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The Road to Eradicating Poverty Beyond Growth

eradicating povertyThe primary focus of efforts to end poverty has been economic growth. The U.N. Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights is challenging this tradition by calling for policy recommendations to establish a Human Rights Economy-based model, one making economic decisions based on human rights obligations.

About the UN Special Rapporteur

U.N. Special Rapporteurs (or Special Procedures) are unpaid independent human rights specialists accountable to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Additionally, their role involves producing thematic and country-specific reports, visiting countries in an official capacity, communicating human rights violation appeals and presenting findings to the UNHRC and the assembly.

Themes of Special Rapporteurs include the rights to health, education, food, water and sanitation, while others address themes such as extreme poverty and human rights and cruel treatment. Indeed, candidates go through a multi-stage competitive process in which they are evaluated based on objectivity and expertise, among other qualifications. As of 2024, there are 46 thematic and 14 country mandates.

A Roadmap for Eradicating Poverty Beyond Growth

Building on the 2024 report “Eradicating poverty beyond growth,” the Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights has initiated an 18-month project to develop a roadmap addressing the problems with existing aid mechanisms. It calls for policy advising submissions in five key policy areas: access to social protection and services; labour policies and the care economy; economic systems transformation; climate, environment and resources; and trade, finance, debt and global solidarity.

The original report challenges GDP growth-based methods of battling poverty by presenting the concept of a Human Rights economy. Prioritizing human rights, this economic format suggests financing social protection programs rather than economic growth. The ongoing project has involved calls for policy input from governments, academia, and multinational organizations, among other involved actors.

Policy Submissions

The Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN), Tax Justice Network (TJN) and the Global Coalition for Protection Floors (GCSPF) are examples of organizations that have publicized their submissions for policy recommendations to the Roadmap for Eradicating Poverty Beyond Growth. They each outline five ideas for policy improvement, overlapping on issues such as financial transparency along with the importance of social program investment.

BIEN’s submission stands on the idea that extreme poverty is manmade and must be eradicated. ITs overall recommendation highlights the benefit of a basic, unconditional universal income distributed individually. Under the umbrella of a basic income, BIEN’s five policy areas of improvement include access to social protection and services, and economic systems transformation.

Access to social protection and services would increase social security by creating economic stability. Meanwhile, transforming economic systems via basic income would allow individuals and households to participate in the market economy and investment, as the financial requirements to acquire basic needs would be met.

TJN and GCSPF

The TJN suggest that a fair, transparent tax policy has the potential to enable governments to reduce inequality by funding essential services. Furthermore, its 5 areas of interest contribute to achieving a human rights-based, effective taxation system. These include “Revenue to Fund Public Services” and “Redistribution to Reverse Inequalities.” The first outlines how a transparent tax system would avoid losing tax revenue to external financial centres, increasing tax revenue without needing to increase GDP.

The second advocates for income tax distribution in a way in which the wealthy cannot take advantage of tax benefits while lower-income households lack access to public services. Their submission also identifies a positive correlation between a state’s reliance on tax revenue and the strength of its democracy.

The GCSPF submission “Achieving Global Social Justice” advocates for change in the organization of poverty-related policies. Their five policy recommendations include “Eradicating Poverty With People Living in Poverty” and “Ratification of Existing and Adoption of New International Instruments.” The first addresses the need for a policy that takes into account the multidimensionality of poverty and works with individuals living in such conditions. It calls for deliberate participation and increased dialogue between relevant actors, including governments and academia.

The second identifies the need for heightened monitoring by U.N. agencies to ensure that member states are adhering to legally binding treaties and protocols. Overall, recommendations aim to provide financing and mobilization of universal social protections.

Eradicating Poverty: Beyond Submissions

The Roadmap for Eradicating Poverty Beyond Growth is now closed to submissions, with all being eventually published in a Beyond Growth Roadmap online repository. Before implementation, a collaborative effort between the Rapporteur, consultants and contributors will involve workshops and events to ensure policies are practical and founded in lived experience. The U.N. will present the initial version of the report at the Second World Summit for Social Development in early November 2025, with its final draft presented to the U.N. Human Rights Council in summer 2026.

