproportionately affects women. 
  2. The adjusted gender wage gap in Armenia is 28.4 cents. The adjusted gender wage gap differs from the unadjusted gender wage gap as it takes into account factors such as education and hours worked to develop a more fair comparison between the work of men versus women. While the unadjusted gender wage gap is 40 cents, the adjusted gender wage gap is currently 28.4 cents.
  3. The majority of women in the labor force do part-time/low-wage work. While the gender wage gap in Armenia is a helpful statistic, it does not provide the full story. There is a need to examine the characteristics of the labor Armenian women do — such as the number of hours they work and the type of jobs they hold — in order to fully understand their economic circumstances. While 22% of men in the labor force work part-time jobs, the percentage is significantly higher at 78% for women. Many Armenian women also work in lower-wage jobs such as agriculture and sales.
  4. Women take on the majority of unpaid domestic labor. While men spent 4.4% of their time on unpaid domestic labor, women spent 21.7% of their time doing the same. Many women in Armenia are inhibited from taking on full-time jobs in the labor force due to the responsibilities of domestic labor.
  5. Gender bias may be influencing women to take on less financially sustainable career paths. The jarring finding about Armenian women’s substantial role in the part-time labor force raises many questions as to why this is the case. Research shows that gender bias is implicit in Armenia’s cultural norms, suggesting that Armenian boys and girls may be socialized differently in school to develop differing academic and career interests.

Potential Solutions

According to the World Bank, there are three possible solutions for closing the gender wage gap in Armenia: 

  1. Promote skill-development programs for women in low-wage activities.
  2. Expand care services and parental leave opportunities to balance work and family life without compromising economic activity.
  3. Increase women’s presence in management and decision-making positions.

Organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are working to achieve these goals. For example, the UNDP implemented the Gender Equality in Public Administration of Armenia project (GEPAA) to advocate for more women to hold positions of power in the Armenian government. Since its implementation, GEPAA has resulted in more than 20 government officials learning about a UNDP methodology that can help advance the development of gender equality in government institutions and ongoing research across the country to examine existing attitudes toward women entering public office and any barriers that may stand in their way.

Looking Ahead

GEPAA, alongside other organizations, continues to make efforts to provide Armenian women with more opportunities. Even so, the country still faces substantial challenges highlighted by the gender wage gap and unequal economic participation. However, initiatives like the United Nations Development Programme’s efforts to promote gender equality in public administration show promise in addressing these disparities. By prioritizing skill development, expanding care services and advocating for increased women’s representation in decision-making roles, Armenia can make significant strides toward narrowing the gender wage gap and fostering a more equitable society.

– Nicole Alexander
Photo: Flickr

The Impact of Textile Waste in Ghana

Textile Waste in GhanaAccording to The Guardian, the Kantomanto Market in Accra, Ghana, receives more than 100 tonnes of textile waste daily. This excessive waste is taking a toll on the local population, severely impacting their livelihoods.

The Source of the Crisis

The crisis originates largely from Western nations, with the fast fashion industry exacerbating the problem. According to the Australian broadcasting company, people in developed countries are buying 60% more clothes than they did 15 years ago, leading to an estimated 85% of all textiles ending up in dumps annually.

According to The Guardian, Ghana holds the title of the world’s largest importer of secondhand clothing, with approximately 15 million items imported each week, amounting to $214 million (£171 million) worth of used clothes imported solely in 2021. Within an average bale of secondhand clothing, around 40% is classified as waste, resulting in the daily disposal of 100 tonnes of unsellable clothes. Although the city manages to eliminate 30% of this textile waste, the remaining 70% is illegally dumped, inflicting severe environmental damage upon rivers and seas.

The Effects on The Ghanaian People

These dumps are causing havoc not only to the local economy but also to the people of the region’s food supply. Fisherman Kofi Sarpong, speaking to Forbes Africa explained how the textile waste is ruining local economies like fishing stating, “We cannot survive”.

Speaking at the ChangeNOW conference in May 2023, Solomon Noi, director of waste management for Accra metropolitan assembly, made a plea for action, describing the plight of Ghanaians in the region, many of whom rely on fishing for both their livelihoods and food supply.

According to a report by the Bank of Ghana, around 10% of the Ghanaian population relies on fishing for their livelihood and the average Ghanaian receives 60% of their protein intake from fish.

Alongside polluting the rivers and damaging nets, the size of the dumps is beginning to make it impossible for fishermen to even reach the water, wreaking havoc on the Ghanaian people’s ability to sustain themselves and pushing people deeper into poverty. It is not merely the ability to fish that is being affected, but the supply of edible fish itself.

In April 2021, a shocking incident occurred in the region, leading to mass deaths of fish. The government’s response to the situation was conflicting, with some suggesting it was a mere coincidence, but also warning people against consuming the affected fish. The University of Ghana’s Ecological Lab took the initiative to conduct studies, revealing alarming levels of cobalt, copper and cadmium in the fish. The OR Foundation’s report on the matter indicates that while the data doesn’t point to a specific origin of the underlying conditions, it does suggest the presence of a hostile aquatic environment.

Ongoing Efforts

Change is indeed on the horizon, as a collective effort is underway to address the pressing issue of “fashion’s waste crisis,” as highlighted by The Or Foundation.

