Information and news War and Violence

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“From Ground Zero”: Representation for Palestine

Representation for Palestine“From Ground Zero” is a compilation of 22 short films shot by the people of Gaza while undergoing hardships that are only imaginable, from forced displacement to poverty in terms of food and shelter to extreme violence. They are able to show the way their lives are affected only by being in a certain place at a certain time, as Rashid Mashrawi himself phrased it at the London premiere. This film not only portrays economic hardship in conflict zones but also empowers those directly involved and affected, both on screen and behind the scenes. “From Ground Zero” serves as a cultural tool of representation for Palestine to raise awareness, build morale among marginalized communities and inspire meaningful dialogue around solutions to poverty in conflict. The ways in which this can be seen on the ground are manifold.

The Depiction of Poverty in Context

The film portrays life in the Palestinian territories, where poverty is not only economic but deeply tied to displacement, instability and systemic oppression. As stated in a United Nations report, “Poverty in the State of Palestine is projected to rise to 74.3%, affecting 4.1 million people, including 2.61 million people who are newly impoverished.” The report goes on to state the increase of “multidimensional poverty” in Palestine during this time, especially in the areas of housing, services and safety, among others.

This film allows us to analyze, through its audio-visual portrayal of scenes that highlight daily struggles, the impact and outcomes of these newly imposed dimensions of poverty. This is especially evident in the short film “Hell’s Heaven,” in which the narrator is forced to sleep in a body bag to keep warm, where he questions why it should only be provided to him after his death. This highlights a drastic impoverishment and unavailability of access to basic needs, employment and dignity.

Empowerment Through Participation

Most of those involved in the production, including non-professional actors, are directly affected by poverty and conflict, including the director Rashid Mashrawi, many of whose family members are in Gaza. His main purpose for creating this film was representation for Palestine from Palestinians. As he states, “I want to share our stories with the world.”

The act of storytelling gave voice and agency to people often excluded from public narratives. Alongside the despair and devastation, there is also a parallel current of hope, which has been a central aspect of the project from its inception. Amid stories of death and destitution told with a raw documentary realism, emerge narrative shorts that reveal the ways Palestinians continue to seek moments of joy and humanity. One segment captures a puppeteer bringing laughter to young audiences through marionettes. These glimpses of creativity and resilience remind viewers that even in the darkest circumstances, art persists as both refuge and resistance.

His characterization of these people as humans and not statistics gives a sense of reality to the disaster and deprivation they are facing, helping to shed light on the destruction from a non-political perspective. Mashrawi wants “cinema [to] play a role for justice, for humanity,” which can be achieved by using the preservative and far-reaching nature of cinema to highlight current issues. Additionally, it also preserves these stories in history by giving them their due importance and platform, allowing them to speak for themselves and take advantage of the medium of cinema.

Relevance to Current Poverty Issues

As poverty and displacement continue globally, especially in areas of prolonged conflict, the film remains timely. Serving as an educational and motivational resource in community development programs, it uses the arts to foster resilience, making its importance relevant beyond immediate events.

In the current climate of growing poverty and mass unemployment in Gaza—where labor market conditions in the West Bank have also deteriorated significantly—at least 96% of businesses have reported decreased activity and more than 42% have reduced their workforce. More than 300,000 jobs have been lost, pushing unemployment rates from 12.9% in 2023 to 32%. This represents a daily loss of $25.5 million in labor income, eroding the economic resilience of Palestinian households and deepening social hardship.

The scale of this loss reflects not only a financial crisis but also the diminishing sense of security and stability that underpins community life. It further emphasizes the importance of films like “From Ground Zero” in fostering hope and solidarity amid devastation—a symbol of representation for Palestine, especially for those directly and visibly affected every day.

Looking Ahead

“From Ground Zero” is not just a film—it is a platform for dignity, resistance and dialogue. By focusing on real experiences and empowering the impoverished through storytelling, Mashrawi’s work has become a tool for morale-building and advocating systemic change. It takes the viewer away from the political, as is prevalent in most dialogue surrounding Palestine, and focuses on the everyday problems like scarcity, poverty and violence faced by those on the ground.

As such, the film becomes a catalyst for awareness and change, opening up discussions around structural reform, aid and the importance of including marginalized voices in policy and media. Mashrawi is currently working on the follow-up “From Ground Zero Plus,” a series of 10 documentaries as representation for Palestine, where he hopes to present more stories and continue his legacy of spreading awareness for real people in crisis.

– Maryam Qutbuddin

Maryam is based in Reading, UK and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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The Free Burma Rangers Deliver Aid on their Own Terms

Free Burma RangersFor nearly three decades, the Free Burma Rangers have gone where few would ever dare to go, working in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones to provide humanitarian and spiritual aid to hundreds of thousands of people caught in the midst of active conflict. “We exist in the humanitarian gap that always exists in war, from the very front line, where bullets are smacking next to your head, back to the major relief organizations,” said founder and leader David Eubank, in an interview with The Borgen Project.

