Christian Aid Global: Recent Episodes
Christian Aid Global
Today 1.3 billion people live in extreme poverty. Tonight 900 million will go to bed hungry. Yet our world has never been richer.
Christian Aid believes that poverty can and must be ended. Listen to regular podcasts from the Communications Team at Christian Aid as we meet the people and see the work that is transforming the lives of poor people in more than 60 countries around the world.
To find out more, visit http://www.christianaid.org.uk or follow us on Twitter @CA_global (http://twitter.com/CA_Global) .
Christian Aid’s partner, the South Sudan Council of Churches, is an ecumenical body which brings together the main churches in South Sudan. It has formulated a powerful action plan for peace involving advocacy for peace, supporting neutral forums for dialogue and truth telling, and grassroots reconciliation. In this podcast, some of the key members of the SSCC talk about prospects for peace in South Sudan, and share their Christmas prayers.
Hear Joydip Kundu, a conservationist with the Society for Heritage and Ecological Researches in Kolkata, explain why tigers attack humans and how they keep millions of people in south Bengal safe from the devastating impacts of climate change. This audio is part of Christian Aid’s interactive story: The tiger, the fisherman, his wife and our future.
http://www.christianaid.org.uk/tigers
ClimateChange #WorldEnvironmentDay #India #Tigers
For World Health Day we are highlighting the work of Tesfa Association, a member of the National Network of Positive Women Ethiopians. Christian Aid communications officer, Amanda Farrant, recently visited Ethiopia to find out more about Tesfa’s work. She witnessed how Tesfa is empowering men and women living with HIV to go into their communities and show others that it is possible to live happily and live positively. As Amanda explains, it starts with a cup of coffee…
health #Ethiopia #HIV
Prospery Raymond Christian Aid Country Manager in #Haiti talks about the achievements and challenges five years after the earthquake struck his country. #Haiti
In Kenya, too many children don’t make it through their first day of life – of those who don’t, the vast majority are killed by preventable illnesses or complications in childbirth. And for women in Kenya, childbirth can be dangerous. They are 40 times more likely to die in childbirth than mums in the UK.
Through our Christmas appeal, Christian Aid is determined to change this.
Our partners are working to get vital healthcare to mums and babies. Together we’re providing village motorbikes and rough terrain ambulances to get women safely from hut to hospital. By building local maternity wings, and equipping them with everything from delivery beds to incubators, we’re giving thousands more babies a chance at life. We’re training community health workers and traditional birth attendants to support expectant mothers, wherever they are, to make sure they get the healthcare they need.
These days, wise women don’t bring frankincense. They bring life-saving care.
Support our Christmas appeal this year and the UK Government will DOUBLE your donation. Visit www.christianaid.org.uk/getinvolved/c…as/index.aspx to find out more.
An audio reflection by Communications Officer, Antoinette Powell. She tells the story of Hero and how our partner ASUDA is doing incredible work to protect women from violence, through the provision of safe shelters and legal support.
'If we do not do our best to avert the climate crisis we have failed our children - it's as simple as that.' Yeb Sano, climate change commissioner for the Philippines. In this podcast, Yeb talks about the need for urgent action on climate change, the role of the church, and our moral duty to the generations to come.
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was a disaster unlike any in recent history. The race to deliver aid and rebuild communities involved coordination between governments and aid agencies on an unparalleled scale. Lessons learned have since been applied in emergencies, such as the Haiti earthquake in 2010 and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013. In this audioboom, Nick Guttmann, our Head of Humanitarian, describes how the Boxing Day disaster changed emergency work around the world.
This podcast is part of Tsunami: 10 years after the wave, a multimedia production by Christian Aid.
http://www.christianaid.org.uk/tsunami
The impact of #Ebola goes further than those directly affected by the deadly virus. Christian Aid's Tomi Ajayi has recently returned from #SierraLeone. She talks about how our colleague and his family were suddenly quarantined.
For more information visit http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/areas-of-concern/ebola-in-sierra-leone.aspx Photo courtesy of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH.
After a record breaking 700,000 people took to the streets around the world demandning action to tackle climate change, world leaders met at the UN Climate Summit in New York. Christian Aid's Joe Ware sums up what happened and looks forward to a crucial 14 months for the climate.
A short snippet of a briefing given by one of our staff members in Sierra Leone about Christian Aid’s unique value in helping combat Ebola in the country. For more information, see our website: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/eyewitness/africa/ebola-outbreak-sierra-leone-west-africa082014.aspx
ebola #sierraleone
David Pain, one of Christian Aid's directors, talks about his visit to India to see the work of our partners, the challenge of fundraising and why he works for Christian Aid.
Fear is sweeping across parts of northern Iraq as hundreds of thousands of people flee for their lives to escape Islamic State militants. Many of them are persecuted religious minorities, including Yazidis and Christians. In this podcast Janet Symes, Head of Middle East at Christian Aid, talks to Middle East Communications Officer, Amy Merone. She describes the fear facing people in Iraq and tells of how these are unprecedented times for Christian Aid in the Middle East. Help us to reach out to desperate places. Visit www.christianaid.org.uk/Iraq
conflict #Iraq #Sinjar
Christian Aid believes that while the scale of destruction and suffering in Gaza is unprecedented, the current crisis should not be a surprise to anyone. In this podcast, Communications Development Officer Amy Smith talks to Christian Aid’s Advocacy Officer for the Palestinians and Israel William Bell. He explains why we believe the current crisis is the result of decades of political failure and continuous Palestinian displacement. Please donate now to the DEC Crisis Appeal to help us provide desperately needed essential healthcare, psychological and social services, and longer term support to the people of Gaza. http://www.christianaid.org.uk/Gaza
Gaza #humanitarian #displacement #christianaid
On 22 July 2014 Christian Aid joined the Girl Summit - a global movement to put an end to female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage – hosted by the UK Prime Minister and jointly organised by the Department for International Development (DfID) and UNICEF. Nyaradzayi Gumbozvanda, of Christian Aid’s partner organisation World Young Women’s Christian Association (World YWCA), was lucky enough to attend. Here she talks to Press Officer Melanie Hargreaves about her own experiences of child marriage, how World YWCA is tackling the issue, and what her hopes are following the Girl Summit.
In recent days, the conflict in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory has spiralled alarmingly.In this podcast, Janet Symes, head of Middle East region at Christian Aid, describes the current humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, how our partners are responding to the crisis and what action Christian Aid is calling for.
Gaza #conflict
World Cooperative Day happens every year on the first Saturday of July. When we realised that two members of the Kuapa Kokoo cocoa farmers’ cooperative in Ghana were in London, we jumped at the opportunity to interview them. This year Kuapa Kokoo is celebrating its 20th year so we asked them all about the cooperative, their relationship with Divine Chocolate and what they hope to see over the next 20 years.
chocolate #cooperatives #divine
Rosie Crowther, emergency programme officer at Christian Aid, talks about her recent trip to South Sudan where fighting continues despite peace agreements signed by President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar. Whilst there she spoke to people fleeing their homes, both within the country and those heading for the border into Ethiopia. Currently over four million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.
15-21 June is World Refugee Week – a chance to highlight the plight of over 15.4 million people worldwide who have fled their homes and countries for fear of their lives. Often leaving home with nothing, they endure arduous and dangerous journeys to new countries, only to end up in makeshift homes and camps with little to survive on. This podcast looks at one of the biggest refugee crises facing our world today – the fleeing of millions of Syrians from a bloody conflict that has just entered its third year. Christian Aid is working with local partners in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon to support these refugees and help make life better for them. Lucy Batchelor, our programme manager for the Syria emergency explains what she has seen on a recent visit to refugee communities in Northern Iraq, and why it’s crucial that we continue to support them. For more information please visit: www.christianaid.org.uk/syria
syria #refugee #iraq #christianaid #humanitarian #aid #war #conflict #emergency
As football fever takes hold of the world this month, Communications Officer Cat Goldson interviews Brazilian Mara Luz – Christian Aid’s Deputy Head of Latin America and the Caribbean – to get an insider’s view of The World Cup. She talks about lots of issues ranging from the building of the stadiums, public expenditure costs, FIFA’s tax breaks and a campaign win for street vendors against a FIFA ruling. If you’d like to add your voice to our FIFA tax campaign – telling FIFA to stop imposing rules on World Cup hosts that give sponsors huge tax breaks – go to www.lasjugadasdelafifa.inspiraction.org/en
WorldCup #Brazil #football
Christian Aid recently took the decision to phase out our programme in Peru. In this podcast we explore why this decision has been made, reflect about our work and our achievements in this country, where we have been working for 30 years.
Peru
The war in Colombia has affected everyone in the country from writers to footballers. Football, however, also brings people together especially those affected by the conflict and those living in safe zones. This podcast brings football, war and a Colombian writer together.
