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Nagorno-Karabakh: Post-War Recovery of Refugees

Nagorno-KarabakhNagorno-Karabakh is a small territory in the South Caucasus, between the regions of Armenia and Azerbaijan. These two states have contested this piece of land since the first war in the 1990s, with 30,000 casualties and significant displacements after Armenia took control of the territory. The conflict escalated in 2020 when Azerbaijan reclaimed a large part of Nagorno-Karabakh territory, along with the support of its ally, Turkey.

Russia moderated the ceasefire due to the shared ties with both nations; however, tension prevailed. In 2022, a blockade by Azerbaijani activists at the Lachin corridor prevented the free movement of food and essential goods. Both parties accused each other of posing threats, which was not confirmed. What remains clear is the consequent humanitarian crisis leading to an urgent post-war recovery of Nagorno-Karabakh refugees.

Blockade of Lachin Corridor

The Azerbaijani military operation led to the displacement of thousands of ethnic Armenians from their homes. The blockade in the Lachin corridor left the population facing a severe shortage of resources essential to survival, such as medical and food supplies. The Azerbaijani government has been criticized internationally due to its failure to ensure a safe passage for the population and human rights violations.

The International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) and Russian peacekeepers tried sending aid, which the Azerbaijani administration had blocked, alleging unauthorized objects among them.

Displacement and Daily Struggles

Thirteen-year-old Natalie Musayelian fled Nagorno-Karabakh with her family. On her way, she collected berries, stones and a branch, keeping all the items in a small box of chocolates and the key to her house. Currently, she lives in Armenia with her aunt and grandmother. She misses her home every day and cherishes these objects as memories and comfort after the loss. Her story is just one of many people who were displaced from their homes due to the conflict.

Many refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh have fled to the capital of Armenia, Yerevan and the region of Syunik. Armenia has already opened shelters and provided social aid for the displaced population. The U.N. launched a $97 million funding appeal to ease the burden on the volunteers and the Armenian host community. However, it anticipates further movement of people as they search for employment and long-term housing.

The Role of the US Foreign Aid

In 2023, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power visited Armenia after a disproportionate number of displacements. She announced $11.5 million in U.S. humanitarian aid, providing essential supplies and psychosocial services. The collection of refugee testimonies enabled the criticism of the blockade. Furthermore, they reaffirmed the high level of concern for a post-war recovery of Nagorno-Karabakh refugees.

Furthermore, the U.N. World Food Program (WFP) hosted a two-day visit from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) to assess support for refugee families. The delegation collaborated with local officials, social workers and even families, such as a grandmother in Kotayk struggling with her grandchildren’s care. USAID’s BHA provided a $1.13 million grant for emergency food assistance, which helped 30,000 refugees. Additionally, from February to September 2024, food cards and parcels were distributed to alleviate short-term needs, ensuring the families’ well-being.

– Sara Arias Saiz

Sara is based in Leipzig, Germany and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Transitional Government Aims to Rebuild Syria After Civil War

Rebuild SyriaThe Syrian civil war, which started in 2011, destroyed the country’s economy and infrastructure as armed groups loyal to different sides fought for control over many local economic hubs. This led to the destruction of sprawling urban centers and infrastructure nationwide. However, in December 2024, Syrian opposition forces ousted the Assad regime, marking a turning point in the nation’s history. Now, a transitional government is leading efforts to rebuild Syria through diplomatic measures.

A Free Market Economy

According to Al Jazeera, under the opposition group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the transitional government wants to establish Syria as a free market economy. As a step towards this, the government reopened the Nasib border crossing with Jordan, one of Syria’s busiest trading routes.

The government will be trying to establish new economic protocols to stabilize the public sector. The focus right now is on necessities such as electricity. However, the country’s economy currently revolves around informal markets that don’t have official oversight, resulting in a hard-to-follow capital flow that will be a challenge to capitalize on.

Reforming Government Ministries

Mohammed Abazeed, finance minister, told Reuters that government ministries would be reformed to improve accountability and efficiency, leading to a 400% increase in public sector salaries by February. The government also plans to overhaul the tax system to benefit all taxpayers. These improvements in various sectors will help Syria. 

