Articles You May Have Missed 6 to 11 January 2025

 

Reflections on the year ahead for the UN and humanitarians, worsening situation in Gaza and in Afghanistan, Indonesia launches a massive drive to improve child nutrition, and a UN envoy was finally allowed to enter Yemen hopes to negotiate release of UN staff.  

2025

Humanitarian trends - key global trends that will worsen humanitarian needs in 2025 due to funding shortfalls. Rising global debt is crippling developing countries, forcing many to spend more on debt payments than public services, worsening poverty and malnutrition. Conflicts continue with failed peace efforts in places like Sudan, Yemen, and Myanmar, while mass atrocities persist with little accountability. The fractured global order, with rising influence from Russia and China, has weakened multilateralism. Women and girls face heightened risks from cuts to aid services and oppressive laws. Latin America’s gang violence and organized crime have triggered mass displacement and a humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, asylum rights are under attack in the Global North, leaving refugees in increasingly dire situations. (The New Humanitarian, "Trends that will spur humanitarian needs in 2025")

The year of UNcertainty - shared by Robert Cohen. Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency on the United Nations poses possible disruptions to multilateral diplomacy, foreign aid, and U.S. engagement with international organizations. Key concerns include anticipated cuts to foreign assistance, a transactional approach to the U.N., and increased influence of faith-based groups in U.S. policy. The administration's stance on Israel, China, and global humanitarian aid is expected to shape U.S. diplomacy. The Project 2025 road map, drafted by Trump loyalists, signals a pivot towards national security over humanitarian principles, with potential defunding of international organizations. (DEVEX, "The Year of Uncertainty")

Key risks - The global landscape in 2025 is at a critical turning point, with rising risks that could destabilize world order. A “G-Zero” world, where no country or alliance leads effectively, creates a dangerous environment reminiscent of the 1930s. Key risks include the return of Donald Trump, who will centralize U.S. power, heighten tensions with China, and undermine economic stability with inflationary policies. Russia will remain a rogue actor, Iran is weaker than ever, and global economic fragmentation will accelerate as the U.S. and China export disruptions. Meanwhile, unchecked AI growth poses new risks, ungoverned spaces will expand, and Mexico faces internal and bilateral challenges. Overall, global leadership, cooperation, and regulation are eroding, pushing the world toward greater instability and inequality. (Eurasia Group "Top Risks for 2025")

Afghanistan

The dire situation of women deepens -  Shabana Basij-Rasikh, co-founder of the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA), reflects on the dire situation for Afghan women and girls under Taliban rule, highlighting their determination to pursue education and defy oppressive decrees. The article shares stories of girls who dream of becoming doctors, pursue online education, and climb rooftops or hills to access internet signals for learning. Amidst the despair, there are glimmers of hope, like an Afghan girl celebrating her college acceptance with her family via solar-powered light in remote Badakhshan. Basij-Rasikh emphasizes that while hope in Afghanistan is rare, it persists in hidden places, fueled by the unwavering spirit of Afghan girls. (Washington Post, "In Afghanistan, a long winter for women's rights")

Gaza

At least 74 children were killed in the first week of 2025. For the children of Gaza, the new year has brought more death and suffering from attacks, deprivation, and increasing exposure to the cold,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. ”A ceasefire is long overdue. Too many children have been killed or lost loved ones in a tragic start to the new year.” (ReliefWeb, "New year brings little hope for children in Gaza")

At least 7 infants have died from the cold in recent weeks. More than a million displaced people — many sick and malnourished — struggle to find refuge from the elements.
(Washington Post,"Gaza didn't get enourg winter shelters. Now babies are dying in the cold.")

Indonesia

Child malnutrition - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has launched a multibillion-dollar free meal program to combat child malnutrition, aiming to reach 82.9 million people by 2029. In the current phase the initiative provides meals to 570,000 children and pregnant women with plans to expand to 15 million recipients this year. (Al Jazeera, "Indonesia kicks off first free meal programme")

Syria

How the revolution came about - according to an interview with Dr. Asef Bayat, Syria has been on a 'revolutionary path that led to the fall of the regime. He ponders whether these events might lead to a 'third wave' of the Arab Spring'?  Article shared by Niloufar Pourzand. (Instagram, "Syria's Delayed Revolution")

UNICEF

The history of our logo - from a child drinking milk to a parent lifting up a child.  Article shared by Niloufar Pourzand (UNICEF, "History of a logo")

Yemen

The UN envoy to Yemen made a rare visit to push for progress in peace talks, following years of conflict between Huthi rebels and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. A 2022 ceasefire reduced violence, and peace efforts resumed in late 2023, but tensions have risen during the Israel-Hamas war. The Huthis have launched attacks on Israeli and international targets, prompting retaliatory strikes from Israel, the U.S., and Britain. The UN envoy's visit also aims to secure the release of detained humanitarian staff, whom the Huthis accuse of espionage—charges the UN denies. (AFP/Barrons, "UN Envoy in Rare Yemen Visit")