– Emily Galán

Emily is based in Alberta, Canada and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Tanzania

5 Charities Operating in TanzaniaTanzania is acknowledged for its rich national parks like Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. However, beyond its scenic landscapes, many citizens face significant economic hardship. As populations increase, the poverty rates also increase. In 2011, about 12.3 million Tanzanians lived in vulnerable conditions. By 2018, that number rose to 14 million. Still, recent data reveal progress—Zanzibar, for instance, recorded a 4.7% drop in poverty from 30.4% in 2014–15 to 25.7% in 2019–20. Charitable organizations have played a vital role in building community resilience and expanding access to essential services.

5 Charities Operating in Tanzania

  1. Save the Children. A global humanitarian organization focused on protecting children’s rights and well-being. The charity has worked with the Tanzanian government for more than 100 years, first launching its programs in Zanzibar before expanding across the country. Its efforts prioritize nutrition services, educational access and child poverty reduction. In Tanzania, 27% of the population lacks adequate sanitation and housing, with 8% living in extreme poverty. Children represent a significant portion of this population, comprising 44.8% of those affected. Save the Children operates under three core goals: eliminating preventable child deaths, ensuring access to education and protecting children from violence. Since 2024, the program has enacted 122 policy reforms and responded to 112 emergencies.
  2. Plan International. Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that promotes health care, clean water access and child protection. Established in Tanzania in 1991, the organization now operates in eight regions and aims to eliminate child poverty by 2030 through policy reform and community empowerment. Plan International adheres to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, which affirms children’s right to security and care. Its long-term vision is to ensure all children, especially girls, have the opportunity to thrive.
  3. BAPS Charities. BAPS Charities provides essential services in health, education and nutrition. The BAPS clinic in Dar es Salaam is one of its most notable programs in Tanzania, offering free medical services to families. The clinic operates weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Services include lab work, treatment and food distribution. Children are given safe spaces and nourishment, such as water and snacks, contributing to a warm and welcoming environment.
  4. Zara Charity. Founded in 2009 by Zainab Ansell, Zara Charity is a nonprofit registered under the United Republic of Tanzania. It works to improve the lives of disadvantaged families through eco-tourism partnerships and educational support for women and orphans. Notable sponsors include Zita Tanzanian Wild Camps Ltd. and Tour Compass. Its key initiative is organizing volunteer cleanups on Mount Kilimanjaro to reduce environmental waste. Additionally, these activities provide residents, especially the underserved, with cleaner living conditions.
  5. Kupona Foundation. Kupona Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit that partners with the Comprehensive Community-Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT). The organization is dedicated to strengthening Tanzania’s health care systems. Kupona has raised $7 million to support medical treatment, training and infrastructure. Furthermore, with 87% of its funds directed to programming, the organization ensures financial accountability and sustainability. Kupona’s efforts help expand access to quality care while laying the foundation for long-term development.

Looking Ahead

Tanzania continues to make progress in reducing poverty, due to the efforts of local and international charitable organizations. These five charities exemplify how targeted interventions in health, education, environmental sustainability and child protection can transform communities. Indeed, as the nation pushes toward sustainable development, the work of these charities operating in Tanzania offers a roadmap for continued growth, resilience and hope.

– Janae Bayford

Janae is based in Centennial, CO, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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UNICEF’s HAC Appeal: Myanmar Stays Resilient

UNICEF's HACSince gaining independence in 1948, Myanmar has faced growing challenges involving its economy, internal conflict and public health. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) included Myanmar on its 2025 Emergency Watchlist, ranking it third among countries with the most significant risk of humanitarian disaster. International organizations such as UNICEF have supported the country for more than 70 years. Military juntas have governed Myanmar for most of its post-independence history. The first coup, led by General Ne Win in 1962, contributed to prolonged economic stagnation and persistent conflict between military leadership and opposition movements.

