Archive for category: NGOs

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Organizations Tackling Senior Poverty

Senior PovertyAt present, individuals worldwide aged 65 and above are at a greater risk of becoming or remaining impoverished compared to other age groups, a situation referred to as senior poverty. Typically, adults in this age group have either ceased working or reduced their working hours due to health issues or limited transportation. A United Nations (U.N.) report highlights many countries lacking sufficient social systems to adequately support and care for adults aged 65 and older.

This has been noticed in both developed and developing nations. In fact, South Korea was found to have the highest rate of senior poverty in 2023, with poverty rates among senior adults surpassing 40%. The second highest rates were found in Estonia and Latvia, with both countries’ senior poverty rates above 30%. Additionally, countries such as Australia, Japan and the United States (U.S.) reported 20% or higher poverty rates among their senior populations.

These numbers show that, in many countries, the risk of poverty only rises with age. Babken Babajanian, an author working with HelpAge, says, “Across the world, we’re hearing shocking stories of older people going hungry, selling their assets or even begging in the street to survive.” Organizations like HelpAge International and the AARP Foundation are working hard to find a solution to the rising global senior poverty rates.

HelpAge International

HelpAge International strives to better the lives of older women and men in low and middle-income countries. They focus mainly on older individuals living in crisis-prone and economically insecure areas. The organization aims to “empower older people to lead dignified, active and healthy lives.”

HelpAge accomplishes this by responding to humanitarian crises and ensuring seniors can access livable incomes through social support systems. They focus on building a society where people of all ages can thrive. The organization advocates for the rights of older people. It challenges ageism and raises awareness about issues such as elder abuse.

HelpAge International has networks in Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Europe, Latin America and North America. With such a fantastic reach, this vast network has 170 members in more than 90 countries. Thanks to their extensive network, HelpAge assisted more than 2.4 million senior women and men in accessing health care through their interventions in 2023. In 2023, HelpAge estimates that around 659,000 older citizens were positively impacted by their humanitarian work.

The AARP Foundation

The AARP Foundation aims to build a future without senior poverty. They do this by helping economically vulnerable seniors secure essential goods, health care and knowledge. This assistance aims to help them improve the quality of their lives, thereby strengthening communities and restoring hope into the lives of older adults.

AARP helps older adults with things like receiving rent and mortgage assistance and support for social isolation. The organization also provides resume-building and job interview coaching to people aged 50 and older. Recently, Google made a $10 million grant to the foundation to help fund the digital training workshops it provides to thousands of seniors.

The AARP Foundation has helped more than 900,000 older adults who were vulnerable to becoming impoverished. They have secured more than $720 million in income for older adults living with low incomes. Like HelpAge International, the AARP Foundation is utilizing every resource available to aid them in fighting senior poverty.

– Kimber Peters
Photo: Unsplash

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COVID-19’s Impact on NGOs in India

COVID-19's Impact on NGOs in IndiaThe global impact of COVID-19 has disrupted the lives of billions worldwide. This has resulted in widespread job and life losses, economic crises and societal turmoil. Amid these unprecedented challenges, the nonprofit sector has emerged as a crucial force. Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) are actively contributing in areas such as humanitarian aid, diplomacy, advocacy and global governance. While the world has recognized the pivotal roles played by NGOs during the pandemic, one notable aspect is COVID-19’s impact on the NGOs in India. The Borgen Project interviewed NGO Leader Sri Gopalakrishnan, the founder of KindKart, to gather insights about the state and growth of NGOs in India.

Lack of Funds and Infrastructure – The Biggest Challenge for the NGOs in India

The pandemic severely impacted India’s social sector, redirecting funds to emergency relief and causing financial challenges for NGOs. About 33% of Indian NGOs faced a six-month survival crisis due to inadequate funds. As rightly pointed out by Sri Gopalakrishnan, although the specific needs of the NGOs may have evolved, addressing the basic needs continues to be the main driver for several local charities in India as COVID-19’s virulence continues to morph since the onset.

Lack of government support and unethical practices by some of the unregistered NGOs usually result in investors and the public losing trust and turning away from donating, exacerbating COVID-19’s impact on the NGOs in India. Moreover, public fundraising activities shifted to online events and social media campaigns due to COVID-19, compelling NGOs to scale back their operations.

