On 1 October, over 1,000 essential workers from nine EU countries will rally in front of the European Parliament in Brussels, calling for urgent reforms to the EU’s public procurement rules. The Left stands in solidarity with these workers, advocating for stronger collective bargaining rights, improved working conditions, and public contracts that prioritise quality services over corporate profits.
Left MEP Li Andersson (Vasemmistoliitto, Finland), Chair of the Committee on Employment and Social affairs in the European Parliament:
“Competitiveness threatens to turn into a race to the bottom in terms of workers’ rights. Therefore we need better public procurement rules and strong emphasis on social criteria. We must ensure good, healthy and safe jobs for the people in Europe. When using public money, we must set an example – as we must have policies that strengthen the European Social Pillar, it’s also our responsibility to promote collective bargaining.”
Across Europe, millions of workers rely on public contracts for their livelihoods. Yet, research from UNI Europa exposes a troubling reality: half of public tenders in the EU are awarded solely based on the lowest price, disregarding the social impact on workers and communities. This practice flies in the face of the European Commission’s commitment to improving job quality and expanding collective bargaining to secure fair wages and better working conditions for all workers.
As European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gears up to revise the EU Public Procurement Directive, essential workers are making their voices heard, especially after the glaring omission of a portfolio dedicated to quality jobs and social rights.
This is a pivotal moment – a chance to finally address the needs of the very people who make these services possible.
The Left unequivocally opposes this broken system of public procurement that puts corporate greed ahead of workers’ livelihoods. Europe must no longer be driven by deregulation and profit-hungry corporations; instead, it should be shaped by robust public investment, the protection of workers’ rights, and an unwavering commitment to social and environmental justice.
Only hours earlier, UN Secretary-General António Guterreswarned the Security Council that “hell is breaking loose in Lebanon” along the UN-patrolled line of separation, with exchanges of fire greater in “scope, depth and intensity” than previously.
That warning came as US President Joe Biden told the world’s leaders gathered at UN headquarters on Wednesday that an “all-out” war was possible between Hezbollah and Israel, while the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, reported people fleeing from Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in the early hours of Thursday morning, in response to attacks on Israel which included a first attempted missile strike on Tel Aviv.
In a video message issued on Thursday in New York, the head of UN Peacekeeping Jean-Pierre Lacroix said: “I am deeply concerned by the sharp escalation along the blue line. As the Secretary General said last night in the Security Council, “Hell is breaking loose in Lebanon and we should all be alarmed by the escalation.”
He stressed that both the Lebanese and Israeli populations “are in extreme danger, with hundreds dead and thousands injured in recent days alone. Regional security and stability is at risk.”
“Literally thousands of families of Syrian and also Lebanese are crossing into Syria…they are women, children, men,” said UNHCR Representative in Syria, Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, as the Israeli military announced strikes on more than 70 targets overnight in eastern Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley and in southern Lebanon. Both areas are believed to be Hezbollah strongholds.
Border stress
Standing amid vehicles laden with belongings strapped to the roof and countless people queuing in long lines on the Syrian side of the border, Mr. Vargas Lllosa said that UNHCR was working with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to provide water, food, blankets and mattresses – “because many of them will be spending the night here at the border while they are processed”.
According to media reports, a 21-day ceasefire proposal by the US, European allies including France and several Arab nations has been rejected by members of Mr. Netanyahu’s government.
Latest data from Lebanon’s interior ministry indicates that 70,100 internally displaced people are now registered inside 533 government-run centres. Some 500,000 people have been displaced following months of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, the Lebanese authorities said.
UNHCR said that it was continuing to coordinate closely with the authorities and other humanitarian organizations to provide relief to people uprooted from their homes inside Lebanon. “Our teams are on standby to help more civilians who have fled the airstrikes, providing shelter, health care and psychosocial support,” the UN agency said on Thursday.