Escalating Conflict and Health Crisis Since 2021

Following the 2021 military coup by the Tatmadaw, escalating violence placed millions at risk. As of early 2025, more than 1.7 million people have been displaced. Limited access to vaccines and basic health care has contributed to Myanmar having the highest under-five mortality rate in Southeast Asia. Security conditions continue to deteriorate. Recent attacks include the arrest of opposition activists and airstrikes that have resulted in child casualties. Ground assaults have destroyed hospitals, further threatening access to health services.

Humanitarian Response by UNICEF and IRC

Organizations such as UNICEF and the IRC have worked to mitigate the crisis through long-term aid programs. UNICEF’s I.C.A.R.E. initiative combines cash assistance with rehabilitation services for children with disabilities. The agency also leads five inter-agency response priorities in Myanmar: WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), education, nutrition, child protection and mine action.

In December 2024, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific June Kunugi visited a daycare and physiotherapy center in Dala, Myanmar. Her visit included meetings with affected families and home visits to observe the program’s impact.

A beneficiary, six-year-old Wint Yamone Oo, receives support from the program, including cash transfers and mobility assistance. Wint attends therapy sessions and uses a walker provided through the initiative. The center continues to deliver services to children with disabilities and families facing displacement.

By the end of 2024, UNICEF’s HAC (Humanitarian Action for Children) appeal was launched, estimating that $208 million would be required to deliver critical services to 3.1 million vulnerable people across Myanmar.

Local Partnerships and Service Expansion

To ensure aid reaches marginalized populations, UNICEF partners with civil society organizations, nongovernmental organizations and other United Nations (U.N.) agencies. These partnerships help extend access to health and social protections and incorporate community feedback into service delivery.

UNICEF emphasizes the importance of collaboration with local-based actors to enhance program reach and responsiveness. This approach helps tailor support based on regional needs and reinforces long-term community engagement.

While UNICEF’s 2023 HAC appeal remained underfunded, ongoing efforts aim to secure greater donor support for 2024. UNICEF continues to advocate for sustainable funding to ensure continued assistance for children and families affected by conflict in Myanmar.

Looking Ahead

Ongoing support from international organizations remains vital as Myanmar continues to navigate its humanitarian crisis. Strengthening partnerships with local actors and expanding access to essential services could help protect vulnerable populations and lay the groundwork for long-term recovery.

– Rachael Wexler

Rachael is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The $6.5 Billion Pledge: Syria’s Recovery Package

Syria's Recovery PackageOn March 17, international donors convened in Brussels and pledged nearly €6 billion (approximately $6.5 billion) in aid to revitalize Syria’s reconstruction efforts following the political transition after President Bashar al-Assad’s departure in December 2024. This financial commitment supports the country’s new leadership as it begins stabilizing and rebuilding after the civil war. The conference also aimed to reaffirm the global community’s commitment to a peaceful and inclusive future for Syria.

Discussions focused not only on physical reconstruction but also on strengthening civil society, expanding access to education and addressing widespread displacement. The event marked a renewed commitment to multilateral collaboration, bringing together more than 60 countries and international organizations to discuss not only funding but also sustainable strategies for Syria’s recovery.

Pledges for Syria’s Recovery Package

The European Commission reported that €4.2 billion (about $4.6 billion) of the pledged amount would be provided as grants, while €1.6 billion (about $1.7 billion) would come as low-interest loans. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU is increasing its pledge to Syrians in the country and the region to almost €2.5 billion (about $2.7 billion) for 2025 and 2026.

Among major donor countries, Germany committed approximately €300 million (about $326 million), with more than half designated for aid within Syria and the remainder for displaced Syrians abroad. The United Kingdom (U.K.), despite reducing its foreign aid budget to 0.3% of GDP, pledged up to $208 million. The United States (U.S.), represented by Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Levant and Syria Natasha Franceschi, did not announce a new pledge, noting its status as the largest contributor to Syrian aid over the past 14 years and indicating that foreign aid commitments are under review.