Loss of Jobs & Disruption at Schools Impact the NGOs

The closure of schools, businesses and workplaces led to the loss of jobs and income for employed individuals and disruption for children. About 10 million Indians lost their jobs during the second wave of the pandemic. COVID-19’s impact on the NGOs forced them to shift to remote work, impacting operations and creating challenges in balancing fieldwork and digital tasks.

The global unemployment rate hit 6.5% as an additional 33 million people lost their employment in 2020, bringing the total number of unemployed individuals worldwide to 220 million. The economic crisis triggered by the pandemic constrained donors’ capacity, resulting in NGOs facing a decline in voluntary income.

Collaboration Enables Chartering the Course for the NGOs

In 2021, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) program instituted by the prime minister of India, the World Bank approved $500M to improve response to social protection. This enabled the state and the central government organizations to define a more adaptive social protection system, reaching more groups based on individual needs.

As of current data, there are more than 190,000 registered NGOs in India, according to information from the NGO Darpan portal, a platform that provides space for collaboration between NGOs and key government ministries and departments.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the Influence of Technology

Amid the crisis, there is an opportunity to reshape relationships between the social sector, businesses and government, with CSR playing a key role. The government mandates companies to allocate 2% of their profits to CSR projects. Increasing CSR commitments and leveraging technology through socio-tech ventures can bring about impactful change in addressing India’s vast socio-economic challenges for nonprofits.

Policy Changes, Governance and Technology Mark the Future

Several reports, including the Center for Monitoring of the Indian Economy (CMIE) statistics, revealed 10 million job losses during the second wave of the pandemic. Therefore, the government requires support from India’s social sector to achieve significant positive change in health, economy and society.

Over the past decade, the World Bank partnered with tech providers, foundations, think tanks and Indian agencies to develop social protection systems. This initiative engaged experts to enhance India’s social protection architecture. To avoid falling into the trap of the global economic crisis, the Government of India must strategize its objectives, introduce many policy changes and enhance the country’s stature in international relations.

– Sudha Krishnaswami
Photo: Unsplash

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10 NGOs Transforming Lives in Ghana

More than 630 million people are living in extreme poverty all over the world. For a small country in Sub-Saharan Africa, Ghana has 10% of its population living in extreme poverty, which experts propose might go up by looking at current economic trends. NGOs have been pivotal in Ghana’s development and across the country. They have built schools, equipped orphanages and even adopted survivors from harmful cultural practices. In most instances, these bodies have transformed more lives in Ghana than the government due to the latter’s bureaucracy and deep-rooted corruption. In the wake of Mr Beast’s video, which brought into question the issue of NGOs and their associated inefficiency, diversion of funds and high administrative costs compared to lone philanthropists, this article sheds some light on the work of 10 NGOs transforming lives in Ghana. 

1. Action Aid

Action Aid started operations in Ghana in 1990. It was the first country program to become an Associate of ActionAid International with a local Board membership of 13. It partners with communities to eradicate the problem of poverty by providing for the needs of the indigenous people and supporting their rights. Its work includes improving agriculture in communities by educating farmers in modern agronomic practices, providing potable water by constructing mini dams and wells and providing grain banks to store excess produce. 

2. VisionFund Ghana

VisionFund Ghana is a Christian relief agency that aims to promote development in local communities in developing countries by working with impoverished communities to provide soft, micro-loans, micro-insurance and financial literacy services to individuals. Most of the NGO’s clientele comprises women living in agricultural (primarily rural) and peri-urban areas. The agency directly supports the agricultural, commerce, service and production sectors by lending capital to its clients through either groups or capital.

3. Free the Slaves Ghana

Along the coasts of Ghana, impoverished families sometimes sell their children into slavery on ships. Free the Slaves Ghana stalls this process by stepping in to rescue trafficked children who others use as sexual slaves and free labor on these ships. Free the Slaves Ghana has four objectives: influencing policymakers and advocating for change, engaging local communities, movement building and continuous learning, thus effecting much-needed change in lives in Ghana. 

4. Care Ghana

Care Ghana works predominantly with women to improve their livelihoods, increase access to basic education and quality health care and provide opportunities. Its work includes providing help in times of crisis, providing food and water, supporting local health systems and community-based organizations, education and promoting climate justice and equality. In 1994, when it started operations, Care Ghana helped sensitize mining areas about sexual health and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. Now, it partners with local and civil society organizations, the government and the private sector to bring about long-lasting change in lives in Ghana. 

