Tag Archives: safe

Gaza: Ceasefire urgently needed as civilians left with ‘no safe place’ to go

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“We are witnessing a dangerous escalation in Gaza City, where Israeli forces have stepped up their operations and ordered everyone to move south,” said the Humanitarian Country Team in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

“Nearly one million people are now left with no safe or viable options – neither the north nor the south offers safety.”

The warning comes two weeks after famine was confirmed in Gaza Governorate.

Starving and exhausted

According to latest figures from the World Health Organization-led Health Cluster, 361 Palestinians have died due to malnutrition since the war began nearly two years ago, including 130 children.

Over half a million people are in living with catastrophic conditions marked by starvation, destitution, and death.

Civilians who try to leave northern Gaza face dangerous and barely passable roads, overcrowded shelters, and prohibitive transport costs – sums that most families simply cannot afford.

“Survivors in Gaza are exhausted,” aid agencies said, underscoring that both civilians and the health infrastructure they rely on “must never be targeted.”

Hospitals overwhelmed

Hospitals are overwhelmed and collapsing under the strain.

Al-Shifa and Al-Ahli facilities in Gaza City are operating at nearly three-times capacity, with mass casualty incidents averaging eight per day.

If a wider Israeli offensive proceeds, the Gaza Strip could lose half its remaining hospital beds, the health agencies warned.

Aid restrictions continue

The Humanitarian Country Team also noted ongoing Israeli impediments on aid, stating that “current levels of humanitarian support are wholly insufficient.”

Fuel, water, and supply routes must remain open and uninterrupted, agencies said, warning of “devastating consequences” if access is further obstructed.

“To families in Gaza: the humanitarian community will remain in Gaza City for as long as we can and will remain across the Strip, doing all we can to bring aid and deliver lifesaving services,” they said.

“To the international community: Act. Call for an immediate ceasefire. Uphold international humanitarian law, including the release of hostages and those arbitrarily detained. This catastrophe is human-made, and responsibility rests with us all.”

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One in four still lacks access to safe drinking water and sanitation

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The report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and children’s agency (UNICEF) issued as World Water Week gets underway, highlights persistent gaps in access, with vulnerable communities facing the greatest disparities.

Some 2.1 billion people still lack access to safely managed drinking water, while 106 million worldwide are forced to rely on untreated surface sources.

“Water, sanitation and hygiene are not privileges, they are basic human rights,” said Ruediger Krech, Director of WHO’s Environment, Climate Change and Health Department.

Clear disparities

The report finds that people in least developed countries are more than twice as likely as people in other countries to lack basic drinking water and sanitation services, and over three times as likely to go without basic hygiene.

“These inequalities are especially stark for girls who often bear the burden of water collection and face additional barriers during menstruation,” said Cecilia Scharp, UNICEF’s head of water, sanitation and hygiene services.

Data from 70 countries reveal that while most women and adolescent girls have menstrual materials and a private place to change, many still lack sufficient supplies to manage their needs safely and with dignity.

‘We must act faster’

Some 1.7 billion people still lack basic hygiene services at home, including 611 million with no facilities at all.

“We must accelerate action, especially for the most marginalised communities, if we are to keep our promise to reach the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Mr. Krech.

“At the current pace, the promise of safe water and sanitation for every child is slipping further from reach – reminding us that we must act faster and more boldly to reach those who need it most,” said Ms. Scharp.

In the municipality of Manaure in La Guajira, Colombia, a woman washes her hands at an installation of hand-washing point known as tippy taps.

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UN warns Gaza crisis could worsen without safe, unrestricted aid flow

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In his regular daily briefing, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric highlighted that ongoing delays, bottlenecks at holding points and interference in the loading process at crossing platforms are undermining efforts to collect and distribute supplies to those in need.

“It is imperative that the UN and its humanitarian partners are enabled to deliver aid at scale, using community-based mechanisms to reach the most vulnerable,” he said.

Injured trying to reach food

Recent figures illustrate the scale of the challenge. Between May 27 and August 8, the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah treated more than 4,500 wounded patients – most reporting injuries sustained while attempting to reach food distribution sites.  

Many were hurt in crowd crushes or subjected to theft or violence immediately after receiving critical food aid.