Context and Challenges

The pledging conference comes at a pivotal time for Syria. The new leadership is tasked with unifying a country fragmented by war. Rebuilding efforts face obstacles, including a shattered economy and infrastructure, with United Nations (U.N.) estimates putting reconstruction costs between $250 billion and $400 billion. Security threats persist. Recent clashes, including an ambush on a Syrian security patrol and retaliatory attacks from supporters of the new government, have resulted in civilian casualties. These ongoing incidents have led some donors to delay investment until more stable conditions are confirmed.

International Community’s Role in Syria

The international community’s pledges demonstrate support for Syria’s transition toward peace and development. President Von der Leyen emphasized the urgency of assistance, stating, “At this critical time, the people of Syria need us more than ever.” However, this year’s total commitment falls short of the €7.5 billion (about $8.1 billion) pledged last year, reflecting financial constraints and competing global priorities.

Syria’s Path Forward

Syria’s recovery potentially depends on efforts to restore essential services, rebuild infrastructure and foster reconciliation among diverse communities. Syria’s recovery package represents an important step in addressing urgent humanitarian needs and laying the groundwork for long-term recovery. Coordination between the Syrian government, international donors and humanitarian organizations could be essential to ensure the transparent, inclusive and effective use of aid.

– Leighton Webber

Leighton is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Push for Food Self-Sufficiency in Saudi Arabia

Food Self-Sufficiency in Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia imports nearly 80% of its food, relying heavily on international suppliers like the United States (U.S.), which exported $1.58 billion worth of agricultural products to the Kingdom in 2022. Harsh desert conditions and limited freshwater resources have made large-scale farming difficult, leading to an overwhelming dependence on imports. As part of a long-term development strategy, food self-sufficiency in Saudi Arabia is now a priority of the government, as well as aiming to strengthen food security and reduce vulnerability to global market shocks.

Food Waste and Loss

Despite maintaining food security, Saudi Arabia continues to struggle with food dependency and waste. According to United Nations (U.N.) data, the country accounts for 50% of global food waste, even though it has a population of about 33 million. A recent survey found that 78% of purchased food is discarded within a week to make room for newly bought groceries.

Cultural norms that encourage abundance often lead people to neglect or discard food, worsening the food waste crisis. To address the issue, the Saudi government launched programs such as Vision 2030, which includes a target to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030. In addition, the Saudi government launched the National Program for Food Loss and Waste Reduction to support this goal. Other proposed solutions include raising food prices, as low prices and bulk deals often encourage consumers to purchase more than they need.

Investing in Sustainable Agriculture

To reduce dependence on imports, the Saudi government continues to invest in initiatives like the Agricultural Development Fund (ADF), which strengthens agricultural sectors such as soybeans and maize. The country has made significant progress in the 21st century. By 2023, Saudi Arabia had reached self-sufficiency in dairy products and eggs and began exporting the surplus. The country also boosted the production of potatoes, poultry, tomatoes, red meat, carrots, fish and onions. To support continued agricultural growth, the government promotes innovations such as vertical farming, greenhouses and hydroponics. These technologies help maximize yield while conserving resources.

International Investments

Beyond domestic initiatives, Saudi Arabia is investing internationally to secure food supplies. The Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (SALIC) has acquired an 80% stake in Singapore-based Olam Agri for $1.8 billion. This acquisition provides Saudi Arabia with access to global supply chains and strengthens its position in the international agricultural market.

Moving Forward

Saudi Arabia’s population will likely reach 40 million by 2050. To keep pace, the government focuses on improving food consumption efficiency and reducing dependence on imports. Although the country currently contributes a significant portion of global food waste, new regulations and public awareness campaigns could help lower that share over the next five years.