Humble Beginnings

Eubank, who grew up as the son of missionaries in Thailand and later attended Texas A&M, was commissioned as a United States (U.S.) Army officer after graduating and spending a decade serving in the Infantry, Ranger Battalion and Special Forces. After leaving the military in 1992, he enrolled in Fuller Theological Seminary to further his spiritual training. It was during his time there that leaders from the Karen people of Burma (also known as Myanmar) reached out to Eubank through his father, calling on him to assist in relief efforts amidst their – and many other groups’ – decades-long conflict with the junta. 

Building the Mission

Marrying his wife, Karen Eubank, in 1993 – the couple, without skipping a beat, set forth on a mission to Burma, which Eubank later called their “honeymoon” in the 2020 documentary film, Free Burma Rangers. “When we first started, I just went to the fighting with three backpacks [of medical supplies] and Ilya – a Karen medic – goes up and says, ‘Can I help you?’” recalled Eubank, discussing his first mission in Burma. He also emphasized his early commitment to respecting local autonomy, “we started helping people who wanted to be helped, [but] we never went anywhere we weren’t invited.”

The experiences of these early missions laid the groundwork for the formal creation of the Free Burma Rangers in 1997, founded by Eubank after graduating from seminary two years earlier. The group’s approach took shape in these formative years, focusing its missions on close collaboration with local communities, moving quickly and quietly in active combat zones and delivering both physical and spiritual aid where it was most needed. 

This approach also emphasized the documentation of abuses and human rights violations to ensure preservation of the evidence of these crimes. Footage recorded by the group has, for decades, made international headlines and served as a reliable source on a conflict which few others have had the ability to consistently report on.

Frontline Relief in Burma

At the heart of the Rangers’ mission is frontline relief. The organization trains and equips small, mobile teams drawn from Burma’s many ethnic groups, providing them with the skills and supplies needed to carry out relief missions in some of the harshest conditions in the world. This decentralized strategy allows the group to respond to the specific needs of each community. In many cases, Ranger volunteers receive training and then go on to serve their own communities, forming locally-rooted teams with the capacity to strengthen resilience and respond to crises from within. 

While the group’s work has centered on Burma’s ever-shifting conflict, its reach currently extends into some of the world’s other brutal war zones. “We have 150 committed teams in Burma from 18 different ethnic groups and we have a team in Syria and Iraq,” said Eubank. “We have a partnership in Afghanistan and Tajikistan, working from the Tajik side. And we have a rotation into Ukraine and the Nuba Mountains of Sudan.”

Ranger teams consist of a team leader, medic, child support counselor and a photographer and videographer. “They can combine their roles, but that’s the main structure,” Eubank explained. While some Rangers who operate in Burma carry arms, Eubank clarified that this was only done in self-defense and that the group itself never supplies weapons to their volunteers.

Documenting Human Rights Abuses

Documenting human rights abuses and reporting on week-to-week developments are central to the Rangers’ mission of keeping the world informed, Eubank noting that in the organization’s efforts, “getting the news out is of very high importance, second only to helping people.” Its website also provides a “Weekly Dispatch” on the group’s activities, as well as regular situation reports, which offer updates on the conflict zones within which they operate.

Capacity Training

Before any of the Ranger teams see the front lines, they pass through a rigorous “capacity training” to ensure that they are prepared for their missions, often returning home to help their own communities in deployments that can last up to three months. “The ethnic groups choose their own team members, send them to us and we train them and send them back to the ethnic groups – our job is to train, equip, inspire and support these teams,” said Eubank, describing the Rangers’ training and operational approach. 

Speaking on the scope of the training, he added, “We start with spiritual and relational questions and training and then we go to the physical, frontline first aid, dental work, reporting, reconnaissance and we practice dangerous things, swimming in rivers, rappelling, climbing, clearing landmines.” This training also includes security instruction, preparing volunteers to operate in active combat situations. 

The Jungle School of Medicine

The Jungle School of Medicine of Kawthoolei, started in 2011, trains dozens of medics each year. These medics are then assigned to their area-specific Ranger teams and some have even helped to staff the Karen Department of Health and Welfare.

Once training is complete, teams receive enough supplies to treat 2,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). They are also outfitted with any other gear that they require for their efforts, such as hiking and camera equipment, as well as educational materials for children. Outlining the order of loyalty within the group, Eubank explained, “If you come and join the Rangers and let’s say you’re Karen. First of all, you’re a child of God. Second of all, your Karen. Third of all, you are your loyalty [to a community]. Fourth and last, you’re a Free Burma Ranger.”

He stressed that the organization was not a political force, but rather a resource to train people to serve their own communities. While acknowledging that not everyone in Burma welcomed the Rangers, he recalled a fellow Ranger noting, “You can go almost anywhere and people trust that you’re (A) sincere, (B) loving, (C) loyal in your support of them, (D) competent, (E) brave and that you’re on their side, no matter where you come from.”