Chair of Christian Aid talks about the challenge Live #BelowTheLine and how he lived on £1 a day for five days in solidarity with the 1.2bn people around the world who live below the poverty line
Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines on 8 November 2013. In this podcast, Christian Aid’s Ted Bonpin looks back at the courage and strength of people affected, the generosity of supporters, and the inspiration he’s drawn from the communities he’s visited. In the wake of Typhoon Haiyan we were there, in the hardest hit parts of the Philippines, delivering vital relief to thousands of families caught in the path of the storm. More than 14 million people were affected by the typhoon, and a further 4 million forced from their homes. Six months on and for many, already facing a future without precious loved ones, the anxiety and worry of making ends meet remains – the struggle to feed, clothe, house, educate and care for themselves and their families persists. Our local partners have been helping people restore their lost livelihoods and rebuild their lives. Find out more http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/philippines-typhoon-appeal/index.aspx (Photo –a community market day organised by Christian Aid partner Coastal Core-CERD brings together households and sellers of fish, fruit and vegetables. Beneficiaries are given cash vouchers. Not only does this enable them to buy vital food items, it also helps stimulate the local economy)
‘We can now live together safely and this brings my children courage and hope. This is so important to us so that we can now begin to forget.’ In this podcast we hear the story of Anoon Aleu, who returned to South Sudan to build a better life for her family and to rebuild her country following independence in 2011. She feared for her children’s safety and wanted a life of freedom for them in their homeland. Anoon and her husband, Madut, have built a new home, with a cash grant received from Christian Aid partner HARD. Anoon sees this new house as a symbol of hope bringing together her family safely under one roof. Christian Aid's partners in South Sudan are working with families like Anoon's to provide long term development solutions, whilst also responding to the current escalation in violence and the crisis facing many of those displaced from their homes.
caweek #conflict #southsudan #development #emergency
In the 1980s the Ba’ath regime, led by the then Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, launched a genocidal campaign against the country’s Kurdish people. Thousands of Iraqi Kurds were killed in chemical attacks and whole villages destroyed. Today, while many communities have rebuilt their homes and villages, poverty in rural northern Iraq is still prevalent. In this podcast, former communications officer, Antoinette Powell, shares her reflections on visiting a village in northern Iraq where Christian Aid partner REACH works to support a community whose lives were destroyed by conflict and ensuing poverty. #caweek #conflict #peace
How do we know how much benefit our development work actually achieves, and for whom? A recent research study carried out for Christian Aid by the new economics foundation calculated that every £1 of funds spent generated £8 of financial and social benefits not only among people directly targeted by the Filling the Gaps project, but also for their wider communities. Understanding where and how we are delivering value for money is an increasingly hot topic as supporters and donors rightfully expect us to demonstrate our accountability. Measuring this value is complex and there is much debate across the sector around how to do it meaningfully and cost-effectively. In this recent report using a Social Return On Investment approach, we look at the social and financial benefits achieved by two partners in Kenya involved in the Comic Relief funded project to improve the quality of life for people living with HIV through increased access to treatment and therapy. Find the full report here: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/images/Filling-the-gaps-social-ROI-analysis-May-2013.pdf
This Easter, we hear from two Christian Aid staff members who went to visit our partner, CIPCA, last year. CIPCA work with indigenous communities in the Bolivian rainforest helping them to earn a secure income, to produce more food and also to protect the land they live on. Part of Christian Aid’s support has enabled CIPCA to build a chocolate processing factory in the rainforest allowing cocoa growers to transform their beans into more valuable chocolate bars. CIPCA also provide families or groups of families with different types of small animals like sheep and hens which have adapted to thrive in the rainforest environment providing them with an extra source of protein and income.
chocolate #Easter #chicks #sheep #Bolivia
With the latest findings from climate scientists making grim reading Christian Aid has published a new report Taken by Storm which outlines how 7 different countries are being affected by climate change and what Christian Aid partners are doing to help. Co-author of the report, Christian Aid's Senior Climate Change Adviser, Dr Alison Doig, explains what the latest science means for the planet. To check out Christian Aid's new easy-to-read report Taken By Storm: Responding to the impacts of climate change, visit http://www.christianaid.org.uk/resources/policy/climate/index.aspx
IPCC
Crisis in South Sudan More than 900,000 people have been displaced amid escalating violence in South Sudan since 15 December 2013. The UN estimates that considerably more than 10,000 have been killed. Political tensions have been building for many months in South Sudan since President Salva Kiir – leader of the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement (SPLM) - dismissed the entire cabinet in July last year. Despite the signing of a Cessation of Hostilities agreement on the 23rd of January this year, violent clashes between the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Army (SPLA) and opposition forces loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar have continued unabated. An estimated seven million South Sudanese are at risk of food insecurity this year, with the UN Security Council now warning that the deteriorating humanitarian situation and continuing violence could result in famine at the beginning of 2015. Listen to our policy advisor Natalia Chan who explains more about the current crisis in South Sudan. For more information visit our website http://www.christianaid.org.uk/index.aspx
In the second of two podcasts to mark three years since the start of the conflict in Syria, Mark Ohanian, Director of Programmes at IOCC, a Christian Aid partner, talks about the work of the organisation inside the country. Working through their local partner, the Department of Ecumenical Relations and Development, they have reached more than 1 million people in desperate need. To find out more about our work in the region, or to donate to our appeal, visit www.christianaid.org.uk/syria.
In the first of two podcasts to mark three years since the start of the conflict in Syria, Christian Aid's Emergency Porgramme Manager for Syria, Lucy Batchelor, describes the work of our partners in Lebanon and northern Iraq in responding to the refugee crisis. To find out more about our work in the region, or to donate to our appeal, visit www.christianaid.org.uk.
International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th every year. Its aim: to celebrate the achievements of women whilst focusing world attention on areas in which women and men are still unequal. And gender based violence is just one such manifestation of gender inequality that exists the world over. This podcast showcases a new approach to tackling gender based violence which partners in Zambia and Sierra Leone are championing; involving men as part of the solution. As Emma Mwinga (pictured) from Zambia National Women's Lobby says: "We're engaging men and boys to be advocates of change within our communities."
Every day, in so many different ways, people show their love for one another. Love between couples, in families, within communities and love in action. In this podcast, Christian Aid staff share the love stories of people who they have met whilst travelling. #love #valentinesday
Radio is used in lots of different ways by Christian Aid partners around the world to help people in poverty. This World Radio Day (13 February 2014) Cat Goldson from Christian Aid's Communications team finds out about some of the ways in which radio is used in El Salvador, Bolivia, Burundi and the occupied Palestinian territory.
In this podcast, Adrian Ouvry, Head of Humanitarian Division at Christian Aid, explains the huge need that remains in Haiyan hit areas, the challenges ahead, Christian Aid's emergency response and what we’ll be doing in the near future. It’s three months now since Typhoon Haiyan tore through central Philippines on 8th November 2013. More than 14 million people were affected and a further 4 million forced from their homes. In the coming weeks and months Christian Aid partners will be supporting farmers and fishers as they slowly begin to restore their livelihoods http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/philippines-typhoon-appeal/eyewitness/efren-fishing-boat-livelihoods-income.aspx
Since the conflict in Syria began in March 2011, almost 900,000 refugees have crossed the border into Lebanon in search of sanctuary. For a country with a population of just 4.5 million, the influx of refugees has swelled the population by almost 25 per cent. Lebanon is a country that is teetering on the edge of breaking point; struggling to cope with the burden of so many refugees in desperate need. Christian Aid partners are working in Lebanon to provide practical, as well as emotional, support to some of the most vulnerable refugee communities. In this podcast, Communications Officer, Amy Merone, reflects on her recent trip to Lebanon. #Syria #Lebanon #conflict
On 12 January 2010 a 7.0 magnitude earthquake ripped through Haiti killing 220,000 people and leaving 1.5 million people homeless. This interview with Christian Aid’s Emergency Programme Office for Haiti, Nicki Morgan, reflects on the changes she has seen over the last few years, and the varied work that Christian Aid partners have been doing.
This podcast by Chantal Daniels, Policy and Advocacy Officer at Christian Aid, is part of In Kony’s Shadow, a powerful online multimedia exhibition about those who survived the violence of Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army in northern Uganda. Visit www.christianaid.org.uk/in-konys-shadow to explore photographs, films and personal accounts.
This podcast is part of In Kony's Shadow, a multimedia project about those who survived the violence of Joseph Kony's Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda. In Kony's Shadow will launch in January 2014
Unable to grow hardy corops at a high altitude, farmers living in Phinaya,Peru have no option but to raise alpacas to survive. Better techniques means alpaca farmers are now able to produce better fibre an earn a fair price for the wool. #Peru
internationalmountainday
alpacas
market
Brazilian Paulo Ueti is a Bible scholar, theologian, and passionate campaigner against gender violence. He brings these elements together in his work supporting faith communities to deal with violence against women and girls. In this fascinating interview, he discusses the role of church and theology in facing this issue, in the country with the 7th highest rate of domestic violence in the world. Part of our 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence series.
Harrowing accounts of sexual violence are included in a new report ‘Colombia: Women, Conflict Related Sexual Violence and the Peace Process’ by Christian Aid partner ABColombia. Colombian journalist Jineth Bedoya Lima, a victim of sexual violence herself, she talks to Christian Aid about the need to highlight the issue.
It's three weeks since Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, leaving more than 3 million people homeless. Thanks to your donations our partners are providing life-saving assistance in some of the worst-hit areas, getting food and shelter to those who need it most. Lilly Peel, Christian Aid communications officer, reports on the work of our partners on the ground. #Haiyan #Typhoon #Philippines
Christian Aid press officer Melanie Smith is currently in the Philippines and travelled to Ormoc in Leyte province - one of the hardest hit areas. She explains the dire situation facing people affected by the recent typhoon. To donate to the DEC emergency appeal and help our local partners provide urgent assistance visit http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/philippines-typhoon-appeal/index.aspx
Typhoon #Haiyan #emergency #humanitarian #Philippines
During and after emergencies, such as conflicts and natural disasters, women and girls are at the most risk of abuse. Lack of protection and provision for their needs leaves them vulnerable to sexual exploitation, violence, mental and physical illness and death. This week, the government’s Department for International Development (DFID) has organised a high-level event to ensure that the prevention of, and response to, violence against women and girls is prioritised in emergency situations.
Coree Steadman, Christian Aid regional emergency manager for Asia and the Middle East, talks about the humanitarian situation on the ground and explains how our local partners are helping with the relief effort. To donate to our emergency appeal and help our local partners provide urgent assistance visit http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/philippines-typhoon-appeal/index.aspx
Typhoon #Haiyan #emergency #humanitarian #Philippines
Confusão translates from Portuguese as confusion. But in Angola it has come to have a particular meaning. Communications officer Lilly Peel explains.
Angola #humanrights #civilsociety #confusão
Violence against women was only made illegal in Nicaragua last year but the law has been under siege since by conservative religious and male groups. Christian Aid’s Emily Schechter explains more.
Press Officer Melanie Smith spoke to Niger Dil Nahar in Bangladesh about how Bangladesh celebrates International Disaster Risk Day, which aims to highlight how communities are reducing the risk of disasters and building resilience.
Cyclone Phailin was the biggest storm to hit India in 14 years, affecting at least 12 million and leaving more than a million homeless. Yet due to low loss of life, it has been little reported in the British Press. We speak to the Head of Christian Aid's Humananitarian Team to find out more.