Efforts to expand local food production, improve waste management and promote agricultural innovation remain integral to food self-sufficiency in Saudi Arabia, and its development plans. Continued investment in sustainable practices could help the country strengthen food security and support its growing population in the years ahead.​

– Naseem Rahman

Naseem is based in Staten Island, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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HIV/AIDS in Paraguay: UNAIDS at the Forefront of the Response

HIV/AIDS in ParaguayHIV/AIDS left 7,000 children as orphans in Paraguay in 2023 alone. Natanael, an HIV-positive boy living in Paraguay, became an orphan after his mother died of HIV.

What Is HIV?

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an illness that affects a person’s white blood cells, specifically ones called CD4 cells, that are responsible for immune function. HIV is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids. 

Methods of preventing the virus includes using a condom, avoiding used or unclean needles, getting tested regularly, and in some cases, preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Treatment for HIV/AIDS involves antiretroviral therapy (ART). 

HIV/AIDS in Paraguay

Despite there being both preventative measures and treatments, HIV/AIDS is an epidemic that continues to burden many parts of the globe. In Paraguay, at least 22,000 people are currently living with HIV/AIDS. Of that number, about half are receiving ART for HIV/AIDS, meaning at least 10,000 are going without life-saving treatment.

HIV/AIDS is concentrated both geographically and among populations in Paraguay. Greater than 75% of those infected with HIV live in the country’s capital, Asunción, with the total number of nationwide cases rising each year. HIV/AIDS is also more prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM) and sex workers.

Natanael, a young boy living with HIV in Paraguay, became an orphan when his mother died of the virus. Natanael’s mother contracted the illness at her work at a children’s home for kids with HIV, where she and her son also lived.

After her passing, Natanael became an orphan and had to continue living in the home without his mother, because his own family rejected him and his mother after discovering that they were diagnosed with HIV.

UNAIDS Response

To bring aid to people like Natanael, The United Nations has a Joint Programme called UNAIDS. UNAIDS is a global health effort that aims to address HIV/AIDS as a public health crisis. 

As a result, HIV/AIDS in Paraguay and other countries may begin to see a decline as the Joint Team successfully implements different health services throughout the country.

With a program expenditure of $425,483 USD in 2022-2023, UNAIDS was able to: 

  • Provide nearly 550,000 students in Paraguay with comprehensive sex education. 
  • Provide more than 15,000 people in uniform with information regarding HIV/AIDS.
  • Provide more than 5,000 people in Paraguay’s armed forces with rapid HIV and syphilis testing services.
  • Distribute nearly 11,000 condoms throughout the country to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS, and other STIs.

The Future

Looking to the future, UNAIDS hopes not only to continue to meet their 90-90-90 goal – 90% of those with HIV are diagnosed, 90% of those diagnosed are treated with ART and 90% of those on ART become virally suppressed — but have targets of 95-95-95.

UNAIDS in Paraguay has worked not only to achieve its 95-95-95 goal but to prevent HIV/AIDS altogether through comprehensive sex education for students and the distribution of condoms throughout the country.

Without education or awareness of HIV, the couple who fell in love with Natanael may have never felt prepared to adopt him. At 12 years old, Natanael finally met his new parents. He was able to go to a loving home and maintain his HIV treatment. 

Other initiatives, such as SOS Children’s Villages, work to provide stable and nurturing homes to children around the globe living in poverty and other extreme situations. Anyone can donate or sponsor a child living in Paraguay, and help them gain access to medical care, food, clothes and love. 

Looking Ahead

HIV/AIDS is a global epidemic. The efforts of UNAIDS in Paraguay since 2022 have expanded public awareness of HIV and its transmission, provided HIV self-testing programs in key areas, and provided health services and information to those in uniform. Efforts such as these are at the forefront of the HIV/AIDS response and should help to decrease the number of cases in the future. 