Echoing solidarity with those impacted by the strikes, the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, appealed for “more shelters and more funds” to provide critical support to those in need. “We are on the ground distributing emergency hygiene kits, blankets, sleeping bags, and dignity kits in displacement shelters. Our team is working tirelessly to support displaced families.”
Citing the Lebanese authorities, UNHCR said that more than 90,000 people have been displaced since 23 September and “more are abandoning their homes by the minute”.
The latest hostilities have killed more than 600 people and injured 1,835.
World Economic Forum from Cologny, Switzerland, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
In an act that shows a lack of respect for human rights the Turkish government led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stooped to a new level by arresting 15 adolescent girls aged between 13 and 17 years old. This action has led to condemnation from advocates of human rights and global onlookers who view this as part of a wider suppression of civil freedoms, in Turkey.
The young women were said to have been held in custody in order to compel them to give evidence against their siblings and parents who have been accused of having ties to Hizmet, a social movement that Erdoğan’s administration has branded as a terrorist group. This behavior has drawn criticism and is viewed as a targeted campaign, against opponents and individuals seen as dissenters of the authorities.
Critics claim that the Erdogan government is undermining the rights of its people by using intimidation tactics to intimidate families connected to Hizmet movement supporters. Enes Kanter – a former NBA player and prominent advocate for human rights – recently brought attention to this troubling pattern and shared how his father’s arrest in a bid to stifle his criticism personally affected him. This shows the extreme measures taken by the regime to quash dissent.
On May 7th there was an incident where the police detained some girls in Istanbul based on orders from the prosecutor to gather information which turned out to be false pretense and unjust treatment towards minors as they were treated as criminals without access, to legal representation and faced psychological coercion which goes against international and Turkish legal norms. United Nations guidelines stress the importance of treating child witnesses and victims with compassion, however, this aspect of treatment was blatantly ignored in this case.
The Ministry of Justice in Turkey has a history of charging minors with terrorism offenses based on recent data. Almost 20.000 children have faced such trials in recent years according to official records. Various human rights groups like Amnesty International have repeatedly highlighted concerns that Turkey misuses terrorism legislation to suppress civil organizations and dissenters; these actions have been flagged by the United Nations as possibly amounting to crimes, against humanity.
The continued harassment is more than a violation of personal liberties; it also weakens the foundation of families and communities by isolating innocent individuals from society’s mainstream fabric. The accusations against these women mostly arise from everyday endeavors like supporting their community and participating in educational initiatives that the authorities unjustly labelled as acts of terrorism.
The global community should press the government for answers to stop these serious human rights abuses from becoming commonplace. It is crucial to have an investigation overseeing these detentions. Those who champion rights warn that not holding such actions accountable will only empower the Erdogan administration to continue restricting its citizens liberties further.
The Hizmet movement draws inspiration from the teachings of Fethullah Gulen. Focuses on education and fostering dialogue among different faiths while also promoting humanitarian efforts. Imbued with an ethos yet the Turkish government has pointed fingers at it for allegedly masterminding the failed coup of 2016. An accusation that lacks concrete evidence and is widely debated. In response to this upheaval Erdogan’s administration initiated a crackdown operation targeted at those suspected of having affiliations with Hizmet. This crackdown included the closure of educational institutions the media outlets and other establishments along, with the detention of tens of thousands of individuals.
The global community has strongly voiced its disapproval of Turkeys track record on human rights issues recently reviews from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have highlighted cases of misconduct such as unjust detentions and the limitation of freedom of speech reports Additionally the European Union and the United States have both raised alarms, about Turkeys application of anti terrorism measures to silence opposition voices.
Turkeys legal system has faced scrutiny for its perceived lack of autonomy as numerous judges and prosecutors have been substituted with individuals aligned with the government’s agenda. This situation has resulted in a system that frequently prioritizes the ruling party’s agenda, over administering justice and upholding legal principles. The incarceration of minors and the extraction of forced testimonies represent breaches of both Turkish and global legal norms.
The global community needs to listen to Enes Kanter plea for unity and taking steps against these practices. It is through united international efforts that we can address this serious issue and safeguard the rights of people in Turkey especially the young individuals impacted by this political turmoil. It is crucial for the world to keep a watch on the developments and ensure that the Turkish government remains answerable for its deeds.
Cases of conflict-related sexual violence, sexual exploitation, and abuse have been growing since then, especially in Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan.
Many cases of abuse perpetrated against displaced women and girls go unreported due to a fear of stigma from other community members and inadequate support.
With cases of acute food insecurity and abuse now at a record high in war-torn Sudan, female-headed households are being more affected than male-headed households.
Additionally, 1.63 million women of reproductive age lack access to adequate healthcare services, even though around 54,000 childbirths are expected over the next three months.
The alert explained that “women and girls also continue to be disproportionately impacted by the lack of safe, easily accessible, and affordable water, sanitation, and hygiene.”
“At least 80 per cent of the internally displaced women are unable to secure clean water due to affordability, safety concerns, and distance,” it continued.
Education crisis
Access to education for girls in Sudan is also a major concern as more than 2.5 million school-aged girls are unable to return to the classroom which increases the risk of “being subjected to harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation.”
“Women and girls in Sudan are facing unimaginable challenges, yet their strength and resilience continue to inspire us,” said Hodan Addou, acting Regional Director for UN Women’s East and Southern Africa office. “We cannot let Sudan become a forgotten crisis.”
Call for action
UN Women said urgent action is needed to protect women and girls in Sudan and secure their access to food, safe water, and sexual and reproductive health services.
The office is calling on the international community and humanitarian partners to support funding for women-led organizations that are prioritising protecting and empowering women and girls.
“Now, more than ever, the international community must rally together to support women in Sudan, ensuring they have the resources and protection they need to survive and rebuild their lives,” Ms. Hodan Addou.
UN Women is also demanding an immediate halt to the fighting but all international efforts to bring about a ceasefire between the RSF militia and Government forces have so far fallen short.
The world has “failed the people of Gaza”, he said. More than 41,000 people have been killed since Israel’s offensive began in response to the Hamas-led terror attacks of 7 October. More than 90,000 Gazans have been wounded, the majority women and children.
“Two million Palestinians are now crammed into a space the size of the Shanghai International Airport, existing – not living, but existing – among lakes of sewage, piles of rubbish and mountains of rubble,” the UN chief said.
“The only certainty they have is that tomorrow will be worse.”
Despite being the only beacon of hope, at least 222 UNRWA staff and many other family members have been killed, several while serving in shelters that came under fire – the highest death toll in UN history.
Apart from the repeated attacks on staff simply for doing the jobs, “the humanitarian response in Gaza is being strangled,” Mr. Guterres said.
“Protection and deconfliction mechanisms for humanitarian aid deliveries have failed. Attempts to evict UNRWA from its headquarters in East Jerusalem continue, and UNRWA has not been spared on the political level,” he added. “This includes systematic disinformation campaigns that discredit the agency’s lifelong work.”
He pointed to draft legislation making its way through Israel’s Knesset seeking to label UNRWA a terrorist organization, which would outlaw its operations on Israeli territory.
Confidence in UNRWA
“In the face of the catastrophic conditions, UNRWA perseveres,” the Secretary-General said, expressing his full confidence in the neutrality and impartiality of the organization following an independent review into alleged collusion of some staff in the 7 October massacres.
“Member States are showing that same confidence. Virtually all donors have reversed their funding suspensions, [and] 123 countries have signed up to the declaration on shared commitments to UNRWA.”
He said there is no alternative to the agency in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
“Now is the time to work on all fronts to intensify support for the agency’s vital mission – support with funding that is sufficient, predictable and flexible,” the UN chief concluded.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that failing to address the mental, sexual and reproductive health of adolescents will have “serious and life-threatening consequences for young people”. It will also come at a massive cost for society, which justifies a major public investment from governments worldwide.
Tedros noted that anaemia among adolescent girls remains “prevalent” and at levels similar to those in 2010, while close to one in 10 teenagers is obese.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis and genital herpes that commonly occur among youth are on the rise too.
If left untreated, they could have “lifelong implications for health”, the WHO chief said, citing new data.
Tedros also spoke out against attempts to “roll back” young people’s access to sexual and reproductive healthcare and sex education in response to growing opposition to gender equality and human rights.
He said that any restrictive age of consent policies limit young people’s access to critical services, including those for sexually transmitted infections and HIV.
Adolescence is a unique and critical stage of human development, involving major physical, emotional and social transitions, and is a pivotal window for laying long-term foundations for good health, WHO notes.
“Promoting and protecting the health and rights of young people is essential to building a better future for our world,” said Tedros.
“Conversely, failing to address the health threats that adolescents face – some longstanding, some emerging – will not only have serious and life-threatening consequences for young people themselves, but will create spiraling economic costs.”
Gains are possible
The publication was launched at an event on the margins of the UN Summit of the Future.
“Adolescents are powerful and incredibly creative forces for good when they are able to shape the agenda for their wellbeing and their future,” said Rajat Khosla, executive director of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, which co-hosted the launch.
“Leaders must listen to what young people want and ensure they are active partners and decision makers,” she added.
Indigenous Peoples of Russia face ‘extinction’ from Ukraine mobilisation
Russia’s Indigenous Peoples face “extinction” because they have been subjected to “massive” mobilisation to fight in the war in Ukraine, a top independent rights expert said on Monday.
The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia, Mariana Katzarova, maintained that most of the mobilisation of minority communities had been forced.
“The mobilisation of Indigenous Peoples, particularly from small-numbered nations, is massive, and the death rate is massive, which is threatening them with extinction,” she said, citing civil society data.
‘Almost no Slavic faces’ on frontline
The independent rights expert, who does not work for the UN or receive a salary from the Organization, said that following the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, she saw “almost no Slavic faces” on images broadcast from the frontline, but rather those of Russia’s ethnic peoples.
UN News/Dominika Tomaszewska-Mortimer
“It was the Buryatians, it was the Kalmykians, it was the Chechens, it was the national minorities of Russia,” she insisted.
Speaking in Geneva, Ms. Katzarova said that Russian authorities had gone to the country’s “faraway places” to find war recruits.
“The mobilisation hasn’t been so brutal in Moscow and St. Petersburg…It’s the most sophisticated places where people know their rights.
“But, when you go 100 miles away on the train from Moscow and St. Petersburg and let alone in the far-away regions of Siberia…people don’t even feel they have a choice. They don’t even know their rights.”
The independent rights expert said she had documented cases where the military had gone “door to door” in their search for soldiers and “just drag out the men from Indigenous villages”.
Belarus authorities quell ‘all avenues of dissent’, UN Rights Council hears
Serious rights violations are continuing against civil society and critics of the Government in Belarus, the UN Human Rights Council heard on Monday.
Appointed by the Council in Geneva, the Group of Independent Experts on Belarus highlighted numerous grave abuses linked to protests at the disputed re-election of Presidential Alexander Lukashenko in 2020.
These include deaths, torture, gender-based violence and denial of the right to a fair trial, said Karinna Moskalenko, chair of panel of independent experts.
Climate of fear
She said the government “continues to instill a pervasive climate of fear by quelling all avenues of dissent, including in the digital space. New electronic intelligence equipment appears to have been pursued to increase the monitoring of online activities, ahead of the Presidential elections.”
Ms. Moskalenko, who as an independent expert does not work for the UN, further maintained that President Lukashenko’s government was “responsible for the near-total destruction of civic space and fundamental freedoms in Belarus”.
Most opponents of the authorities had been “either imprisoned or forced into exile since the 2020 elections”, she noted.
