Home » Inter Press Service » Page 11
Tag:

Inter Press Service

world

Women & Disaster Risk: Leadership for Resilience

by James Carter Senior News Editor
written by James Carter Senior News Editor

The Resilience Gap: Why Ignoring Women in Disaster Planning is a Risk We Can’t Afford

The next major climate shock won’t just test infrastructure; it will expose the deep inequalities that determine who survives and who rebuilds. While disasters impact everyone, a stark reality remains: women and girls are disproportionately vulnerable, facing longer recovery times and systemic barriers to accessing vital resources. This isn’t simply a matter of fairness – it’s a critical flaw in our disaster preparedness, one that undermines the resilience of entire communities.

The Unequal Burden of Crisis

Social norms, economic disparities, and outright discrimination amplify the risks women face during and after disasters. These factors aren’t isolated; they create a cascading effect. Disasters often disrupt essential services like healthcare and education, increasing women’s unpaid care work – already representing over three-quarters of the world’s total – and limiting their economic opportunities. The UNDP highlights this crucial point, noting that recognizing and prioritizing care is fundamental to effective disaster management.

Care Infrastructure: The Invisible Lifeline

The disruption of care services isn’t a secondary consequence of disaster; it’s a core component of the crisis itself. Initiatives like the ‘Mommy in the Shelter’ program in Ukraine, transforming basements into child-friendly refuges, demonstrate the power of integrating care into emergency response. Similarly, geo-referenced care mapping tools, used in Honduras, Cuba, Belize, and Guatemala, are identifying ‘care deserts’ and informing targeted interventions. Without addressing these needs, recovery is significantly hampered, not just for women, but for entire families and communities.

Women’s Leadership: A Catalyst for Resilience

Beyond bearing a disproportionate burden, women possess unique knowledge and perspectives vital for effective disaster risk reduction (DDR). Their local expertise, often overlooked, is crucial for understanding vulnerabilities and developing tailored solutions. The UNDP’s work demonstrates that actively opening doors for women to shape decisions – from local committees to national platforms – unlocks innovation and strengthens community resilience.

Examples abound. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Feminist Coalition for Climate Justice, supported by the UNDP, has improved working conditions for over 75,000 women and trained 1,500 women officials in energy and climate management. In Chad, women’s cooperatives are combining climate-smart agriculture, solar irrigation, and early warning systems to reduce flood risks and support recovery. These aren’t isolated successes; they are proof of concept for a more inclusive and effective approach to DDR.

The Power of Data: Seeing the Full Picture

Effective disaster planning demands accurate, disaggregated data. Without information broken down by sex, age, and disability, policies risk missing the specific needs of vulnerable groups. Last year, the UNDP increased sex-disaggregated data analysis in 20 countries, leading to more targeted early warning systems (Cuba, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Samoa, Yemen) and improved recovery measures (Ethiopia, Armenia). This data-driven approach isn’t just about identifying needs; it’s about empowering women to participate meaningfully in the solutions.

Building Institutional Capacity for Gender-Responsive Resilience

Resilient communities require resilient institutions. Organizations, from national authorities to local risk committees, must embed gender considerations into their policies, planning, and programming. Guatemala’s national disaster risk management authority, earning the UNDP’s Gender Equality Seal for Public Institutions, sets a powerful example. This signifies a commitment to weaving gender mandates, data, and participation – including for Indigenous women – into the fabric of local risk management.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Inclusive Resilience

Despite progress, significant gaps remain. Gender equality is too often sidelined in disaster, climate, humanitarian, and development efforts. The future of disaster resilience hinges on a fundamental shift: making women’s leadership, care, and inclusion central to every plan and policy. This requires sustained investment in women’s resilience, including risk financing, social protection, and support for women-led enterprises. It demands a commitment to strengthening institutional capacities to apply a gender lens to risk management.