5. World Vision Ghana 

Since 1979, World Vision Ghana has been working in Ghana to improve the lives of families, children and whole communities through collaboration with governments, faith leaders, communities, like-minded organizations and parents. It has been engaged in a series of works comprising the provision of clean water, household sanitation facilities, sensitization of families on nutrition, basic hygiene and sanitation practices and training of district teacher support teams (DTSTs) to help lower primary teachers navigate literacy instructional methodologies, among others. 

6. The Alliance for African Women Initiative

The Alliance for African Women Initiative is an organization aimed at improving women’s and children’s lives by reducing the existing gender gap. The NGO has organized the Livelihood Project, the ECCACHILD Project, the Empowering GIRLS-WASH Project and the Community Outreach Project to carry out its objectives of creating a safe environment for the women and children in the society.

7. Catholic Relief Services

The Catholic Bishops of the United States founded Catholic Relief Services in 1943 to help survivors of World War II in Europe. In 1958, when it established itself in Ghana, the service impacted health care, education, maternal care, sanitation, agriculture and essential services. Though the organization does not operate through a set of specific, organized programs, it uses internal or external initiatives to accomplish its goals and transform lives in Ghana. 

8. Hen Mpoano 

Hen Mpoano is a nonprofit organization in Sekondi, Takoradi, in Ghana. Established in 2013, this organization has gone on to ensure that coastal and marine ecosystems benefit the people and nature. It has reached 116 communities, planted 99,000 mangrove seedlings and engaged 702 volunteers to help with implementation. It has partnered with local and international partners to solve food insecurity, changing weather patterns, over-fishing, poverty and gender inequality.

9. Star Ghana Foundation

Star Ghana Foundation strengthens civil society capacity by facilitating alliances, providing integrated capacity-building support to partners and promoting dialogue on critical and sensitive national issues. Founded in 2010, it has helped citizens convey their concerns to the government, which has brought about lasting change and impact in policy, services and practice. 

10. Plan International Ghana

Plan International Ghana has three main priorities; it aims to create violence-free communities for children, provide opportunities to children in the area of quality education and youth skills training and ensure families earn enough money to enhance the lives of children. It has been working for 30 years in Ghana and aims to do more to transform lives in Ghana. 

NGOs have made remarkable progress in contributing to the health and development of the average Ghanaian, something for which people do not commend them enough. Perhaps, if governments were to take a cue from their operations, Ghana would have been a better place.

– Angela Agyeiwaa Darkwah
Photo: Unsplash

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5 Active NGOs in Myanmar

NGOs in Myanmar
Numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) fight against injustices including poverty, changing weather patterns and hunger all around the world. Human rights violations have increased dramatically in Myanmar, and homelessness is now becoming the standard. Around 40% of Myanmar’s population lives below the poverty line and is in desperate need of help. Here are five NGOs Active in Myanmar helping fight these horrific issues.

5 Active NGOs in Myanmar

  1. PACT – With 3,100 employees, Pact is the largest international NGO operating in Myanmar at the moment. Since its establishment in the nation in 1997, Pact has been active in 2,636 villages spread throughout 30 townships, including Kayah State and the regions of Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing and Yangon. It is widely regarded as one of the first international NGOs to offer microfinance loans in Myanmar. Pact creates and executes initiatives that optimize local ownership and make use of already-existing networks and infrastructure. Their work in Myanmar includes a wide range of interventions, such as those in the areas of health, livelihoods, local governance, the strengthening of civil society, renewable energy, water and sanitation.
  2. The Asia Foundation – The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing people’s lives throughout Asia. Its efforts in Myanmar focus on five overarching objectives: enhancing regional collaboration, empowering women, increasing economic opportunity and enhancing environmental resilience. The Foundation’s office in Myanmar offers extensive assistance to the institutions that make up the nation’s political, economic, social and educational systems. As part of their work, it improves the nation’s capacity for regional and international integration, supports initiatives for inclusive economic development, promotes women’s empowerment and political participation and improves public access to information. It also contributes to informed dialogues on the peace process.
  3. The International Development Association – An affiliate of the World Bank, the International Development Association (IDA) offers loans and consulting services to credit-worthy poor and middle-income countries. For the growth of basic social services in Myanmar, IDA offers block grants and concessional loans. It also supports a wide range of community-designed development initiatives that help to advance equity, economic development, job creation, higher incomes and improved living conditions. Primary education, fundamental health care, access to clean water and sanitation, agriculture, a better business climate, infrastructural upgrades and institutional changes are among the areas where IDA works in Myanmar.
  4. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) – People that armed war, epidemics and natural disasters impact receive emergency relief from the international medical group called Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). MSF provides basic health and reproductive care, tuberculosis and malaria medicines, as well as emergency referrals. It is the leading HIV and AIDS provider in Myanmar. MSF has been operating in the nation since 1992 and conducts medical operations in the Tanintharyi and Yangon regions as well as the Rakhine, Kachin and Shan provinces. Nine months after the government shut down MSF’s operations in Rakhine, which officials claimed were biased in favor of the state’s Muslim Rohingya minority, MSF restarted its work there in December 2014.
  5. Marie Stopes International – Since 1998, Marie Stopes International (MSI), which is a U.K.-based company, has run 44 health facilities around the nation, including facilities for teenage SRH, sexually transmitted infections and sexual and reproductive health. With the help of 55 teams, MSI also engages in significant outreach, providing clients in rural parts of Myanmar with high-quality health care services. Ten of the 14 states and regions in the nation are where MSI conducts business. In the Chin, Kayin and Mon states as well as the Ayeyarwady, Bago, Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, Tanintharyi and Yangon areas, MSI carries out health-related activities.

