The HADR Institute (HADRI)’s Post

On the last few months in Ukraine, I've gained a deep understanding of the situation on the ground. Among the various challenges faced by civilians caught in the conflict, one group particularly stands out: the elderly men and women living near the frontlines. The hardships they endure are immense, not only due to the immediate dangers but also because of the significant barriers they face in accessing essential services and understanding the humanitarian aid mechanisms available to them. This revelation highlights an urgent need for tailored support and outreach to ensure our most vulnerable are not left behind. Let's discuss ways to bridge this gap and provide the necessary assistance effectively. #Ukraine #HumanitarianAid #ElderlySupport"

The report I present to the Council today focuses on the systematic denial by the military of life-saving humanitarian aid for civilians. They have put in place a raft of legal, financial, and bureaucratic barriers to ensure people in need do not receive and cannot access assistance.This obstruction of life-saving aid is deliberate and targeted, a calculated denial of fundamental rights and freedoms for large swathes of the population.This is being done in a situation where one-third of the entire population requires urgent help – including access to adequate housing, enough food and water. https://lnkd.in/ggqgwKYx 

UNRWA - CRITICALLY IMPORTANT ROLE ESPECIALLY NOW AND AID MUST CONTINUE BUT ITS FLAWS NEED TO BE FUNDAMENTALLY ADDRESSED In my personal opinion only, there is no question that there is a massive need for humanitarian aid in Gaza and the UN, Red Cross, other aid agencies need to do their part alongside the Palestinians, Israelis and neighbors who all have a duty. As I have articulated many times, I am abhorred by the tragedy to the innocent civilians in Gaza - their displacement, injury and tragically death. It is a terrible thing...full stop. Whilst I and others disagree with the cause of this tragedy (see below)*, there need to be, in the immediate short term and for the long term, relief agencies who can help the population and more than that can assist future administrations with the rebuild and more importantly a more balanced education system and civil society that can help us towards a long term peace and reconciliation. The issue - and in my view it is systematic of a wider challenge in global non-governmental organizations - is that they are riddled with bias and more than that have clear close ties to, and even took part with, those inflicting the pain and terror. The WSJ (https://lnkd.in/d59rMnCk) clearly signals many of the issues. I understand why countries around the world are pulling funding from UNRWA but this should be carefully considered (and Israel has clarified that it does not support this) and mustn't stop the relief work. In fact, this in my view may play into the hands of those who are using the pain and suffering for their own ends* and the world needs to double down on global support in the aftermath of this tragedy. I pray that the families of all innocent civilians are comforted, and that aid is delivered to those in need. I pray that the captives are urgently returned to their loved ones, including our neighbor and friend's son. Most of all I pray that those who caused this damage* are removed swiftly from their position of power without more loss of life to the IDF or innocent civilians on either side, and that the seeds of a new and more positive society laid which can lead to an eventual peace and reconciliation. __________ *I believe, and from my perspective the evidence points to, the deliberate and cynical use of the innocent civilian population by Hamas who planned for it as much as they planned the attack on 7/10. They in my view are completely responsible for this tragedy inflicted on both sides which I wish had not happened.

🚨ALERT: The crisis in Sudan is tragically becoming a forgotten war. Massive displacement, human trafficking, sexual violence, and the forced recruitment of child soldiers are among the many horrors currently being inflicted on civilians. We urge parties to the conflict to implement a ceasefire to end the suffering. Until then, humanitarian aid convoys and personnel must have rapid, protected, and unimpeded passage to guarantee aid and protection for those impacted by the conflict. Learn more: https://bit.ly/474uMgL

Murwarid Ziayee, Senior Director of CW4WAfghan, spoke on CBC's The Current about how Taliban restrictions cut women off from receiving aid following the earthquakes in Afghanistan. "[The international community can help by putting] a lot of pressure on the Taliban to allow female aid workers as part of the emergency response team... By directly distributing aid and services to women, and not through Taliban or community elders. That will ensure that aid is actually reaching women and children who have been left behind and don't have any other means of support." Listen to the full segment: https://lnkd.in/euwPqXsJ

If you want to help someone in Afghanistan, you can send aid packages here: https://lnkd.in/eUm2Ew3Y. It is a direct, end-to-end service. The process is clear, and you will receive a picture or video if you want. You can also choose beneficiaries (by giving their phone numbers) or let Aseel decide since they have many registered beneficiaries. This is how a bottom-up humanitarian service works, unlike the mega humanitarian organizations that benefit from millions of funds, remain corrupt, and systematically bureaucratic. This service is a perfect match for sending your Zakat during this month of Ramadan to those in need.

Having collaborated in derailing Sudan’s trajectory towards democracy and civilian rule, the two military leaders – General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, commander of the Sudanese army, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, head of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces – are now struggling over the wreckage of a nation. The people of #Sudan are the innocent victims. Already highly vulnerable before this conflict, they now face a humanitarian catastrophe as a consequence of the destruction and displacement the fighting has caused. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced within Sudan, and tens of thousands are fleeing across the border to Chad, Ethiopia, South Sudan and elsewhere, often arriving in areas already experiencing ‘emergency’ levels of acute food insecurity. We appeal to all combatants to respect the ceasefire agreement, to refrain from further violence, killing, destruction and looting, to respect international humanitarian law regarding the protection of civilians, and to commit to a permanent cessation of hostilities so that civilians can safely resume their lives and livelihoods, and the nation of Sudan can begin the process of rebuilding and reconciliation. We urge all responsible members of the international community to prevail upon the armed actors to engage in meaningful negotiations for a sustainable peace, to respond swiftly and effectively to the humanitarian emergency in Sudan, and to press for a rapid resumption of Sudan’s path towards democracy and civilian rule from which it was illegitimately diverted by the military coup of October 2021.

🌐 Urgent Call for support 🌐 As global citizens, we can't turn a blind eye to the pressing situation in Gaza. United Nations experts are urging a permanent ceasefire to safeguard the rights and future of civilians, particularly women and girls. Reports reveal the devastating impact of Israeli airstrikes since October 7, with approximately 12,000 women and children losing their lives. Beyond these grim statistics, 1.1 million women and girls are in desperate need of humanitarian aid—basic necessities like food, shelter, water, and sanitation. The consequences of the conflict are profound, with 951,490 women and girls displaced from their homes due to the Israeli airstrikes. Let's amplify this call for peace and support, raising awareness and standing in solidarity with those affected. Together, we can make a difference and contribute to a more compassionate world. 🌍 #gazagenocide #gazaunderattack #ceasefirenow