– Hannah Pacheco

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

Photo: Flickr

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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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The Fight Against Child Poverty: UNICEF’s World Children’s Day

The Fight Against Child Poverty: UNICEF’s World Children’s DayWith an estimated 333 million children living in extreme poverty, World Children’s Day raises awareness and funds for children facing poverty and crises worldwide. Observed annually on Nov. 20, the World Children’s Day marks UNICEF’s global day of action and commemorates the anniversaries of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly’s adoption of the declaration.

As a U.N. charity, UNICEF operates in more than 190 countries, defending children’s rights and ensuring access to education, health care, nutrition, shelter and protection from conflict. The organization amplifies the voices of children living in poverty and advocates for global action to combat child poverty.

UNICEF and Celebrity Support

To mark World Children’s Day 2024, UNICEF’s Celebrity Ambassadors led a fundraising campaign to support the organization’s work. President Olivia Colman and Ambassadors Robbie Williams, Andy Murray, Ramla Ali and Claudia Schiffer collaborated to design T-shirts sold to raise donations. All profits went directly to helping children in crisis, with a focus on Sudan, Gaza and Ukraine.

Reflecting on the campaign, Claudia Schiffer said, “I hope [the T-shirts] will raise vital funds for UNICEF’s work for children, protecting their rights, so they can experience things all children need […] some in the most difficult circumstances.” To further support the fight against child poverty, UNICEF hosted the “Once Upon Our Time” celebrity gala at Frameless in London to mark World Children’s Day. The evening featured celebrations, stories from children impacted by UNICEF’s work and a celebrity auction.

Samar’s story, an 11-year-old among 5 million children displaced by conflict in Sudan, was a key focus of the event. UNICEF highlighted its efforts to provide safe spaces and improve access to mental health support for children in the region. The live auction included exclusive experiences, such as a golfing session with James Nesbitt and a meet-and-greet with UNICEF President Olivia Colman. The gala raised £670,000 to support the organization’s World Children’s Day 2024 fundraising initiatives.

World Children’s Day Helps Children in Gaza

UNICEF used World Children’s Day to spotlight the urgent need for humanitarian aid to support children in Gaza. At least 14,000 children have been killed and nine in 10 residents are displaced. Children face extreme poverty, with little access to food, water, shelter and health care.

World Children’s Day raised awareness and funds to provide critical aid in Gaza. With 96% of the population experiencing extreme food insecurity, UNICEF has delivered nutrition services to families and screened more than 125,000 children for malnutrition. Additionally, the organization has also ensured safe water for more than 800,000 children and continues to distribute medical supplies, polio vaccinations, hygiene kits and basic sanitation support.

Other Charities Supporting World Children’s Day

Save the Children plays a vital role in fighting child poverty worldwide, working to ensure children have access to food, education, health care and social protection. The charity focuses heavily on supporting children during crises when they are most vulnerable. For World Children’s Day 2024, Save the Children joined calls for educational reform, the reopening of schools and improved access to health care.

World Vision actively supports World Children’s Day and the fight against child poverty. As a Christian charity, it focuses on aiding vulnerable children and providing immediate relief during crises. World Vision has worked with communities for up to 15 years, ensuring children are safe and healthy before concluding its efforts. On World Children’s Day, the charity highlights progress in improving children’s lives and advocates for investments in their futures. World Vision has helped more than 200 million children globally, with its feeding program achieving an 89% cure rate and its tuberculosis program reaching an 88% success rate.

Looking Forward

The annual World Children’s Day helps charities like UNICEF, Save the Children and World Vision help children most vulnerable in the fight against global poverty. Other charities assisting the cause include Feed the Children, Plan International and Mission Together. The day serves as recognition for their work and an opportunity to increase fundraising for future aid and assistance. 

– Ellie Western

Ellie is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Global Fight for Healthy Diets

Healthy DietsCurrently, 3 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet and the effects of COVID-19 on trade means more nutritious diets are becoming a luxury and a marker of global economic inequality. The global fight for healthy diets ties in with the battle to eradicate poverty and is now at the forefront of campaigns by international institutions and charities.