Even though Myanmar is experiencing significant poverty, these five NGOs are making a difference. Through their continued aid, the quality of life in the country should only improve moving forward.

– Jake Marks
Photo: Flickr

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3 Humanitarian Organizations Addressing Global Poverty

Organizations Addressing Global PovertyWith the wide-ranging issues affecting people living in poverty, it seems appropriate to spotlight organizations helping alleviate some of those hardships for people and communities who suffer from food insecurity, poverty and mistreatment. According to the World Bank, in 2022, 648 million people, equating to about 8% of the global population, lived in poverty. Here are three humanitarian organizations addressing global poverty.

Oxfam International 

Founded in 1942 in the U.K. and true to its name, Oxfam International works worldwide with 4,100 partner organizations to provide specific assistance to 90 countries. Oxfam International has a more individual approach to fighting poverty, focusing more on the local communities and mobilizing the people in these communities to fight poverty. Because of this strategy and its extensive reach, Oxfam International helped 25 million people in 2022.

Whether it’s creating a water distribution system to bring drinking water to 50,000 displaced people in the Central African Republic or integrating women and young people into the labor market in Benin to help them better understand the role they can have in their country’s economic and cultural life, Oxfam International works all over the world to improve the lives and livelihoods of those that need it. Through beekeeping programs in Ethiopia, Oxfam is creating livelihood opportunities for disadvantaged women, allowing them to earn an income and break cycles of poverty.

The Organization for Poverty Alleviation and Development 

OPAD, founded in 2005 in Sweden, operates in many different ways to better the lives of those in need. OPAD benefits people in ways that go beyond food and water and include cultural and psychological support. The organization educates men and women on alcohol abuse and parenting in Kenya, integrates pathways for new refugees and migrant workers in Lithuania and addresses psychological issues among unemployed youth in Latvia, including educating them on intervention and prevention techniques. Overall, OPAD works to combat types of suffering that go beyond hunger and thirst.

OPAD works in numerous nations and creates programs designed to help address country-specific issues. For instance, Lusaka, Zambia suffers from issues related to extreme weather patterns, with random rainy seasons followed by intense periods of drought. About 90% of Zambia’s food is produced by farmers. OPAD helped Zambia improve its agriculture sector and provided food relief, which benefitted 70,000 people between 2019 and 2020. OPAD does not see communities in need as victims but as powerful agents of change.

Concern Worldwide

Though it only operates in 25 countries, that does not mean that Concern Worldwide has not accomplished much. Founded in Ireland in 1968, Concern Worldwide aims to address and tackle the causes of poverty and uses six focus areas. These areas include Livelihoods, Health and Nutrition, Education, Emergencies, Gender Equality and Climate and Environment. 

Through the above focus areas, Concern Worldwide narrows its goals for poverty reduction in a specific country and implements programs to help people achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence. For instance, the organization runs livelihood programs to help people establish strong livelihoods and income-generating activities so that communities can break cycles of poverty. “We do this through a wide variety of activities that range from climate-smart agriculture techniques in rural settings to technical skills training and small-business support in rural and urban settings,” the organization’s website explains.