However, the country still suffers from sanctions other nations imposed on it during Assad’s regime. The Assad regime received sanctions from many countries in the West, such as the U.S. and the U.K. These sanctions forced the regime to look to Iran and Russia for funding, but now that the old regime has been ousted, the new transitional government inherited those sanctions without a direct source of outside financing to counter them.

Removing Economic Sanctions

The transitional government led by interim President Ahmed Al-Sharaa is in diplomatic talks with the U.S. and European Union (EU) countries to remove economic sanctions. The U.S. government did label HTS as a terrorist organization;

However, on December 20, 2024, the U.S. government removed a $10 million bounty for al-Sharaa. The U.S. is also leading talks with Gulf Arab states to remove sanctions so long as the new government cuts ties with Russia and Iran, according to Al Jazeera.

A Peaceful Resolution

Armed groups and militias still control much of Syria. Many of these groups fought the HTS or remained wary of their intentions. As a show of peace, the transitional government invited delegates from all over Syria to a national dialogue conference on February 25.

Al-Sharaa and his government are trying to reach a peaceful resolution with other armed groups by involving them in rebuilding and creating a unified army from these groups. However, the Syrian Democratic Forces have refused to disarm and give up their territory.

Conclusion

Many Syrians remain hopeful for the future. Diplomatic talks with nations such as Türkiye remain consistent for the transitional government, potentially allowing for foreign investment. Syria remains in a precarious position but is consolidating a plan to rebuild.

– Jonathan Joseph

Jonathan is based in Milwaukee, WI, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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The UN’s Role in Restoring Human Rights in Syria

Restoring Human RightsOn December 8, 2024, rebel groups in Syria overthrew the government of former President Bashar al-Assad, forcing him to flee to Russia where the Kremlin granted him asylum. As of now, Syria is undergoing a political transition away from the rule of Assad and into a new government that many hope will restore human rights to the country and improve the livelihoods of Syrians after decades of poverty. On the global level, non-governmental organizations and multilateral organizations are working to help Syrians form a government based on international human rights norms. One of them is the United Nations (U.N.) which has been investigating human rights abuses by Syrian officials via its Commission of Inquiry on Syria (COI).

UN’s Critical in Restoring Human Rights to Syria

On December 12, 2024, the U.N.’s Commission of Inquiry on Syria stated that they have a list of up to 4,000 human rights abusers from the Syrian government since 2011 when the civil war started. The commission, which has been investigating and collecting testimonies remotely, now hopes to finally gain access to Syria to help hold accountable those who destabilized the country and exacerbated its poverty. On the other hand, Geir Pedersen, the U.N. Special Envoy to Syria, has called for lifting sanctions on Syria imposed by the U.S. and the EU so work can begin on rebuilding the country and providing necessary aid. That way the UN and even other international organizations, backed by countries around the world, can start restoring human rights back to Syria step by step.

UN’s Political and Humanitarian Aid Efforts in Syria

The U.N. is putting effort into restoring human rights to Syrian institutions and people by providing life-saving aid to the most vulnerable and helping the interim government politically transition properly. Cindy McCain, head of the World Food Program (WFP), has stated that the U.N. is working to deliver food to the approximately 3 million Syrians who are struggling with severe food insecurity.

Similarly, Pedersen recently met with the key political leaders in the interim government to emphasize the need for a government that is inclusive and represents Syrians of all religions and groups. Although the U.N.’s efforts in Syria so far have been critical, it can only succeed with the backing of its member states who are also lending a hand in the rebuilding of a post-Assad Syria.

The Role of Countries in Rebuilding Syria Post-Assad

Restoring human rights values to Syria requires more than the goodwill of the U.N. and its NGO partners. It also requires the vast resources and connections of countries regional and around the world. For example, the Arab League countries have pledged to support the new Syrian government to ensure that the rights of women and minorities are respected while Turkey has recently reopened its embassy in Syria.