Of 12 aid missions requiring coordination with Israeli authorities on Thursday, five were facilitated without impediments. Four missions were cancelled by the organisers, and three others were impeded and only eventually fully accomplished – these included the collection of food aid from Zikim and Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossings.

The UN Spokesperson also highlighted an ongoing starvation crisis, with increasing numbers of deaths, particularly among children.

Hospitals are struggling to cope with rising cases of malnutrition and many facilities have reportedly run out of bedspace to treat patients, he said.

No cooking fuel

Energy shortages are compounding the crisis, Mr. Dujarric said, noting that cooking gas has been unavailable in Gaza’s markets for five months, while firewood has become increasingly unaffordable.

“More people are resorting to using waste and scrap wood as alternative fuel sources for cooking, which only makes worse health and protection risks, and causes environmental hazards,” he added.

Protect fleeing civilians

He also stressed that civilians must be protected in the event of expanded military operations in Gaza City.

“Fleeing civilians must be protected and they must have their essential needs met, and they must be able to voluntarily return when the situation allows. And if they choose to stay, they should not be threatened or put at risk,” he said.

Mr. Dujarric also reiterated the UN’s long-standing call for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages held in the Strip.

Syria: UNICEF calls for safe access to children in Sweida as needs mount

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Deadly sectarian clashes erupted in the southern governorate, also known as As-Sweida, in July and early August and children and families continue to feel the impact.

At least 22 children reportedly were killed and another 21 injured in the violence, which caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure.  More than 190,000 people, mainly women and children, were forced to flee their homes.

Essential services also were disrupted. At least five health centres were reportedly struck, with two doctors killed, while ambulances were obstructed or attacked.

‘A welcome step’

UNICEF Syria Deputy Representative Zeinab Adam described the situation as “tragic and deeply alarming.” 

“Given the ongoing needs of children and families affected, the increased efforts by the interim authorities to facilitate access to those in need have been a welcome step,” she said.

UNICEF was part of the UN’s first inter-agency convoy to Sweida which arrived at the end of July.  

Ms. Adam said the agency “delivered life-saving supplies and carried out a rapid on-the-ground assessment to ensure a faster, stronger response to the growing crisis.” said.

Food and medicine shortages

The fighting caused critical damage to vital infrastructure, water, electricity and fuel.  Furthermore, food, medicine and other essentials remain scarce due to continued insecurity and access constraints.

In response, UNICEF has deployed 14 mobile health and nutrition teams.  Teams have also provided life-saving health and nutrition supplies to more than 4,000 children and women, as well as safe drinking water and fuel for water pumping stations benefiting more than 30,000 people.

Appeal for access

“To ensure an effective response, it is critical that both humanitarian actors and commercial goods have unhindered access to the most affected communities,” said Ms. Adam.

“This will enable the immediate provision of basic social services, including food, water, and other essential supplies, to those in urgent need.”

She added that “facilitating this access is not only vital for life-saving interventions but also for restoring a minimum level of stability and protection in these communities.”

Meanwhile, UNICEF remains on the ground in Sweida and will continue to advocate for children there and across Syria. 

Safe seas key to global prosperity, Security Council told

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Keeping sea routes safe today while also addressing emerging challenges was the focus of a debate in the UN Security Council on Monday which was convened by Panama, president for the month of August.

Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), told the Council that last year, a workforce of just 1.9 million seafarers moved over 12.3 billion tonnes of goods, essentially “keeping global trade afloat”. 

Safety and security fundamental

He said the maritime sector has proved to be “remarkably resilient” in the face of geopolitical challenges.

“Yet resilience cannot breed complacency,” he warned.  

“The safety and security of the maritime sector is fundamental to economic stability, sustainable maritime development and to livelihoods.”

Multiple threats

The threats are numerous. Nearly 150 incidents of piracy and armed robbery were reported in 2024 alone. In some regions such as Southeast Asia, incidents are surging, according to the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). 

Beyond piracy, international vessels plying the Red Sea have also come under attack against the backdrop of the war in Gaza.

Meanwhile, trafficking continues – including drugs, endangered wildlife and protected timber – and organized crime groups tap into criminal supply chains to move weapons, operatives and illicit goods to finance their operations.