Away from the Front

Though the Rangers are most renowned for their frontline relief efforts, their aid to embattled communities extends far beyond the front line. Karen Eubank, who has accompanied her husband in conflict areas since their marriage in 1993, started the Good Life Club program in 1999. The program trains counselors who accompany each Ranger team and provide a wide range of services to assist both children and educators in embattled communities. They provide children with clothes and school supplies, conduct “education assessments” and work to generally foster emotional and spiritual resilience within the communities they serve.

The Rangers have also developed an aviation wing, known as Free Burma Rangers Aviation. Members of the Rangers began to undergo parachute training in 2012 and in 2016, the Rangers received a donated Cessna 172 from the Kingdom Air Corps, where a young Karen Ranger had undergone flight training. In 2018, their first operation used the donated aircraft to fly a three-day-old boy from the Thai border to a hospital deeper inside Thailand for life-saving surgery.

Looking Ahead

For nearly 30 years, the Free Burma Rangers have shown that even in the world’s most dangerous places, communities can find hope through courage, service and solidarity. By training local volunteers, documenting abuses and delivering aid directly to those in need, the Rangers have created a model of resilience that continues to inspire. As their work expands across Burma and beyond, the Free Burma Rangers demonstrate how grassroots action can save lives and strengthen communities in the face of overwhelming hardship.

– Alex Degterev

Alex is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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How the Youth Uplifts Communities from Violence in Colombia

How the Youth Uplifts Communities from Violence in ColombiaOn June 7th, 2025, a 15-year-old gunman shot presidential candidate Uribe Turbay, who remains in critical condition. Colombian gangs have a history of targeting youth and particularly those living in poverty for recruitment. Despite Colombia’s turbulent past and even present, the country remains hopeful for the future, where the youth rise above poverty and uplift their community with them. 

History of Violence in Colombia

Colombia has a history of organized crime and violence. Most notorious were Colombia’s Cali Cartel and rival Medellín Cartel, led by Pablo Escobar. In the 1980s and 90s, each generated billions of dollars from trafficking Cocaine and ruled their territories ruthlessly. Escobar even waged a personal war against the Colombian government for a period.

These gangs in Colombia often targeted the youth for recruitment. Children tend to be more impressionable, vulnerable to violence or threats of violence. They can be targeted if they lack education or live in poverty, as they have fewer other opportunities.

These historic patterns appear to have re-emerged with the shooting of Turbay. The youth who shot him had reportedly been paid to do so, indicating there were additional factors at play. His young age and likelihood of facing far less harsh criminal penalties might have played a role in why he was targeted.

Employment Reducing Violence in Colombia

Despite violence remaining prevalent across Colombia, it has reduced significantly since the 1980s and 1990s. With some support, the youth have begun to find better opportunities and take their country a step in the right direction.

Access to employment has helped the youth improve their lives and lift themselves out of poverty. Research shows that unemployment and less access to income can result in increased rates of violence, so reducing these issues spells hope.

William Alarcon, former operational manager at AES, explains how two young women coming from typically more dangerous areas of Colombia gained employment at his company. “One of the ideas in the company where I work was to give the chance to some people coming from those areas, it’s a good idea… they were very good [at] labor. They also had the intention to study more, to learn more,” he says. As a result, they were able to benefit their communities and, in particular, their families and their children, so they wouldn’t have to go through the same struggle as they did.

Alarcon also recalled how gaining employment at 25 not only benefited him, but also gave him the chance to give back. “I could improve lives, I worked making aqueducts for people in rural areas… I was very happy to see the face of those people, the happiness of the people [when they received water to their house],” he says.

Education Reducing Violence in Colombia

Education also directly relates to poverty and, by extension, violence in Colombia. Research shows that more education is correlated with more and better career opportunities. Professional experience can be difficult to get at a young age with limited available positions, but education can offer valuable skills and knowledge, making young people more employable.

“The advice to young people is to study, at least to go to make a technical career and if they can, go to a university because,” says Alarcon. “I compare people who study, at the end, can get better lives, better things, they can travel, they can educate their children in a better way.”

He also recommends that the Colombian government promote and provide access to education, particularly in areas of violence, to give the youth more opportunities. A process that the Colombian government has begun to consider with recent initiatives.

Looking Ahead

Despite the history of violence in Colombia and some ongoing issues, the country has a hopeful future because of the hard work of its youngest and the support from those around them. Violence is still an issue, but some trends show signs of promise. Through employment, education and general self-improvement, the country’s youth can potentially reshape their future.

– Jesse Correll

Jesse is based in Boston, MA, USA and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Child Soldiers in Vietnam: The Cost of War on Children

Child Soldiers in Vietnam: The Cost of War on ChildrenChildren have often been caught in the crossfire of war, witnessing their homes destroyed and their childhoods disrupted. An especially tragic reality is the recruitment and use of child soldiers during conflict. Children have historically been expected or obligated to work as cooks, spies and even combatants and the Vietnam War (1955 to 1975) was no exception.

