Blog

<figure id="figure-k3caj4q4um2mynlm6" class=""><img id="k3caj4q4um2mynlm6" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/1ciWT24spPYZQJzX2JACRqDDjpGwth3AwNjIbdNm1qXjq2E4tEUKme6veqJS1W2y.jpg" alt="Natural background Sunrise Sundown Sky with colorful clouds and sun. Cloudscape" title="Natural background Sunrise Sundown Sky with colorful clouds and sun. Cloudscape" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/1ciWT24spPYZQJzX2JACRqDDjpGwth3AwNjIbdNm1qXjq2E4tEUKme6veqJS1W2y.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>Speaking in Samoa, where he met residents uprooted from their homes by sea level rise and coastal erosion, Mr. Guterres said that Pacific islanders had refused to be victims of climate change. But their ambitious plans to resist this “existential threat for millions” had been put on hold, amid a lack of promised funding, he insisted.“We are fighting hard for climate justice…[but] we are not seeing the money that is needed and that’s why we ask for the reform and the international financial institutions in order for the funding needs of countries, like Pacific countries, to be met,” the UN chief told journalists at UN House in Apia, the capital.Positive gestures from wealthy nations towards developing countries have been insufficient to compensate for economic shocks from natural disasters caused by climate change, Mr. Guterres insisted, pointing to the Loss and Damage Fund, agreed in 2022 at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt.Developed countries also pledged in 2021 to double climate adaptation funding from the $100 billion a year agreed in 2009, the Secretary-General said, as he noted that this potential game-changing income stream hadn’t garnered enough support either.“We need all countries to honour their promises on climate finance and a strong finance outcome from this year’s COP where we will discuss the financial commitments after 2025,” he said.Speaking to reporters, the UN chief described how Samoans have repeatedly pushed back at climate shocks, including the deadly 2009 tsunami that left at least 192 dead.“We have seen people that moved their houses inland. We have seen people that persisted coming back and rebuilding. We have seen an enormous determination of people to fight against, not only the impact of the tsunami, but the impacts of the rising sea levels and of the storms and the cyclones”, he said.“I’ve seen a wall that is protecting a village from the sea; that wall in 20 years, because of the tsunami - because of the rising sea level, and because of the heavy storms - has already been built three times.”Many developing countries like Samoa which are also on the frontlines of the climate crisis must rely on borrowing from international lenders at higher rates than the world’s poorest nations, which has effectively prevented them from accessing the funds they need to help themselves.To address this historic structural inequality in international finance, the UN has worked with Small Island Developing States (SIDS) on a new measurement of national income – the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) – so that they too can access the significant funding required for sustainable development.“We ask the international community to act in a way that when international financial institutions deal with countries like Samoa, the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index is taken into account to allow for concessional funding to be granted for the projects that are necessary for this country to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and protect its populations against climate change,” Mr. Guterres said.The Secretary-General also reiterated his wish for small island states like Samoa to have access to some $80 billion in development funding linked to Special Drawing Rights, which can be channeled by members of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to multilateral development banks to be made available for borrowing.New income streams like this are crucial for countries like Samoa that lost vital tourist income because of the COVID-19 pandemic and “have not received the support of the international community”, Mr. Guterres continued. “When we look at Samoa, we understand what that means and we never stop fighting to make sure that this is recognized by the international community.”Sources：<a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/08/1153431" data-mce-href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/08/1153431" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/08/1153431</a>

UN chief urges climate justice for Pacific nations beset by rising oceans

<figure id="figure-zg8pg8q2dm2ldtx2c" class=""><img id="zg8pg8q2dm2ldtx2c" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/182YWY8sNTBoZED0Ebyh76vLvqdNfCWZF5ea4YwXe50WUO80PxB3R4wuAL04XCs7.png" alt="全景多样性多民族人群成功团队合作。横幅团队高五团队携手举起力量伙伴。志愿者任务业务合作伙伴与复制空间" title="全景多样性多民族人群成功团队合作。横幅团队高五团队携手举起力量伙伴。志愿者任务业务合作伙伴与复制空间" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/182YWY8sNTBoZED0Ebyh76vLvqdNfCWZF5ea4YwXe50WUO80PxB3R4wuAL04XCs7.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;">Elderly people in Cornwall are being encouraged to tackle loneliness and isolation through singing.Cornwall Council said five "Sing Happy" sessions had been organised at Callington Library on Coronation Road to help people aged 65 or older get together with others.The sessions are free to join, include refreshments and are run by a music therapist.They will take place from 10:30 to 12:00 BST on 29 October, 12 November, 26 November, 10 December and Christmas Eve.Councillor Andrew Long, who awarded the sessions a £500 grant through the council's community chest scheme, said they were a fantastic idea."It really doesn't matter if you can sing, it's all about getting people together in a safe and welcoming space," he said."We know how devastating loneliness and isolation can be, especially for older people, so I'm very proud to be supporting this initiative."</figure> Sources：<a data-mce-href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdrj63m8kdyo" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdrj63m8kdyo">https ://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdrj63m8kdyo</a>