Concern Worldwide’s livelihood programs reached more than 5.4 million people in 2022. The organization invested €33.1 million in these livelihood programs in 2022. In Malawi, a country with 5.4 million people suffering from food insecurity, Concern Worldwide reached 288,000 people with its food and nutritional security initiative.

Final Thoughts

The remarkable work carried out by these three influential humanitarian organizations plays a pivotal role in the relentless battle against the scourge of global poverty. Their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication have been instrumental in making a substantial impact on the lives of countless individuals affected by poverty worldwide.

– Dylan Hubbard
Photo: Flickr

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3 NGOs in Haiti Fighting Poverty

NGOs in Haiti
The Republic of Haiti is a small country between the beautiful Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Between the breathtaking shorelines and the mountainous terrain, Haiti is full of lush culture – including African, Taino and European influence. Despite Haiti’s rich environment and culture, Haiti remains the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Haitian people are currently facing poverty rates of more than 90% in some areas, and 4.3 million Haitians are in need of immediate food assistance. Here is information about three NGOs in Haiti that are working to fight poverty.

3 NGOs in Haiti Currently Working to Fight Poverty

  1. Beyond Borders: Beyond Borders is an NGO that targets multiple facets of Haiti’s poverty problems, building movements that provide space for the liberation of the Haitian people. One of the issues it seeks to address is the lack of education among young girls. In Haiti, only a third of Haitian girls complete primary schooling. A lack of education and community support perpetuates unsafe environments for young girls as gender-based violence increases with unequal education. In Haiti, one in six young girls are forced into slavery and a fourth of young girls experience sexual abuse. The physical and mental wellness of these girls diminishes at alarming rates after these traumatic experiences, and this leads to further separation of girls from their education and opportunities. Beyond Borders’ has initiated plans to build more schools and has already empowered change in current educational programs in Haiti. The organization has trained 63 teachers in three secondary schools to integrate equality into class lessons, including gender-based violence (GBV) reduction. Power to Girls, the inclusion lesson, continues to reach more communities as support for the NGO grows. Beyond Borders, together with other NGOs in Haiti, works to improve access to school and long-term education for young women, freeing enslaved girls and preventing further enslavement. 
  2. Partners in Health: In 2010, a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, causing destruction across the country. Unfortunately, Haiti’s infrastructure could not withstand a natural disaster like an earthquake, causing it to crumble into rubble, while the density of people in affected areas contributed to the high death rates and chaos. Haiti is still experiencing the devastation of the 2010 earthquake. More than 300,000 people died in the earthquake and even more sustained injuries. Partners in Health is an international nonprofit that provides social and medical assistance to the Haitian people that the earthquake impacted. The organization treats all scales of harm the earthquake inflicted, and since its inception in August 2021, it has been able to receive and treat 67,658 patients. Its treatment includes psychosocial support – something it continues to emphasize in its mission statement. The earthquake led to the ruin of medical care, resulting in challenges with accessing health care. PIH provides free, quality healthcare to the people of Haiti, while also opening new hospitals and providing opportunities to lift families from poverty. 
  3. Agua Pura Para El Pueblo: Cholera, an illness from intestinal infection, is a severe issue for Haitians. Contaminated drinking water often leads to death through waterborne illness, and Cholera has caused more than 820,000 Haitian deaths in the last decade. Agua Pura Para El Pueblo is an NGO that focuses on providing potable water to South American countries that suffer from contaminated water. It has a focus in Haiti to improve its sanitation situation and increase access to clean water. The rate of Cholera in Haiti over the past year spiked to 30,000 cases, leading to 90% of patients being hospitalized. Despite political unrest challenging the distribution of life-saving materials, Agua Pura has been able to manage protective materials and volunteers in heavily affected areas, providing protection and support to those in need. It also provides water testing kits and stations that determine if a family’s water is contaminated, and should they receive a positive result, Agua Pura provides materials and assistance for affected families to ensure safe conditions. The organization has reached thousands of people, sending immediate support and protection from the deadly effects of contaminated water.

Moving Forward

Recovery in Haiti is a gradual process. The people of Haiti continue to show remarkable strength and resilience despite the devastation of their homes and the hardships they’ve faced. Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are actively involved in Haiti, working to build earthquake-resistant schools and hospitals. These efforts are laying the groundwork for the nation’s recovery.