Seafarers work in the engine room of a Chinese registered ship in the Port of Genoa in Italy. (file)

A ‘network’ under attack

Maritime routes were “the world’s first truly global network,” connecting distant shores for thousands of years, said Valdecy Urquiza, INTERPOL Secretary General.

“Today, and more than ever, that same network is exploited by criminals who threaten navigation, trade, communication – and with them, the global stability essential to sustainable development,” he told the Council.

He said the “poly-criminality at sea” is “making criminals more resilient, and enforcement more complex” as new and less visible dangers arise.

“As ports go digital – with automated vessel management, cargo tracking and logistics – vulnerabilities are emerging faster than they can be secured. Ports are facing a wave of cyber intrusions targeting the power, communication and logistics systems they rely on.” 

Furthermore, “cybercriminals can weaponise artificial intelligence to attack with greater speed, scale and precision.”

Global coordination, environmental action

In response to the situation, IMO has developed binding mandatory requirements, for example to address international ship and port security as well as cybersecurity threats.

The UN agency has also supported projects to boost regional capacity, including information sharing. This is in addition to establishing partnerships with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), INTERPOL, regional entities and donor States, aimed at strengthening national capabilities and building trust.

“While addressing maritime security, we must not lose sight of our responsibility to protect the ocean,” said Mr. Dominguez.

“Maritime safety and security and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Support for countries to develop and enhance response capabilities for maritime pollution incidents including from oil spills is ongoing.”

A ship passes through the Panama Canal in Central America. (file)

Perspectives from the Panama Canal

The Council also heard from the agency responsible for the operation of the Panama Canal, one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.

Ricaurte Vásquez Morales, CEO of the Panama Canal Authority, shared perspectives from “one of the most emblematic channels for human cooperation,” highlighting the strength of “principles-based neutrality.”

“The Panama Canal is governed by an international treaty which safeguards equal access to all nations in times of peace or war,” he said, speaking in Spanish.

“This promise, which is incorporated in our Constitution, has enabled a small country to contribute stability to global trade, shielding this infrastructure from geopolitical tensions that also too often stymied progress.”

His remarks also showcased how the Canal has been under Panamanian administration for the last 25 years – a period which saw the completion of a third set of locks in 2016. As a result, the cargo volume transiting its waters increased by 50 per cent, while maintaining the same annual transit of roughly 13,500.

Climate adaptation

Like the IMO chief, Mr. Vásquez Morales also emphasised the need to address climate change. The Panama Canal experienced a drought over the past two years and this “global wake-up call” sparked water conservation efforts, logistical adjustments and the building of an artificial lake.

“Today, the canal boasts technologies that strengthen climate resilience,” he said.

“It creates financial mechanisms and ensures water and environmental security, while at the same time implementing efficient governance to harness the rapid progress in artificial intelligence and collaborating to strengthen cyber security on our roads and our logistics systems.”

Commitment, peace and solidarity

Concluding his remarks, Mr. Vásquez Morales insisted that “the Panama Canal is living proof that global public goods can be administered with equity, responsibility and vision.”

“Through sustained cooperation, constant adaptation and steadfast commitment to the principles of international law, the Canal will remain a safe and efficient route ready to serve not only this generation, but also many more to come,” he said.

“We trust that by working together, we will be able to keep open, not only waterways, but also the channels of understanding peace and solidarity.” 

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Toxins in old toys can disrupt growth in children, an obstacle for circular economy

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Letting children play with hand-me-down plastic toys could constitute a health risk. When researchers at the University of Gothenburg tested a large number of old toys and dress-up items made of plastic, 84 per cent of the items were found to contain toxins that can disrupt growth and development and reproductive capacities in children. These toxins are an obstacle for the circular economy in the future involving reuse and recycling, the researchers explain.

The current use-and-discard behaviour is wasteful with resources and a drain on the Earth’s finite resources. In 2021, the European Parliament adopted a Circular Economy Action Plan. It encourages the re-use, repair and recycling of products and materials. But the question is whether all products are good to reuse again?

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg have recently published an article in the Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances which shows that old toys and dress-up items may contain toxic chemicals that can cause cancer, damage DNA or disrupt the future reproductive capacities of children.

plastic toys/Photo: en.wikipedia.org

Toxic chemicals in most old toys

The hazardous chemicals that were discovered included phthalates and short chain chlorinated paraffins used as plasticizers and flame retardants in toys.

Professor Bethanie Carney Almroth at the University of Gothenburg conducts research on the environmental impact of plastics and plastic-related chemicals, and has led the research study conducted at the interdisciplinary Centre for Future Chemical Risk Assessment and Management Strategies (FRAM). For the study, researchers selected 157 different toys, new and old, and measured their chemical content.

The study showed that most of the older toys and items (84 per cent) contained quantities of chemicals that exceed current legal limits. A total of 30 per cent of the newer toys and items also exceeded the legal limits. By far however, the older toys were significantly worse.

“The concentrations of toxic substances were significantly higher in the older items. For example, many of the old balls were found to have concentrations of phthalates totalling more than 40 per cent of the toy’s weight, which is 400 times over the legal limit,” says Bethanie Carney Almroth.

Many of the older toys contained toxins.

 

Toxins an obstacle to a circular economy

EU legislation on the chemical content of toys, known as the Toy Safety Directive, regulates the permissible quantities of a number of chemical substances found in toys in an attempt to protect the health and safety of children. At present, the permissible limit values for new toys under the Toy Safety Directive are 0.1 per cent by weight for phthalates and 0.15 per cent by weight for short chain chlorinated paraffins.

“The study indicates that reuse and recycling is not always automatically a good thing. The transition to a more circular economy requires bans and other policy measures that get rid of hazardous chemicals from plastic and other materials. Although the Toy Safety Directive has been crucial in reducing the incidence of hazardous chemicals in toys, it has only been applicable to new toys, not old ones,” explains Daniel Slunge, Environmental Economist at the University of Gothenburg.

Environment Minister Launches ‘Harit Diwali, Swasth Diwali’ Campaign

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Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, launched the “Harit Diwali, Swasth Diwali” campaign, here today. Addressing a gathering of about 800 children from schools of Delhi and NCR, the Minister impressed upon the children the importance of their contribution towards reducing pollution by not bursting harmful fire crackers during Diwali.

Congratulating the teachers and students, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that it is heartening to see that children have taken on the leadership role in combating air and noise pollution caused by burning of fire crackers during Diwali celebrations. The Minister added that whenever children take up any task, they do not spare any effort in ensuring its success. He urged the children to also learn about the chemicals present in the fire crackers and the impact of these chemicals on various parts of the human body. Dr. Harsh Vardhan impressed upon the children to celebrate this year’s Diwali by not buying fire crackers and instead buy a gift, food items, or sweets for the poor and underprivileged children living in their locality.

Later, Dr. Harsh Vardhan also administered a Pledge for a Green and Healthy Diwali to the gathering of students. The Pledge will be widely circulated to the schools/colleges and other educational institutions and the school administration will be requested to administer the said Pledge during their school assembly up to Diwali. Students presented ‘Nukkad Nataks’ (street plays) and also sang “Prakriti Vandana” on the occasion.

As a part of the campaign, the Environment Ministry will undertake various activities to create awareness among various stakeholders and encourage people to participate in combating air pollution.

Diwali is an integral part of our rich tradition and a festival that embodies joy and happiness. In recent times, the pattern of celebration has changed somewhat and has got associated with excessive bursting of crackers, which contributes significantly to air and noise pollution. As a result, there has been a significant impact on the environment and health of the people.

As has been the experience in the past few years, airborne pollution has been rising above safe limits during winter in many cities. The excessive burning of crackers during Diwali aggravates the problem. The pollution levels in Delhi last year, especially post Diwali, reached such levels that the government had to declare an emergency situation, which had socio-economic consequences like closing down of schools, construction sites and power stations.

In October this year, India will be hosting FIFA U-17 World Cup. It is an important occasion and a matter for pride for India. It is important for us to ensure that there is no inconvenience caused in the conduct of the event and our national image is protected and enhanced.

Some of the activities to promote Green Diwali among school children include stickers/logo distribution, poster competition, advertisement on public transport systems, public appeal using Radio/FM, involving industry associations and other stakeholders. As a part of the social media campaign, an online competition will be conducted, where any individual/organisation can make a video/audio clip on the theme ‘Pollution Free Diwali’. The best of these clips will be used officially to promote the theme across the country.