What are your predictions for the role of gender equality in building climate resilience over the next decade? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
world

UNICEF Urges Global Action to Aid Displaced Children Facing Starvation in Haiti

by Omar El Sayed - World Editor
written by Omar El Sayed - World Editor

Haiti‘s Crisis Deepens: Displacement Surges as Children Bear the Brunt of Gang Violence

Table of Contents


A child waits at a UNICEF-supported clinic in Haiti.
A child receives care at a UNICEF-supported mobile clinic in Boucan Carré, Haiti. (Credit: UNICEF/Herold Joseph)

The humanitarian situation in Haiti has reached a critical juncture,with Displacement now impacting over 1.3 million people, according to newly released data from the United Nations Children’s Fund. This represents a dramatic increase, especially concerning the vulnerability of the nation’s children.

Escalating Displacement and Violence

More than 680,000 children have been forced to flee their homes due to intensifying violence perpetrated by armed gangs, marking a doubling in the number of displaced children compared to the previous year. approximately ninety percent of the capital city is currently under the control of thes armed groups, creating a pervasive atmosphere of fear and insecurity. The number of displacement sites across the contry has soared to 246, indicating the unprecedented scale of the crisis.

A Crisis for Children’s Rights and Wellbeing

Catherine Russell, the Executive Director of UNICEF, emphasized the devastating impact on children, stating that each displacement robs them of their homes, their education, and their very childhood. The situation is further compounded by the condition of displacement shelters, with roughly one-third lacking essential infrastructure for protection. Women and children are disproportionately affected, facing increased risks of violence, exploitation, and abuse.

Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, highlighted the growing dangers of trafficking, exploitation, and forced recruitment of children by criminal organizations, warning of perhaps long-lasting societal consequences.

Education and Food Security Under Threat

The widespread use of schools as shelters has led to severe disruptions in education, affecting approximately half a million students. Over 1,600 schools have been forced to close or have been occupied by armed groups during the 2024-2025 academic year. Acute shortages of textbooks, learning materials, and qualified teachers further exacerbate the educational crisis.

Food insecurity is also worsening, with an estimated 288,544 children under the age of five projected to suffer from acute malnutrition this year.Soaring food prices are pushing basic necessities beyond the reach of many families, forcing them to reduce their food intake or rely on inadequate diets. According to the World Food Programme, over half of all Haitians currently lack sufficient food.

Challenges to Humanitarian Aid Delivery

Insecurity along critical transportation routes and border crossings is severely hindering the delivery of vital humanitarian assistance. Aid workers are facing increased risks of violence while carrying out their duties.Recent cuts to international aid and funding shortages for organizations like the World food Programme are exacerbating the crisis. The WFP estimates a need of at least $139 million to sustain aid operations for the most vulnerable populations over the next twelve months but has been forced to curtail essential programs due to funding gaps.

UNICEF’s Response and Urgent Appeal

Despite the challenges, UNICEF and its partners continue to provide essential services, having treated over 86,000 children suffering from malnutrition and provided healthcare to more than 117,000 people. The agency has also provided access to clean water for 140,000 individuals. However, UNICEF urgently calls for increased international support to expand lifesaving assistance and protection for displaced children, including safe shelter, family tracing and reunification services, psychosocial care, and access to health, nutrition, education, and sanitation.

“The children of Haiti cannot wait,” Russell stated,emphasizing the urgent need for sustained action to ensure their safety,health,and wellbeing.

Understanding Displacement in Haiti: A Historical Context

Haiti has long been vulnerable to natural disasters, political instability, and economic hardship. The current surge in gang violence is rooted in complex factors including the weakening of state institutions, widespread poverty, and the proliferation of firearms.Displacement is not a new phenomenon in Haiti; though, the scale and severity of the current crisis are unprecedented.

Year Estimated Displaced Persons Key Contributing Factors
2010 (Earthquake) 1.5 million+ Earthquake, infrastructure damage
2023 680,000+ (children) Gang violence, political instability
2025 (Current) 1.3 million+ Escalated gang violence, food insecurity

Did You Know? Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, and one of the most vulnerable to climate change.