On the other hand, U.S. sanctions on Russia could pressure the Kremlin to hand over Assad to Syria or the international criminal court to face trial over his human rights abuses. In other words, the U.N.’s efforts to help Syria build a more inclusive government and lift millions out of poverty require the assistance of countries with the governance structure on which a post-Assad Syria could model itself.

Revitalizing Human Rights Norms in Syria

The overthrow of the Assad regime in Syria marks a new beginning for Syrians who have struggled with poverty, food insecurity and instability caused by the government. It is also a new beginning for international human rights activists who never even dreamed that this day could come sooner than later. The UN’s current efforts in restoring human rights to Syrian institutions is an opportunity to remind countries around the world why human rights still matter in this global era of politics.

– Abdullah Dowaihy

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

Photo: Unsplash

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How a Civil War is Intensifying Poverty in Sudan 

Poverty in Sudan 
Before the outbreak of civil war in 2023, Sudan was already in perilous danger, having a staggering MPI (Multidimensional Poverty Index) of 52.3% in 2014. Almost 16 million people needed humanitarian aid, which has continued to spiral. Fueled by the fire of a gruesome civil war which has already claimed the lives of an estimated 20,000 people. With poverty in Sudan already reaching disastrous levels, the civil war has plunged the country’s population into further despair.

A Brief Explanation of the Civil War

After Omar al-Bashir was ousted from power in 2019, there was a new government structure. The idea behind the new government was to transition to a more democratic system. However, as the years passed, this seemed to become less and less likely. When Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok resigned in January 2022, a power struggle emerged. The two people at the epicenter of this struggle were Abdel Fattah al-Burhan (head of the armed forces) and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (deputy head of the armed forces and leader of the Rapid Support Forces).

Violence loomed over Sudan for the next year however, the two factions did not come to blows until April 2023. With both al-Burhan and Dagalo refusing to give up the fight, this civil war has rumbled on for more than 18 months and there seems to be no end in sight.

The Toll of Civil War and Poverty in Sudan

The civil war has taken an extraordinary toll on the people of Sudan. Eleven million civilians have already been displaced, 8.1 million of which are yet to leave Sudan, according to the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Its capital Khartoum, which was once a bustling city full of life and activity has now become a mere wasteland due to the intensity of the fighting. Sudan’s health systems have been left decimated by the conflict. According to UNICEF, 70% of the health facilities in conflict-affected areas are currently unable to function. Furthermore, the war has halted Sudan’s youth from being able to access education.

In October 2023, UNICEF estimated that in Sudan, one in every three children lost “access to school due to increased violence and insecurity.” Poverty in Sudan poses a long-term problem as without adequate education, Sudan risks having a grossly underdeveloped workforce, making it even more difficult to grow their economy in the long run.

International Aid to Address Poverty in Sudan

The reaction from the West has been positive. In August 2024, U.K. Development Minister, Anneliese Dodds announced that an additional £15 million would go to Sudan, South Sudan and Chad to help avert the humanitarian crisis. With this increase, the U.K. ODA (official development assistance) given to Sudan rose to £97 million.

The U.S. response has been a similar one. The U.S. remains the largest contributor of foreign aid to Sudan, having donated $1.4 billion since 2022, $980 million of which has come from USAID.

Whilst the increase in aid to Sudan is a step in the right direction, the humanitarian crisis is still ever-present, leading many to question whether there is anywhere near enough funding for the people of Sudan. Furthermore, there seems to be very little from the U.S. and U.K. about how it will attempt to reduce poverty in Sudan as this issue was a disastrous problem even before the civil war.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

While the majority of scenes that we are seeing in Sudan are horrific, there are some true heroes in the conflict. One of which is CARE International, a non-governmental organization (NGO), that works “around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice.”

The organization which began work in Sudan in 1979, has carried out some truly inspiring work and since the outbreak of civil war, has helped more than 6,000 internally displaced people to receive emergency food rations in the city of Kassala. In East Darfur, CARE has “reached 1,303 children with food rations.”

Another NGO involved in the humanitarian efforts is the International Rescue Committee, which began work in Sudan in 1981. The organization has set up a clinic on the border of neighboring country Chad, to cater to refugees who are fleeing Sudan.