The Vietnam War

The Vietnam War lasted more than two decades and divided North and South Vietnam. The United States backed the South, sending around 536,000 troops. After World War II, both regions sought reunification but envisioned different futures. The North, inspired by the Cold War and Soviet influence, aimed to establish a communist state, while the South opposed this ideology. The war caused extensive loss of life and economic damage. More than 3 million people died, including 2 million Vietnamese civilians. By the time the war ended in 1975, Vietnam’s economy ranked among the poorest in the world.

Child Soldiers in Vietnam

Vietnamese children experienced wartime hardships that forced them to grow up quickly. Many became homeless overnight and lost access to consistent education due to the constant threat of attack. Children as young as 13 joined the Vietnamese Communist Party’s military efforts. They were trained in guerrilla warfare and participated in attacks on South Vietnamese and American forces. Child soldiers in Vietnam were so prominent in the war that there were military awards specific to children such as “Iron Fort Children” or “Destroyer of the Yanks.” These child soldiers were also given the title of “Tiny Guerilla.” The Tiny Guerillas were not drafted; many volunteered due to social pressures and economic hardship. Interviews and academic accounts suggest that promises of national prosperity and purpose motivated them to join the Viet Cong.

Children’s Rights After the War

Following the war, Vietnam introduced legal protections for children through the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The 2013 Constitution and new laws outlined regulations regarding children’s participation in civic life, including the military. These laws aim to prevent the future use of child soldiers in Vietnam.

Postwar Economic Effects

The post-war toll on Vietnam was devastating. Bombings and landmines destroyed much of the infrastructure and toxic chemicals lingered in the atmosphere. Following the war, Vietnam’s economy ranked among the world’s poorest and the government’s five-year plans were ineffective. However, the introduction of “Đổi Mới” marked a turning point, helping Vietnam become one of the fastest-growing markets, with an economic growth rate of 6 to 7%. Additionally, this policy reduced the poverty rate from 60% to 14% within nine years.

Looking Ahead

Vietnam’s postwar development includes strengthening legal protections for children and preventing their involvement in armed conflict. As the country continues to implement policies aligned with international child rights frameworks, expanding access to education, mental health support and economic opportunities may help address the long-term impacts of war.

Ongoing investment in youth-focused programs, especially in rural and historically affected areas, could support more consistent development outcomes. Collaboration between government, community organizations and international partners can potentially reinforce prevention strategies and improve child welfare systems. While Vietnam has made notable economic progress, continued attention to child protection is relevant in ensuring recovery efforts extend to future generations.

– Sydney Carr

Sydney is based in San Diego, CA, USA and focuses on Business and New Markets for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Peace as Precursor to Eradicating Poverty in Colombia

Peace as Precursor to Eradicating Poverty in ColombiaAfter Colombian voters rejected the Peace Agreement Referendum in 2016, billed as the final effort to establish lasting peace between the government and extremist gangs and guerrilla movements, several groups declared conditional ceasefires. These ceasefires have partially alleviated violence against civilian populations. Poverty in Colombia remains a pressing issue amid these challenges.

Impact of Conflict on Poverty and Infrastructure

By 2030, more than 60% of individuals experiencing extreme poverty will reside in fragile conflict zones. In these areas, violent conflicts harm people and destroy essential infrastructure, housing and food systems, potentially leading to severe human disasters. Such events consistently trigger significant regional economic disruptions that can lead to widespread unemployment and food crises. The United Nations (U.N.) emphasizes that peace is not merely a goal but a necessary precursor to development. Several relief organizations are actively responding to disasters stemming directly from conflicts, which underscores the vital role of peace in development.

Challenges in Peace Implementation

Peace development in areas lacking legitimate treaties to cease violence often remains under the control of local militia and military leaders. Colombia is actively implementing the initially failed treaty and, as of 2021, had completed 23% of the implementation process. Despite this, significant progress remains elusive; the budget proposed nearly 15 years ago is now considered insufficient, and efforts to advance rural land development have stalled.

Environmental and Agricultural Challenges

Colombia is facing a significant increase in desertification, a situation worsened by the country’s long-standing political violence. This has led to a considerable loss of essential forest land and has left rural farmland riddled with environmental and human hazards. A specific man-made danger involves the undocumented landmines scattered across the Colombian countryside. Research indicates that peace in Colombia has shielded rural civilians from becoming collateral victims of environmental warfare.

Beyond the impact of anonymous landmine placements and targeted violence by local militia groups against rural farmers, Colombian farmers have become significantly less productive. This decrease in productivity has led to rising food prices, further poverty in Colombia and increased urban contention. The situation has worsened as large numbers of rural Colombians have started migrating to cities and urban centers, seeking to escape the violence that pervades the countryside.

The Road to Peaceful Development

As peace has gradually taken hold, most plans for rural areas focus on repopulating the countryside and boosting agricultural production. The International Center for Tropical Agriculture has developed a policy to establish sustainable land use systems in rural Colombia, aiming to build a more sustainable agricultural sector. However, despite the implementation of several policies and programs to redevelop the land, violence against environmental activists increased between 2010 and 2019. This violence has disrupted environmental program implementation and indicated that unofficial violence in these areas persists.