Pro Tip: Supporting organizations working on the ground in Haiti is crucial to providing immediate relief and long-term solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Haiti Crisis:

  • What is causing the displacement in Haiti? the primary driver of displacement is escalating violence perpetrated by armed gangs who control large portions of the country.
  • What is UNICEF doing to help? UNICEF is providing crucial aid including malnutrition treatment, healthcare, access to clean water, and protection services for displaced children.
  • How can I help the people of Haiti? You can donate to reputable organizations working on the ground, advocate for increased international aid, and raise awareness about the situation.
  • what is the long-term impact of this crisis on Haiti? The disruption to education and the trauma experienced by children will have long-lasting societal consequences.
  • Is the humanitarian aid reaching those who need it? Security concerns and limited access are hindering the delivery of aid to some of the most vulnerable populations.
  • What’s the situation with food security in Haiti now? Over half of Haitians are currently facing food insecurity, and the situation is worsening due to rising prices and limited access to resources.
  • How are schools impacted by the crisis in Haiti? Over 1,600 schools have been closed or occupied by armed groups, severely disrupting education for hundreds of thousands of children.

What are your thoughts on the international community’s response to the escalating crisis in Haiti? And what further steps can be taken to protect the country’s most vulnerable population?

Share your perspectives and join the discussion in the comments below.


What specific political factors are contributing to the instability in Haiti, hindering humanitarian aid delivery?

UNICEF Urges Global Action to Aid Displaced Children Facing Starvation in Haiti

The Escalating Crisis: Haiti’s Humanitarian Emergency

The situation in Haiti is rapidly deteriorating, with a confluence of factors – political instability, gang violence, economic collapse, and natural disasters – pushing the nation to the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe. UNICEF is urgently calling for increased global action to prevent widespread starvation among displaced children. The current crisis has left an estimated 1.6 million people, including over 540,000 children, in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. This includes access to food, water, healthcare, and protection.

Displacement and Food Insecurity: A Deadly Combination

Recent escalations in gang violence, particularly in the capital Port-au-Prince, have triggered mass displacement. Hundreds of thousands have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.These internally displaced persons (IDPs) are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition and disease.

* Rising Malnutrition Rates: UNICEF reports a dramatic increase in acute malnutrition rates among children under five. Severe acute malnutrition has risen by 30% since the beginning of 2023, with projections indicating further increases if aid doesn’t arrive swiftly.

* Food Supply Disruptions: Gang control over key infrastructure, including roads and ports, is severely disrupting food supply chains. This has led to soaring food prices, making essential items unaffordable for many Haitian families.

* Limited Access to Healthcare: The healthcare system in Haiti is on the verge of collapse. Hospitals are overwhelmed, medical supplies are scarce, and healthcare workers are struggling to cope with the influx of patients. This lack of access to healthcare exacerbates the impact of malnutrition and increases the risk of preventable diseases.

UNICEF’s Response and Urgent Needs

UNICEF is working on the ground to provide life-saving assistance to children and families affected by the crisis. However, the scale of the needs far exceeds current resources.

Key Areas of Intervention

* Nutrition Programs: UNICEF is scaling up its nutrition programs, providing therapeutic food and supplements to treat and prevent malnutrition in children. This includes ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) for severely malnourished children and micronutrient supplements for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

* Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Access to clean water and sanitation is critical to prevent the spread of disease. UNICEF is providing water purification tablets, hygiene kits, and supporting the rehabilitation of water systems.

* Child Protection: Displaced children are at increased risk of violence, exploitation, and abuse. UNICEF is working to strengthen child protection mechanisms, providing psychosocial support, and reuniting separated families.

* Education: Despite the crisis, UNICEF is committed to ensuring that children have access to education. This includes providing learning materials, supporting teachers, and creating safe learning spaces.

Funding Gap and Call for Support

UNICEF is appealing for $210 million to support its humanitarian response in Haiti. As of October 2025, a important funding gap remains, hindering the association’s ability to reach all those in need. Donations are urgently needed to provide life-saving assistance to vulnerable children and families.

the Impact of gang Violence on Children

The pervasive gang violence in Haiti is having a devastating impact on children’s lives. Beyond displacement and food insecurity,children are directly exposed to violence,witnessing horrific acts,and being recruited into armed groups.