The work of NGOs is crucial in easing the humanitarian crisis caused by the civil war; however, the scale of the crisis in Sudan is enormous and will almost certainly need further assistance from countries across the world.

– Andrew Nicoll

Andrew is based in Long Melford, Suffolk, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Baltic Aid to Ukraine: An example for the international community

Baltic aid to UkraineA shared history of occupation and aggression from their Russian neighbor is what unites the Baltic states and Ukraine. Whilst Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Ukraine all gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 caused old alliances to form. The continuous support by the Baltic states for Ukrainian refugees and the country’s post-war development sets an example for the wider international community on the importance of ensuring aid to Ukraine is ongoing. Here is a breakdown of Baltic aid to Ukraine.

Aid Compared to GDP

The Baltic states are three out of the five top contributors of aid to Ukraine relative to GDP. Since the beginning of the conflict, Latvia provided 0.9%, Estonia 0.8% and Lithuania 0.4% of bilateral aid as a percentage of GDP. This proves to be starkly different to the level of government aid by other Western countries; the U.S. and U.K. allocated €26.9 billion and €3.8 billion in government support, which amounted to only 0.2% of their GDPs.

Baltic aid to Ukraine is not limited to the allocation of aid to the country but also the number of refugees welcomed into the Baltic states in 2022. Estonia currently hosts 40,000 Ukrainian refugees which amounts to 3% of its population. Latvia similarly has 53,000 refugees which forms 2.7% of its population. 80,000 Ukrainians entered Lithuania, with 50,000 temporary visas issued for temporary protection. The intake of refugees in these countries is considerably larger than other large European countries like the U.K., which currently hosts 246,960 Ukrainian refugees.

Preservation of Ukrainian Culture in the Baltics

The displacement of 6.3 million Ukrainian citizens and the destruction of cultural sites risks the erasure of Ukrainian culture. However, programs within the Baltic states seek to preserve Ukrainian culture. One example is The Freedom School in Estonia which teaches Ukrainian culture and language education for 560 displaced Ukrainians. The school even received praise from the First Lady of Ukraine who told students there that the opportunity to study in two languages will give them the “freedom of knowledge.”

The World Bank, United Nations and European Commission report estimates the cost of rebuilding Ukraine to be around $486 billion. Lithuania has taken steps to ensure that it can reduce the long-term war damages to the country through the implementation of its Future of Ukraine initiative. So far the scheme rebuilt the Borodyanka school in Ukraine and re-modeled the electricity distribution network at Mykolaiv.

The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Jovita Neliupšienė explained the aim of the initiative: “Our aim is resolute—to demonstrate unwavering support for Ukraine’s reconstruction in the face of Russian aggression.”

Looking Forward

Whilst other E.U. countries such as Germany look to halve its aid to Ukraine in 2025 to €55 billion, ongoing Baltic aid to Ukraine sends signals to the international community of the ongoing need for support in Ukraine.

– Sofia Brooke

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

Photo: Flickr

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United States Foreign Policy and The Resignation of Josh Paul

Josh PaulOn March 25, 2024, Clint Borgen, the founder of The Borgen Project, interviewed Josh Paul, the former director at the U.S. Department of State in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, as he discussed his resignation and dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war. 

The Israel-Hamas War

On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel, a tragedy that deeply affected Josh Paul, as the horrors of the attack and its repercussions on innocent lives made him sick to his stomach. While he acknowledges Israel’s right to defend itself, he could not condone the brutal massacre of Palestinian civilians. His last day at the State Department was on October 18, 2024. 

Three Major Concerns

Paul had three significant concerns that ultimately led to his resignation: 

  1. Scope and Scale of Destruction: He was alarmed by the extensive destruction caused by U.S.-provided weapons to Israel, including both past usage and the further supply of new arms.
  2. Disconnected Policy Premises: Paul expressed his concerns regarding the U.S. policy that still hinged on the viability of the Oslo Accords, which he felt was disconnected from the realities on the ground, such as the siege of Gaza and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. A two-state solution is unlikely as Israeli leaders and a majority of civilians do not support it. 
  3. Lack of Internal Debate: Within the State Department, there seemed to be no interest in discussing the consequences of U.S. actions, particularly regarding Gaza and broader border policy concerns.