South Sudan is the newest country in the world. Wracked by two civil wars, insecurity and unrest are still a challenge in some states. In this podcast, John Gang Amot, a Christian Aid partner speaks to Gen Lomax, a Communications Officer, about his lost childhood as he was taken from his parents at the age of 12 to become a child soldier. In this heart felt account he tracks his long and dangerous journey across the desert to Ethiopia, tells of the hardships of training camps and how he survived life in a refugee camp in Kenya, before returning home to find his family and rebuild his homeland.
conflict #development #South Sudan #poverty # Ethiopia #Kenya #child soldier
Ram Kishan, Christian Aid's Regional Emergency Manager talks about the urgent needs of people affected by Cyclone Phailin and how our partners are responding.
Dr. Kumar Prashant of Christian Aid partner VICALP (Visionaries of Creative Action for Liberation and Progress) gives a first-hand account of the extent of damage in Gopalpur, Odisha the centre of the Cyclone Phailin.
cyclonephailin #India #Odisha
This week the Christian Aid Collective launch a new film and spoof campaign, Leftovers For Africa, to raise awareness of poverty and hunger. The film follows eager entrepreneur Dan Stirling as he tries to encourage people to save their leftover food in charity envelopes to send to Africa, in a bid to solve world hunger. Aiming to inform young people of how they can be part of the fight against world poverty, the film ends with a positive – and more practical - message from the Christian Aid Collective telling viewers how they can really help. To watch the film go to: www.leftoversforafrica.org.uk
This year’s Christian Aid Week materials focussed on how three Christian Aid projects in three different countries – Kenya, Zimbabwe and Bolivia – were helping communities to “Bite Back at Hunger”. Four months on, this podcast catches up with the latest news from these projects to see how they’re getting on.
Christian Aid recently took the decision to phase out our Jamaica programme where we have been working since the 1990’s. In this podcast, Communications Officer Cat Goldson interviews Andy Croggan - Christian Aid's Head of Latin America and the Caribbean - to find out why this decision has been made. She also interviews Rhian Holder - Christian Aid's Jamaica Country Manager - to find out about the work we have supported and what we have achieved.
With the progress made on tax dodging at the G8 meeting in June, Christian Aid is urging the Government to set up a public registry of companies and clamp down on corporate secrecy #tax #taxjustice
The brightly coloured swings and roundabouts on Gaza’s beaches are filled with children whose laughter and chatter fills the air. Despite the ongoing conflict in this tiny strip of land, life goes on. But what is it like for a child or young person to grow up in Gaza? What effects does living in, and through, conflict have on children and young people, and what is life like for the people of Gaza? In this podcast, Communications Officer Amy Merone speaks to Majeda Al Saqqa from Christian Aid partner the Culture and Free Thought Association (CFTA), to find out how they supported children and young people following the conflict in November last year.
Gaza #MiddleEast #conflict #development
For Christian Aid, unequal distribution of power and unfair abuses of power are at the heart of poverty. And the greatest, most pervasive inequality in the world is that between women and men. Communications officer Lilly Peel talks to Christian Aid’s gender champion Nina O’Farrell about why it is so important to put gender equality at the heart of our development work. She also explains Christian Aid’s theological perspective on gender and how we are working with faith leaders in countries such as Brazil, Ethiopia and Nigeria on new readings of the Bible to address gender-based violence and harmful gender norms. Find out more about Christian Aid's gender work here: https://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/in-focus/gender/
gender #faith #development #faithleaders #Brazil #Ethiopia #Nigeria
The quilombolas are the descendants of escaped slaves. This podcast looks at our work supporting the quilombolas to protect themselves and the forest they live in, looking especially at their critical Brazil nut harvest - which is the feature of our Harvest appeal this year.
Early monsoon rains believed to be the worst in 80 years have affected up to a million people in the state of Uttarakhand, northern India. Over 800 people have died and with thousands still missing the Indian government suggest the death toll could rise above 5,000. Christian Aid partner CASA is already on the ground providing immediate relief. In this podcast, Yeeshu Shukla of Christian Aid reports from Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand - one of the worst affected areas. Donate now to the India Floods Appeal http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/india-floods/index.aspx
Joseph Stead, Christian Aid’s Senior Economic Justice Advisor, talks about Christian Aid’s new report, ‘Invested Interests: The UK’s Overseas Territories’ Hidden Role in Developing Countries’ and reveals that UK-linked tax havens are at the centre of a global financial system that encourages crime, corruption and aggressive tax avoidance in developing countries. Joseph explains both what the UK government can do and also how Christian Aid supporters can get involved through the Enough Food IF campaign. http://enoughfoodif.org The report is available on the Christian Aid website: www.christianaid.org.uk/Images/Invested-interests-tax-report-June-2013.pdf
tax; #havens; #campaign; #campaigning; #G8; #IF; #enoughfoodIF; #food; #hunger
While Kenya exports a wide variety of crops, many Kenyans continue to go hungry. The World Food Programme estimates that more than a million Kenyans will need food assistance this year and malnutrition remains one of the country’s biggest childhood killers.
As the G8 summit approaches, Christian Aid has joined more than 200 other organisations to call on them to take decisive action to tackle hunger around the world as part of the IF campaign. In this podcast, Antoinette Powell talks to Alvin Mosioma, director or the Tax Justice Network, Africa, about how tax could lift millions of Kenyans out of a cycle of poverty and hunger. To find out more about the IF campaign visit www.christianaid.org.uk/actnow
tax; #IF; #Belfast; #G8; #campaign; #food; #hunger; #ChristianAid; #charity; #enoughfoodIF; #Kenya; justice; #Mosioma; #TJNA
Twenty years ago, a young couple called Orestes and Alcinda were living with their three young children in a makeshift black plastic tent, with no services or sanitary facilities, and cooking over a campfire, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in the south of Brazil.
Today, Orestes and Alcinda have their own home and their own farm, and are members of the cooperative that is Brazil’s largest producer of organic rice.
Hear their voices and their remarkable journey in this podcast, made to celebrate small holder farmers and land rights for the poor, critical in global food production, as we get ready for the Enough Food for Everyone IF campaign's Big IF rally in Hyde Park on Saturday 8 June.
More than 150,000 people have arrived in northern Iraq, fleeing the ongoing crisis in Syria. In this account, Christian Aid communications officer Antoinette Powell reflects on the news from Syria she hears each day through the BBC and her time spent meeting refugees in informal camps in northern Iraq.
Christian Aid’s Syria Crisis Appeal is enabling our partners in Lebanon and Iraq to respond to the growing Syrian refugee crisis. Christian Aid partner REACH is working in informal refugee settlements around Sulaimaniya, providing essential items such as food and hygiene kits to 1,500 refugee families. Our ACT Alliance sister agency, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), is also providing support to people in desperate need inside Syria itself. Please visit www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies to support the appeal.
Syria; #Iraq; #refugees; #displaced; #IDPs; #displacement; #conflict; #emergency; disaster; #MiddleEast; #ChristianAid; #charity
Alex Prats, Christian Aid’s Principal Economic Justice Policy Advisor, talks about Christian Aid’s new report, 'Who Pays the Price? Hunger: The Hidden Cost of Tax Injustice', and explains how the scandal of world hunger could soon end if the revenues that developing countries lose through tax dodging were available to them to invest in agricultural development. Alex also explains how Christian Aid supporters can get involved and hold politicians to account by joining the Enough Food IF campaign.
http://enoughfoodif.org/
To read the report http://www.christianaid.org.uk/images/Who-pays-the-price-Hunger-the-hidden-cost-of-tax-injustice-May-2013.pdf
Earlier this year Judith Sadler, North East regional manager at Christian Aid, visited Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. In this moving podcast she reflects on her time in the region; sharing her personal insights and experiences. If you would like to pray for peace in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, and across the Middle East, you can join the Act Palestine Forum prayer vigil on the 24th of every month. For more details visit www.actpalestineforum.org/vigil. #MiddleEast #conflict #peace #HolyLand
Christian Aid's Paul Langley and Emma Donlan talk about this year's Christian Aid Week and how people can get involved. They also tell us about some of the projects that benefit from the funds raised. #caweek #caweek2013 #IF #Bolivia #Zimbabwe
This Christian Aid Week (12-18 May 2013) we're focusing on projects around the world that are helping communities to bite back at hunger. In this podcast, Christian Aid's Susan Barry reflects on her time visiting the Bhejela community in Zimbabwe with whom she shared food and worship. The community have been working with Christian Aid partner the Dabane Trust to build a sand dam to provide them with a reliable source of water which they are using in their community garden to grow food. For more information please visit www.caweek.org
Dr Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, became Chair of Christian Aid’s Board of Trustees on May 1 with a plea to Christians to become agents of social justice. Having stepped down from his former job as Archbishop in December, Dr Williams said he was pleased to still be working with and for people living in poverty around the world. ‘In the last few years as Archbishop of Canterbury I became more and more aware of the priority of development and aid issues worldwide,’ he said. ‘I wondered before I stepped down from office how best to carry on with the work that had really excited me and engaged me. So when the suggestion came to chair Christian Aid I was really delighted.' Dr Williams, who is also Master of Magdalene College Cambridge, begins as Chair less than two weeks before the start of Christian Aid Week which kicks off on May 12. For more information go to www.christian-aid.org.uk/caw.
Dr Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, became Chair of Christian Aid’s Board of Trustees on May 1 with a plea to Christians to become agents of social justice. Having stepped down from his former job as Archbishop in December, Dr Williams said he was pleased to still be working with and for people living in poverty around the world. ‘In the last few years as Archbishop of Canterbury I became more and more aware of the priority of development and aid issues worldwide,’ he said. ‘I wondered before I stepped down from office how best to carry on with the work that had really excited me and engaged me. So when the suggestion came to chair Christian Aid I was really delighted.' Dr Williams, who is also Master of Magdalene College Cambridge, begins as Chair less than two weeks before the start of Christian Aid Week which kicks off on May 12. For more information go to www.christian-aid.org.uk/caw.