* Recruitment of Child Soldiers: There are credible reports of gangs recruiting children, often from vulnerable backgrounds, to participate in armed conflict. This is a grave violation of children’s rights.

* sexual Violence: Girls and women are at increased risk of sexual violence in displacement settings. UNICEF is working to provide support to survivors and prevent further abuse.

* Psychological Trauma: The constant exposure to violence is causing severe psychological trauma in children. Many are suffering from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Access to mental health services is severely limited.

Long-Term Solutions: Addressing the Root Causes

While immediate humanitarian assistance is crucial, addressing the root causes of the crisis is essential for long-term stability and recovery.

Key Considerations for Enduring Solutions

* Strengthening Governance: Addressing political instability and strengthening governance structures are critical to creating a more secure and stable habitat.

* Economic Progress: Investing in economic development and creating opportunities for employment can help reduce poverty and vulnerability.

* Security Sector Reform: Reforming the security sector and strengthening the rule of law are essential to combat gang violence and protect civilians.

* Climate resilience: Haiti is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. Investing in climate resilience measures can help mitigate the impact of future shocks.

How to Help: Supporting UNICEF’s Efforts in Haiti

Individuals and organizations can contribute to UNICEF’s efforts to aid displaced children in Haiti through various avenues:

* Donate: Financial contributions are the most effective

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
world

Abusive Regimes & UN Rights Council: A Troubling Win?

by James Carter Senior News Editor
written by James Carter Senior News Editor

The Erosion of Legitimacy: How UN Human Rights Council Elections Threaten Global Accountability

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), intended as a beacon of global justice, is facing a critical test. In just days, on October 14, 2025, the UN General Assembly is poised to elect members – including nations with demonstrably poor human rights records – to the very body tasked with upholding those rights. This isn’t a hypothetical crisis; it’s a recurring pattern that fundamentally undermines the Council’s credibility and effectiveness, potentially jeopardizing the future of international human rights advocacy.

The Problem with “Noncompetitive” Elections

The current election process, as highlighted by Human Rights Watch, is deeply flawed. A simple majority in a secret ballot is all it takes for a nation to secure a seat, regardless of its internal human rights situation. This effectively guarantees membership for countries like Egypt and Vietnam, who are actively engaged in systematic abuses. As UN Director Louis Charbonneau aptly stated, these elections risk turning the Council into a “mockery” of its intended purpose. The lack of genuine competition allows states to secure seats through political maneuvering rather than demonstrating a commitment to human rights.

A Roll Call of Concerns: Examining the Candidates

Beyond Egypt and Vietnam, the slate of candidates raises serious questions. While some, like Chile and the UK, have demonstrated a degree of commitment to human rights, others present significant concerns. India’s restrictions on UN experts and escalating discrimination against religious minorities, Pakistan’s use of draconian laws, and Iraq’s recent criminalization of same-sex relations all cast a shadow over their suitability for membership. Even nations with seemingly positive pledges, like Angola, require rigorous scrutiny of their actions versus their promises. The situation with Mauritius and the UK, while addressing sovereignty, fails to resolve the ongoing injustices faced by the Chagossian people, highlighting a selective approach to international justice.

The Financial Crisis and its Impact on Scrutiny

The UNHRC’s ability to effectively investigate abuses is also hampered by a chronic financial crisis. The legacy of withheld funding from the Trump administration, coupled with delayed payments from other member states, threatens the viability of crucial fact-finding missions. Without adequate resources, investigations into atrocities in places like Syria, Myanmar, and Ukraine become increasingly difficult, diminishing the Council’s capacity to deter future abuses. This financial instability directly impacts the Council’s ability to fulfill its mandate and uphold humanitarian law.