Days Leading Up to the Resignation

“Violence will only lead to more violence and more suffering,” Paul said. 

He advocated for a pause and reevaluation of current policies. However, he received mixed responses: while some agreed with him, they also warned that he could be fired and that nothing would change. 

As the days passed and devastation unfolded, Paul’s concerns deepened as he was being asked to approve major arms transfers to Israel. 

“We’re providing the weapons that Israel is using to conduct these operations, but also the diplomatic support that enables Israel to continue to dance above international law and above the United Nations and also the defensive support that protects Israel from Iran, and also the diplomatic encouragement and effort to keep Israel integrated within the region,” explained Paul.

Human Rights Concerns and the Leahy Laws

To provide support for his argument against U.S. participation in Israel’s war with Hamas, Josh Paul highlighted the implications of the Leahy Law, which prohibits the U.S. from providing security assistance to units implicated in human rights violations. He emphasized that urban environments in Gaza were being bombed, intensifying civilian suffering. 

Paul stated, “We’ve seen videos of a child walking with his mother, waving a white flag, and a sniper shooting him.”

Drawing comparisons between the U.S. campaign against ISIS and Israel’s actions in Gaza, Paul noted that the U.S. used far fewer bombs in the overall counter ISIS  campaign, while Israel dropped 22,000 munitions into Gaza within the first few months of the conflict. A task force assessing U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza included Wes J. Bryant, a former Joint Terminal Attack Controller for the U.S. Air Force, who Paul described “had never seen anything like the negligence of Israel’s approach in Gaza.” 

Further, he questioned where the line would be drawn between war and politics, arguing that Israel cannot win the war by bombing Palestinian populations. Attacks such as these only push civilians into joining Hamas. However, it is important to note that there are civilians who do not align themselves with Hamas’ worldview and seek peace and stability in the region. 

Paul noted, “If your family has been wiped out, you might have a bone to pick.”

The Role of AI and Targeting Tactics

Paul discussed Israel’s use of AI systems such as Lavender, which identifies targets based on social media activity,  and “Daddy’s Home,” which strikes targets when they return home to their families. He questioned how Israel defines Hamas, pointing out that the term sometimes includes non-combatants such as humanitarian aid escorts and street cleaners.

Generational Shifts and Political Debate

Paul’s extensive experience working with the State Department, dealing primarily with foreign relations, diplomacy and communications with international countries, has allowed him to observe the generational shift in attitudes towards U.S. relations with Israel, with younger Americans increasingly critical of unconditional support for Israel. This shift, driven by social media and less religious affiliation, contrasts with older generations’ views. 

Paul highlighted the protests on college campuses, and how the administrations’ responses, marked by egregious arrests, angered students’ and prompted retaliation. He recounted a conversation he had with a student at Dartmouth, who shared his perspective on the protests being broken up by riot police. 

“I don’t care about this issue, I don’t see eye to eye with the protestors, but when you start arresting my friends, I’m going to be there the next day,” he stated. 

The Broader Implications

Paul criticized President Joe Biden and his administration, stating, “President Biden has built a reputation on being a man of empathy and compassion, and that empathy and compassion has just been entirely absent for the last seven months when it comes to Palestinian lives.” 

He notes that the conflict has damaged the West’s credibility in maintaining international order and a rule of law, undermining institutions like the International Criminal Court and the United Nations. 

“The United States’ response is going to do damage to our own interests and lead to a world where there is no longer a global standard of international law” stated Paul. 

In order to see change, Josh Paul urges Americans to push the Biden Administration and their members of Congress to take a different approach to the Israel-Hamas War. He reiterated that the only way that the U.S. is going to use its leverage properly is if Americans are pushing Congress to make changes. Paul noted that applying pressure to create change is a marathon, not a sprint and Americans should keep pushing, especially in time for the West Bank.