– Eden Ambrovich
Photo: Unsplash

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5 NGOs Working in Mali

NGOs in Mali
In under a decade — in 2012, 2020 and 2021 — the West African country of Mali experienced three violent coups d’état that have left the country in a state of crisis. As the United States Institute of Peace states, the country is located in “a volatile part of West Africa,” in which transnational, Islamic terrorist groups such as Islamic State and al-Qaeda operate. Between December 2019 and August 2020, Human Rights Watch found that Malian security forces were implicated in more than 250 unlawful killings of civilians. In 2019, USAID estimated that 49% of Malians lived in extreme poverty, and with the high levels of political instability that continue to wrack the country, Mali’s most vulnerable often rely on the support of the work of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Below are five of the most important NGOs in Mali working to alleviate poverty and protect and support Mali’s most vulnerable.

1. British Red Cross

As one of the most long-standing NGOs in Mali and the Sahel Region, with its work in the country dating back to 1963, the British Red Cross is “a global network of volunteers, responding to natural disasters, conflicts and individual emergencies.” One of the main ways the British Red Cross supports poverty-stricken Malians is through cash grants. By giving people cash instead of goods, the British Red Cross argues that those families in poverty have the choice to spend their money on what best meets their needs, thus protecting their dignity and their right to make their own decisions that affect their lives.

2. WaterAid

Out of a population of 20.2 million, around 3.5 million Malians lack access to clean water. WaterAid also estimates that around 4,000 children under 5 die each year from diarrhea, a direct consequence of dirty water and poor sanitation resources — around 11 million Malians do not have access to a decent toilet. While the Malian Government has in theory committed to providing everyone in the country with clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene by 2030, the fragile political environment has left a lot of the necessary work to NGOs in Mali.

WaterAid is one of the most important of these NGOs, working directly within Mali to resolve conflicts around water use, promoting good hygiene through art and storytelling, and sharing innovative, low-cost technologies with nomadic groups to promote greater access to clean water.

3. Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger is a U.K.-based NGO operating in 55 countries. In 2022, its life-saving programs reached 28 million people around the world. It delivers life-saving care to those impacted by life-threatening hunger worldwide and leads research into how to predict, prevent and treat life-threatening hunger among the world’s poorest. 

Action Against Hunger has been operating in Mali since 1995. In 2022, the NGO had 156 employees working to combat life-threatening hunger in Mali, reaching more than 210,000 of Mali’s most vulnerable. The NGO supports Mali’s communities by helping to build resilience to periods of food shortages, training health workers in Mali to screen and treat children under the age of 5 for malnutrition, improving access to clean water and sanitation, and running mental health support groups.

4. Penny Appeal

Another one of the key NGOs in Mali working to provide poverty relief is Penny Appeal. The NGO works across Asia, the Middle East and Africa, with key programs dedicated to helping the world’s poor, such as building wells, caring for orphans, providing nutritious food to combat malnutrition and delivering emergency aid in response to national crises.

5. Peace One Day Mali (POD-Mali)

Founded in 2011, POD-Mali works to help Mali’s poorest and most vulnerable such as education, peacebuilding, child protection, gender-based violence, women and youth support, health care, nutrition, food security and human rights. POD-Mali is a particularly important NGO in the wake of the 2020 and 2021 coups d’état, as they work to provide humanitarian assistance to children affected by war and conflicts, with an emphasis on psychosocial support, food, clothes, health care, nutrition and education.

The work of these NGOs in Mali has improved the lives of thousands of the country’s poorest. With little governmental stability or public trust in the state, the work of these NGOs is crucial to the continued fight against extreme poverty in the country. 

– Eleanor Lomas
Photo: Flickr

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How Collaborative Efforts Can Address Global Poverty

Collaborative EffortsGlobal poverty remains one of the most pressing challenges humanity is facing. Despite significant advancements in technology, economics and social systems, a considerable portion of the world’s population still lives in extreme poverty. Addressing this complex issue requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond traditional methods. One promising approach is the power of collaborative efforts. By bringing together governments, NGOs, businesses and individuals, there is a good chance of working out a comprehensive fabric of solutions to resolve global poverty.

The Interwoven Nature of Global Poverty

Global poverty is a multi-dimensional challenge that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. It encompasses economic hardship and social, political and environmental factors. The intricate interplay of these elements calls for a coordinated response and collaborative efforts that can address the root causes rather than just the symptoms.

The Role of Collaborative Efforts

Collaboration offers a unique advantage in tackling global poverty. It leverages the diverse strengths of different stakeholders and encourages holistic solutions. Governments can provide policy frameworks, resources and infrastructure. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can bring grassroots knowledge, community engagement and targeted interventions. Businesses can contribute by investing in sustainable development, job creation and responsible practices. Lastly, individuals can also play a vital role through activism, philanthropy and consumer choices.

Case Studies in Collaborative Success

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A prime example of global collaboration, the SDGs outline 17 goals aimed at addressing various aspects of poverty, including education, health, gender equality and clean water. Governments, NGOs, businesses and individuals worldwide are working collectively to achieve these goals by 2030.

  • Microfinance and Social Enterprises – Collaborative efforts between financial institutions, NGOs and local communities have led to the development of microfinance initiatives and social enterprises. These empower individuals in poverty by providing access to credit, training and resources to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods.
  • Public-Private Partnerships – Collaborations between governments and businesses have been successful in developing essential infrastructure in underserved regions. This includes initiatives for clean energy, health care and education, which directly impact poverty reduction.
  • Challenges and Considerations – Collaborative efforts are not without challenges. Differences in priorities, communication barriers and unequal power dynamics can hinder progress. It is crucial to establish transparent communication channels, clear objectives and equitable distribution of resources to ensure that collaborative initiatives yield meaningful results.

Looking Ahead

Global poverty is a serious challenge, but it is not insurmountable. Collaborative efforts hold the potential to work out the required solutions. By harnessing the collective strength of governments, NGOs, businesses and individuals, there is hope for mending the gaps in the social fabric, uplifting disadvantaged communities and creating a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

– Sudipta Barua Munmun
Photo: Pexels

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Progress in Addressing Poverty in Myanmar

After a military takeover on February 1, 2021, Myanmar was thrown into a position that undid years of reforms and growth throughout the nation. The military in Myanmar overtook the democratically-elected governing body after its political party did poorly in an election held months earlier. The takeover exacerbated poverty and sparked a humanitarian crisis in Myanmar in 2022, with 40% of the country’s population living below the national poverty line. The conflicts are also expected to leave 2.7 million people in Myanmar displaced by the end of 2023.

In order to improve the struggling economy and humanitarian crisis, many global organizations and international partners have developed plans and initiatives to provide support for addressing poverty in Myanmar.

Difficulties in providing aid

In May 2023, Myanmar was hit by the powerful storm Cyclone Mocha, exacerbating the plight of the country’s most vulnerable populations. Unfortunately, restrictions imposed by the military have hindered the delivery of support to these affected groups. By June 2023, the U.N. had already sounded the alarm, suggesting that the military’s actions might be in violation of international human rights and humanitarian laws, as they seem to intentionally obstruct aid efforts.

As the country remains mired in conflict and devastation, recent estimates from the U.N. reveal that the military has been responsible for the destruction of around 60,000 civilian structures since the onset of the military takeover. Adding to the tragedy, the military’s actions have resulted in the deaths of at least 3,452 people and the imprisonment of over 20,000 individuals between the start of the takeover and April 2023.

Disturbingly, the U.N. issues a stern warning that if the impediments to humanitarian aid persist—blocking essentials like food, water and shelter—it could give rise to further war crimes, including instances of starvation and collective punishment.

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR)

Despite the challenges, the United Nations Refugee Agency increased its presence throughout Myanmar in 2022. During the year, the UNHCR helped 325,200 internally displaced persons (IDPs) to return back to their place of origin in the Rakhine region of the country.

Additionally, the UNHCR provided in-kind support to 500,000 IDPs, shelter support to 100,000 and cash assistance to 51,500. The organization worked to bring this much-needed assistance with the help of partnerships with NGOs, civil societies and faith-based organizations.

The UNHCR also collaborated with other nearby nations such as Indonesia, to provide a safe place for refugees leaving Myanmar to find aid. In 2022, Indonesia accepted more than 700 refugees into the Aceh province.

In 2022, Bangladesh collaborated extensively with the UNHCR to modify refugee education programs to suit refugees from Myanmar. These educational initiatives have benefited more than 40,000 children who relocated to Bangladesh following the military takeover in Myanmar. Given that education is a well-established route out of poverty, ensuring the continuity of education for displaced individuals becomes paramount.

In 2023, UNHCR continued to work closely alongside Bangladesh to continue supporting more than 900,000 Myanmar refugees living in the country. UNHCR will provide production kits to support livelihood creation and skills building for 72,000 households and will continue increasing Myanmar education to an additional 12,280 pre-primary children.