Beyond Elections: Systemic Reforms Needed

Addressing this crisis requires more than just scrutinizing individual candidates. A fundamental overhaul of the election process is essential. Considerations should include:

  • Stricter Eligibility Criteria: Implementing clear, enforceable standards for membership based on a nation’s human rights record.
  • Qualified Majority Voting: Requiring a supermajority to secure a seat, making it harder for states with questionable records to gain entry.
  • Independent Vetting: Establishing an independent body to assess candidates’ human rights performance and provide recommendations to the General Assembly.

Furthermore, member states must prioritize consistent funding of the UNHRC. Prompt payment of assessed dues and increased voluntary contributions are vital to ensure the Council can conduct thorough and impartial investigations. The current system incentivizes political expediency over genuine commitment to rights advocacy.

The Ripple Effect: Eroding Trust in Multilateralism

The continued election of abusive governments to the UNHRC has far-reaching consequences. It erodes trust in the multilateral system, undermines the credibility of international human rights norms, and emboldens perpetrators of abuses. When the body responsible for protecting human rights is populated by those who violate them, the message sent is clear: accountability is optional. This creates a dangerous environment where impunity flourishes and the voices of victims are silenced. The long-term implications for global stability and the rule of law are profound.

The UN Human Rights Council remains a vital forum for addressing human rights challenges worldwide. However, its effectiveness hinges on the integrity of its membership. Without meaningful reform, the Council risks becoming a hollow shell, incapable of fulfilling its crucial mandate. The upcoming elections represent a critical juncture – a moment to reaffirm the principles of accountability and ensure that the UNHRC truly lives up to its name. What steps will nations take to ensure the Council’s legitimacy isn’t further compromised? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
world

Exploring Nuclear Heritage and Trauma: A Kazakh Filmmaker’s Quest in the Documentary “Jara

by Omar El Sayed - World Editor
written by Omar El Sayed - World Editor

“`html


Kazakh Filmmaker’s Documentary Amplifies Voices of Women Affected by Nuclear Testing

Tokyo, Japan – A powerful new documentary is challenging conventional narratives surrounding nuclear testing, bringing to light the profound and frequently enough-silenced experiences of women in Kazakhstan. Filmmaker Aigerim Seitenova presented her work,“Jara – Radioactive Patriarchy: Women of Qazaqstan,” at the Toda Peace Memorial Hall in Tokyo on October 10,2025,igniting a critical dialog about nuclear justice,gender,and lasting legacies of trauma.

Unveiling the Unseen Scars of Nuclear Testing

Table of Contents

The screening,a collaborative effort between the Kazakh Nuclear Frontline Coalition (ASQAQQNFC),the Soka Gakkai peace Committee,peace Boat,and the Japan NGO Network for Nuclear Weapons Abolition (JANA),took place at a location symbolically significant to Japan’s peace movement. The Toda Peace Memorial Hall is named after josei Toda, whose 1957 declaration calling for nuclear abolition continues to inspire global disarmament efforts.

Seitenova emphasized that her film aims to amplify the voices of women who have historically been marginalized in discussions about nuclear fallout. “This film was made to make visible the voices of women who have lived in silence,” she stated. “They are not victims-they are storytellers and changemakers.”

“Jara”: A Story of Resilience from Semey

Jara, meaning “wound” in Kazakh, focuses on the experiences of women from Semey, formerly Semipalatinsk, the site of 456 Soviet nuclear tests conducted between 1949 and 1989.The documentary diverges from previous portrayals that primarily highlighted the physical devastation, choosing rather to explore the frequently enough-invisible intergenerational impacts: psychological trauma, societal stigma, and the fear of transmitting genetic harm to future generations.

“Most films show Semey as ‘the most nuked place on Earth,'” Seitenova explained. “I wanted to show resilience instead of fear-to reclaim our story in our own voice.” This reclaiming of narrative is central to the film’s power and its resonance with audiences.

The Personal Catalyst for a Global Cause

Seitenova’s dedication to this project stems from a deeply personal experience. As a university student,she faced ridicule when revealing her hometown,prompting her to confront the prejudice and silence surrounding Semey and its residents. This incident fueled her determination to break the silence and challenge the prevailing narratives about nuclear harm.