“It is in America’s interest to have a system that applies to the rule of law,’ said Paul. 

– Lila Russell
Photo: Flickr

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Saudi Arabia Sent Its 53rd Relief Plane for Gaza

Relief Plane for GazaThe conflict in Gaza has resulted in many people struggling with acute malnutrition because of the lack of sufficient food being delivered and the inability of health care clinics to provide services. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are 8,000 children aged less than 5 who have been diagnosed with acute malnutrition, with 1,600 of them diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition.

Furthermore, as of May 21, 2024, only one-third of the 36 hospitals in Gaza still function, which impacts thousands of Gazans struggling with urgent health issues. As a result, countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and organizations such as the United Nations (U.N.) have utilized their resources to aid the people through food and medical assistance.

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center

On June 12, 2024, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief), delivered its 53rd relief plane for Gaza to help the people severely impacted by the fighting. KSRelief’s 53rd relief plane for Gaza contained food and medical supplies to alleviate the pain of the Gazans. The aircraft arrived at Egypt’s El-Arish International Airport to be transferred across the border to Gaza. This highlights the importance of international collaboration in providing aid to Gazans when the conflict has rendered humanitarian assistance almost impossible.

KSRelief’s 53rd relief aircraft for Gaza reflects Saudi Arabia’s consistent support for the people enduring pain and suffering in Gaza and Palestine as a whole. For example, on March 20, 2024, KSRelief announced that it provided $40 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to help with its life-saving operations in Gaza.

Furthermore, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia raised more than $100 million for Gaza and Palestine via its “Sahem” national portal, which allows Saudi citizens to donate money to support humanitarian aid. Saudi Arabia’s national and multilateral efforts to help Gaza and Palestine as a whole have been a beacon of hope for those severely impacted by the fighting.

International Organizations at the Forefront

International humanitarian organizations have also been working extensively to help the people in Gaza since the war started on October 7, 2023, despite the immense challenges facing them. For example, as of June 6, 2024, the WHO has supplied essential trauma emergency kits and kits for noncommunicable diseases and severe acute malnutrition to those most affected by the conflict.

In addition, in May 2024, the World Food Programme (WFP) provided food aid to more than a million people in Gaza and the West Bank despite reducing rations due to access constraints. This illustrates how international humanitarian organizations have been unwavering in their determination to help Gaza even as the fighting intensifies.

Humanitarian Aid andEnding the War in Gaza

Although people have been inundated with horrific stories about Gaza, there have also been many instances where countries such as Saudi Arabia and international organizations such as the WHO are working tirelessly to help the people and give them hope. KSRelief’s 53rd relief plane for Gaza shows how regional countries have been working hard not just to provide aid but to put an end to the war and hopefully bring peace to them and the entire Middle East.

On the other hand, the WFP’s courageous efforts to deliver food to Gaza despite access constraints show how even actors outside the region want to help end the fighting. This highlights how humanitarian aid is not just a short-term solution to this war but a tireless effort to bring lasting peace to people who endure pain daily.

– Abdullah Dowaihy

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

Photo: Flickr

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How the War in South Lebanon Is Ruining Its Economy

War in South LebanonLebanon’s progress under the United Nations (U.N.) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been stagnant at best since its financial crisis in 2017 and the 2020 Beirut blast, which left 300,000 people displaced and more than 200 people killed. Since then, the South of Lebanon has also found itself at war with Israel, which has further worsened the economic situation in the country.

The War in South Lebanon

The skirmishes between Hezbollah in South Lebanon and Israel have been ongoing since the beginning of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023. On May 28, 2024, after Israel’s aerial strike on Rafah, Hezbollah’s missile attacks reached an all-time high, getting up to 3,000 rockets, leaving 86 settlements in Northern Israel heavily damaged.

Israel has been responding with aerial attacks that have left most of the villages in Southern Lebanon uninhabitable, forcing many to flee either to Beirut or the mountains. According to the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Displacement Tracker Index, some 86,000 people have been displaced and 51% of those displaced are women.