Recent Causes: COVID-19 and Inflation

International institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and U.N. agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) continuously recommend how countries can promote healthier diets. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on trade and inflation meant the most impoverished could not afford a healthy diet. In 2021, the average cost of a healthy diet was 4.3% higher than in 2020 and 6.7% higher than in 2019. This meant that 42% of the world’s population could not afford a healthy diet in 2021, an increase of 134 million people compared to 2019.

Although most countries experienced a rebound in gross domestic product (GDP) after the pandemic, the unequal pattern of economic recovery means lower-middle-income countries continue to face a rise in the cost of a healthy diet. The Food Standards Agency in the U.K. found that COVID-19 triggered many British citizens to prepare healthy main meals. However, the pandemic did not change attitudes toward healthy eating in 12 other countries, where 90% of the population cannot afford a nutritious diet consistently.

In Africa, 78% of people cannot afford a healthy diet, compared to just 1% in North America and Europe. The impact of COVID-19 on developing countries has reinforced the need for international institutions to intensify efforts in promoting healthy diets through campaigns and collaborative initiatives.

U.N. and WHO 

The U.N. and WHO have collaborated extensively in the global fight for healthy diets. In 2021, they established the Coalition of Action for Healthy Diets from Sustainable Food Systems for All (HDSFS) to promote sustainable food systems that support healthy diets.

Additionally, the School Meals Coalition was launched to ensure that every child in need has access to at least one nutritious school meal by 2030. Both coalitions focus on improving the food supply chain, enhancing the affordability and appeal of nutritious foods and educating families about the benefits of a healthy diet.

GAIN

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is a Swiss-based foundation focusing on reducing global malnutrition through sustainable and affordable solutions. In 2018, the foundation partnered with local authorities in Indonesia to enhance the domestic fish supply. The following year, it collaborated with Kaduna State in Nigeria on the “Eggs Make Kids” campaign. The organization has made remarkable strides in combating global hunger, impacting more than one billion people worldwide by promoting and providing access to healthy diets.

Bloomberg Philanthropies

Bloomberg Philanthropies launched a Food Policy Program with a $435 million commitment to help public health advocates promote healthy diets in low- and middle-income countries. Recently, this commitment facilitated the creation of the Vital Strategies Healthy Food Policy Fellowship, which financially supports Ph.D. candidates from countries like Brazil pursuing a field of study related to building healthier diets through their national public policy.

Looking Forward

The rising cost of healthy diets disproportionately impacts the poorest populations, increasing their risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This challenge is particularly burdensome for low- and middle-income countries, as unhealthy diets contribute to 70% of global hidden costs associated with NCDs. Promoting healthy diets is a major focus for international institutions and charities, given its critical connection to global development and poverty eradication efforts.

“Healthy diets and sustainably produced, safe food for all is not an out of reach aspiration, but an unavoidable component of global development, a human right and an achievable goal which can be realized through clear, well established and aligned actions,” said Dr. Francesco Branca, WHO Director of Nutrition and Food Safety.

– Sofia Brooke

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

Photo: Flickr

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Crisis and Humanitarian Needs in the DRC

Crisis and Humanitarian Needs in the DRCThe Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with a prolonged crisis where humanitarian aid alone is insufficient for lasting peace. Decades of armed conflict have destabilized the nation, displacing millions and thwarting sustained development efforts. With nearly 7 million people internally displaced, the complexity of delivering aid intensifies.

Corruption and Humanitarian Needs in the DRC

Corrupt governmental structures lead to a misappropriation of funds that hinder its effectiveness. This erodes public trust and complicates the implementation of future aid programs. Doner countries often hesitate to channel funds through government systems due to concerns over corruption, opting instead for parallel structures that can diminish local capacity and autonomy. DRC’s economy is reliant on foreign aid rather than fostering self-sustaining growth through industrialization or agricultural development.