Looking Ahead

Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis continues to persist. Thousands in the country remain displaced and live below the poverty line. However, organizations like the UN Refugee Agency have paired with partners to continue addressing poverty in Myanmar.

– Tristan Weisenbach

Photo: Flickr

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Fragility and Rule of Law in Belarus

Fragility and Rule of Law in BelarusWhen the Soviet Union collapsed, Belarus’ neighbors, such as Poland, seemed to continue on the path of modernization and prosper over the years, having managed to grow strong ties with organizations such as the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Belarus on the other hand saw rampant inflation, organized crime and corruption under its first and only president since gaining independence from Russia. This has drawn attention to addressing the fragility and rule of law in Belarus.

Often referred to as Europe’s last dictator, Alexander Lukashenko has served as Belarus’ president since 1994. During Lukashenko’s election and subsequent early years in power, many in Belarus believed he was the man to return the nation to normality and prosperity. However, many of his pledges did not come to fruition after nearly three decades in charge and several suspected human rights violations, rigged elections and suppression of free speech.

Human Rights

According to Amnesty International, regarding Belarus in 2021: “the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly remained severely restricted.” The justice system in Belarus seems to continually suppress dissent, with protests in the nation often resulting in the arrest and torture of key dissenters.

Major critics of the Belarussian regime often end up prosecuted and imprisoned. Major websites and national and international media outlets often face bans due to ‘extremist’ views. Trends like this suggest that there is little room for freedom of expression in Belarus.

Limited freedom of association appears to be another issue in Belarus. People’s Embassies of Belarus suggest that there has been an escalation of measures that serve to repress independent trade union activities. The measures often involve intimidation and outright violence. There has been an effective ban on Freedom of assembly in Belarus. Protest participants usually have to pay hefty fines and face detention of up to 15 days.

The Right of Peaceful Assembly indicates that whereas there has been a change in the law toward a process for assemblies, law enforcement in Belarus still systematically prevents peaceful protests concerning the fragility and rule of law in Belarus with excessive force.

Torture and ill-treatment remain widely used measures to limit dissent in Belarus. Those who commit such dissent-related crimes have been on the receiving end of total impunity by Lukashenko’s government. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), Belarussian security forces have methodically imperiled hundreds to torture. HRW reported on the brutality of the Belarussian police force.

The state of refugees’ and migrants’ rights in Belarus has attracted condemnation from critics. The European Commission has accused Belarus of luring migrants to the nation with a false promise that they would have entry to the EU. As a result, thousands of migrants became stranded along the border between Poland and Belarus. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) suggested that some migrants received clearance from Belarusian soldiers to move into neighboring country Poland. These soldiers cut through border fencing at night to allow migrants to cross.

Rigged Elections

In Belarus’ last election, Alexander Lukashenko appeared to win 80% of the vote. However, due to a lack of observers present and a landslide victory for Lukashenko, many claim the elections were rigged.

Considering “the election was held amid growing frustration at Lukashenko’s leadership” and questions regarding the fragility and rule of law in Belarus with rallies for opposition parties attracting large audiences around Belarus, it may have surprised some to see an overwhelming majority vote for the current government.

Miss Svetlana Tikhanovskaya (Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya), the main opposition to Lukashenko, actually entered the election in place of her husband who had been previously jailed. The election has been heavily criticized by much of the West, however, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent in congratulatory messages. Ties between Belarus and Russia have grown considerably due to the isolation of Belarus by Western Europe.

Looking Ahead

When the USSR collapsed, Belarus was one of the poorest countries in Europe. Around half of the population lived below the poverty line during this period. However, in 2013, less than 1% of people lived in poverty, representing a 60% drop from 2000.

Belarus went through a period of significant economic growth from 2005 to 2011, outpacing many in Europe. This time happened to be during the financial crisis when many other nations suffered hardship. This progress suggested that Belarus can be resilient during tough global economic times. Unemployment has also significantly dropped since the 90s.  Belarus’ unemployment sat at 4.7% in 2021 compared to 24.4% in 1996.

Poverty still exists in Belarus. However, the situation seems to have steadily improved in comparison to when Belarus first gained independence. While it appears there may not be a clear end in sight to the present regime in Belarus, NGO Explorer states that there are still up to 152 NGOs working in the nation.

– Josef Whitehead
Photo: Flickr