Since the beginning of the war, Lebanon has remained the country with the highest displaced population per capita in the world, totaling 2.47 million and including Syrian and Palestinian people as well.

The Olive Trees Crisis

Agriculture is a major source of income in Southern Lebanon. It employs hundreds of thousands. The olive oil business, in particular, makes up 7% of Lebanon’s agricultural gross domestic product (GDP) and provides some 110,000 farmers with their livelihoods.

This has been greatly affected by Israeli airstrikes on agricultural land. Additionally, the use of white phosphorus bombs, which the Lebanese Ministry of Environment claims, has increased the amount of phosphorus 900 times above healthy levels, specifically in areas targeted by the Israeli military.

The damage to the land in this area is incredibly poignant, considering that approximately 12 million trees cover the farming land used in the olive oil business and that this farming land makes up almost one-quarter of the country’s total agricultural area.

How the UN is Helping

Under the Regional Refugee Resilience Plan by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Inter-Agency unit in Lebanon has accomplished significant milestones in assisting the country with absorbing and managing its large displaced population.

Since the beginning of the war, the unit has supported 22,196 small-scale farmers through education and the provision of essential materials to rural and underserved areas. The unit has also been directly providing aid to shelters, dishing out 209,109 daily meals to the inhabitants of Saida and Tyre’s shelters.

While the situation as a whole remains somewhat dire, U.N.-funded organizations and other charitable institutions have been providing immense help to the underprivileged people of Southern Lebanon. However, they are receiving only 13% of their required budget, making lobbying an even more urgent duty to us all.

– Carl Massad

Carl is based in Sarba, Jounieh, Lebanon and focuses on Politics and World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Foreign Aid to Ukraine

Foreign Aid to UkraineUkraine has been at war with Russia since February 24, 2022, yet it remains resilient. Foreign aid to Ukraine has become a crucial lifeline, extending crucial humanitarian, economic and military support to the nation. The largest contributors to foreign assistance to Ukraine are European Union (EU) institutions, the United States (U.S.), Germany and the United Kingdom (U.K.).

Humanitarian Aid

Humanitarian aid is an incredibly important resource that serves as a crisis response to poverty and disease. It helps save lives and often provides the most basic needs to survive, such as housing, food and medical supplies. Currently, more than 40% of the Ukrainian population (14.6 million people) are in need of humanitarian aid in 2024. However, with the collective aid efforts directed toward Ukraine, millions can access vital necessities, including water, food, cooking fuel, heating for homes and health care services.

The U.S. has sent $1.6 billion in humanitarian aid to Ukraine to cover health care, emergency food assistance and refugee support. Additionally, the U.S. government offers family reunification support to Ukrainians who have been separated from their loved ones. The war has also caused significant destruction to public utilities. In response, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have provided:

  • 7.6 million Ukrainians with additional health assistance (health care supplies, medicine etc.)
  • Helped 620,000 people with food insecurity. 
  • Supported nearly 4.7 million people in 2022 with the WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) program to help prevent waterborne diseases.

Economic Aid

In February 2024, the Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA3) revealed that it would cost approximately $486 billion for Ukraine to recover from the destruction of war in the next decade. The most important needs consist of housing, transport and commercial industries. Ukraine’s government feels the financial burden not only on its citizens but also on the country. Currently, social assistance is being used to combat economic distress due to a 15.9% rise in inflation in 2022 and low earnings from a lack of available jobs. Additionally, the Ukrainian government is capping the cost of energy and reducing the price of public transport to help households and businesses.

Loans, grants and technical assistance are the most common ways for countries to send economic aid. An example of financial aid comes from The European Investment Bank (EIB). In July 2023, the “EU for Ukraine” initiative was passed to finance an approximately $2 billion recovery effort that included transport, renewable energy and corporate innovation. Foreign aid to Ukraine will help contribute to Ukraine’s long-term stability, financial dependence and economic growth in the aftermath of conflict.