The EU took a significant step in March 2022 by launching the ‘Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles.’ This forward-thinking initiative aims to combat over-consumption and over-production by promoting resource-efficient manufacturing processes and circular business models. The ultimate goal is to prevent the projected surge in textile waste by 2030, resulting from increased textile production.

In Ghana, the Kantamanto traders took an active role in seeking a solution. In May of this year, they submitted a proposal to the European Environment Bureau (EEB) urging clothing producers to contribute 44p per item to the EEB. A significant portion of the raised funds, at least 10%, would be directed toward resolving the damage caused by the industry. Alongside this, on May 16, 2023, campaigner Yvette Tetteh finished swimming the length of the Volta River in Ghana to raise awareness of the pollution in its waters and the damage textile waste in Ghana is causing to communities in the region.

Looking Ahead

While removing fast fashion entirely from modern Western culture may seem like an insurmountable challenge, the focus on avoiding fast fashion brands offers hope for change. By championing policies like the one suggested by Kantamanto retailers to the EEB and the EU’s continued commitment to reducing textile waste, there is a chance of controlling the destructive footprint of this industry. This, in turn, can improve the living conditions of millions of people worldwide and make a positive impact on the planet.

– Henry Tuppens
Photo: Flickr

How Remittances to Yemen is Making a Difference

Remittance to YemenEight years of civil war have thrust Yemen into a state of economic and humanitarian emergency. The conflict has left 2.3 million children acutely malnourished, giving the media and nonprofits alike no choice but to report a dismal picture. There is, however, an untold story at play. The story of remittance to Yemen demonstrates that familial solidarity remains steadfast in times of crisis.

In short, remittance to Yemen refers to money transfers sent home by Yemenis who are working overseas, usually from the Gulf states, the U.S. and the U.K. More than 200 million migrants worldwide send remittances home to their families every year.

The World Bank estimates that, as of 2023, 24.1 million people in Yemen were at risk of hunger and disease. A further 14 million required acute assistance. It is these statistics that set the precedent for the importance of remittance for alleviating the country’s humanitarian emergency. Here is an overview of just some of the ways that remittance to Yemen is making a difference. 

Preventing Hunger and Starvation

The World Bank has declared that vast numbers of Yemenis are living on the verge of famine. “My daughter had malnutrition due to our harsh living conditions and lack of income”, Waleed Al-Ahdal told UNICEF. Al-Ahdal’s story is one of many. With countless others surfacing, it is unsurprising that UNICEF has warned that “no place in Yemen is safe for children.”

However, without the security of remittance payments, the situation would be even more grave. Oxfam’s Yemen Country Director, Muhsin Siddiquey, has warned that Yemenis would have to rely on international aid “without the safety net of remittances.” With one in 10 people in Yemen relying solely on money transfers to meet their basic needs, the cruciality of remittance to Yemeni survival becomes clear. 

A Display of Solidarity

As well as combatting starvation, overseas Yemenis supporting their families to fend for themselves shows solidarity. The International Day of Family Remittances falls on June 16 every year and is a universally-recognized observance. This symbolic day celebrates migrant workers’ dedication to the well-being of their loved ones. 

Just 20 years ago, remittances were unaccounted for in international statistics — as were the sacrifices of migrant workers. Acknowledging remittance to Yemen as a powerful tool of poverty prevention is setting the precedence for the international community to follow suit and take humanitarian action. 

Setting the Precedence for Foreign Aid

The necessity for overseas money transfers to meet basic needs has put Yemen’s humanitarian crisis on the international radar. When allied with remittance payments, global action is having a real impact on the ground.

For example, The Yemen Social Fund for Development’s Cash for Nutrition program targets pregnant women and women with children less than 5 years old, teaching them about child nutrition and providing them with money for food. The World Bank estimates that 165,000 pregnant or lactating women and 175,000 children have been reached by the project so far.

An Economic Investment

Gilbert Houngbo, chief of IFAD, has described remittances sent by migrant workers as a “win-win solution”. He explains that remittance payments are positive for the workers’ countries of origin as well as the host countries. Houngbo estimates that 15% of each salary earned by overseas migrants in a host country is sent home in the form of remittance. The significance here is that this leaves an average of 85% of migrant income circulating in the host country, contributing to the national GDP. 

Of course, the humanitarian necessity of remittance is more pressing, but the economic benefits play a key part in encouraging states and service providers to facilitate the money transfers of migrants into and out of their countries. Economically speaking, remittance is a mutually beneficial enterprise. 

More Needs To Be Done

Remittance payments have their drawbacks. They do not target the root causes of extreme poverty in Yemen. Instead, they merely counteract the devastating impact war has had on the population’s basic needs. 

Moreover, the flow of remittance into Yemen is an unstable source of aid. One remittance service provider in Sa’ada saw a reduction in migrant money transfers of 96% between January 2020 and April of the same year. Likely a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global crisis exposed the insecurity of remittance with devastating consequences.

“I purchase food on credit from the grocery and have two months overdue rent,” Abu Ameer told Oxfam. Ameer’s plight worsened when his son stopped working due to the lockdown. As a result, Ameer’s son ceased payments to his father from Saudi Arabia. Ameer’s reliance on his son’s income laid bare the fragility of remittance as a method of reducing extreme poverty. 

While remittance to Yemen has evidently not ended the civil war, nor has it eradicated extreme poverty in the country, it remains a symbol of unity and a provider of aid for those most in need.  

– Imogen Townsend
Photo: Flickr