Panama, a reference for its successful accommodation of the de facto religious diversity and the peaceful coexistence between historical, tribal and new religions
This year, the ‘Faith and Freedom Summit’ organized by civil society organizations of Europe and America is taking place in Panama, a small country of 4.4 inhabitants in Central America.
While the last summit was hosted in the European Parliament in Brussels, it is the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino), comprising 23 countries, which this year is opening its doors on 24-25 September to this prestigious event gathering more than 40 speakers: prominent academics, human rights defenders, religious and political leaders from Panama, Germany, Argentina, Belgium, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Spain, the United States, France, Holland, Mexico and the United Kingdom.
The Kingpin of this project is Giselle Lima, Co-Coordinator of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable of Panama.
Why a conference on freedom of religion or belief in Panama?
Panama has been specifically chosen for this international meeting because the fundamental principles of freedom of religion or belief established by the United Nations are met by Panama. Its Constitution and its laws have led to good practices that can be shown with pride to other big democracies in America and Europe which have not achieved the same level of harmonious coexistence between the state on the one hand and the full range of religious or belief communities on the other hand.
In Panama, a country which is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, everybody has the right to change his religion or belief. Freedom of association, of worship and of assembly is respected. Freedom of expression and of sharing one’s faith in the public space is unimpeded. As the country has no army, there is no military service, which is especially important for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Relations are harmonious between society and religions as well as between the various religions. No inter-religious conflicts, no campaigns inciting hostility or hatred against specific religious or belief minority groups. Jehovah’s Witnesses, Scientologists and other religious minorities are treated fairly in the media, which is not always the case in big democracies.
Panama’s modesty needed to be rewarded by a big international event. The Faith and Freedom Summit is doing it.
Statistical data
In a 2022 Panama National Institute of Statistics and Census survey,
65 percent of respondents identified as Catholic;
22 percent as Evangelical;
6 percent as having no religion;
4 percent as “other religion.”
Jewish leaders estimate their community at 15,000 members, centered largely in Panama City.
A Shia Muslim leader estimated the Muslim community (Shia and Sunni) amounts to 14,000, with most Muslims located in Panama City, Colon, and Penonome. Shia Muslims are primarily of Lebanese origin, and Sunni Muslims are primarily of other Arab and Pakistani origin.
Other groups making up less than 5 percent of the population include (in descending order of membership) Episcopalians, Baha’is, Buddhists, Methodists, Lutherans, and Rastafarians.
Other small religious groups, found primarily in Panama City and other large urban areas, include Seventh-day Adventists, Baptists, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hindus, Pentecostals, Greek and Russian Orthodox Churches, the Church of Scientology, and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Local religious leaders estimated only a few individuals are Babalaos, who follow the Yoruba religious tradition and are associated with Cuba’s Santeria religion.
Indigenous communities are home to numerous Indigenous religions, including Ibeorgun (prevalent among Guna Panamanians), Mama Tata and Mama Chi (prevalent among Ngabe-Bugle Panamanians), and Embera (prevalent among the Embera Panamanians).
Adherents of these religions live across the country, which complicates efforts to estimate their numbers. Indigenous representatives estimate the practitioners of Mama Tata and Mama Chi number in the tens of thousands, whereas the practitioners of Ibeorgun and Embera likely number in the thousands.
PANAMA, the cradle of the fourth edition of the Faith and Freedom Summit. Why? 7PANAMA, the cradle of the fourth edition of the Faith and Freedom Summit. Why? 8PANAMA, the cradle of the fourth edition of the Faith and Freedom Summit. Why? 9PANAMA, the cradle of the fourth edition of the Faith and Freedom Summit. Why? 10PANAMA, the cradle of the fourth edition of the Faith and Freedom Summit. Why? 11PANAMA, the cradle of the fourth edition of the Faith and Freedom Summit. Why? 12
A poignant photo exhibition, organized by ECO FAWN Society, was held at the United Nations’ Broken Chair, during the 57th session of the Human Rights Council, shedding light on the plight of victims of terrorism in Kashmir. The event, well attended by UN delegates, foreign travelers, and members of the public from diverse backgrounds, aimed to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles faced by the region’s people. Through striking imagery, the exhibition vividly depicted the personal stories of loss, survival, and resilience in the face of decades of violence and instability.
The exhibition’s central focus was to humanize the statistics surrounding terrorism, giving a voice to the affected communities, particularly women and children. Participants included diplomats, NGOs, human rights activists, and media personnel, all of whom praised the initiative for creating a platform to foster empathy and dialogue on the issue. Public feedback emphasized the emotional impact of the photographs, inspiring conversations about peace, reconciliation, and justice for the victims.
The ECO FAWN Society, a non-governmental organization focused on environmental and human rights issues, expressed hope that the exhibition would contribute to global efforts to address the root causes of terrorism and provide support to its survivors.
List of Victims:
Rafiya Jan: Victim of a grenade attack in a crowded market in Srinagar – “A life cut short by senseless violence.” Read more
Rouf Ahmad Khan: Civilian shot dead by militants in Srinagar – “Caught in the crossfire of a conflict not of his own making.” Read more
Cop and his brother: Killed in a terrorist attack in Central Kashmir – “Families torn apart by the scourge of terrorism.” Read more
Satish Kumar Singh: Father of three young girls killed in Kulgam district – “A father’s dreams extinguished by the flames of hatred.” . Read more
Former Sarpanch: Killed in a terror attack in Shopian – “Dedicated to development, a victim of senseless brutality.” Read more
Retired SSP: Shot dead by terrorists while offering azaan in Baramulla – “A life of service ended by the cowardice of extremists.” . Read more
Rameez Ahmad: Constable who succumbed to injuries in a terror attack – “Another brave soul sacrificed on the altar of violence.” Read more
Policeman’s daughter: Whose tears move the Valley – “The innocent victims, forever scarred by the scourge of terrorism.” . Read more
Sanjay Sharma: Kashmiri Pandit shot dead in a targeted killing – “A community’s heritage erased by the hand of hatred.” Read more
Ishfaq Khanday: One of two killed in the Nowgam attack – “Caught in the crossfire, lives lost to the cycle of violence.” Read more
Through these heartfelt tributes, the exhibition aimed to keep the memories of these individuals alive while advocating for a future free from violence and filled with hope and healing.
As published by the well-known digital newspaper ‘Panoráma Económico Panama’, the most read digital news of Panama, the Parlatino will host this week the 4th edition of the prestigious ‘Faith and Freedom Summit’ (see web). After noting the increasing violations of freedom of belief in many parts of the world, more than 40 speakers from Panama, Germany, Argentina, Belgium, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Spain, United States, France, Holland, Mexico, United Kingdom and others will address during 2 intense days the problems and good practices in the protection of the right to freedom of belief in the world.
Panama City, 22 September – The Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino) in Panama City has been chosen as the venue for the International Summit ‘Faith and Freedom’ on 24-25 September 2024. This event, under the appropriate slogan ‘Practising what we preach’, will bring together over two days more than 40 leading academics, human rights defenders, religious leaders and politicians from various regions of the world.
The event will address the promotion and defence of freedom of conscience. Ambassadors from various countries around the world have confirmed their participation, as well as the Nunciature and public and legislative officials.
The summit has broad global support from international organisations, academia, civil society and religious bodies, and will feature a special message from Dr. Nazila Ghanea, the current UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief, who will emphasise the global importance of protecting this fundamental human right.
The opening ceremony will be addressed by Elías Castillo, Executive Secretary of Parlatino; His Excellency Juan Francisco Borrell Cal, Vice Minister of Government of the Republic of Panama; H.E. Mr. Rubén Farje, Representative in Panama of the Organization of American States; Ms. Maricarmen Plata Secretary of Access to Rights and Equity Organization of American States; as well as Mr. Ivan Arjona, a founding member of the NGO Coalition Faith and Freedom Summit; and will have as Master of Ceremonies Ms. Giselle Lima, Coordinator of the International Religious Freedom Roundtable in Panama.
Initiated as a European campaign by a coalition of secular and faith-based non-governmental organisations from the European Union, the Faith and Freedom Summit has gained international momentum with organisations from all corners of the world. Since its inception in 2018, it has succeeded in bringing together stakeholders from various parts of the world with a common goal: to join forces and resources to end discrimination and defend freedom of religion and belief, so that everyone can believe, disbelieve or change their beliefs everywhere in the world and at all times.
Throughout its three previous editions, held at the European Parliament, the summit has served as a platform to foster dialogue between politicians, academics, religious and civil society, to promote non-discrimination policies and to strengthen legislative mechanisms for the protection of human rights at regional and international level.
The event’s programme includes panel discussions focusing on:
– Mechanisms to promote and protect freedom of belief within nations and regions. – The role of academia in the defence of religious freedom. – Religions and interfaith work to protect the freedom of others. – The importance of civil society participation in promoting freedom of belief. – Responsibility of the media in promoting and respecting freedom of belief. – Achieving freedom of belief for all through diplomacy.
An International Call to Action
The summit invites political leaders, civil society organisations and citizens around the world to unite in defence of freedom of conscience and religion. They are urged to sign a pledge rejecting intolerance, discrimination, harassment and violence, in order to build a more equitable society that respects diversity of belief.
In a modest tent in a makeshift camp for displaced people west of the town of Al-Zawaida in Deir al-Balah governorate in Gaza, children whose lives have been turned upside down by a deadly war and widespread destruction are meeting speech therapist Amina Al-Dahdouh.
She is there to help them regain confidence in speaking.
An increasing number of people, especially young children are finding it difficult to express themselves as a result of the almost year-long war which has raged around them.
Amina Al-Dahdouh treats dozens of Palestinian children who suffer from speech problems.
“Stuttering is the problem that has increased the most,” said Amina Al-Dahdouh.
She estimates that that six out of ten children in the camp currently suffer from speech difficulties.
There is plenty of demand for her services in the camp where family members, some of whom have been displaced multiple times, are sheltering from attacks by Israeli forces.
Demand rising
“Currently, I am treating more than 50 children with speech problems here in the camp, and there are other children from different camps who want to come here to receive treatment,” she said, adding that “I provide services here three days a week, and I will provide three more days for children in other camps.”
The bombing of Gaza by Israel followed a series of attacks on Israel coordinated by Hamas-led Palestinian armed groups on 7 October 2023 in which almost 1,200 people were massacred.
In the more than 11 months since the initial attack by Hamas, the Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported the deaths of the more than 40,000 Palestinians, many of whom were children.
Parents with other concerns
According to Amina Al-Dahdouh, parents are less inclined to focus on treating their children’s speech problems as the war continues, as they struggle to secure a living or access food and water.
While children appear to be the most affected, Ms. Al-Dahdouh said speech problems across the Strip exist across all age groups and may become more apparent once the conflict is over.
Children collect water in the Gaza Strip.
Silent fear
A mother of one young child, Amal Awad, told UN News that her daughter Fatima began showing signs of speech issues in the early days of the war. “She could no longer pronounce letters or speak properly because of the war and fear,” she said.
“In the early stages of the war, she stopped speaking completely because she was so scared. She became silent most of the time. When I tried to talk to her more, I noticed that she was pronouncing letters incorrectly,” she explained.
She confirmed that her daughter has improved significantly since she began receiving treatment from Mrs. Al-Dahdouh, adding: “Even the people living in the tents around us have noticed a significant improvement in her speech.”
The United Nations has repeatedly warned of the long-term effects of war on children, including on their mental and physical health.
The UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF’s Jonathan Crickx said in February that “before this war, UNICEF was considering that more than 500,000 children were already in need of mental health and psychosocial support in the Gaza Strip.”
Today, it is estimated that more than one million children need that support.