Military Aid

The U.S. currently provides the largest amount of military aid to Ukraine, totaling $46.3 billion. Military assistance includes weapons, logistics support, training and additional grants and loans. On March 12, 2024, the U.S. announced that it would send a new military aid package worth about $300 million to Ukraine. This is the first aid package from the U.S. since December 2023. Further, Denmark will be providing $336.6 million, which includes artillery systems and ammunition. The EU is also set to agree to a $5.46 billion fund to help with military finances.

While the main objective of such aid is to support Ukraine’s military and deter further hostility from Russia, its implications extend beyond that. Investments in defense contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction by creating stability and national security. Helping Ukraine defend itself helps prevent further destabilization of social welfare systems such as educational institutions, pensions, social assistance and housing.

Conclusion

Foreign aid to Ukraine plays a crucial role in its success against Russia. Despite major contributions from multiple nations, it’s evident that the current foreign aid assistance is falling short. Nonetheless, there remains hope that Ukraine will emerge stronger than before. With continued solidarity and collaboration, Ukraine will be able to succeed in its journey toward independence.

– Gabrielle Schwartz
Photo: Flickr

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HelpAge International Assists Seniors in Ukraine

Seniors in UkraineThe United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs released a report which focused on the prevalence of poverty among adults aged more than 60. The report states, “In most countries, the risk of poverty increases with age.” This is especially the case for older women and older people with disabilities.

Elderly poverty affects many seniors. War intensifies this in Ukraine. Since the beginning of Ukraine’s conflict with Russia, the rights of older people have been threatened. Seniors in Ukraine have been struggling to gain access to necessities such as food, water and hygienic facilities, all the while coping with the loss of their homes and loved ones. While temporary shelters dedicated to the care of elders have been opened, many of them are inaccessible to those with disabilities, causing many to be turned away. Now, more than ever, older people in Ukraine need aid and “HelpAge International” has made helping them its priority.

Seniors in Ukraine Lack Access to Necessities

It was reported that 56% of older people in Ukraine could not cover the cost of their basic needs, such as food, water, clothes and health care expenses. The cost of living in Ukraine has increased by 27% since the beginning of the conflict. This has only exacerbated the constraints of elderly poverty on Ukraine’s older demographic.

HelpAge International, a nonprofit organization that works to improve the lives of older people worldwide, has sprung into action to combat these issues. More than 14,000 older adults in Ukraine have received monetary assistance from HelpAge. The distributed funds were enough to cover the cost of necessities for three months. On top of this, HelpAge distributed 20,000 hygiene kits and 39,000 food kits to people in Ukraine, which helped alleviate some of the stress brought on by the war and elderly poverty.

Assistance for Seniors With Disabilities in Ukraine

Many Ukrainian seniors with disabilities are facing unique challenges. Due to transportation difficulties, it has become harder for them to evacuate during emergencies. Even after they have been relocated to safer areas of Ukraine, older people with disabilities still struggle to access housing and health care services. There have been reports that many refugee shelters lack ramps, making them inaccessible to individuals who use wheelchairs and thus, they have to be turned away.

HelpAge International has taken the steps to mitigate these issues. Nearly 7,600 older people with disabilities have received assistive products such as canes, toilet chairs, walkers and crutches through the organization. The nonprofit also helped initiate the conversation about the importance of accessible environments. Victoriia Panchenko, a leader within the organization, said HelpAge was happy “to contribute to long-term solutions that will make the environment accessible and age-inclusive and services more adapted to (older people’s) diverse needs.”

Mental Health

The mental impacts of war are difficult to cope with, especially for older people. About 55% of older people in Ukraine reported that the war had an emotional effect on them. They cite reasons such as loneliness, isolation and the loss of loved ones. To provide older people in Ukraine with mental health support, HelpAge International supports numerous community safe spaces across Ukraine. These safe spaces help older people come together and get support for their unique circumstances. They receive psychosocial and legal counseling as well as socialization services.

Conclusion

Elderly poverty can be difficult to navigate, especially during a time of conflict. Right now, older people in Ukraine desperately need humanitarian aid. Thankfully, HelpAge International has provided them with various assistance, from financial to mental health support. There is still a lot to be done as the conflict in Ukraine continues.

– Kimber Peters
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