Sing-along events aim to relieve loneliness

<figure id="figure-nu8heiad3lm2lflalg" class=""><img id="nu8heiad3lm2lflalg" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/27yoHFb1gRQMcPY8mQpiyNsQeIaK52EqRl1ikkSAO0WSVi8L7939ZyRUES6qjx0l.png" alt="Farmer, person hands and phone for agriculture communication, social media and sustainability networking. Worker on mobile or chat for gardening research, NGO contact or volunteering website for FAQ" title="Farmer, person hands and phone for agriculture communication, social media and sustainability networking. Worker on mobile or chat for gardening research, NGO contact or volunteering website for FAQ" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/27yoHFb1gRQMcPY8mQpiyNsQeIaK52EqRl1ikkSAO0WSVi8L7939ZyRUES6qjx0l.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>There is no conscience. There is no humanity. There are only leaders who watch and do not act. This is what Ahmed al-Dalou believes, as the images of his family burning replay in his mind. He says his life is gone. It died in the inferno of al-Aqsa compound with his boys and wife in the early hours of Monday 14 October. In front of him on the ground is a shroud, wrapped around the body of Abdulrahman,12, his youngest son.The child lingered in agony for four days after the fire, sparked by an Israeli strike. The day before he died Ahmed saw him in hospital and he was able to tell his father: “Don’t be worried, I am OK dad… I’m fine. Don’t be afraid.” Ahmed is half speaking, half crying, as he talks of what has been taken from him. “Three times I tried to pull him [Abdulrahman] out of the fire, but his body fell back into it.” His older brother, Sha'aban, 19, and his mother, Alaa, 37, both died on the night of the fire. Sha'aban became a new symbol of Gaza’s terrible suffering. Images of him writhing in agony as he burned to death in the family’s tent were shared around the world on social media. There are burns all over Ahmed’s face and hands. The tone of his voice is high, a keening sound. Of the anonymous pilot who sent the missile, and the leaders who gave him orders, Ahmed said: “They broke my heart, and they broke my spirit… I wish the fire had burned me.” The strike happened at about 01:15 local time last Monday (23:15 BST on Sunday). The Israeli military said it was targeting a Hamas "command and control" centre in the al-Aqsa hospital compound in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip. Hamas denies operating in hospitals.Four people were killed immediately and dozens more wounded, including many with severe burn injuries. The Israel Defense Forces said it was “reviewing the incident”. A spokesperson for the White House told CBS News, the BBC's US partner, that footage of the fire was “deeply disturbing” and called on Israel to do more to protect civilians. “Israel has a responsibility to do more to avoid civilian casualties - and what happened here is horrifying - even if Hamas was operating near the hospital in an attempt to use civilians as human shields.” The US and other powers, including Britain, have expressed concern about civilian casualties since the early stages of the war.<figure id="figure-2zetpd5ram2lfo0kk" class=""><img id="2zetpd5ram2lfo0kk" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9idDOl4MxEkrn1A8RX9gtCkSagqRU5TqO9s0uweELF9TE4UkzZ8vbSIDN3M1eaOx.png" alt="Food from the Community Garden" title="Food from the Community Garden" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/9idDOl4MxEkrn1A8RX9gtCkSagqRU5TqO9s0uweELF9TE4UkzZ8vbSIDN3M1eaOx.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>People are burned to death, blown to pieces, and shot every day in this war. Most of the time the death agonies happen away from the cameras. It is the frantic search for survivors in the rubble, the dramatic scenes at hospitals, the endless stream of funerals, that are captured by cameras. But the death of Sha'aban al-Dalou was different. His hand can be seen, reaching out of the inferno, a figure wrapped in flame, writhing and beyond the reach of any help. In the days following his death Sha'aban’s own videos and photographs emerged. He was a typical teenager of his generation, aware of the power of social media, adept at recording his daily life. The burning figure from the night of fire appeared to the world as an articulate, intelligent teenager, a software engineering student, a young man who took care of his family planning for a new life outside Gaza. He filmed himself donating blood and encouraged others to do the same. “We saw so many injuries, many children are in dire need of blood… All we demand is for a ceasefire and this tragedy to end.” We are only able to tell the story of al-Dalou family because of our own local journalist who went to meet the survivors. International journalists from media organisations, including the BBC, are not given independent access to Gaza by Israel. Gazans describe fresh horror in north as Israel renews offensive Witnesses to Israeli strike on Gaza hospital compound saw 'so many people burning' UN accuses Israel of war crimes over attacks on Gaza hospitals In a video recorded in the tent where he died Sha'aban described how his family had been displaced five times since the war began a year ago. He had two sisters, and two younger brothers. “We live in very hard circumstances,” he said. “We suffer from various things such as homelessness, limited food, and extremely limited medicine.” In the background, as he speaks, there is the loud mechanical hum of an Israeli observation drone, a constant in the daily and nightly soundtrack of Gaza. The surviving brother of Sha'aban and Abdulrahman, Mohammed al-Dalou, told the BBC that he had tried to go into the flames to rescue his older brother. But other injured people had held him back, fearing he too would be killed. Mohammed did not sleep in the family tent, but outside on the street where he kept watch over their piled belongings. “I was screaming for someone to let me go, but in vain… My brother’s leg was trapped and he couldn’t free himself. I think you saw it in the video. He was raising his hand. "That was my brother. He was my support in this world.” Sha'aban would come and wake him for prayers in the morning with a bottle of water and he would tell him: “I’ll work for you.” Mohammed al-Dalou saw his loved ones die in the fire Mohammed recalled how the brothers set up a stall at the gates of the hospital selling food that the family made. “We managed everything with our hard work. Everything we had was from our effort. We would get food and drink… then everything was lost.” He saw the burned bodies, but could only identify his mother. Although her remains had been mutilated by fire, he recognised a distinctive bracelet. “Without it, I wouldn’t have known she was my mother. Her hand was detached from her body, but the bracelet was still on it. I took it off her hand.” This is his only memento of the woman who was “the kindness in our home". The al-Dalou family is in shock. The survivors mourn the dead. Our BBC colleague asked Mohammed about the psychological cost of seeing his loved ones die. “I can’t describe it. I can’t describe how I felt. I want to explain it to people, but I can’t. I can’t describe it. I saw my brother burning in front of me, and my mother too.” Then, as if he is posing a question on behalf of the dead, he asks: “What more do you need, and you stay silent? You see us burning, and you stay silent.” Sources:<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr54y0qplgvo" data-mce-href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr54y0qplgvo">https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr54y0qplgvo</a>

'You see us burning, you stay silent': Family’s agony over mother and sons burned to death in Gaza tent

<figure id="figure-b19gnu78rm2mywqof" class=""><img id="b19gnu78rm2mywqof" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2eAsjX9QQTzIQrLIbx8H2FNxFt9IrBRQXjzeAeOJnoiagkPs3Hv5RrT4AnlTSU8G.jpg" alt="户外河边" title="户外河边" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2eAsjX9QQTzIQrLIbx8H2FNxFt9IrBRQXjzeAeOJnoiagkPs3Hv5RrT4AnlTSU8G.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>Claudia Mahler, UN independent expert on the enjoyment of all human rights of older persons, made the appeal in her annual report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.&nbsp; She said violence against older persons remains unaddressed despite being widespread, pervasive and putting millions of older persons at risk, amid a rapidly ageing world.“Combatting abuse in old age is not a priority at national, regional or global levels,” she added.&nbsp; Ms. Mahler cited information from the World Health Organization (WHO), which estimates that one is six older persons has experienced some form of violence.&nbsp;In her report, she noted that violence, neglect and abuse in old age has far-reaching consequences to both mental and physical well-being, underscoring the need for adequate interventions and solutions.&nbsp;“An increase in violence against older persons was noticed during ongoing crises such as the COVID-19pandemic, as well as in armed conflicts and the consequences of climate change,” she said.“Crises lead to economic setbacks, which put more strain on support structures worldwide, which in turn may put more older persons at risk of suffering from violent acts.”While there is currently no globally accepted definition of “elder abuse”, she said five forms of abuse can be identified: physical; psychological or emotional; sexual; financial or material; and neglect.Ms. Mahler also recognised hate speech as an additional form of abuse against older persons.“Ageism plays a significant role and risk factor in the prevalence of abuse on older persons,” she said.“Negative stereotypes and bias underlie the concept of ageism and can lead to harmful consequences, including violence against and abuse and neglect of older persons”.Ms. Mahler’s report identifies several actions to prevent and protect against abuse of older persons, including legislative and policy interventions, prevention programmes, provision of age-appropriate community services, law enforcement response and access to justice. &nbsp;She also encouraged the effective collection and analysis of data on the prevalence of violence, abuse and neglect cases.&nbsp;“Such data is crucial to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue. The diversity of older persons should be integrated in data-collection methodologies and protocols,” she recommended.Independent experts are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor specific country situations and thematic issues.&nbsp;They work on a voluntary basis. serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization.&nbsp;The experts are not UN staff and do not receive payment for their work.&nbsp;Sources：<a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/09/1140817" data-mce-href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/09/1140817">https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/09/1140817</a>

Rights expert appeals for action to tackle elder abuse

<figure id="figure-ul8fn1ye0km2lfs5rv"><img id="ul8fn1ye0km2lfs5rv" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/37EQOqREZWWerHqFOa8mAJKZlmfDTAcLJ32YtWC5d1AbMmbjHUZ8pOkDylocdFRm.png" alt="Group of kids school volunteer charity environment" title="Group of kids school volunteer charity environment" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/37EQOqREZWWerHqFOa8mAJKZlmfDTAcLJ32YtWC5d1AbMmbjHUZ8pOkDylocdFRm.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Almost 625,000 children in the enclave have already lost an entire school year following the 7 October 2023 terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on communities in southern Israel and the ensuing Israeli military operation in Gaza. They are now joined by more than 45,000 six-year-old children poised to enter first grade, elevating the risk of a second year without any classroom education, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said.“Children in the Gaza Strip have lost their homes, family members, friends, safety, and routine,” said Adele Khodr, the agency’s Middle East and North Africa Regional Director. “They have also lost the sanctuary and stimulation provided by school, putting their bright futures at risk of being dimmed by this terrible conflict.” The fighting has had a severe impact on education infrastructure. Many schools-turned-IDP shelters, including those run by the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), have been damaged or destroyed.With every school shuttered since October last year, there was no graduating class in the Strip – the first such occurrence in decades, UNICEF noted. About 39,000 students missed their final year of school and could not take the Tawjihi exams. For older children, the disruption extends beyond missed education opportunity. Without schooling, young people are at an increased risk of exploitation, child labour, early marriage, and other forms of abuse. Most importantly they are at risk of dropping out of school permanently, the agency said. For younger children, the absence of schooling threatened their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Parents report significant mental health and psychosocial impacts among children, including feelings of increased frustration and isolation.To respond to this situation in the Gaza Strip, UNICEF and its partners set up 39 temporary learning spaces in the enclave, serving over 12,400 students. The ag also offers recreational activities, emergency learning kits, and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to children, youth, caregivers, and teachers in shelters. “We must find ways to restart learning and rebuild schools to uphold the right to education of the next generations in the State of Palestine,” Ms. Khodr said. “Children need stability to cope with the trauma they have experienced, and the opportunity to develop and reach their full potential.” Sources:<a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/09/1154101" data-mce-href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/09/1154101">https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/09/1154101</a>

Gaza war continues to shut hundreds of thousands out of class

<figure id="figure-mrji1jp80vm2lff4qr"><img id="mrji1jp80vm2lff4qr" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2fUnxYwQJTbxxzuMO2cBl743O1SqLiVHT7ErA3U55M6OrRxhgOxFv938ljgdpVHG.png" alt="Group of kids school volunteer charity with garbage bags cleaning up on the beach." title="Group of kids school volunteer charity with garbage bags cleaning up on the beach." class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2fUnxYwQJTbxxzuMO2cBl743O1SqLiVHT7ErA3U55M6OrRxhgOxFv938ljgdpVHG.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> An initiative that allows older people to speak face-to-face with their local MP has been launched. Age UK hopes its Tea with my MP scheme will provide a platform for constituents have their voices heard on the issues affecting them most. The charity said the Covid pandemic "hangover" and an "increasing digital divide" had made it harder for older people to reach out. Martin Creeth cares for his wife, who is living with dementia, and spoke with Bath MP Wera Hobhouse in the first session. He said: "It is a really good idea.""I think the chance to be able to have a face-to-face chat in a relaxed atmosphere is brilliant," he added. "I would be really thrilled if she could raise the topic of dementia in Parliament. It's a real problem of our age."Ms Hobhouse said: "It is often very easy to not see a particular section of your constituents and therefore that they actually reach out and make me come to them is really important. "Here, people are in a group where they can talk about their issues together and feel maybe less inhibited to talk about their financial and digital problems."Age UK's Bath and North East Somerset CEO, Simon Allen said it was "really clear" that the "digital divide is increasing". "Don't underestimate the hangover of the pandemic and the lockdowns," he said. "There's still a great many people who haven't fully regained the confidence to get back out in our community." He said the new scheme is a "great opportunity" for people to share their concerns. "Ultimately what we hope is that our local MP will be the champion for older people's voices in Parliament," he added. Sources：<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq8x32e0vd2o" data-mce-href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq8x32e0vd2o">https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq8x32e0vd2o</a>

Justice echoes

News

UN chief urges climate justice for Pacific nations beset ...

Sing-along events aim to relieve loneliness

'You see us burning, you stay silent': Family’s agony ove...

Rights expert appeals for action to tackle elder abuse

Gaza war continues to shut hundreds of thousands out of c...

Older people voice concerns in 'Tea with MP' scheme