Dr Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, becomes Chair of Christian Aid’s Board of Trustees today, May 1, with a plea to Christians to become agents of social justice. Having stepped down from his former job as Archbishop in December, Dr Williams said he was pleased to still be working with and for people living in poverty around the world. ‘In the last few years as Archbishop of Canterbury I became more and more aware of the priority of development and aid issues worldwide,’ he said. ‘I wondered before I stepped down from office how best to carry on with the work that had really excited me and engaged me. So when the suggestion came to chair Christian Aid I was really delighted.' Dr Williams, who is also Master of Magdalene College Cambridge, begins as Chair less than two weeks before the start of Christian Aid Week which kicks off on May 12. For more information go to www.christian-aid.org.uk/caw.
This Christian Aid Week (12-18 May 2013) we're focusing on projects around the world that are helping communities to grow themselves enough food to eat, not just for today but for tomorrow. In this podcast, Christian Aid’s Susan Barry explains how a simple text message containing weather forecast information is proving to be revolutionary for farmers in Kenya. Susan talks to Jimmy Wetindi who works for Christian Aid in Kenya about why this project is necessary, and also interviews Truphena Iriri, a local farmer, about the change these text messages have brought for her and her family. For more information please visit www.caweek.org
Alirio Uribe, a Colombian lawyer paints an overall picture of the human rights situation in Colombia ahead of a UN review taking place in Geneva in April 2013, a process called the Universal Periodic Review. Alirio talks about the government efforts to tackle the problem as well as areas of concern.
humanrights #Colombia #UPR #UN #Geneva #humanrightsdefenders
The good news is malaria deaths in Africa dropped by a third between 2000 and 2011. The bad news is more than half a million children still die each year. But the worst bit is that these deaths are preventable. Malaria is both preventable and curable, for relatively little money, yet access to nets, treatment and diagnosis is not equal. As we approach World Malaria Day 2013, Antoinette Powell talks to John Kitui, Christian Aid’s programme advisor on community health, to discover how our partners are helping to address this inequality. Find out more about Christian Aid's work on malaria at www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/in-focus/hiv-malaria-health/index.aspx #malaria #prevention #inequality #nets #Africa
Tens of thousands of people took action as part of the “Enough Food for Everyone IF” campaign ahead of the government’s Budget and together we all played a key role to make the government keep its 0.7% aid promise. However, if we want to be the generation to end global hunger, we’ve still got more big IFs to tackle. So far the government hasn't delivered on their tough talk and made big companies spill the beans on the taxes they owe overseas. To understand why we need to keep the pressure up, CA_Global speaks with Mara Luz, Christian Aid’s Country Manager for Brazil, Jeanne Kamara Country Manager for Christian Aid in Sierra Leone and Charles Usie, Programme Manager for Christian Aid Nigeria. For more information visit www.christianaid.org.uk/if
Few people would think of church leaders if asked to name heroes of the HIV response. But since its launch members of the International Network of Religious Leaders Living with, or Personally Affected by, HIV and AIDS (INERELA+) have been pioneering a new approach to prevention and challenging stigma associated with the virus. Antoinette Powell talks to one of its founding members, Reverend James Matarazzo, who explains why it was high time for leaders within the Christian church and other faiths to begin championing this work. Find out more about Christian Aid's work on HIV at www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/in-focus/hiv-malaria-health/index.aspx #HIV #AIDS #INERELA+ #ANERELA+ #faith #prevention #SAVE #ABC #prevention #FaithLeaders #religion #stigma
Of the one million refugees who have fled from the conflict in Syria, more than 114,000 of them have sought refuge in northern Iraq. Living in hastily erected makeshift structures that offer no protection from the cold or the storms, refugee communities are in desperate need of water, food and medical assistance. In this podcast, Nameer Sallu from Christian Aid partner organisation REACH, speaks to us from Iraq about the refugee situation and how the organisation is seeking to help those in need. To donate to the Syria Crisis Appeal please visit www.christian-aid.org/emergency #Syria #Iraq #MiddleEast #conflict
19 March 2013 marks the 10-year anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq. The humanitarian impact of the invasion has been devastating. A lack of security, as well as access to basic services such as sanitation, water and health, continue to affect the lives of millions of Iraqis. Christian Aid has been working in Iraq for almost 20 years. As well as providing assistance in the aftermath of the 2003 invasion, our partners are working in both the north and south of the country to support the poorest and most vulnerable communities. We are seeing seeds of hope as families rebuild lives. I caught up with Phoebe Aranki-Stoves, recently returned from Iraq, to hear about the situation and our work there first hand.
The number of refugees who have fled the conflict in Syria has reached 1 million. Half of these refugees are children and most are under the age of 11. Many have made an arduous journey overland with their parents, hoping to find refuge in a neighbouring land. Christian Aid partners Association Najdeh and Mouvement Social are working in Lebanon to support refugee children who may be experiencing psychological and social problems as a result of their experiences. In this podcast, Janet Symes, Head of Middle East Region at Christian Aid and Tanya Khahil, Coordinator of Psychosocial Support at Association Najdeh, explain the effects of conflict on children, and the work that is being done to support refugee children from Syria. To donate to our Syria Crisis Appeal, please visit www.christianaid.org.uk/emergency #Syria #Lebanon #Conflict #MiddleEast
While millions around the world celebrate International Women’s Day, and the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) meets to promote gender equality and empowerment at its annual conference in New York; Christian Aid’s Policy and Advocacy Officer for the Great Lakes, Chantal Daniel’s, reminds us how the daily threat of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo impacts gender relations.
In the latest stages of the IF campaign we are asking supporters to email or meet their MPs to ‘spill the beans’ on tax dodging in the run up to the government’s pending budget review. Find out more about how important it is for the government to maintain its commitment to the aid budget and the life changing impact that taxes would make to people living in developing countries.
To take action visit http://www.christianaid.org.uk/ActNow/if-enough-food/if.aspx
IFcampaign #if #enough #aid #tax #ChristianAid #campaign #campaigning #lobby #budget #MP #parliament #food #hunger #justice #Ghana
Millions of Britons are using consumer power to boycott companies seen to be avoiding their fair share of UK tax, new research reveals.
A ComRes survey about public perceptions around tax avoidance, commissioned by Christian Aid, found a third of Britons say that they are currently boycotting the products or services of a company because it does not pay its fair share of tax in the UK.
Almost half (45 per cent) say they are considering a boycott. Find out more and add your voice to the debate at http://www.christianaid.org.uk/lobby
In late December 2007, Kenya descended into violence. Clashes which had been sparked by President Kibaki’s declaration of victory were spiralling out of control. The conflict rocked Kenya and shocked the world. It took more than a month for peace to be restored. On 4 March, Kenya will again go to the polls - the first since these violent clashes. Christian Aid communications officer Antoinette Powell spoke to colleagues in Kenya about what the organisation is doing to prepare. For more information on our work in Kenya and around the world visit www.christianaid.org.uk
Kenya #Kenyan #elections #presidential #polls #vote #voting #democracy #violence #conflict #Nairobi #KarimiKinoti #NicholasAbaya #Christian #Aid #ChristianAid #NGO #charity
For centuries, Haitians have been migrating to the Dominican Republic for work. The Dominican economy relies on this labour, yet Haitian migrants have no rights in the Dominican Republic and often work in bad conditions for very low pay.
The children of Haitian migrants born in the Dominican Republic are also facing discrimination. Their Dominican citizenship is being taken away from them and the result is that they become stateless.
Francisco Leonardo is a human rights lawyer from Christian Aid partner Centro Bono. He is helping to lobby the government for better rights and treatment for both Haitian migrants and Dominicans of Haitian descent.
Haiti; #DominicanRepublic; #humanrights; #statelessness; #poverty; #identity; #migration; #discrimination; #identity; #migrant; #exclusion; #inequality
The violent conflict in Syria has affected more than four and a half million Syrians, over 800,000 of whom have fled the country. Christian Aid’s emergency appeal for Syria and the Middle East is helping those in desperate need. We spoke to Janet Symes, Head of Middle East region at Christian Aid, to find out how our partners in the region are responding to the humanitarian needs of those affected by conflict. To donate to Christian Aid’s emergency appeal please go to www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies. #emergency #Syria #Lebanon #Iraq #MiddleEast #humanitarian
As fighting continues in Mali, with French and allied African troops pushing rebel groups further north, thousands of families have fled the conflict. This has put pressure on food supplies that were already scarce, leaving many more facing hunger. Communications officer Lilly Peel speaks to Christian Aid’s country manager, Yakouba Kone, about the organisation’s response and what is being done to assist displaced families in Mali and in neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso. For more information about our ongoing West Africa food crisis appeal visit www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/west-africa-food-crisis/index.aspx
Mali #conflict #hunger #WestAfrica #FoodCrisis
Claire Aston, Christian Aid's Churches Resources Manager, describes how the new 'Count Your Blessings' app, for Apple iPhones, iPads, iPods and HD Android, will help inspire your reflections throughout the 40 days of Lent.
Available on the app store and Google Play from 9th February. Visit http://www.christianaid.org.uk/getinvolved/lent-2013/count-your-blessings/apps.aspx for more information.
About Count Your Blessings: Change lives, help end hunger and learn more about the world we live in with Count Your Blessings from Christian Aid. Each day from Shrove Tuesday to Easter Sunday, you’ll get a short fact or story, a stunning photograph and the opportunity to reflect, act or pray to help end poverty. You can take part on your own, or get your friends and church to join you.