Nuclear Weapons and the Interplay with Patriarchy

The documentary boldly connects the issue of nuclear weapons to systemic patriarchy.Seitenova argues that militaristic societies often equate nuclear arsenals with power and superiority, dismissing peace and cooperation as weakness – a traditionally “feminine” trait. This perspective positions the fight for nuclear disarmament as intrinsically linked to broader struggles for gender equality.

From Kazakhstan to the Global Stage

Seitenova’s advocacy extends beyond filmmaking. Her early involvement in the Youth for CTBTO conference in 2018, which included a visit to the former test site, proved formative. This experience, combined with the influence of scholars like togzhan Kassenova and Ray Acheson, solidified her understanding of the intertwined relationship between nuclear policy and gender inequality.

She recently participated in the 24th World Congress of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) in Nagasaki, Japan, forging connections with survivors of the Hiroshima and nagasaki bombings and strengthening the global movement for nuclear abolition.

Event Date Location
Documentary Screening of “Jara” October 10, 2025 Toda Peace Memorial Hall, Tokyo
Youth for CTBTO Conference 2018 Astana & Kurchatov, Kazakhstan
IPPNW World Congress October 2025 Nagasaki, Japan

Through the Kazakh Nuclear Frontline Coalition (ASQAQQNFC), Seitenova actively collaborates with policymakers to support the implementation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). She underscores that the pursuit of nuclear justice is not merely a historical concern, but a crucial imperative for safeguarding the future.

“The fight for nuclear justice is not about the past-it’s about the future,” Seitenova stated. “It’s about ensuring that no one else has to live with the consequences of nuclear weapons.”

Understanding the Lasting Impact of Nuclear Testing

The effects of nuclear testing extend far beyond immediate casualties. Long-term health consequences, including increased rates of cancer and genetic mutations, continue to affect populations exposed to radiation. The economic and environmental impacts are equally devastating, rendering vast areas uninhabitable and disrupting conventional ways of life. According to the World Health Organization, even low doses of radiation can increase the lifetime risk of cancer.

Did you know? Kazakhstan has been a vocal advocate for nuclear disarmament, having voluntarily relinquished its nuclear arsenal after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

frequently Asked Questions about nuclear Testing and its Impact

  • what is the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)? The TPNW is a multilateral treaty that prohibits the development, testing, production, stockpiling, transfer, use and threat of use of nuclear weapons.
  • How does nuclear testing affect women specifically? Women are disproportionately affected by the long-term health consequences of radiation exposure, including increased risks of miscarriage, birth defects, and certain cancers.
  • What was the Soviet nuclear testing program in Kazakhstan like? Between 1949 and 1989, the Soviet Union conducted 456 nuclear tests at the Semipalatinsk test site in Kazakhstan, releasing massive amounts of radiation into the environment.
  • What is the role of collective memory in addressing the trauma of nuclear testing? Sharing stories and acknowledging the experiences of affected communities is crucial for healing and preventing future harm.
  • How can individuals support the movement for nuclear disarmament? Supporting organizations working for nuclear disarmament, advocating for policy changes, and raising awareness about the issue are all meaningful ways to contribute.
  • What are the long-term psychological effects of living near a nuclear test site? individuals living in affected areas frequently enough experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder due to the constant fear of radiation exposure and the loss of loved ones.
  • How can we connect nuclear disarmament with broader social justice issues? Recognizing the intersectionality of nuclear weapons with issues like gender inequality, colonialism, and environmental racism is vital for building a more just and lasting world.

What steps do you think are most crucial to ensuring the voices of those impacted by nuclear testing are heard?

How do you think the connection between patriarchal structures and the development of nuclear weapons should be addressed?

Share yoru thoughts in the comments below and help us continue the conversation!

@2025 - All Right Reserved.

Hosted by ByoHosting - Most Recommendeed Webhhosting. For complains, abuse, advertising contact:
[email protected]

Adblock Detected

Please support us by disabling your AdBlocker extension from your browsers for our website.