Aid is directed toward immediate humanitarian needs, for example, food and water. The DRC faces environmental issues that have been exacerbated by climate change, which can further complicate development efforts. The degradation of natural resources due to conflict and poor governance limits opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. The country’s biodiversity is under threat from exploitation by armed groups and the impacts of climate change, thereby increasing socioeconomic divides.

Strategic Interventions for Stability and Peace

At a United Nations (U.N.) Security Council meeting, Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Head of the U.N. Stabilisation Mission there (MONUSCO) reported a dire security situation despite ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Keita highlighted violent retaliation by armed groups in South Kivu’s Fizi and Uvira territories, leading to increased population displacement, particularly in North Kivu and Ituri, due to actions by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

Trine Heimerback, representing Norway, pointed out that illegal exploitation of natural resources funds armed conflicts, reduces national revenue and causes civilian harm. She raised concerns about child labor in mining and the exploitation of women, underscoring the necessity for regional cooperation to tackle these ongoing issues. Heimerback advocated for implementing the 2021 Great Lakes Region Workshop on Natural Resources recommendations. She also emphasized that MONUSCO’s effectiveness hinges on a transition strategy prioritizing civilian protection and argued that achieving stability in the DRC goes beyond military efforts. Heimerback called for including civil society, local leaders, women and youth in stabilization and dialogue efforts, tailoring these processes to actual conditions rather than rigid schedules.

Need for Regional Cooperation in DRC

At a U.N. meeting, delegates highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in stabilizing the DRC. Brazil’s representative, João Genésio De Almeida Filho, praised the collaborative military efforts between the FARDC and the UPDF, noting enhanced cross-border partnerships with Rwanda. Brazil proudly contributed to the MONUSCO by appointing its distinguished officers as Force Commanders, which, De Almeida Filho suggested, could help create more favorable conditions for regional stability.

Representing Ghana and Kenya, Gabon’s delegate expressed concerns over the DRC being a “victim of its abundant mineral resources,” pinpointing the exploitation of these resources by armed groups as a significant factor in ongoing instability. Furthermore, he supported the DRC Government’s National Strategic Plan for the Exploitation and Certification of Mineral Resources and called for the implementation of sanctions against those involved in the illegal trafficking of these resources, underscoring the need for effective measures to combat the financing of conflicts through resource exploitation.

Local Capacities for Sustainable Development

Local community empowerment is essential for fostering self-sufficiency and sustainable peace in the DRC. By strengthening local governance and institutions, communities gain control over decision-making processes, thereby enhancing accountability. Additionally, promoting economic self-sufficiency through microfinance programs and vocational training helps individuals develop sustainable livelihoods and reduces their vulnerability to recruitment by armed groups.

Sustainable Land Management and Community Ownership

The Congolese government has launched the Sustainable Land Use Programme to promote food self-sufficiency through strategic land management. This program involves local communities in decision-making about land usage, addressing deforestation and environmental degradation and enhancing food security. Community Forest Concessions (CFCs) grant local communities collective control over their ancestral lands, allowing them to manage forests sustainably and benefit from their resources while preserving the environment.

In South Kivu, 23 communities have received CFCLs, enabling them to negotiate directly with external entities seeking to exploit forest resources. This initiative fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members. Additionally, the OPEC Fund for International Development has provided significant funding to improve rural infrastructure and access to clean water, essential for food security and community health. The International Rescue Committee supports recovery efforts by providing vital services that facilitate community rebuilding after conflicts, emphasizing local engagement in these processes.

Looking Ahead

Achieving sustained peace in the DRC may require a nuanced approach beyond traditional humanitarian aid. Indeed, empowering local communities through sustainable development initiatives may help to foster self-sufficiency and resilience. By enhancing local governance and promoting economic independence, communities could actively shape their futures, reducing vulnerability to conflict. Furthermore, enhanced collaboration between the Congolese government and international organizations can potentially dismantle exploitative practices and address the root causes of instability.

– Hannah Ravariere-Moakes

Hannah is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr