Weekly Humanitarian News Digest – December 10

Latest News for December 3 – December 10, 2021

Afghanistan

A million children may die in Afghanistan this winter due to mass starvation. The economic crisis has been further exacerbated by the worst droughts the country has seen in decades and a continued lack of foreign aid. These conditions have led to 22.8 million people facing life-threatening levels of food insecurity. (NYTimes)

Bangladesh/ Myanmar

The effects of COVID-19 and the political crisis may lead to a tripling of urban poverty in Myanmar. Important industries have been hit hard by the pandemic and the political conflict. One third of families in urban areas are using up their savings due to reduced incomes and half of these families have no savings left. (Devdiscourse)

Colombia/ Venezuela

COVID-19 has triggered a sharp rise in gender-based violence, particularly in Colombia. UN OCHA reports more than 70% of women and girls in humanitarian settings said they or someone they knew experienced violence during the pandemic. In Colombia, a widening unemployment gap between men and women, mounting conflict from armed groups, and mass migration has put women in increasingly vulnerable situations. Women in rural areas of Colombia are even more vulnerable. (The New Humanitarian)

UNHCR and IOM report $1.79 billion needed to help Venezuelan migrants and refugees. Violence, food insecurity, collapse of the healthcare system and basic services in Venezuela have led people to flee, causing one of the largest displacement crises in the world. COVID-19 has only worsened the situation, leading to serious health impacts, economic disruptions, and exacerbated protection risks. The pandemic has also changed migration routes due to closed borders, forcing Venezuelans to take more dangerous journeys. (News UN)

Gaza/ Palestinian Territories

Three generations of Palestinian refugees living in Shatila camp are facing the Lebanese economic and political crisis and a major funding gap to UNRWA. This crisis will reduce access to education and healthcare services, including COVID-19 vaccines. Food, electricity, and water prices are beginning to be out of reach for most families. (Al Jazeera)

Haiti

Women and girls in Haiti have been particularly vulnerable following the earthquake. There have been reports of stress-related premature births and kidnapping, rape, and violence ocurring on a regular basis. Women in Haiti struggle to access education, have high levels of poverty and maternal mortality, and less access to jobs. (Metro)

Over 30,000 Haitians have been deported by the Dominican Republic to Haiti in 2021, with more than 12,000 in the past three months. The new government is seeking out both Haitians that have recently arrived in the DR and also those who have lived there for their whole lives. A large part of this targeting is being carried out by racially profiling individuals. Human rights groups are drawing attention to unlawful deportation of pregnant women and children. (ABC News)

India

High unemployment and a record contraction in the economy has pushed India into a hunger crisis. 90% of respondents in a 2020 survey reported a reduction in food intake due to lockdowns. The informal sector has taken the worst hit in the economic crisis, where 80% of India’s workforce makes a living. (The Washington Post)

Shutdowns of schools in Delhi due to air pollution are leading to a health and education emergency in India. COVID-19 lockdowns caused schools to be closed for 18 months, and now, schools are being closed again due to air pollution. Organizations are calling on authorities to find a solution which allows for children to continue their education. (Save the Children)

Lebanon

A survey finds that 63% of Lebanese people want to leave the country permanently. Around 85% reported that it was “difficult” or “very difficult” to survive on their income in Lebanon. These numbers have doubled since 2019. More than 80% of the population live under the poverty line. (National News)

The public sector in Lebanon has collapsed amid the crisis. Despite funding becoming available, the lack of cabinet meetings has made social assistance difficult to access. Bribery and corruption are rising within this system as citizens are unable to carry out basic paperwork procedures. (Reuters)

Pakistan

Smog crisis in Lahore causes breathing difficulties for citizens. These yearly smog conditions also increase the risk of preexisting conditions such as diabetes, lung diseases, asthma, heart disease, and cancer. Seasonal smog comes around November, in a city claimed as “the most-polluted city in the world.” (DW)

More than a third of Pakistan’s population is malnourished, with some regions reaching up to 50%. Malnutrition has risen because of poverty and a lack of resources due to Pakistan’s economic crisis. Recent droughts, water scarcity, and livestock shortages have further strained families. (IndiaTV)

Sudan

Violence over the past weekend in Darfur killed 50 people and displaced at least 2,000 children and adults. Internal displacements have been on the rise across Sudan in 2021. These violent crashes come as a result of factors including poverty, arms proliferation, political instability and the prolonged economic crisis. (Save the Children)

The COVID-19 pandemic, floods and political instability may lead to a third of Sudan’s population facing a humanitarian crisis if aid is not provided. Half of those in need are vulnerable women and children. Sudan also hosts 1.2 million refugees and asylum seekers who will be particularly vulnerable in this context. (Middle East Eye)

Syria

Economic conditions in Idlib are worsening due to the collapse of the Turkish lira. This has been the currency of the region since 2020. Around 75% of the population in Idlib is in need of humanitarian assistance. (Qantara)

Yemen

Fighting in Hudaida has displaced more than 25,000 people. This is the most conflict the region has seen since 2018. Clashes have also increased in Marib where over 64,450 people have been displaced since the beginning of the year. The ongoing crisis in Yemen has left millions facing food and medical shortages. (TRTWorld)

Weekly Humanitarian News Digest – November 19

Cover Image: Down to Earth

Latest News for November 12 – November 19, 2021

Afghanistan

Countries discuss the unfreezing of assets as Afghanistan faces an impending humanitarian catastrophe with rising levels of hunger and extremism. About 60% of the 38 million people in the country are facing extreme levels of hunger. After the Taliban takeover, more than $450m designated for Afghanistan was blocked, leaving a large vacuum. Amidst the crisis, ISIL has been expanding and is present in nearly all provinces. (Al Jazeera)

Conditions in Afghanistan have led millions of children to suffer from acute malnutrition. Around 3.2 million children will be affected by the end of 2021, and 1 million of them are at a high risk of dying. Measles cases have also been spiking alongside the food crisis. (Hindustan Times)

Bangladesh/ Myanmar

The ongoing crisis for millions of Rohingya refugees was raised during the gathering of world leaders in Paris last week. The brutal crackdown on the Rohingya community in Myanmar occurred in 2017, which forced 750,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh where they now reside. The camps, located in Cox’s Bazar, are the most densely populated refugee camps in the world. The lack of attention to this issue threatens to affect the whole region. (The Daily Sabah)

COVID-19 lockdowns and price increases have led to a stark increase in poverty in Bangladesh. Rural and urban slum households have been the most affected, with ⅔ of the population living in poverty. The rise in fuel prices and other consumer goods has also contributed to difficulties in people’s financial recovery post-lockdowns. Fuel prices have increased by 23%. (DW)

Colombia/ Venezuela

The Darién Gap has become populated with migrants trying to reach the United States. Located between Colombia and Panama, the Darién Gap is where the Pan-American Highway turns from road to 60 miles of muddy jungle terrain. This past year has seen more than 100,000 migrants cross into Panama, which is more than triple the previous annual record. Many are in search of opportunity and employment after losing their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. (NPR)

Gaza/ Palestinian Territories

The deterioration of the economic and fiscal situation in Palestine requires long term solutions. The continuing economic decline in Gaza and high unemployment has affected all sectors of society. Tensions across Occupied Palestinian Territory continue and contribute to the economic situation. (UN News)

Haiti

The United States sent back Haitian families at a rate higher than any migrant group, forcing more than 8,500 people back with as many as 7 flights per day. This has caused a sharp decline in Haitians seeking asylum in the US with many choosing to stay in Mexico because of fears that they will be forced to return to Haiti. Conditions in Haiti are increasingly dire, with lack of fuel and food and armed groups taking control of the country. (The Washington Post)

India

New Delhi has been forced to shut down offices, schools and buildings due to high levels of air pollution. These conditions threaten to cause respiratory illness such as lung cancer. This situation has been caused by several factors , including coal-fired plants and the burning of garbage. (Al Jazeera)

Climate change disproportionately affects women in India, who make up 75% of the agricultural workers on farms. Lack of food leads to women eating less while men migrate elsewhere, in addition to continuing to carry out domestic work and managing household farms. This creates unequal opportunities leading women to vulnerable situations of economic and sexual exploitation. (DTE)

Lebanon

Lack of waste management adds to the ongoing crisis in Lebanon. The combination of the political crisis, limited staff due to reduced wages, high gasoline prices, and flaws in waste management contracts has led to a collapse of the system. The only factor keeping the situation from escalating to a full-blown crisis is that the economic crisis has limited the waste produced by the Lebanese population. (Al Jazeera)

Lack of doctors, nurses and medicine plagues Lebanon’s hospitals. Since 2019, 40% of doctors and 30% of nurses have left what used to be a popular destination for medical treatment. Patients await treatments with 100% success rate that can’t be carried out due to lack of supplies. (The Washington Post)

Pakistan

After nearly a month of deliberation, Pakistan will allow a shipment of wheat from India to go through to Afghanistan. Pakistan, Iran and UAE are included in countries which have provided aid to the country since the Taliban takeover. These initiatives intend to address the ongoing food crisis. (Hindustan Times)

Sudan

At least 15 people were killed in the most violent crackdown since the October coup. Tear gas was used against civilians and has caused breathing difficulties. Demonstrators stayed overnight to protest the coup. They have been facing an increased lethal force from the military. (CBS News)

Syria

A 19-year old Syrian boy was buried in Poland, one of 8 recorded deaths at the Poland – Belarus border in recent months. Migrants have been stuck in disputes between European countries resulting in thousands of people being forced to hide in the woods amid freezing temperatures. (Reuters)

The water crisis in Northern Syria has led to lack of electricity and water access for millions. Groundwater sources have been depleted, leaving many solely reliant on the Euphrates river. The river is currently at critically low levels due to rising temperatures, decreased precipitation levels, and dam projects in Turkey. The water crisis is increasing waterborne illnesses and the overall suffering of people in the region. (Al Jazeera)

Children are forced to work dangerous jobs at a young age due to the ongoing crisis in Syria. Over a decade of conflict has caused 2 in 3 children to lose access to education. Today, 2.8 million children are without access to education and 1 in 3 schools have been destroyed. (The Washington Post)

Yemen

More than 130 people were killed in strikes in only 24 hours. Violence in Marib continues, where the death toll has exceeded 3,700 people in the past few weeks. In the Hodeida region, more than 6,000 people have been displaced. (France 24)

Weekly Humanitarian News Digest – November 12

Cover Image: New York Times

Latest News for November 5 – November 12, 2021

Afghanistan

The number of Afghans living on the edge of famine has risen by 5.7 million, causing hospitals to expand in order to meet the need of malnutrition cases. At least 25 children have died in The Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital in Kabul during the past two months and the hospital is receiving 30 cases per week. New rules and appointments by the Taliban have further complicated access to care. Overall, almost 60% of the population suffers from acute hunger. (ABC)

Bangladesh/ Myanmar

Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee and 223,000 have been internally displaced in Myanmar amidst the ongoing crisis. There are around 3 million people in need of humanitarian assistance as COVID-19, conflict, and the economic crisis continue to worsen. Aid groups are facing difficulties accessing vulnerable groups. (UN News)

Weeks after the murder of activist Mohib Ullah, Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar remain unprotected from further violence. Though Bangladesh authorities provide some security during the day, there is little to no protection from gang activity at night. Families are being relocated to avoid further attacks as they continue to report threats from armed groups. (NDTV)

Colombia/ Venezuela

Venezuelan migrants continue to be extremely vulnerable in host countries. One in five people have left behind their homes since 2015. In other words, 20% of the Venezuelan population has been displaced. Despite the urgency to provide protection to this population, the Venezuelan migrant crisis still lacks funding to address people’s needs. (Amnesty International)

Data finds an uptick in the number of Venezuelans migrating through the dangerous Darien Gap route. There are widespread reports of assault, killings, and robbery along this route. The number of children migrating along this route has also been record-breaking, with more than 150 children arriving in Panama without parents this year. (Caracas Chronicles)

Gaza/ Palestinian Territories

Millions of Palestinian refugees may lose access to essential services due to lack of funding. UNRWA provides services for around 5.7 million Palestinians across the Middle East and is entering a critical moment. The organization is attempting to prioritize schools and health centers amongst budget cuts. (Al Jazeera)

Three missing, one confirmed dead after the collapse of a “death boat” carrying Gazan’s to Western countries. Youth in Gaza face a 60-70% unemployment rate and the ongoing blockade makes daily life difficult. This has forced many to attempt to take dangerous routes in order to find opportunities elsewhere. (The Media Line)

Haiti

Since the earthquake, Haiti has faced gang violence, food insecurity, repatriations, and slow reconstruction. Around 19,000 people have been displaced by violence and 40% of Haiti’s population is in dire need of humanitarian assistance. The recovery plan requires around $2 billion to be completed. (UN News)

The earthquake depleted services and centers for pregnant women, leaving thousands without access to care. More than 72,000 pregnant women have been affected and 15,000 are expected to give birth in the next 3 months. These types of conflicts leave women and children particularly vulnerable due to lack of safe accommodation. (UNFPA)

India

While India reaches an important milestone with its one billionth COVID-19 vaccine dose, the road ahead is long and many remain vulnerable. Progress threatens to stall due to overconfidence despite only one-quarter of the population being fully vaccinated. Just a few months ago, thousands of people were dying daily in India. (NYTimes)

The heaviest rains since 2015 recorded in Chennai have caused heavy flooding and destruction. Relief centers and medical camps have been opened across the city and food distribution is being carried out as the rain is expected to continue. (CNN)

Lebanon

The economic crisis has resulted in a 90% value drop for the Lebanese pound in the last two years. This drop has forced ¾ of the population into poverty with stacks of money that are worthless. The government has tripled wages for employees, but most salaries have not been adjusted. (Reuters)

Businesses and workers in Beirut’s port continue to lack support from the Lebanese government. Damages to businesses, housing, and other institutions in the port amount to about 5 billion US dollars. Around ⅓ of employees have been laid off since the port explosion, leaving many without jobs amidst the economic crisis. (Equal Times)

Pakistan

Inflation in Pakistan has caused petrol, diesel, and sugar prices to skyrocket. Some initiatives have been provided by the government to support Pakistanis, but critics claim these efforts fall short of meeting people’s needs. (Hindustan Times)

Sudan

Since the military coup, more than 300 civilians have been injured and 13 have been killed. This violence has been attributed to the Sudan Armed Forces and other security forces. Groups are calling for accountability for these human rights violations. There are currently 13 million people in need in Sudan. (UN News)

Syria

Syrian migrants along Poland’s border with Belarus are facing deadly conditions as winter nears. Many are spending their days hiding in the forest from border police due to fears of being beaten or imprisoned. At least 10 people have died in this passage. Thousands of asylum seekers have arrived in Belarus in the past few months and are facing this reality. (Radio Free Europe)

At least five civilians, including three children, were killed and 10 were injured by airstrikes in Idlib. Idlib’s population is extremely vulnerable. There are about 3 million people and 75% rely on humanitarian aid. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and violent attacks have exacerbated conditions for these vulnerable communities. (Daily Sabah)

Yemen

More than 2,500 people have been killed around Marib since October due to daily bombings. Ongoing violence in the country has displaced millions and killed tens of thousands of people. On Monday, The UN Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, said, “Again, as elsewhere in Yemen, it is the civilians that bear the burden of this conflict.” (France 24)

Yemenis face mental health challenges due to the ongoing conflict. Conditions range from anxiety, insomnia, or other severe pathologies at times leading to suicide attempts. Being exposed to constant stress caused by armed conflict has severely affected people’s mental health. (MSF)

Weekly Humanitarian News Digest – November 5

Cover Image: Mahmud Hossain Opu/AP

Latest News for October 29 – November 5, 2021

Afghanistan

The Taliban has prohibited women from working within aid organizations and has set restrictions which will limit aid access across the country. Restrictions on female workers include the type of work they can carry out, segregation by gender within offices, obligation to be accompanied by a male chaperone, and limiting access completely. Systems that were established to address gender-based violence have been dismantled. These restrictions limit humanitarian access to the most vulnerable. (Human Rights Watch)

Child marriage is on the rise due to the country’s economic collapse. Lack of food and work has forced families to resort to selling young daughters to protect the rest of the family. Even with this money, many families will only be able to survive for a few more months. Lack of access to education has also influenced this increase. (CNN)

Bangladesh/ Myanmar

Bangladesh’s population of 160 million faces grave risk due to climate change. Rising sea levels caused by cyclones and higher tides are leading to water and land contamination which cause diseases. (Al Jazeera)

Fighting in Northwest Myanmar has escalated, resulting in further displacement and destruction of buildings. This region is home to the Chin people, an ethnic minority in the country. Community organizations have equated this violence to the 2017 assault on Rohingya Muslims in the country. Thousands of people have fled into India. (Financial Times)

Colombia/ Venezuela

32% of all Venezuelan migrants displaced in Latin America are in Colombia. Colombia has provided a robust response in hosting this community of about 1.7 million people who are now based in the country. 5.5 million Venezuelans have passed through Colombia since 2015. (World Bank)

The ongoing crisis in Venezuela has made treatment for breast cancer inaccessible, causing the mortality rate to rise. Venezuela’s mortality rate for breast cancer is about 30% higher than the average in South America. This situation is caused by shortages of medical equipment, treatment centers, and prices which are out of reach for the general population. (Caracas Chronicles)

Gaza/ Palestinian Territories

The Israeli occupation of Gaza is a major threat to the fight against climate change. Sewage and toxic waste dumping from illegal settlements and the state of Israel are the main causes of pollution in Palestine. This has caused 95% of Gaza’s groundwater to be undrinkable. (Morning Star)

Bedouin communities in Hebron are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 due to lack of basic needs. There are about 40,000 people living in Bedouin communities in Palestine. The lack of basic infrastructure, such sewage systems and sanitation facilities complicates the ability to disinfect the environment to protect against COVID-19. (ACTED)

Haiti

Lack of fuel limits humanitarian aid access in Haiti. Aid organizations in Haiti report being unable to reach populations due to lack of transportation which limits their access to rural areas. One group has gone from serving around 2,000 patients to barely 300. Communication and water are cut off around the country. (NPR)

Haitian migrants risk their lives by traveling in truck trailers and crossing deadly routes to reach the United States. This week, 54 migrants, including 14 children, were found in Guatemala in a truck trailer. More than 100,000 migrants have crossed the Darien Gap this year and more than 50 have died. (Al Jazeera)

India

Thousands die yearly in India during extreme monsoon seasons caused by climate change. The poor are the most vulnerable to these extreme conditions and have limited means to relocate and rebuild their homes when they are destroyed by storms. Some families reported having to rebuild homes four times in one year. Around 472 million people, 35% of India’s population, are particularly vulnerable to floods. (CNN)

Lebanon

Protesters take to the streets as gasoline prices rise to an inaccessible point, with an entire tank costing more than the national minimum wage. The gasoline shortage has ended, but barely anyone can afford it. The government has yet to fulfill promises to support needy families due to the ongoing political paralysis. (Al Jazeera)

Pakistan

Pakistan will be the first country to see inflation and food prices rise as the humanitarian crisis worsens in Afghanistan. Their futures are interlinked. Pakistan is faced with the task of peacemaking in order to assure safety for both countries. (Dawn)

Greece is attempting to send back Pakistani migrants that arrived in a cargo ship on October 31st. The boat included 192 migrants from Pakistan, 112 from Afghanistan, and others. About 40% of the people onboard are under 18 years old. (InfoMigrants)

Sudan

Over 45,000 refugees from Ethiopia have fled into Sudan since November 2020 as violence continues to escalate. Humanitarian actors have been unable to access Tigray, Ethiopia since August due to lack of fuel, supplies, and communications. This has left hundreds of thousands without access to food aid. The instability of Ethiopia and Sudan threaten to expand throughout the region. (UN News)

Protestors were killed and injured during nationwide protests in Sudan and international aid has been frozen. The use of tear gas and gunfire resulted in 3 people killed and over 38 injured. Nearly a third of the population are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and without access. (Reuters)

Syria

Idlib battles a COVID surge amid ongoing conflict that has placed half of the population in displacement camps and a shortage of doctors and health centers.Only 1% of the population is vaccinated, due in part to misinformation spreading via social media. Doctors have warned that if the situation continues for another month it will trigger a total collapse. (The Washington Post)

Yemen

There are 5 million people on the brink of starvation in Yemen, affecting everything from women’s ability to breastfeed to children’s chances of survival. About 47,000 people are already living in famine-like conditions. This crisis is driven by a lack of financial resources, not food shortages. (The Washington Post)

The conflict continues to disproportionately affect children, who are experiencing displacement, lack of education, malnutrition and lack of access to safe water. Violence in Marib has killed or maimed 11 children in the past month. At least 8 children have been killed or maimed in Yemen in the past five days. (UN News)

Weekly Humanitarian News Digest – October 29

Cover Image: Hoshang Hashimi/AFP

Latest News for October 22 – October 29, 2021

Afghanistan

Detrimental climate effects further the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. More than 22 million Afghans will face food insecurity this winter due to the political instability, economic crisis and lack of rainfall affecting farmers. The hunger and desperation people face places women and children in danger as more families are forced to sell their young daughters into marriage to survive. (Al Jazeera)

Millions of Afghans could soon die of starvation if funds are not freed for humanitarian aid. Two months ago numbers stood at 14 million, now 22.8 million people are facing acute food insecurity. The food crisis, climate change and the economic collapse following the Taliban takeover is soon to cause a collapse which will trigger a migration crisis resembling the 2015 Syrian migrant crisis. (Al Jazeera)

Bangladesh/ Myanmar

Days of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh leaves many killed, injured and houses and temples destroyed. This was the largest act of mob violence against Hindus in the country’s history. The violence began after rumours spread on social media that the Quran was being insulted by Hindu community members. Security forces had to be deployed to control the riots. (BBC)

In Myanmar, 97 attacks and threats to health care workers, facilities, and transports have been reported since the military coup in February. The vast majority of these incidents were enacted by Myanmar’s armed forces. Health facilities have been used as sites of repression and explosive weapons are used around the centers. Health workers are vulnerable to violence and detention for continuing to provide care. (PHR)

Colombia/ Venezuela

Haitians unable to cross to Panama are stuck in Colombian towns. Necolí, a beachside town, has doubled in population. Migrants have set up temporary shelters and businesses to maintain themselves as they wait to continue their journey. The journey will last from months to a year from Colombia to the U.S.-Mexico border. (Local10)

Venezuelans return to school with only 22% of the population vaccinated, raising concerns of further COVID-19 spreads. Medications and other necessities are scarce and a spike threatens to exacerbate the vulnerabilities of families in Venezuela’s continuing crisis. At least 8.7 million children returned to schools and 3.1 million students returned to universities. (Al Jazeera)

Gaza/ Palestinian Territories

Health conditions of Palestinian hunger strikers raise alarms. Miqdad Al-Qawasmeh and Kayed Nammora (Fasfous) have been on hunger strike for almost 100 days inside Israeli jails. Groups express growing concern for the conditions of these prisoners. (Middle East Monitor)

Haiti

Lack of fuel in Haiti threatens to shut down the country amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Fuel transportation fleets are on strike due to security concerns for their drivers and the government cannot provide protection against gangs. Haitians face a hunger crisis, common kidnappings, and soon hospitals will be unable to sustain themselves because of the fuel crisis. (NY Times)

India

Climate migration in India is fueled by droughts, floods and heatwaves. India is ranked in the top 10 countries most affected by climate change. People are being forced to leave their homes to survive due to destruction of crops, lack of work, or destruction of homes. The situation in India reflects a growing global phenomenon in migration. (Al Jazeera)

Lebanon

82% of Lebanese people are unable to afford at least one essential service, including healthcare, medicine, and education. Almost half of all doctors in Lebanon have left the country, leaving public hospitals understaffed and understocked for those that can access services. (Metro.UK)

Pakistan

Jacobabad is one of the world’s hottest cities and represents the crisis that climate change causes for vulnerable communities. Temperatures regularly exceed 50°C (122°F). The population of around 200,000 people suffers from extreme poverty and exploitative labour conditions. (Amnesty International)

Tear gas was fired during clashes at the Afghan-Pakistani border. This is a major border for trade and has been closed since the Taliban takeover. Afghans at the border trying to cross over have been met with resistance by Pakistani security forces. (Republic World)

Sudan

Military coup breaks out in Sudan this week, prompting protests from civilians across the capital. Civilian rulers who were responsible for the transition are currently under house arrest. This coup presents a high threat to pushing Sudan back into civil war. (BBC)

Sudan’s coup threatens regional stability, including the ongoing crisis in Ethiopia, which has caused thousands of Ethiopians to flee to refugee camps on the Sudanese border. Dozens of Sudanese have been injured in the protests and at least seven people have died in clashes. Internet and telecommunications have been shut down across the country. (VOA)

Syria

Attacks on Idlib raise concerns of further displacement and harm to civilians. Idlib remains the last Syrian rebel enclave. Turkish forces are also at risk from these attacks and the government has expressed concern over the refugee flow that could result from this conflict. (Modern Ghana)

Yemen

Yemeni’s displaced during fighting in Marib wait for aid in makeshift tents. This is the second time this region has been displaced in clashes over control of Marib. Already this year, 200-250 people have been killed in Yemen each month. (Reuters)

More than 260 people were killed in a matter of three days in Marib. Hundreds have been killed in battles in recent months in this oil-rich region of Yemen. The civil war continues with tens of thousands of deaths and millions have been displaced. (Al Jazeera)

Weekly Humanitarian News Digest – October 22

Cover Image: Francesca Volpi for CNN

Latest News for October 15 – October 22, 2021

Afghanistan

The humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan will likely fuel a refugee crisis. Conditions caused by the economic collapse within the country have affected millions and will likely force people to flee to neighboring countries. The annual cost of hosting refugees in neighboring countries would need to come from international donors and ranges from $100-500 million. (Reuters)

Public hospitals struggle to treat patients due to lack of staff and funding gaps left by international donors. Hospitals are being forced to turn away patients with high-risk conditions and send them to private clinics, despite prices being inaccessible for many. Private clinics are also being forced to close as regular patients have been affected by job losses and the economic collapse. (The Washington Post)

Bangladesh/ Myanmar

19,000 Rohingya refugees have been moved to the Bhasan Char island and 81,000 more will be relocated within the next three months despite criticism from those being relocated. Accounts of people who have moved to the island say that conditions are harsh and dozens have died attempting to escape on boats back to Cox’s Bazar. There is no guarantee that there will be freedom of movement for those who are moved to the island. (Reuters)

Three million people in Myanmar are in need of aid due to conflict, food insecurity, natural disasters and COVID-19. Many have chosen to flee but have had to leave behind vulnerable populations like elderly people and pregnant women. The military coup in February caused two million people to be displaced. (UN News)

Colombia/ Venezuela

Indigineous children in La Guajira face the highest levels of malnutrition in Colombia and are at imminent risk of death. Currently, 16,000 children under five have been identified in this group. Since January, 115 children and toddlers have died although numbers are likely higher as many families live in remote regions and have limited access to authorities to report numbers. Communities in La Guajira lack sufficient food and water to meet basic needs. (Colombia Reports)

Sanctions against Venezuela have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, decreasing availability of necessary products and causing mass migration. Food availability has decreased by 73% due to imports falling. Sanctions have also blocked access to blood transfusions, machine parts for hospital machines, and basic medicines, including HIV/AIDS treatments. These shortages have caused a “brain drain,” leaving state companies and public services without 30-50% of their staff. (The Wire)

Gaza/ Palestinian Territories

Economic decline in the West Bank and Gaza is reaching a breaking point. Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process warned that the situation is becoming increasingly desperate for Palestine. Israeli settlement construction plans will sever the connections in the West Bank, undermining any chance for a two-State solution. (UN News)

Haiti

Thousands of Haitians are facing deportation after spending thousands of dollars and facing extreme danger to reach the U.S. border. The U.S. has returned more than 7,000 people to Haiti in the last few weeks. Mexico said they would take in 13,000 Haitians but hundreds are still facing deportation. In Haiti, these families have faced daily violence and are unable to feed their children or send them to school. (Amnesty International)

More than half of those deported to Haiti are women and children, left to face natural disasters, gang violence and the COVID-19 pandemic. They return more vulnerable than they were when they left, with only their clothes and the added trauma that they endured on the dangerous route to the United States. Children are at high risk of child trafficking, sexual exploitation, and abuse. (Forbes)

India

Floods in India have killed dozens of people and destroyed crops and infrastructure. Currently, the death count stands at 46 and is expected to rise. These floods have been caused by unseasonal heavy rain. (Reuters)

Aid groups in India expect flows of thousands of refugees as armed conflict, political repression, and targeted campaigns in Myanmar continue to force people to flee. 15,000 people have fled to India since the military coup eight months ago. Indian government policy is to keep borders closed but locals have been providing assistance to those fleeing. (NY Times)

Lebanon

More than 3,000 Lebanese have fled to Cyprus in the last two years. Families have come seeking safety and safe education for their children. Schools in Cyprus have received a large influx of students. Lebanese nationals are beginning to apply for refugee status in small numbers through UNHCR, despite being classified up until now as economic migrants. (The National News)

Traders and “corrupted people” are reportedly responsible for withholding 74% of the country’s subsidized goods thus contributing to the economic crisis. The hoarding and smuggling alongside what the World Bank calls a “deliberate” mismanagement of the crisis by the ruling elite has led to the shortages which have affected every aspect of Lebanese society. Hospitals no longer have medicine to treat patients, including baby formula, chemotherapy drugs, and medicine to treat pregnant women. (CNN)

Pakistan

Pakistan is facing its biggest economic crisis in history, making the list of top ten nations with the largest foreign debts. The IMF and the Pakistani government are working together to find solutions, however potential options threaten to further marginalize the agricultural sector and those within it. This news comes among growing concerns that the economic collapse in Afghanistan will greatly affect neighboring countries, financially and politically. (Hindustan Times)

Sudan

Humanitarian partners calculate that about 31% of the population in Sudan will need humanitarian aid in 2022. This reflects a significant increase of people, now 14.6 million, in dire need of food security, health care, WASH, protection, and nutrition. The Humanitarian Response Plan is only 30% funded, leaving many vulnerable people without aid. (OCHA)

Syria

Water shortages in Syria cause disease, complicate the fight against COVID-19 and make daily survival more difficult. Families that relied on farming are facing food insecurity. These shortages have affected millions and caused tens of thousands of parasitic diseases and diarrhea. (Al Jazeera)

Syria faces widespread hunger, economic decay, and devastating climate change effects. Syria is one of the nine countries at ‘very high risk’ of extreme climate events and the third highest at risk of drought, with 40% of irrigated agricultural areas unable to access water. The ongoing food insecurity due to conflict and displacement has combined with food prices skyrocketing across the country. These circumstances place 1.8 million people at risk of hunger in addition to the 60% of the population that cannot access safe, nutritious, and adequate food. (OCHA)

Reports show continuing human rights abuses for those who return to Syria. Human Rights Watch has documented extrajudicial killings, torture, kidnappings and sexual violence against Syrian refugees that return. Over 500,000 Syrian refugees have returned from Lebanon in the past four years, as they have been severely affected by Lebanon’s economic crisis. (Al Jazeera)

Yemen

10,000 children, or four children a day since 2015, have been injured or killed in Yemen. This number was released this week, a reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen. More than 11 million children are in need of humanitarian assistance. These numbers only include those verified by the UN, many deaths are unrecorded. (UNICEF)

Aid funds are dwindling as violence increases in Yemen and millions more are in need of assistance. Agencies are helping nearly 13 million people in the country. Three million people began to need aid in only the last few months. Five million people may see their food aid reduced by the end of the year due to lack of funding. (Al Jazeera)

Weekly Humanitarian News Digest – October 15

Cover Image: Mahmud Hams/AFP

Latest News for October 8 – October 15, 2021

Afghanistan

Numbers of people in need of humanitarian assistance rise by the day, with only 5% of households having enough to eat daily. Afghanistan’s economy is at a breaking point and in need of resources. Currently, around 18-20 million people in need and more than half of children under 5 years old are expected to become acutely malnourished in the year. As temperatures drop, this need becomes more urgent. (UN News)

Dozens killed in a suicide bombing, raising fears of future confrontations. The attack in Kunduz during Friday prayers is the country’s worst attack since the U.S. withdrawal. Latest reports put the number at around 50, with over 140 injured. The Islamic State in Khorasan Province, ISIS-K, has claimed responsibility for this attack and two others since the Taliban takeover, including the Kabul airport bombing on August 26th. (NPR)

Bangladesh/ Myanmar

The Bangladeshi Refugee Island, Bhasan Char, currently hosts 19,000 refugees and the government of Bangladesh plans to move 80,000 more by the end of next month. The island has been criticised for being isolated and vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. People were first moved here in December 2020 to reduce the number of people in Cox’s Bazar. (The Diplomat)

215,000 displaced in Myanmar since February as the country faces a third wave of COVID-19 and economic collapse. The number of people needing emergency aid has tripled this year and the UN is facing a funding gap, limiting its ability to support the increase. Violence between the insurgent groups and the military also complicates access to aid for those affected. (Financial Times)

Colombia/ Venezuela

19,000 children have faced the dangerous jungle route between Colombia and Panama this year. Half of these children were under 5 years old. The dangers along this week-long route include sexual violence, robberies, death, dehydration, and disease. The mental toll of this route is particularly harsh for children to bear. Numbers of people crossing are expected to continue to increase in upcoming weeks. (UNICEF)

Gaza/ Palestinian Territories

The electricity crisis, military attacks on water infrastructure, blockade, and pollution have led to 97% of water in Gaza being undrinkable. Palestinians are forced to buy water from vendors at unsustainable prices. This lack of access has caused a public health crisis, and children are particularly affected. About 50% of children in Gaza suffer from water-based infections. (Al Jazeera)

Haiti

80% of children being expelled from the U.S. and Cuba to Haiti are under 5 years old. Over 170 children were sent back in a day this week, including unaccompanied minors. Those returning to the south will be unable to access education and health assistance due to the effects of the earthquake in August. (Associates Times)

India

Hunger epidemic in India disproportionately affects women, specifically tribal Dalit women. Nutrition and health struggles have been magnified by the livelihood and hunger crisis during the pandemic. Half of all households in rural India have reduced the number of meals since the COVID-19 lockdown and 68% reduced the number of items in their meals. (Al Jazeera)

More than 1,000 Muslim families of Bengali origin are forced to live in camps without access to basic amenities after violent evictions. Schools, mosques and houses have been demolished to set up farming projects for Indigenous youth. Many of these families have been evicted three times already – in 2016 and 2021. (Al Jazeera)

Lebanon

Food prices in Lebanon skyrocket, causing food insecurity due to fuel and gasoline price hikes. This “hunger crisis” has plunged Lebanese families that were previously secure into poverty. Syrian refugees have been particularly affected by this insecurity. At least 67% of Syrian refugees in Lebanon are skipping meals and 90% live in extreme poverty, meaning they are unable to buy basic food items for survival. (Al Jazeera)

At least six dead in a shooting that marks the worst civil violence in Beirut since 2008. This took place during a protest calling for the removal of Judge Tarek Bitar who is responsible for the probe into the port blast. This violence reflects the rising tensions over the blast probe. (Reuters)

Lebanon suffered a total power outage this weekend for 24 hours highlighting the severity of blackouts which have been going on for months. The blackouts create health concerns as hospitals cannot operate and there are widespread cases of food poisoning since food cannot be kept fresh. All levels of Lebanese society are being affected by this. (CNBC)

Pakistan

Effects of climate change are threatening the lives and livelihood of the entire population in Pakistan. By 2050 Pakistan will be out of water, as the glaciers they rely on for water will melt. Heatwaves are killing people and damaging crop cycles. Devastating floods have hit the largest cities in the country and landslides have damaged infrastructure. (Al Jazeera)

Dengue virus has worsened and doctors suggest that numbers are higher than reported. Wednesday was the third consecutive day with more than 100 dengue fever patients in the capital, Islamabad. Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases continue to rise. (Gulf News)

Sudan

Sudanese face fuel and wheat shortages due to the ongoing blockade in Sudan’s main port. This also threatens the country’s already faulty electricity supply. The blockade has gone on for three weeks now. (Arab News)

Syria

Syria is listed as one of the 5 hardest countries to grow up as a woman. Since the conflict began over 10 years ago, child marriage has become more common. Over half of women and girls say the fear of sexual exploitation, abuse and kidnapping led them to early marriage, despite increased rates of domestic violence. Other countries listed include the Central African Republic, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Niger. (IRC)

Yemen

Oil spill threatens access to humanitarian aid and drinking water for millions of Yemenis. This oil spill could cause mass preventable deaths due to the loss of access to water and food. The area of the Red Sea that would be affected may also affect drinking water for people in Saudi Arabia and Eritrea. Fisheries which serve as a main source of income for millions of Yemenis would also be affected. (Al Jazeera)

Hundreds of Yemenis are trapped due to fighting, adding to the 10,000 people who were displaced last month. Civilians have been killed in the last few months due to this conflict. This fighting has taken place around Marib, which hosts hundreds of thousands internally displaced people. (Reuters)

Weekly Humanitarian News Digest – October 8

Cover Image: World Vision/Guy Vital-Herne

Latest News for October 1 – October 8, 2021

Afghanistan

Afghanistan risks losing 78% of its electrical power. The state power company of Afghanistan made appeals to the UN to help settle unpaid bills before electricity gets shut off. Unpaid bills stand at $62 million, and will jump to $85 million in a week. Domestic power sources only meet 22% of the country’s needs, and only 38% of people in Afghanistan currently have access to electricity. (Al Jazeera)

New investigation by Amnesty International reveals the unlawful killing of 13 ethnic Hazaras. Eleven of the victims were members of the Afghan National Defense Security Forces and had surrendered. The other two victims were civilians, including a 17-year-old girl. The Taliban-appointed chief of police in the Daykundi province has denied the killings. (Amnesty International)

Bangladesh/ Myanmar

Rohingya refugee activists face threats and violence in Cox’s Bazar camps. On September 29, Rohingya refugee leader, Mohib Ullah, was killed. In the months leading up to his death, Ullah expressed concern about the growing threats to his life. Activists are demanding more protection from local authorities. (Human Rights Watch)

Myanmar is facing an economic collapse alongside the COVID-19 pandemic and human rights catastrophe. Access to essential foods, medicine, wifi, and fuel has been limited due to the depreciation of Myanmar’s currency and escalation in conflict. At least 206,000 people have been internally displaced between February and September 2021. (World Vision)

Colombia/ Venezuela

Millions of Venezuelan refugees are fleeing south. Since 2014, more than 5 million Venezuelans have fled hunger, crime, violence, and the collapse of public services. Within the past year, the number of Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Bolivia has doubled to 10,000 people, while Peru is home to 1.1 million Venezuelans, and Chile hosts about 480,000. Countries in the global south now host 86% of the world’s displaced people. (National Geographic)

95,000 have crossed one of the most dangerous immigration routes in South America in the last nine months. The willingness to cross the treacherous land bridge connecting Colombia and Panama may indicate a historic displacement of people in the Americas towards the United States. (NY Times)

Gaza/ Palestinian Territories

UNRWA, the UN agency helping Palestinian refugees, faces an “existential” buget crisis. The agency is appealing for urgent funding of $120 million to keep education, health, and social services running this year. However, $800 million is needed annually to keep the organization afloat. UNRWA currently provides for 550,000 Palestinian children in school, supports health care for thousands, and pays the salaries of 28,000 staff members. (The National News)

Haiti

Asylum applications may jump 70% this year in Mexico where Haiti is the second-most common country of origin. Thousands were pushed back to Mexico from the U.S. to avoid being deported back to Haiti. Due to the increased demand, asylum applications are taking twice the time they should take to process. Many don’t qualify for asylum or are not interested in being refugees, but have no other option than to apply. (Reuters)

Haiti faces insecurity amid stalled elections, increased kidnappings, and damaged infrastructure. About 70% of schools are still damaged or destroyed in the Southwest since the 7.2 magnitude earthquake shook the country. This leaves more than 230,000 children at risk of dropping out. (UN News)

India

One in seven of 15 to 24-year-olds in India report feeling depressed. The report by UNICEF demonstrates that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on children’s mental health. India is also one of only 21 countries where the majority of young people felt they should not reach out to others when experiencing mental health issues. South Asia has the highest number of adolescents with mental health issues. (UNICEF)

India may soon be facing electricity shortages due to coal stocks running low. More than half of the country’s coal-fired power plants are running on fumes as coal stocks run critically low. This is a major concern, as 70% of India’s electricity is generated by coal and global coal prices have increased by 40%. India is already facing one of the worst recessions among the world’s major economies. (BBC)

Lebanon

Passport applications are peaking at 8,000 a day in Lebanon in what is being called a “third exodus.” The General Security Directorate has been overwhelmed with passport applications and is only able to process 3,500 per day. Lebanon’s dire economic crisis has forced many into poverty and led many families, doctors, and workers to leave the country. (Reuters)

Pakistan

Pakistan and India are among the 17 countries where water scarcity is “extremely high.” Both countries also faced massive flooding in 2020-21 due to unexpected rainfall, however there is no capacity to store water from the rainfall for later use. Nearly 2.3 billion people live in water-stressed countries. (Dawn)

Sudan

Members of Ethiopia’s Qemant minority ethnic group flee to the UN-run refugee camp in Sudan. About 2,000 people have fled to the camp since late July, with 261 arriving within a four-day period in September. Reports of raids by Ethiopian soldiers, killing of civilians, and destruction of homes have forced people to flee to Sudan. (Al Jazeera)

Sudanese government warns of looming medicine and food shortages. Protests against the deteriorating political and economic conditions have blocked ports in east Sudan. This closure is likely to create a shortage of fuel and wheat as the crisis in eastern Sudan has escalated in the last three weeks. (The East African)

Syria

Nine out of ten Syrian refugees in Lebanon live in extreme poverty. The inflation rate, Beirut blast, and COVID-19 lockdowns have all contributed to this increase. Child labour and marriage is on the rise, with one out of five girls age 15 to 19 married. Primary school attendance for Syrian children has dropped by 25% in 2021. Aid workers warn of increased risk with evictions in winter as rent prices increase. (TRT World)

Crop production in northeast Syria suffers due to low rainfall. In Hasakah, crop production dropped by more than 95%. The low rainfall has also depleted water levels, which affects electricity production and drinking water. Currently, 12.4 million people in Syria are food insecure and a further increase is expected. (France 24)

Yemen

Two children killed and 33 civilians injured in a missile strike in Marib. The state news agency reported a four-year-old girl and her two-year-old brother were killed when a missile hit their home. In total, 33 people were injured in the attack. This comes as the latest tragedy in a long conflict that has killed tens of thousands of Yemenis, causing what the UN describes as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. (Reuters)

Weekly Humanitarian News Digest – October 1

Cover Image: JOAQUIN SARMIENTO AFP/File

Latest News for September 24 – October 1, 2021

Afghanistan

Drought, pandemic and economic freefall: Afghanistan’s looming humanitarian crisis. More than half of Afghanistan’s population, 18 million people, require humanitarian assistance. The food crisis has been worsened by the effects of climate change with droughts and increasing temperatures, with one in three people in the country going hungry. Meanwhile, the pandemic continues with a critical shortage of medical supplies, high contagion rates and only 5% of the population vaccinated. As banking systems collapse the World Bank warns that “seven out of ten Afghans will soon be living below the poverty line.” (ReliefًWeb)

Bangladesh/ Myanmar

Myanmar’s currency has lost more than 60% of its value in the last month. The World Bank has predicted that Myanmar will “see the biggest contraction in employment in the region and the number of poor would rise.” This economic fallout comes alongside a second wave of coronavirus and an upsurge in clashes between the armed militias and Myanmar army. Around three million people in Myanmar now require humanitarian assistance. (Reuters)

Colombia/ Venezuela

Tens of thousands of migrants have been stranded on the border of Colombia and Panama on their journey to reach the United States. 19,000 migrants, primarily Haitians, await their turn to get a boat with only 250 tickets available each day. After crossing, people continue on a very dangerous path which passes through jungles, rivers and criminal gangs known to prey on people in transit. (France 24)

More than 75% of Venezuelans are now living in extreme poverty. The 10% rise from last year is attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and chronic fuel shortages, limiting people’s access to employment. The hyperinflation causing this context has been going on for seven years. (Reuters)

Gaza/ Palestinian Territories

Gaza will begin to repair the thousands of homes destroyed and damaged by air strikes in May. The 11 day conflict in May left around 2,200 homes destroyed and 37,000 damaged. Israel limits Palestinian’s access to construction materials by blocking their entry into the territory, but has agreed to allow in $20 million in aid from Qatar this month based on an agreement between the United Nations and Qatar. It will take $479 million to rebuild all the damaged infrastructure and homes. (Reuters)

Haiti

At least 2,853 Haitians deported from Texas, some returning for the first time in years or decades, join the thousands displaced by violence. Port-au-Prince is a “archipelago of gang-controlled islands” with most of the population having no access to basic public services, drinking water, electricity or garbage collection. More than 18,000 people have been displaced since the May uptick in gang violence. (NBC News)

India

Lowest daily COVID cases since March reported in India. India’s COVID situation has improved throughout the past few months despite the limited vaccination program. Only 23% of the adult population has been fully vaccinated, and 66% have been given at least one dose. (Al Jazeera)

Hundreds of people from Myanmar seek refuge in an Indian border village. This month, heavy fighting wiped out an entire town on the Indian-Myanmar border. Since the violence began in mid-September, 20 to 25 people have crossed the border daily. Due to the lack of framework for asylum in India, many may be deported back to Myanmar. (DW)

Lebanon

Fuel and medication shortages continue in Lebanon as economic crisis worsens. Lack of basic medicine and supplies, 8-9 hour fuel queues for petrol stations and hospitals turning off lights and air conditioning to save fuel for operating rooms and patient wards, and unaffordable food staples; These are some of the conditions which Lebanese face daily. The economic crisis in Lebanon is the world’s worst economic crisis in 150 years and millions are facing poverty. (Al Jazeera)

Mental health challenges in Lebanon, NGOs report a “suicide surge.” With 74% of the population affected by poverty and 82% affected by “multidimensional poverty,” Lebanese are facing micro stressors (fuel, power cuts) and the effects of traumatic events such as the 2020 Beirut explosion. The surge in suicide rates are connected to these conditions. (TRT World)

Pakistan

100 families on a hillside near the Afghan border are unable to return home after fleeing seven years ago due to conflict. Clashes between the Pakistani army and the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in 2014 left many families internally displaced, and this violence has been revived in the last month as the Taliban’s power grew in Afghanistan. This community has been stuck in a limbo, living in caves, and unable to return home or receive aid due to their lack of recognition as internally displaced people. (The Guardian)

Sudan

300,000 people affected by extreme flooding and heavy rain in Sudan. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says flooding has destroyed 15,000 houses and damaged 45,000. Aid has only been able to reach 183,000 people and OCHA warns that relief stocks are diminishing. Fear has been raised that these floods will affect a pipeline break, leaving even more people without access to critical needs in a flood emergency, such as water, sanitation and hygiene support, and health services. (The Weather Channel)

Syria

The UN releases its first report on the Syrian conflict since 2014, with a new death toll of at least 350,000. Due to the large number of missing persons and the strict methodology used, the UN has stated that rather than reflecting the reality it ‘indicates a minimum verifiable number, and is certainly an under-count of the actual number of killings.’ The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights notes that this violence continues, with shelling around Daraa just last month. (Al Jazeera)

COVID-19 delta variant cases are surging in Syria and hospitals are struggling to cope. Hospitals are completely overwhelmed as they report the biggest spike in cases since the beginning of the pandemic. Vaccination campaigns have been slow, leaving many vulnerable to the virus. (Reuters)

Yemen

Children in Yemen endure endless suffering due to the ongoing conflict. The new UN report shows that more than 3,500 children have suffered due to denial of humanitarian access, killing and maiming, and recruitment and use of children. Virginia Gamba, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, said that this suffering would leave Yemeni children “scarred for life.” (United Nations)

The humanitarian crisis in Yemen: starvation, conflict, and COVID. David Gressley, the UN coordinator in Yemen, describes the humanitarian situation. Access to freshwater is difficult across front lines, towns are uninhabitable due to land mines, and people face difficulties to carry out daily tasks. He calls for more political will and humanitarian assistance. (NPR)

Weekly Humanitarian News Digest – August 20

Cover Image: UNICEF/Al-Faqir

Latest News for August 16 – August 20, 2021

Afghanistan

According to the UNHCR, Afghanistan is on track to experience a record number of civilian deaths in 2021. As widespread armed conflict worsens across the country, 250,000 Afghans have been forced to flee the country since May 2021. 80% of the refugees have been women and children. As the crisis accelerates, the WFP Spokesperson Tomson Phiri anticipates a growing humanitarian catastrophe. (UN News)

Bangladesh/ Myanmar

Bangladesh’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout reached Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar for the first time on August 10. The first wave of vaccinations will reach 48,000 Rohingya ages 55 and up in one of Cox’s Bazar most densely populated camps. Equality and inclusivity in national vaccination campaigns remains vital in containing cases of COVID-19 and mitigating preventable deaths. (WHO)

Colombia/ Venezuela

The World Food Programme is now providing food baskets and agricultural assistance for 420 Arhuaco families in north Colombia. For the Arhuaco indigenous people, COVID-19 devastated agricultural production and exacerbated food insecurity. Additionally, the pandemic further limited the already Isolated community’s access to socioeconomic opportunities. WFP’s efforts aim to address food insecurity and improve nutrition for this vulnerable population. (WFP)

Gaza/ Palestinian Territories

Almost nothing has been rebuilt after the bombardment of Gaza in May. Much of the city’s architecture is still in ruins, reflecting the enormous mental and emotional toll that conflict has taken on the city’s residents. Health and humanitarian workers’ efforts have specifically been targeted. Each conflict makes it more difficult for the people of Gaza to rebuild feelings of hope and dignity. (The Guardian)

Haiti

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti on August 14, killing nearly 2,000 people and leaving many more in dire need of humanitarian aid. According to recent estimates, 500,000 children currently lack access to food, shelter, clean water, and health care. Hospitals and rescue workers in Haiti have been overwhelmed as more people have been found injured and buried in rubble- all in need of medical care amidst a growing humanitarian crisis. (Reuters)

India

Migrant workers in India’s Kerala State and are being targeted in COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. Despite composing 1/5 of the workforce, migrant workers are a marginalized population. Vaccine equity is absolutely critical, and is the “ticket to work” for millions. Vaccinations are now happening within the workplace and at vaccination camps alongside public health campaigns to raise vaccine awareness and dispel harmful vaccine myths. (Al Jazeera)

Lebanon

Hospitals in Lebanon are struggling to treat patients in critical condition after the Akkar fuel tanker explosion. As of August 16, 33 people have died and 80 people have been injured as a result of the tanker explosion. Akkar province is quite poor and lacks hospitals with the capacity to treat burn victims. The explosion further weakened Lebanon’s already extremely fragile health systems. Fuel, medications, and painkillers are becoming increasingly difficult to come by. (Al Jazeera)

Pakistan

Transgender Pakistanis combat stigma against the trans community when receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. Vaccine hesitancy is taking a toll on the health and wellbeing of marginalized populations. Rumors and misinformation has led many transgender Pakistanis to fear that HIV positive status, Hepatitis C, or gender reassignment surgery complications could worsen health outcomes if vaccinated. (Al Jazeera)

Sudan

In Sudan’s Nile River State, 55,000 people have been affected by heavy rain and severe flooding. According to OCHA’s most recent updates, dangerous flooding has been reported in 11 of Sudan’s 18 States, including: South and West Darfur, Sennar, Northern State, River Nile State, El Gedaref, White Nile State, South and North Kordofan, El Gezira, and Khartoum. As of August 18, six people have died and nearly 10,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed. (Radio Dabanga)

Syria

According to the UNRWA, armed conflict since July 29 has resulted in mass displacement of Palestinian refugees in Syria’s Dera’a. 33% of Palestinian refugees resided in the Dera’a camp of south Syria until the most recent hostilities. Ongoing conflict has severely limited the capacity of Dera’a camp to provide vital medical care and basic necessities such as food, water, electricity, and shelter. Some Palestinian refugees who had left the camp due to inhospitable conditions had no other option than to return. (UN News)

Yemen

Fuel shortages in war-torn Yemen are causing deforestation on a massive scale. Deforestation threatens to worsen the already dire humanitarian crisis and ruin hopes of long-term livelihoods. In the north of Yemen, an estimated five million trees have been cut down in the last three years alone. (Reuters)