Among the initiatives from the original 2016 agreements, implementing programs to rebuild the fragmented landscape of the Colombian countryside has proved challenging due to ongoing violence against activists from local factions. Colombia exemplifies why peace is essential for sustainable development; merely stopping violence is insufficient. Although the 2016 agreements mark a significant step forward, the implementation process—intended to rebuild in the wake of peace—is being obstructed by violence and targeted attacks on both civilians and activists.

Looking Ahead

Efforts to rebuild Colombia’s rural areas face significant challenges due to ongoing violence and threats against environmental activists. Despite the 2016 peace agreements, progress has been slow, with only 23% of the implementation process completed by 2021. Poverty in Colombia remains a pressing issue, exacerbated by the continued violence that hinders sustainable development, particularly in agriculture. This situation underscores the critical need for effective peacebuilding to achieve long-term stability and economic growth in the country.

– Jamie Sackett

Jamie is based in Hutto, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Bringing Hope to the Crisis in Sudan

Crisis in SudanSudan is facing a variety of crises, including a deadly power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces that has killed up to 150,000 people and continues to escalate. The country also contends with disease outbreaks and natural disasters such as extreme heat and flooding. The most significant crisis arises from political instability, fueled by conflicts and economic pressures. This instability has displaced 12 million people from their homes, with 10 million remaining within Sudan, marking the largest displacement crisis globally. Amid this mass displacement, severely restricted humanitarian access complicates efforts to deliver aid to vulnerable communities.

Humanitarian Efforts

Organizations like the International Rescue Committee (IRC) have expanded their operations to meet humanitarian needs in Sudan. It has established offices and initiated emergency response measures that provide cash assistance, clean water, sanitation and hygiene to communities lacking access to these essential resources.

Additionally, Save the Children has established the Sudan Emergency Relief Fund to aid child refugees from Sudan, which supplies medical equipment and services. This initiative uses emergency trauma kits for life-threatening situations and offers health clinics and nutrition supplements for displaced or malnourished children. Additionally, it provides children with opportunities to participate in sports and other activities, helping them to overcome adverse experiences.

U.S. Foreign Aid to Sudan

In March 2024, the United States (U.S.) delivered more than $47 million in foreign aid to Sudan and its host countries. Assistant Secretary for Population, Refugees and Migration Julieta Vall Noyes represented the U.S. in this effort, which provided essential life-saving assistance and protection to the Sudanese people. This contribution increased the total U.S. aid for Sudanese relief to more than $968 million. Additionally, the U.S. government maintains a comprehensive archive of Sudanese conflicts and crises, detailing emergency responses, funding and relief efforts along with location maps. These detailed reports are instrumental in mitigating the effects of future crises that could lead to mass displacement or significant casualties.

Global Advocacy and Warnings of Famine

On June 18, 2024, Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy, addressed the international community during a press conference, sounding the alarm about the impending famine and the ongoing horrific conflict in Sudan. “Famine is imminent,” she declared. “I regret to inform you that Sudan continues to spiral into chaos; it is just the tip of the iceberg.” Her speech highlighted the severe consequences of the conflict in Sudan, particularly the indiscriminate bombings that target small communities, inflicting violence on innocent people who have not provoked such attacks.

Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee and Senior Programming Director at the Sudan Family Planning Association Limiaa Ahmed supported Edem Wosornu in her advocacy. They emphasized the devastating impact of war on women and girls, the significant role of humanitarian aid in supporting small communities and the importance of listening to the voices of youth amid the chaos.

Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee addressed the international community, stating, “Civilians are in the line of fire. Nowhere is safe for them. Despite efforts by the United Nations (U.N.) and regional organizations, we have not succeeded.” The joint statements by Pobee, Edem Wosornu and Limiaa Ahmed effectively highlighted the crisis, prompting many council members to urge warring parties to resume dialogue and emphasize the protection of citizens. Additionally, several speakers called for an end to external interference.

Addressing Nutrition and Hunger in Crisis

A significant challenge in aiding Sudan, particularly in light of the ongoing crisis that has left 26.6 million people food insecure, is ensuring proper nutrition. To address this, the World Food Programme (WFP) delivers life-saving food to some of the most inaccessible areas of the Darfur region. Since 2019, WFP has implemented the Sudan Country Strategic Plan, which outlines interventions to foster sustainable development, enhance nutrition and identify developmental priorities and gaps in communities. These strategic outcomes were formulated in close collaboration with national partners to bolster local capacity to combat hunger and malnutrition across Sudan.

Looking Ahead

The multifaceted crisis in Sudan, which includes political instability, conflict and natural disasters, has created a dire humanitarian situation. Organizations like the International Rescue Committee and Save the Children are actively working to provide essential aid, while U.S. foreign assistance and global advocacy efforts continue to raise awareness and support. The World Food Programme’s strategic interventions aim to address food insecurity and malnutrition, offering a lifeline to the millions affected. The collective response underscores the urgent need for sustained international support to mitigate the severe impact on Sudan’s vulnerable populations.