The conflict in Gaza last November caused widespread destruction and devastation to homes, agricultural lands and infrastructure. The effects of trauma and shock endured by Palestinians during the week of intense bombing have emerged. In this podcast, Hala Gishawi from Christian Aid partner the Women’s Affairs Centre in Gaza, explains how the organisation is supporting women who experience poverty and injustice in their lives as a result of the Israeli occupation and the continued blockade of Gaza. Christian Aid has launched an appeal to help the people of Gaza and across the Middle East who are suffering as a result of violent conflict. Please visit www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/gaza-middle-east-crisis-appeal/index.aspx #Gaza #Palestine #MiddleEast #Israel #gender #women #poverty #injustice #healthcare #conflict #occupation #blockade
On the evening of 23 January the London launch of the “Enough Food for Everyone… IF” campaign was held at Somerset House. The campaign will focus on ending global hunger and is the first time since Make Poverty History that the international development community has joined together to mobilise people for change. The launch was presented by Lauren Laverne and attended by hundreds including Bill Nighy and Bonnie Wright. In this podcast, Antoinette Powell, Christian Aid Communications Officer, spoke to The Right Rev Dr Alastair Redfern, Bishop of Derby, about what the "Enough Food for Everyone... IF" campaign is calling for. Find out more about the campaign at www.christianaid.org.uk/IF #tax #hunger #IF #Enough #campaign #ChurchTimes #Derby #Bishop #Redfern #SomersetHouse #BillNighy #BonnieWright #LaurenLaverne #BillGates #land #food #nutrition #health #poverty
The London launch of the “Enough Food for Everyone… IF” campaign was held at Somerset House on the evening of 23rd January 2013. The campaign, focussed on ending global hunger, is the first time since Make Poverty History that the international development community has joined together to mobilise people for change. The launch, presented by Lauren Laverne, saw a stunning 3D projection onto Somerset House. A host of famous faces added their support to the campaign, including Bill Nighy, Bill Gates and Angelique Kidjo. In this podcast, Christian Aid's Antoinette Powell catches up with some of the people who came along for the event. The overwhelming feeling surrounding the launch was one of optimism. Although the odds sometimes seem against us, we can end global hunger IF we choose to care and IF we all join together to take action. IF this happens, 2013 will be the year global hunger becomes part of our history, not our present. As Bill Nighy said in his speech “We are electing not to forget. We are choosing to care.”
‘It was like someone drowning in a sea and wanting any kind of help’ recalls Mahmoud Hussein (on the left of the picture). It’s been two years now since the popular uprising but the situation is far from settled. In this podcast we’ll hear from Mahmoud Hussein and his friend Mokhtar Mohammed Abdallah, both of whom were given the opportunity to earn a much needed income by Christian Aid partner CEOSS, in the wake of the uprising that began on 25 January 2011 and ended 18 days later with the fall President Hosni Mubarak and his near thirty year regime. Moktar and Mahmoud had never met before the cash-for-work project. Their strong friendship firmly forged in the face of adversity. To find out more go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/christianaidimages/sets/72157632552231504/ #egypt #revolution #uprising #tahrirsquare #solidarity #struggle #emergency #anniversary
There is enough food in the world for everyone… yet every night 1 in 8 people go to bed hungry. Today (23 January 2013) Christian Aid along with over 100 other UK organisations are launching a campaign called "Enough Food for Everyone…If" It is the first time since Make Poverty History that the international development community has joined together to mobilise people for change. Together, we want to call for a fairer food system that works for all and ensure that 2013 is the beginning of the end for the global hunger crisis.
In this podcast Christian Aid’s Director, Loretta Minghella, explains the importance of the campaign, and how we can work together to fight the greatest injustice of our time: hunger.
To find our more please go to www.christianaid.org.uk/if
hunger #if #campaign #aid #tax #transparency #land #food #enough
On 12 January 2010 at 16:53 local time, an earthquake struck Haiti of a magnitude not felt in more than 200 years. Measuring 7 on the Richter scale, the epicentre of the earthquake was just 10 miles from the capital city, Port-au-Prince. Combined with the shallow depth of the quake, just 5 miles below the surface, this natural disaster had an extreme and devastating effect on the country. More than 220,000 people died and many more were left homeless after building collapsed.
Paula Plaza, Communications Officer with Christian Aid, visited Haiti shortly after the earthquake. In this podcast, Paula reflects on the impact of the disaster and speaks to Prospery Raymond, Christian Aid’s Haiti Country Manager, about what has been achieved in the three years since the earthquake struck.
Visit www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies to find out more about Christian Aid's response to the Haiti earthquake.
ChristianAid #Haiti #earthquake #disaster #emergency #appeal
As Typhoon Bopha devastated the lives of millions in the Philippines in the run up to Christmas 2012, the leaders of the world dithered in Doha.
This podcast recalls the damage done in the last year by extreme weather in the Philippines and what Christian Aid is and has been doing in response. Christian Aid's Mariana Paoli also tells us why the deal agreed at the recent UN climate change talks, held in Doha, Qatar between 26 Nov - 7 Dec, is weak and why the campaign for climate justice must continue.
climate #doha #philippines #typhoon washi #typhoon bopha #justice #cop18
Climate blog - http://www.christianaid.org.uk/ActNow/blog/december-2012/climate-qatar-strophe-in-doha.aspx
In 2011, thousands of Christian Aid supporters heard the story of Rogers Ochieng Otieno from Usenge, Kenya. For Rogers, Christmas Day was not a holiday. As a volunteer community health worker with the Rural Transport Network, run by Christian Aid and Virgin Unite, he would continue his work delivering vital healthcare advice and vital medicines around Nyanza province. One year later, we caught up with Rogers to find out how his work was going. For more on Christian Aid's work around the world visit www.christianaid.org.uk
In the run up to Christmas, as churches start holding Advent services and we begin to hear carols everywhere we go, many of us are thinking about a difficult journey through Biblical lands. Ten-year-old Salsabeel lives in today’s West Bank, and makes a painful journey to East Jerusalem three times a week to receive critical medical care. Nothing should stand between a seriously ill little girl and the medical services she needs. Yet Palestinian Salsabeel faces many barriers to treatment because of the Israeli occupation. Listen to this podcast to be carried along on Salsabeel’s long journey with her, and visit www.christianaid.org/christmas to find out more about her story and download Christmas resources. #Israel #Palestine #IOPT #WestBank #Jerusalem #PHR #health #rights
Fifteen per cent of the world’s population live with some form of disability. Yet despite this, around the world people with disabilities experience marginalisation and discrimination in their access to essential services. In this podcast to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, Nader Abu Amsher, director of Christian Aid partner the YMCA rehabilitation programme in the occupied Palestinian territory, talks about a partnership with the Lebanese Physically Handicapped Union, which is helping to restore hope to the lives of people living with disabilities in the occupied Palestinian territory and Lebanon.
disability #disabled #handicapped #Palestine #MiddleEast #Humanrights #international #Lebanon #YMCA #rights #employment #minority #discrimination
HIV related stigma and discrimination remain some of the main challenges in responding to HIV. They discourage people from getting tested and prevent open discussion about the virus. Christian Aid works with faith leaders in Burundi to challenge discrimination and promote care and support across communities. In this podcast, Christian Aid's Ally Carnwath reflects on witnessing the personal testimony of Tharcisse Harerimana, an HIV positive Pastor and member of Christian Aid partner BUNERELA+, who is working hard to encourage a greater openness and understanding within the community around HIV. Find out more about Christian Aid’s work on HIV http://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/in-focus/hiv-malaria-health/index.aspx #WorldAIDSDay #HIV #AIDS #Burundi
India's March for Justice (Jan Satyagraha) 2012 stands as a victory for the tens of thousands of people who marched. Their demands for greater rights to land, natural resources and shelter are inscribed in a written agreement signed by the national government. So what now? In this podcast Ekta Parishad's Jan Satyagraha campaign coordinator, Ramesh Sharma, rounds up the gripping events of the days leading up to the agreement, in conversation with Christian Aid's communications officer Sarah Filbey. On the same day that the Task Force set up to put the agreement into action met for the first time, Ramesh explains why he feels confident that promises made by the government this time will be kept. And why the campaign is far from done. http://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/in-focus/india-march-for-justice/index.aspx www.ektaparishad.com #EktaParishad #JanSatyagraha #marchforjustice #land #resources #rights #peacefulnegotiation #RameshSharma #India
Following the escalation in violence in the Gaza Strip Christian Aid has launched an appeal to respond to the humanitarian situation there and across the wider Middle East. We spoke to Christian Aid's consultant in Gaza Azzam AlSaqqa to find out what life is like in Gaza at the moment and how Christian Aid's partners are responding. To donate to Christian Aid's emergency appeal please go to www.christianaid.org.uk/emergency #emergency #Gaza #MiddleEast #humanitarian
Violence against women is the norm in most countries of the world. One in five women will be raped at some point in her life; seven in ten will be the victim of some form of violence. This is why the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence, which takes place between 25 November and 10 December, is a critical campaign, even if it doesn't have a very catchy name. In this podcast we look at some of Christian Aid’s work on this issue around the world, and speak down the line to Reverend Phumzile Mabizela in South Africa about wearing black on Thursdays to make this invisible issue visible. For more information about Christian Aid’s work on gender, visit www.christianaid.org.uk/gender
On 19 November people around the world will mark World Toilet Day. Christian Aid’s Antoinette Powell caught up with colleagues Sarah Filbey, Jonathan Allan and Susan Barry to hear about their best and worst toilet experiences and some of the 2.6 billion people living without access to good sanitation. In this podcast she reflects on the impact of poor sanitation and finds out what Christian Aid partners are doing to address it. To find out more about Christian Aid’s work please go to www.christian-aid.org.uk
Lebanon is classed as a middle income country, yet for the 10% of its population who are living with disabilities life can be a huge challenge. In this podcast Sylvana Lakis, programme manager for the Lebanese Physically Handicapped Union, a Christian Aid partner, talks about their work at all levels of Lebanese society in promoting the rights of people living with disabilities. From challenging the law, to helping people find jobs, LPHU believe that a society based on equal rights for all is the only way that justice can truly be achieved. #Lebanon, #MiddleEast, #Disability, #Disabled, #HumanRights, #Development, #ChristianAid, #Employment, #Law.
The humanitarian situation in eastern DRC continues to deteriorate as civilians flee the fighting sparked in April by the M23 rebellion. Regional humanitarian manager Cristina Ruiz describes the situation she found during a recent trip to DRC while policy and advocacy officer Chantal Daniels discusses the political actions required to resolve the crisis.
Just a few months after the end of the Second World War, with literally millions of people facing food shortages and starvation, a UN agency was founded for food and agriculture. We mark the anniversary every October 16th with World Food Day. This year, Christian Aid is taking the opportunity to think about that time and this by looking at West Africa, where again a combination of conflict and bad harvests have put millions at risk.
We heard this morning the exciting news that the Jan Satyagraha march for land rights ended today in celebration following the government’s agreement to the marchers’ demands. Christian Aid's Country Manager, Anand Kumar, was there to see this historic moment. Here he talks about what happened today and what this means for land rights in India. For further information visit http://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/in-focus/india-march-for-justice/index.aspx
Delhi-based PACS communications manager Priyanka Sarker reports for Christian Aid from the scene of partner Ekta Parishad’s ‘Jan Satyagraha 2012’... India's momentous march. The ‘Jan Satyagrahis’ – as the marchers are known in Hindi - started out from Gwalior City on 3rd October as 50,000 people moving as one. It is expected that other groups will join along the way to Delhi and that numbers will swell to 100,000. This one-month long march is calling for greater rights to land and resources for the country's poor, landless and displaced. In this report Priyanka experiences the energy and the pace of the march on its first day; witnesses the hardships already being felt by marchers in the first kilometres, and takes heart in acts of kindness and solidarity she sees bestowed along the way by the people of Gwalior. http://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/in-focus/india-march-for-justice/index.aspx http://www.pacsindia.org/ www.ektaparishad.com
EktaParishad #Jansatyagraha #landrights #marchforjustice #M4J #landless #adivasis #dalits #India
Christian Aid’s India representative Anand Kumar reports from the first days of the Jan Satyagraha march. He describes the rally the day before walking began, organised so that India’s Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh could address the crowd, and delaying the start of the march from 2nd to 3rd October.
There were high hopes that Mr Ramesh would sign an agreement granting key demands on land and that the protest might instead become a celebration. Here, Anand explains the response of the crowd to disappointing news. Some 50-60,000 people had travelled from all corners of the country to march. The number is expected to double as the march, now on its way, proceeds to Delhi.
http://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/in-focus/india-march-for-justice/index.aspx www.ektaparishad.com
EktaParishad #Jansatyagraha #landrights #marchforjustice #M4J #landless #adivasis #dalits
Delhi-based PACS communications manager Priyanka Sarker reports for Christian Aid from the scene of partner Ekta Parishad’s ‘Jan Satyagraha 2012’... India's momentous march. The people’s campaign is set to be 100,000 strong, one month long and will call for greater rights to land and resources for the country's poor, landless and displaced. In this report experience the sights and sounds of Gwalior with Priyanka; its arriving marchers and the Mela Exhibition Grounds, as energies mount in the remaining hours of negotiation, preparation and festivities before the 'Jan Satyagrahis' - as the marchers are known - are due to start off. http://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/in-focus/india-march-for-justice/index.aspx http://www.pacsindia.org/
EktaParishad #Jansatyagraha #landrights #marchforjustice #M4J #landless #adivasis #dalits
Delhi-based PACS communications manager Priyanka Sarker reports for Christian Aid from the scene of partner Ekta Parishad’s ‘Jan Satyagraha 2012’... India's march for justice. This epic people’s campaign is set to be 100,000 strong and will call for greater rights to land and resources for the country's poor, landless and displaced. In this report Priyanka arrives at Mela Exhibition Grounds in Gwalior, where the ‘Jan Satyagrahi’s’ - as the marchers are known – are beginning to arrive in their thousands, and where in less than two days the march will begin. http://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/in-focus/india-march-for-justice/index.aspx http://www.pacsindia.org/
EktaParishad #Jansatyagraha #landrights #marchforjustice #M4J #landless #adivasis #dalits
Chris Mead and Hannah Henderson of the Christian Aid Collective take over the Christian Aid podcast channel. What is an activist? How can young people make a difference in the UK? Listen in and find out more...
In late 2011, communications officer Sarah Filbey travelled to India to report on the work of Christian Aid partners in the country.
In a set of three audio diaries, recorded in situ, Sarah shares her experiences along the way. These include reflections on India’s high levels of poverty and inequality, the nature of its democracy, and what thought leaders and passionate civil society activists she meets along the way believe is the answer to these and related burning issues.
Follow the series to hear stories of success and struggle from communities struggling for rights to land and resources on which they depend, and for insight from the road as Sarah joins land rights partner Ekta Parishad on their incredible year-long journey across India mobilising and preparing some 100,000 people to march for their rights in October 2012.
For updates and more information on Ekta Parishad and their potentially historic Jan Satyagraha march, visit the dedicated pages of our website: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/in-focus/india-march-for-justice/index.aspx
SlumsDelhiLandRightsLandReformJnuChristianAidPovertyInequalityEktaParishadJanSatyagrahaMarch #SlumsDelhiLandRightsLandReformJnuChristianAidPovertyInequalityEktaParishadJanSatyagrahaMarch
Brazil. A country with the sixth largest economy in the world. Yet hiding behind this big statistic are 16 million people who are still living in abject poverty. Christian Aid recently launched a report to investigate “The Real Brazil: the inequality behind the statistics”. This is an interview with Christian Aid’s Country Manager for Brazil, Mara Luz, to find out about her experiences of inequality in Brazil.
To read a summary of the report visit http://www.christianaid.org.uk/images/real-brazil-summary.pdf
To read the report in full visit http://www.christianaid.org.uk/images/real-brazil-full-report.pdf
Antoine Sanon, Christian Aid’s Regional Emergency Manager for West Africa updates us on the food crisis in Niger which is currently being exacerbated by flooding. He speaks of his recent trip to Niger to visit flood-affected communities and tells how Christian Aid is responding.
To donate to Christian Aid’s West Africa Appeal, visit http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/
Sakhi Kendra, a Christian Aid partner since 2003, is an organisation in Uttar Pradesh, India, that campaigns and advocates for women’s rights. Part of this work involves providing a 24-hour phone line, counselling service and an emergency shelter for women who are victims of violence such as rape of dowry death threats.
Laura Mead – Christian Aid’s Legacy and Regional Coordinator for London and the South East – visited this project in January 2012. Here she tells of the remarkable courage, bravery and strength of the three social workers who run the emergency helpline.
In the Sahel region of west Africa, more than 19 million people are in the midst of a severe food crisis. Andrew Hogg, Christian Aid's head of media, has recently returned from Mali - one of the worst affected countries. He describes the situation he found and explains why help is desperately needed. You can donate here: bit.ly/P8WpZ8
In late 2011, communications officer Sarah Filbey travelled to India to report on the work of Christian Aid partners in the country. In a set of three audio diaries, recorded in situ, Sarah shares her experiences along the way. These include reflections on India’s high levels of poverty and inequality, the nature of its democracy, and what thought leaders and passionate civil society activists she meets along the way believe is the answer to these and related burning issues.
Follow the series to hear stories of success and struggle from communities struggling for rights to land and resources on which they depend, and for insight from the road as Sarah joins land rights partner Ekta Parishad on their incredible year-long journey across India mobilising and preparing some 100,000 people to march for their rights in October 2012.
http://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/in-focus/india-march-for-justice/index.aspx
http://www.christianaid.org.uk/getinvolved/harvest/index.aspx
SlumsDelhiLandRightsLandReformJnuChristianAidPovertyInequalityEktaParishadJanSatyagrahaMarch
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Once again the people of the Philippines are bearing the brunt of extreme weather as monsoon rains have battered most of the country. In this podcast, Christian Aid's Adrian Ouvry updates us on the latest. To find out more and donate go to http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/areas-of-concern/philippines-floods.aspx
In 2011, drought and displacement combined with rising food prices left more than 13 million people in the east and horn of Africa in urgent need of humanitarian support. Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan were particularly badly affected. In this interview produced by the BBC World Service for the World Today, Cristina Ruiz, who leads Christian Aid’s emergency response in Africa, talks about how partners responded to this emergency and why there is still a need to keep it in the public consciousness.
http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/east-africa-food-crisis-appeal/index.aspx #ChristianAid #EastAfrica #FoodCrisis #SouthSudan #WorldService #WorldToday #southsudan #worldservice #christianaid #eastafrica #foodcrisis #worldtoday
In July 2010, monsoon rains in Pakistan turned into devastating floods – the worst in living memory. 2,000 people died and 20 million lives were disrupted. Over the last two years, Christian Aid partners (including Church World Service-Pakistan/Afghanistan and Muslim Hands) have carried out a variety of work helping flood-affected communities to rebuild their lives. Neill Garvie, Christian Aid’s Emergency Programme Manager for Pakistan, explains about some of the life-changing emergency response work that we have supported.
For more information on Christian Aid’s response, visit http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/past/pakistan-floods-2010 #PakistanFloods2010EmergenciesDisasterFloodingPovertyInternationalNgoCowsHousesTruck
Refugees travelling through the Sinai Desert on their way to seek asylum in Israel are being subjected to torture and abuse. A volunteer nun working with Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI) has been awarded the Trafficking in Persons Heroes Award of the US State Department for her work bringing this abuse to light. Hear more about this extraordinary woman, her work with PHRI, and how Christian Aid has helped in this podcast.
A major escalation in fighting in eastern DRC has driven hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. Christian Aid emergency manager Salome Ntububa describes the current situation and the difficulties faced by the relief effort. #AidAgency #charity #ChristianAid #church #conflict #donate #drc #events #fundraise #give #InternationalDevelopment #ngo #poverty #PovertyOver #rebellion #smartaid #support
As a region, Latin America and the Caribbean has increased its social spending on education. However, in Jamaica, social spending has not been increasing and the net enrolment ratio in primary school is declining. Rhian Holder, Christian Aid’s Country Manager for Jamaica, talks about education on the island and the inequality that exists between rich and poor and boys and girls. www.christianaid.org.uk/images/scandal-of-inequality-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean.pdf #Caribbean #ChristianAid #development #education #gender #inequality #Jamaica #poverty #PrimarySchool #school #schooling #boys #girls
For five years, Christian Aid supporters have been calling for UK-listed businesses to be required to publish how much carbon they release. This demand was finally answered at the Rio+20 summit, when Nick Clegg announced that from April next year, mandatory carbon reporting for UK-listed companies would be introduced. In this podcast, members of the Christian Aid campaigns, climate change and media teams celebrate this victory for people power and examine its importance in the fight against climate change.
In the second of two podcasts on Christian Aid's involvement at Rio+20, we discuss why the green economy will be such a contentious topic and what we can realistically hope to get out of the conference.
Zambia is rich in natural resources, and is the 7th largest producer of copper globally. However, despite having this potential source of wealth, ordinary Zambians are not benefitting. This is largely due to the shockingly low amount of tax that Zambia is able to collect from the extractives industry. Mineral loyalty rates are set at just 3%, despite the price of copper rising steadily in the world economy. Adding to the problem is the issue of tax dodging by some unscrupulous companies, which the Zambian government estimates has cost them around $1 billion in lost revenue.
The failure to raise revenue through taxation has restricted the ability of the Zambian government to invest in public services that could help lift people out of poverty. Many people lack access to basic services like education, healthcare and sanitation facilities.
As the world's most powerful leaders meet in Mexico at the G20 summit in June, we're calling on them to make sure that tackling tax dodging is on their agenda. You can add your voice to our campaign at www.christianaid.org.uk/tax
Christian Aid recently launched a report called “The Scandal of Inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean” which seeks to identify both the progress that has been made in the region, but also to expose the areas that remain and, in some cases, are becoming even more unequal. Christian Aid’s Gaby Drinkwater who helped to write the report summarises the report findings, and Rhian Holder, Christian Aid’s Country Manager for Jamaica, gives her opinion on the inequality which she sees in Jamaica.
To see the full report visit http://www.christianaid.org.uk/images/scandal-of-inequality-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean.pdf
In April, eastern DRC was plunged into fresh chaos when factions of the Congolese army mutinied, reigniting fighting in the area. The conflict has displaced thousands of ordinary Congolese people and many civilians have lost their lives. Salome Ntububa, Christian Aid's regional emergency manager for central Africa, describes the situation.
In July 2011, South Sudan separated from Sudan to become the world’s newest state. This was the culmination of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement which ended decades of civil war. But the months since separation have not been peaceful and more than 120,000 people have been displaced by violence. Many of those displaced are living in desperate conditions in camps. Christian Aid's Communications Officer Antoinette Powell caught up with Regional Emergency Manager Maurice Onyango and Support Officer Rosie Crowther who recently visited camps in Jonglei and Warrap states.
50,000 people will converge on Rio in mid June for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development. But what will Rio+20 involve and how is it connected to Christian Aid's work? Listen to this podcast to find out.
In this podcast, Nadjiba Shirinbekova of Christian Aid partner Rights and Prosperity, explains how the organisation is helping to tackle corruption in Tajikistan and empower people to know their rights and demand them. For more information go to; http://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/asia/tajikistan.aspx
Many people believe that if people in the developing world had fewer children, they would be less likely to live in poverty. It sounds like common sense but masks a far more complex relationship between poverty and population growth. In this podcast, Felicia Price, advisor on community health and HIV, discusses Christian Aid's stance on the poverty and population debate and explains why our assumptions about family planning in the West don't always apply elsewhere in the world. For more information on Christian Aid's work tackling poverty around the world, visit our website www.christianaid.org.uk
West Africa is in the grip of a severe food crisis with more than 15 million people facing hunger. Niger is among the worst affected countries. Christian Aid programme officer Philippe Bassinga describes the situation in northern Niger following a recent visit to stricken communities. For more information on Christian Aid's work tackling poverty around the world, visit our website www.christianaid.org.uk
In our podcast to mark World Malaria Day, 25th April 2012, we discover the supreme versatility of the humble net. In conversation with Christian Aid’s Technical Health Advisor Felicia Price, we discuss some of the alternative and rather creative ways we’ve come across people using insecticide treated mosquito nets in malaria prone communities. And we explore why, in places terribly affected by malaria, people are making these sometimes seemingly illogical choices.
For more on our malaria and wider health work, visit the dedicated health pages of our website: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/in-focus/hiv-malaria-health/index.aspx
In late 2011, communications officer Sarah Filbey travelled to India to report on the work of Christian Aid partners in the country.
In a set of three audio diaries, recorded in situ, Sarah shares her experiences along the way. These include reflections on India’s high levels of poverty and inequality, the nature of its democracy, and what thought leaders and passionate civil society activists she meets along the way believe is the answer to these and related burning issues.
Follow the series to hear stories of success and struggle from communities struggling for rights to land and resources on which they depend, and for insight from the road as Sarah joins land rights partner Ekta Parishad on their incredible year-long journey across India mobilising and preparing some 100,000 people to march for their rights in October 2012. http://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/asia/india.aspx http://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/in-focus/india-march-for-justice/index.aspx #SlumsDelhiLandRightsLandReformJnuChristianAidPovertyInequalityEktaParishadJanSatyagrahaMarch #SlumsDelhiLandRightsLandReformJnuChristianAidPovertyInequalityEktaParishadJanSatyagrahaMarch
A forgotten emergency is unfolding in West Africa, where more than 13 million people are facing a huge food crisis. This 5 minute podcast looks at the life-saving work that Christian Aid and our local partner organisations are doing in response. For more information about how Christian Aid is responding or to donate to our appeal go to http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/west-africa-food-crisis/index.aspx
In January 2010 Haiti was devastated by a massive earthquake, killing 230,000 people and affecting 2 million others. Since that time Christian Aid partner Haiti Survie has been meeting the needs of the most vulnerable families in Haiti.
In this podcast Communications Officer Susan Barry speaks to Aldrin Calixte, director of Haiti Survie. He explains how they choose who to work with in a country with such need, and the kind of work they have been carrying out over the past two years. He uses the analogy of ‘shoes to walk in’ – from houses to livelihoods - and this podcast shows us the hope there is when we provide shoes for those that needs it most.
To find out more visit the Christian Aid website: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/haiti-earthquake-appeal/index.aspx #AidAgency #charity #ChristianAid #church #donate #events #fundraise #give #Haiti #HaitiEarthquake #InternationalDevelopment #ngo #poverty #PovertyOver #support
Zahra Hasanpur is an activist for Afghan women's rights, and director of Christian Aid partner organisation WASSA. In this short podcast, she tells us about her experiences, why WASSA works with both men and women for women's rights, and her fears about the return of the Taliban.
Inspired by Mothers' Day, four members of the Christian Aid Global team tell us about an experience of motherhood in Guatemala, DRC, Egypt and Sudan. Each has left its mark with us.
In this five-minute podcast Christian Aid Director Loretta Minghella talks about why she cares so passionately about gender equality. Listen to hear about her own experiences of discrimination, and the women who have inspired her, be they family members, Biblical characters, or women who have overcome injustice with the support of Christian Aid.
Christian Aid's Gender and Power Advisor, Josh Levene, invites us to imagine a world of gender equality
In this podcast, Joyanta Adhikari, executive director of Christian Aid partner the Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB), describes the impact climate change is having in Bangladesh and how the ever increasing levels of consumption by rich countries is simply unsustainable. For more information go to; http://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/asia/bangladesh.aspx
In economic terms the Dominican Republic is defined as a middle-income country, but this definition can make it hard for an organisation like Christian Aid to explain why we work there. In fact, 72% of the world’s poor now live in middle-income countries, which is precisely why Christian Aid’s work in Dominican Republic is vital to our vision of bringing about a world free from poverty.
Millions of people across the Sahel region of West Africa are in need of urgent support as longstanding food shortages develop, once again, into a crisis. Christian Aid's Amanda Farrant reports from northern Burkina Faso where droughts and failed harvests have left communities facing the prospect of famine.
In October 2011 Tropical Depression 12E swept through Central America, bringing with it huge levels of devastation in El Salvador in particular. The storm may not have been given a big name, but it had a big impact, and caused more flooding than Hurricane Mitch in 1998.
Despite the scale of this disaster, very few lives were lost, and this is thanks to the work of Christian Aid partners over the past ten years. In this podcast we hear from Carolina Amaya who works with partner UNES (Salvadorian Ecological Unit). She describes the scale of the floods, but also the way in which the communities they work with are far better prepared to face the storm.
In December last year, delegates from all over the world met in Durban for the annual UN climate change negotiations. A deal was struck which was heralded as paving the way for a new agreement on emissions reductions. But beyond the hype, what does the outcome really mean and what are the implications for the countries most at risk from climate change? Christian Aid's senior adviser on climate change Mohamed Adow explains.
It’s exactly 12 months today (January 25th) since the start of dramatic changes in Egypt. In this podcast Phoebe Aranki-Stoves, Christian Aid’s programme manager for Egypt talks about how Christian Aid partners responded to the social and economic challenges following the popular uprisings, and answers the critical question: where now for Egypt?
There are an estimated 400 million poor people living in India, one of the most unequal societies in the world. While economic development over recent decades has created pockets of wealth, poverty remains entrenched and widespread. In this podcast, Christian Aid’s Anand Kumar talks about the importance of tackling inequality in India and addressing the deep structural causes of poverty based on caste, ethnic, gender and religious discrimination.
http://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/asia/india.aspx
Tahmina shares her moving story of how she has come to live positively with HIV. Despite facing the trauma of losing both her young daughter and husband, with the support of Christian Aid's partner in Tajikistan, the Centre for Mental Health and HIV/Aids, she has re-made her life and become a beacon of support for other women living with HIV.
There are a staggering 1.4 million Kenyan children who have lost one or both parents as a result of HIV. The luckiest will see grandparents and other family and community members steps in to provide love and care. But many more will be left to fend for themselves. In her fourth and final reflection from Kenya Amy Merone, regional coordinator for Oxford, looks back on her visit to a children’s home run by Christian Aid partner KENWA in Machakos.
Drought combined with rising food prices has left the east and the horn of Africa, especially Kenya and Ethiopia, facing a food crisis.
In August 2011, Christian Aid’s Branwen Niclas travelled to Kenya to find out how Christian Aid’s partner Christian Community Services (CCS) is helping communities face some of the driest conditions in 60 years.
In this podcast, Branwen talks to Timothy Makutu, of CCS, about the effects of the drought and what is being done to alleviate the impact on the most vulnerable. She also reflects on her experience of meeting those most affected.
For more information on our work in East Africa, and to donate to the appeal, visit: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/east-africa-food-crisis-appeal/index.aspx
The scale of the HIV epidemic in Kenya is so vast that an estimated 1.4 million children have lost one or both parents as a result of the virus. When Amy Merone, Christian Aid’s regional coordinator for Oxford visited Korogocho slum in Nairobi she found that many children – like 15-year-old Jackline – have been left to cope alone. Christian Aid partner KENWA is a lifeline for children like Jackline, providing food parcels for her young family.
At around 1.5 million, Kenya has the fourth highest number of people living with HIV. The cost of responding to the virus has been immense for the country and while antiretrovirals and other medicines are provided free, nongovernmental organisations have had to step in to help meet people's other needs. Ahead of Christian Aid's Christmas Appeal, which looks at at a project run by ADS, Nyanza, Christian Aid and Virgin Unite, the non profit foundation of the Virgin Group, regional coordinator Amy Merone visited Kenya to find out more about our work. In this short reflection edited by BBC Merseyside, Amy talks about how this work is changing lives.
At around 1.5 million, Kenya has the fourth highest number of people living with HIV. The cost of responding to the virus has been immense for the country and while antiretrovirals and other medicines are provided free, nongovernmental organisations have had to step in to help meet people's other needs. Ahead of Christian Aid's Christmas Appeal, which looks at the work of local partners in Kenya, regional coordinator Amy Merone visited Kenya to find out more about our work. In this short reflection edited by BBC Merseyside, Amy talks about how this work is changing lives.
This World AIDS Day, Christian Aid and Magnum Photos present powerful stories of brave people around the world who are living with HIV under the shadow of stigma.
Joanne from the UK was shocked to be diagnosed HIV-positive after her first sexual relationship 12 years ago.
It is estimated that 85,000 people were living with HIV in the UK, as of 2009 (UNAIDS), but many people are unaware of their status. Although Joanne says there is ‘massive stigma and discrimination around HIV’, she is one of very few British women who talk openly about their status.
Explore all our slideshows and help us challenge HIV stigma around the world: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/hiv
This World AIDS Day, Christian Aid and Magnum Photos present powerful stories of brave people around the world who are living with HIV under the shadow of stigma.
James from Kenya was sacked from his truck-driving job on the Mombasa Highway when his employer found out he was HIV positive.
In Kenya, 1.5 million people are living with HIV. Free antiretroviral treatment has revolutionised the lives of many, but stigma and discrimination continue to hamper an effective response to the virus and can discourage people from getting tested and seeking the support they need.
Explore all our slideshows and help us challenge HIV stigma around the world: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/hiv
On 28 November, voters in DRC go to the polls for their second democratic elections in over forty years. In a process fraught with difficulties and challenges, we find out how EURAC, a european network of 50 ngos concerned about Central Africa, and Christian Aid are providing support. Christian Aid's communications officer Tori Ray, speaks with Donatella Rostagno from EURAC and ex-MP Judy Mallaber about the mission to send 100 international election observers to work alongside national civil society organisations to observe the elections. To find out more about Christian Aid's work on accountable governance across the world, visit www.christianaid.org.uk
Christian Aid has partnered with Magnum Photos to launch ‘Stigma Under The Lens’, a series of thought-provoking audio-photographic slideshows for World AIDS day featuring brave people around the world living with HIV under the shadow of stigma.
In this podcast Winnie Ssanyu Sseruma, Advocacy officer for HIV at Christian Aid talks about HIV related stigma. Stigma Under the Lens launches on 28th November. Click this link for further information: http://www.richmix.org.uk/whats-on/event/stigma-under-the-lens/
In the lead up to World AIDS Day, Christian Aid Communications Officer Ally Carnwath reflects on how the Christian Aid-supported CAHAC campaign in the Democratic Republic of Congo led to the introduction of a law protecting the rights of people living with HIV and extended access to life-saving antiretroviral (ARV) medication to some of the country’s poorest people.
Starting in 2005, Community Action against HIV/AIDS in the Congo, organised a range of awareness-raising activities, including the country’s biggest ever HIV demonstration, which saw almost 10,000 AIDS activists take to the streets for simultaneous marches across all 11 of the country’s provinces. Finance for ARV treatment remains a problem but thanks to CAHAC’s pressure on the government, the number of people under ARV treatment has risen from 4,000 to 32,000 in the past five years.
If it's been a long and difficult road for Sierra Leone to emerge from the shadows of its decade-long civil war, it's been an even longer journey for Sierra Leonean women to make their voices heard. But now things are changing...
When communications officer Antoinette Powell visited some of the communities where they are working, she found that with the help of local organisations Network Movement for Justice and Development and the Methodist Church of Sierra Leone, women are not simply speaking out but are beginning to take the lead in building a stronger future for their communities.
In this interview we hear direct from two of Christian Aid’s partners in the Middle East who are working to improve labour rights for marginalised groups in their countries. Christeen Bushra works for Wadi el Nil, an organisation that helps quarry workers in Egypt. Quarry workers have to contend with hazardous working conditions, little pay, and even fewer human rights. Wadi el Nil has been working to establish trade unions to represent quarry workers, and provide training and equipment to improve safety in the workplace. Jesssica Nevo works for Christian Aid partner Kav LaOved, in Israel, and talks about how marginalised groups such as migrant workers are excluded from Israel’s labour laws, and subject to discrimination and abuse of their human rights. Kav LaOved has seen major successes this year in challenging the treatment of migrant workers and improving their legal rights.
Emergencies under the radar: Christian Aid responds We’ve probably all heard about the tsunami, the Haiti earthquake and food crisis in East Africa, but what about the millions of people around the world affected by the smaller scale emergencies that don’t make the headlines. This podcast looks at emergencies caused by flooding, how they affect poor communities and how Christian Aid can respond even when they most people in the UK aren’t even aware of them.
In October 2011, Christian Aid is currently responding to three flood related emergencies in Cambodia, the Philippines and Central America to find out more information about the emergency and Christian Aid’s response, or to donate to our emergencies fund, please visit http://www.christianaid.org.uk
In this podcast, Christian Aid’s regional coordinator for Oxford, Amy Merone, reflects upon her first trip to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. From conversations with soldiers in Hebron about humanity, to travelling with a mobile health clinic, Amy reflects upon the shock, inspiration and challenge behind visiting this part of the world.
A series of projects to help repair relationships between soldiers and civilians in troubled eastern DRC has brought the two groups together in unexpected ways. I spent several days with Congolese soldiers and villagers in North Kivu province to find out how Christian Aid partner CBCA has been rebuilding trust in an area blighted by violence towards civilians by armed groups. In this reflection a few weeks ahead of elections in DRC, I look at how CBCA has been supporting reform from within the Congolese army and how a church choir in the tiny village of Kibati provides a small glimpse of a more peaceful future for the region. Useful links: http://www.christianaid.org.uk & http://www.congonow.org/
It’s been a week of debate over the Indian governments newly drawn poverty line, with activists calling it an attempt to cut costs and hide India’s poor. More of the world’s poor live in India than in sub-Saharan Africa.
So it’s fitting that last Sunday 2 October, the anniversary of Gandhi’s birthday and the UN international day of non-violence, representatives of Christian Aid partner Ekta Parishad began a 13-month long journey across India to transform the lives of hundreds of millions of Indians living in poverty. Its climax will see 100,000 landless people, some barefoot, march for a month from Gwalior to Delhi in October and November 2012, in one of the biggest non-violent campaigns the world has ever witnessed.
Returning from a weekend of lobbying the UK government in Manchester at Christian Aid’s Bearing Witness event, communications officer Sarah Filbey reflects on the synergy between the weekend’s events here in the UK and those taking place in India and elsewhere.
Ekta Parishad’s director Rajaghopal is amongst the group undertaking the more than year-long journey across 25 Indian states to mobilize and prepare people in advance of next year’s pinnacle March for Justice. Earlier this year we met Rajagopal ahead of his epic journey and in this podcast he helps us understand the motivation behind this ambitious and potentially historic venture.
Links: More on Ekta Parishad’s epic march for justice across India on our corporate website: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/whatwedo/in-focus/india-march-for-justice/index.aspx and check out the photo stream on Flickr here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/christianaidimages/sets/72157627759508299/
Registered as the greatest humanitarian crisis today; drought, displacement and conflict continues to affect millions of people in the East and Horn of Africa. In this interview, Genevieve Lomax speaks with Natalie Dale, a member of the Christian Aid Humanitarian Team, who has recently returned from Dadaab refugee camp in North Eastern Kenya. Natalie considers the situation in the camps, the overcrowding people are experiencing, and the measures Christian Aid and ACT Alliance partner the Lutheran World Federation are taking to ensure the people’s immediate needs are met. For more information on our work in East Africa, and to donate to the appeal, visit: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/east-africa-food-crisis-appeal/index.aspx - Many thanks for your much needed support.
In 2010, around 20 million people were affected by the horrific floods of the July/August monsoon season. At the time, 11 million people were made homeless, and an area the size of England was submerged under water. Through its partner Church World Service-Pakistan/Afghanistan (CWS-P/A), Christian Aid responded to the needs of 140,000 people in the twelve months after the floods. In this podcast Marvin Parvez - the director of CWS-P/A - speaks to Communications Officer Susan Barry about the challenges of working in this complex country, dealing with issues including increased levels of poverty and security threats. Find out more at: http://www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/past/pakistan-floods-2010/index.aspx
Ally Carnwarth introduces this new podcast channel from the communications team here at Christian Aid. He invites you to join the team as we travel around the world hearing from the people who matter most – the people living in poverty and those working with Christian Aid to improve their lives. On this channel, you'll hear inspiring tales of hope and resilience and shocking accounts of hardship and injustice. Follow Ally and the rest of us in the team - @ca_global on Twitter.