– Jacob Barker

Jacob is based in Ames, IA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Humanitarian Crisis and Women in Haiti

Women in HaitiThe ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti has forcibly displaced an estimated 300,000 people, with women and young girls being the most vulnerable groups. These women not only struggle with the loss of their homes but also face the violent threats posed by criminal gang members. As tensions escalate in the country’s capital, access to health services, food and clean water has become increasingly scarce. International aid representatives are urging the Haitian government to act against the violence and to prioritize women’s voices and experiences in their political agenda.

Women at the Forefront of the Crisis in Haiti

Following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, Haiti fell into a state of political instability. The country’s capital, Port-au-Prince, became a center for gang violence. Since then, violence has victimized a total of 5,400 individuals and authorities have reported an additional 3,000 murder cases. Women, among the most vulnerable residents, are experiencing an unprecedented increase in gender-based violence. Many women face risks of sexual exploitation and sexual slavery.

In a study conducted in 2023 by the women’s organization, MARIJAN, 63% of the 299 women and girls from marginalized neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince responded that they were forced to relocate due to the ongoing violence. Additionally, one in five of these women disclosed that they had been victims of rape and 17% reported experiencing some form of physical violence. Natalie Eleanor Virginia, General Coordinator for MARIJAN, IRC partner organizer in Port-au-Prince, observes: “Women and girls are faced with an inhuman social reality. In marginalized neighborhoods, they are exposed to physical and psychological violence; beatings, intimidation, gang rape and murder are some of the methods gangs use to establish their domination and force women and girls into total submission”. 

Virginia clarifies that those who have managed to escape their neighborhoods and have sought refuge in one of the many camps around Port-au-Prince are not exempt from the dangers. On the contrary, physical and verbal violence and sexual exploitation remain prevalent in the camps. Instances of female kidnappings have also been on the rise. In 2023, nearly 1,000 women were reported missing– which is almost equal to the number of victims in 2022 and practically three times more than in 2021. The number of women at risk of being kidnapped will only continue to rise as many roads they travel are under the control of various gangs.

Gang Violence and Medical Access in Haiti

Over the last three years, the increasing number of gang-related attacks on hospitals in Port-au-Prince has severely limited people’s access to health care services. Less than half of the capital’s health facilities are still operational and they risk running out of supplies. In March of this year, the United Nations (U.N.) warned that about 3,000 pregnant residents of Port-au-Prince might soon lose access to essential health services. Among these women, an estimated 450 could face life-threatening complications.

The U.N. also noted that an additional 521 victims of sexual violence would be unable to access medical services. Even before the crisis, Haiti struggled to provide adequate health services for its female residents. Each year, more than 1,500 Haitian women die from childbirth or pregnancy-related complications. Additionally, only 3% of rape victims receive the necessary treatment within 72 hours of the incident.

Lending a Voice and Hand to the Silenced

In early May 2024, the U.N. held a press conference to highlight recent developments in Haiti concerning its female residents. The panel of experts expressed concerns about the insufficient aid provided to Haitian women. Additionally, it criticized the Haitian government for undermining state institutions designed to serve the most vulnerable populations. The experts also revealed that the government’s failure to effectively address corruption has made it complicit in gang violence and activities. A panelist emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “No one should be forced to choose between their safety and their ability to provide for themselves and their families, attend school, access health care and basic services, including sexual and reproductive care.”

The UNFPA has also spoken out for the cause, demanding additional funding. Since the crisis began, the organization has supported three hospitals in Port-au-Prince that provide maternal health services. Additionally, the UNFPA has supplied 13 health centers in the country’s capital and neighboring regions with necessary items, including rape kits.

The U.N. Women has contributed its share of aid by partnering with Rapha International. Together, they have provided emergency aid to female survivors of sexual violence, including counseling, medical assistance, economic support and refuge. The two organizations have also developed an online platform that allows victims of sexual violence to seek medical and psychosocial assistance anonymously. Since its launch, more than 2,000 women have used the system. Additionally, it has enabled approximately 230 women to access hygiene kits or food supplies.

Taking Matters into Her Own Hands

Despite the grim political state in Haiti, the women continue to demonstrate strength and resilience. Many have united and now identify themselves as “peace mediators.” This newfound hope stems from the creation of the project “Fanm Djamn Pou Lape.” The project focuses on empowering women and encourages their participation in peacebuilding efforts.

Since its inception in 2022, 97 women from various metropolitan areas around Port-au-Prince have committed to resolving conflicts within their communities. The project has successfully developed safe havens and brought together victims of gang-related violence. It aims to build and strengthen communities by focusing on collective memories. Matienge, a young woman and member of the project, explains, “By encouraging collective remembrance of past experiences, we have fostered a shared understanding of events, promoting reconciliation and building both individual and community strength.”

Looking Ahead

The humanitarian crisis in Haiti continues to severely impact women and girls. It exacerbates their vulnerability to violence and limits access to essential services. The U.N. and various organizations are calling for urgent action and increased aid to support these affected populations. Initiatives like “Fanm Djamn Pou Lape” demonstrate the resilience and determination of Haitian women. They play a crucial role in peacebuilding and community strengthening amid ongoing challenges.

– Yasmine Nowroozi

Yasmine is based in Laval, Quebec, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Effectiveness of Welfare Programs in Afghanistan

Welfare Programs in AfghanistanAfghanistan has faced long-term, simultaneous crises for decades. Its recent drop from number one on the 2023 Watchlist does not signal improvement. Rather, the severity of the situation in East Africa has simply surpassed that of Afghanistan. Beyond monitoring data, the primary focus of welfare programs in Afghanistan is to meet the humanitarian needs of each citizen in areas aligned with the program’s mission. In Afghanistan, 3,001 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)—including 2,753 local and 248 international—with 3,544 associations, actively work to bridge gaps in funding, human resources and technical expertise.

Poverty and Food Insecurity in Afghanistan

The Taliban takeover in 2021 increased displacement throughout Afghanistan displacing 3.2 million people from their homes. Most local and international NGOs stopped during that time but still held legal entity status. Samira Sayed Rahman, Afghanistan director of advocacy from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) stated, “Increasing hunger, natural disasters, unemployment, a banking and liquidity crisis, rights-violating restrictions on women and girls and the lack of a functioning economy mean Afghans are facing a multitude of simultaneous crises.”

More than 17 million Afghans face the daily threat of food insecurity.  According to the World Food Program (WFP), Afghanistan is one of the largest global humanitarian crises to exist at the moment.  With a population of 40.8 million people, 28.8 million of Afghanistan’s population needs assistance to alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity.

Causes of Poverty and Food Insecurity

Afghanistan faces multiple challenges contributing to 40% of its population facing food insecurity. These include a crumbling economy, recent floods, isolation, frequent earthquakes, recurring droughts, the impact of COVID-19, soaring food prices, the spread of illness, a water crisis and limited employment opportunities. Currently, international aid organizations subsidize more than 75% of Afghanistan’s public spending. Moreover, Afghanistan’s central bank funds remain frozen because the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has not agreed to the conditions proposed by the Alliance for Human Rights in Afghanistan.

During the Taliban takeover in 2021, the Taliban effectively infiltrated most U.N.-managed programs. In response, several human rights organizations convened in March 2022 and established the Alliance for Human Rights in Afghanistan. This alliance now helps these organizations monitor the dire human rights situation in Afghanistan.

Welfare Organizations in Afghanistan

The people of Afghanistan need long-term sustainable solutions. Due to Afghanistan’s long-term economic crisis, it is difficult to assess the long-term impact each organization has had. However, here are a few key organizations with active welfare programs in Afghanistan:

  • The Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE). CARE has been providing humanitarian support in Afghanistan for more than 35 years. CARE International’s mission is to restore dignity and security, save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice. It is one of the leading humanitarian international NGOs in Afghanistan fighting poverty and providing life-saving assistance to vulnerable Afghans. CARE allocates 90% of its expenses to program services. In Afghanistan, CARE has developed impactful programs for vulnerable women and girls who need access to essential services. In addition, it supports multiple areas through these welfare programs, including humanitarian action, resilience, education and health equity and rights.
  • The International Rescue Committee (IRC). The IRC has provided support in Afghanistan for about 36 years. It has 5,002 staff members in Afghanistan and 99% are Afghans. Its mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control over their future.
  • Food for Peace (FFP). The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) office of FFP supports the United Nations (U.N.) World Food Program (WFP) has provided support in Afghanistan for more than 60 years to reach vulnerable communities affected by the humanitarian crises. The WFP is committed to staying the course in Afghanistan as long as it is possible to deliver assistance to the Afghan people while ensuring the safety of its staff. Support from WFP and FFP includes regionally sourced in-kind food aid and cash transfers for food to vulnerable and drought-affected Afghans. Considering the catastrophic situation in Afghanistan, the WFP urgently needs $670 million between Jan. to June 2024 to be able to provide lifesaving support to vulnerable people in Afghanistan.                                           

Looking Ahead

Organizations and welfare programs in Afghanistan, including the Organization of Human Welfare (OHW), continue to serve states by stabilizing livelihoods and promoting resilience. Its effectiveness and impact depend on economic growth and change. Moreover, by providing education and training, multiple welfare organizations aim to shift the focus of the Afghan people from crisis to growth, reduce poverty and decrease their dependency on international aid in the future.

– Pamela Fenton

Pamela is based in Wall, New Jersey, USA and focuses on Global Health and World News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Combating the Drug Cartel Recruitment of Mexican Youth

Drug cartel recruitmentIn Mexico, drug trafficking endangers civilians of all ages through increasing crime and violence. Rampant cartel activity particularly impacts children. For example, due to increased cartel-related violence, schools are no longer safe spaces for young students to receive an education. In a 2012 national survey, 38.8% of the population chose school as one of the public spaces where they feel unsafe. Children are additionally at risk of drug cartel recruitment. This is because cartels seek unlikely suspects and easily dispensable members. If prosecuted, minors also are not charged as adults.

Targeting Impoverished Children

According to the Network for Children’s Rights in Mexico, organized crime groups recruited about 350,000 young people around the country, with around 400,000 finding themselves vulnerable to drug cartel recruitment. Cartels especially target impoverished children who live in tumultuous households, swaying them to join with the promise of economic gain and even a “sense of belonging.”

Reinserta is a non-profit organization in Mexico working to protect children from this growing issue. Founded in 2013, Reinserta offers education, job training and placement and mental health support for children facing crime and violence in Mexico in general. The organization supports youth in proximity to organized crime and drug cartel recruitment with research and reintegration efforts.

Research

Since its founding, the organization has conducted six research studies and reports on violence impacting adolescents in general. It has also conducted surveys to see the impacts of drug cartel recruitment of youth more specifically. The investigation explores the prevalence and gravity of cartels recruiting young members.

It has also hosted 89 interviews with minors in juvenile detention centers and found that 67 were part of cartel activity before their arrest. All the organization’s research and data from the organization is calling attention to a problem that continues to target children who are as young as 10. Reinserta recognizes that progress begins with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the issue at hand.

Reintegration

For youth who have already been involved in organized crime, Reinserta offers models of reintegration and rehabilitation. It works across 14 detention centers for youth, offering education and job training and placement services. Through its work, the organization saw that eight out of 10 participating youth continued studying or found a job after Reinserta’s programs. Some of the most common jobs the young people have found are in “gastronomy, styling, barbering, sewing, serigraphy, paramedics, radio and muralism.” In total, the non-profit has impacted over 1,300 adolescents who have been in prison, with a non-recurrent rate of more than 90%, according to its website.

As drug cartel recruitment in Mexico has increased in the past years, the work of Reinserta is becoming more critical than ever. Through its important research and reintegration initiatives, Reinserta operates as one of the Mexican non-profits making the most change for adolescents affected by violence today.

– Estelle Lee
Photo: Unsplash

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Sam Smith Supports War Child

War Child
Two filmmakers founded War Child in 1993 after observing the violence that children endured during periods of war. The organization describes itself as “the only specialist charity for children affected by conflict.” With the slogan, “A world where no child’s life is torn apart by war,” War Child works to address the realities children face during war and provide them with prompt support, safety and coping mechanisms. The organization shows children from Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic that there is more to life than the destructive nature of war.

War Child’s Work

Since the traumatic impacts of conflict and violence on children, War Child takes an approach to help children through four key areas: protection, education, livelihoods and advocacy. Armed groups tear children from their families through false promises of education or money while abducting others. This can leave these children with severe and lifelong psychological problems. The organization’s support includes “setting up children’s helplines,” strengthening child justice systems, “rehabilitating and reintegrating former child soldiers” as well as reuniting children with parents.

More than 75 million children ages 3 to 18 are not in school in 35 countries experiencing war. War Child aims to address this problem in multiple ways, including providing children with early childhood education programs and initiating Education in Emergencies initiatives. The organization also provides teachers with training to best support learners in conflict-ridden environments. By incorporating play into learning programs, the organization attempts to remedy trauma. These initiatives give children a sense of normalcy during a period of time in their lives where chaos surrounds them.

The organization also recognizes the need to provide children with humanitarian aid to address their basic human needs. The organization provides cash assistance to communities for people to use according to “their own priorities and preferences.” To strengthen economic resilience, the organization assists people in securing employment or establishing businesses “by providing them with technical, business and life skills, establishing group-based saving schemes and providing small grants making the best out of existing market opportunities. ”

In many crisis-prone countries, agriculture plays an important role. As such, War Child created Peace Gardens. Peace Gardens allow children to develop agricultural skills while increasing food security as crop produce can provide nutritious school meals for children.

Sam Smith’s Role in War Child

Sam Smith’s global impact extends far beyond his role as a singer-songwriter. Smith became War Child’s Global Ambassador in 2017 after conversing with a child in Jordan who, as Smith put it, “said something that will stay with me forever.”

Smith subsequently took to his social media pages, urging his fans to support War Child. For his 26th birthday, in 2018, Smith asked that his friends, family and fans make donations to War Child instead of buying him birthday gifts. After releasing his hit single “Too Good at Goodbyes,” in 2020, he launched a four-city mini-concert tour, with all profits from the ticket sales going toward supporting War Child.

War ravages land and people, however, children face disproportionate impacts of war. Through the efforts of War Child, children living in conflict-riddled lands can look toward a brighter tomorrow.

– Nia Hinson
Photo: PxHere