Seven Turkish Citizens Abducted in Kenya Press RELEASE

Panashe Mlambo and The Journalism Department.

Broken Chalk is deeply concerned about the proposed amendments to the Iraqi Personal Status Law No. 188 of 1959 and appeals to the government to safeguard the interests of children. If enacted, these amendments would pose a significant threat to the rights of women and children in Iraq.The proposed changes aim to reinstate religious laws over the current constitutional laws that govern Iraq. A particularly alarming aspect of this proposal is that it would allow for the legal marriage of girls to be 9 years and boys 15 years. Currently, Iraqi law prohibits marriage under the age of 18, ensuring a level of protection for children.The enactment of this proposal would have far-reaching consequences, not only economically and politically but also in terms of education. Every child has the right to education and to be treated as a child. As a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Iraq is obligated to protect the interests of its children. This proposal represents a serious deviation from Iraq’s commitments under the UN Convention and would likely result in grave human rights violations.Research has consistently shown that child marriages reduce educational opportunities, increase school dropout rates, and restrict the freedom of children. Moreover, this law would likely exacerbate gender-based violence and further diminish accountability for perpetrators who target children.Broken Chalk strongly urges the Iraqi government to safeguard the interests of children and to protect their childhood and freedom by rejecting this harmful proposal.

Seven-Turkish-Citizens-Abducted-in-Kenya-Press-RELEASE

From Pollution to Education: How Environmental Degradation in Lebanon Impacts the Education System

Written by Iasmina-Măriuca Stoian

Introduction

For the past two centuries to the present day, Lebanon has been subjected to the ever ongoing global environmental disasters and degradations, which have threatened the country’s infrastructure, national health and wellbeing as well as the overall economic climate. Most of them are also a result of the conflict period, more specifically from 2006. This article looks at the effects that environmental disasters have on education (such as destroyed school buildings and even threats to the health or the lives of students and teachers) . In country suffocating in the hazardous fog of pollution whilst suffering the effects of an extreme rise of commodity prices in their market economy, citizens live in a country that where health hazard is omnipresent and inevitable creates a population of sick and diseased people who have to then spend most of their income on healthcare, rendering them unable to afford any sort of education . It has become evident that there is an urgent need for the implementation of sustainable practices and policies in Lebanon, if the country hopes to improve its social welfare and economy. It is the responsibility of the Lebanese government to take the appropriate actions that will answer all needs of the Lebanese community. The pivotal question arises about whether our environment is being managed sustainably or if environmental concerns, along with the education sector, continue to be deprioritized. In order to have a sustainable future, both should be among the top priorities.

Current situation

Lebanon is facing severe environmental degradation due to systemic corruption, lack of effective regulation, unsustainable practices in agriculture and industry, but also from conflicts. From July 2006, the Post-Conflict Branch of the UN Environment Program started to monitor environmental issues associated with the conflict in Lebanon, by tracking potential environmental impacts on both sides of the border, in Lebanon and Israel. The assessment, conducted by the UN Environment and local partners, investigated issues related to solid and hazardous waste, industrial contamination, coastal and marine pollution, water resources, asbestos, and weapons used. The report found no evidence of depleted uranium or radioactive materials, but concerns remain about cluster bombs. In addition, the country heavily depends on generators for power consumption, and water and land have been polluted severely through human activities (deforestation). There is a large amount of disposal too. This has led to health problems, loss of biodiversity and increased exposure to natural disasters. Global cooperation and assistance, as well as the application of environmental legislation are indeed indispensable in helping Lebanon address its most pressing environmental challenges towards a healthier future.

Limited Access to Clean Water and Sanitation

According to the statistics made by USAID, Lebanon faces a significant water deficit, with only 48% of the population having access to safely managed water and 20% having access to safely managed sanitation. In schools, this lack of clean water and sanitation directly affects students who may not have access to safe drinking water or suitable sanitary facilities. These health risks, especially when specific ones recur time and again within a child’s life stream, can culminate in physical symptoms that keep sick children out of school. Schools also face challenges of providing their students and staff a safe environment as they lack access to water/sanitation with good quality infrastructure. USAID, among other organizations, along with local communities in Lebanon (plus other donors), are taking steps to provide populations access to safe drinking water and sanitation sources which would positively impact the students of tomorrow.

2020 Beirut explosion

On the 4th of August 2020, in the Port of Beirut, an explosion killed more than 200 people, injured more than 500 people, and affected approximately 280 educational institutions. What started as a simple warehouse fire of 2,750 tons of improperly stored ammonium nitrate, later caused significant environmental damage, including air and water pollution due to the release of hazardous chemicals. Beirut, previously a cultural hub with famous universities, was heavily affected by the blast, worsening its pre-existing financial struggles and threatening faculty with job loss. Thus, the Beirut explosion remains a symbol of Lebanon’s deep-seated political corruption, negligence, and the broader issues existing in the country, also recognized as one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history.

Impact on health for students and teachers

The environmental disaster in Lebanon has significant health impacts on both students and teachers. The Beirut explosion released toxic chemicals into the air, leading to respiratory problems in nearby schools. Additionally, the country’s inadequate waste management has resulted in polluted water supplies, causing gastrointestinal illnesses among children. Schools located near landfills or industrial areas are particularly at risk, exposing students and teachers to harmful pollutants daily. These environmental challenges exacerbate existing health issues, leading to higher dropout rates and lower educational outcomes.

Existing initiatives and responses

In response to the current situation in Lebanon, several projects and initiatives have been launched and are still in the process of implementation, in order to address these challenges. Multiple international organisations, some of them being USAID or the United Nations. USAID’s project named Lebanon Water Project (LWP) finished in 2020 and aimed to improve access to safe drinking water, and to develop wastewater management. Other projects are also notable, for instance, the UNDP’s reforestation initiative aims to restore 10,000 hectares of forestland by planting 10 million trees, while UNICEF’s WASH programs have provided clean water and sanitation to over 200,000 people.

Conclusion

In summary, severe environmental degradation in the face of systemic corruption, conflict, and poor regulation has left deep impacts on both the infrastructure and health of the country, notably education. The explosion at Beirut and unrelenting problems with water scarcity and pollution raise awareness and underscore the acute need for effective environmental management and sustainable practices. Whereas most of the giant strides have been traversed by international organizations—the USAID, United Nations, or any other organization—through focused projects related to reforestation, water management, and sanitation, these must be scaled and folded into broader systemic reforms. Intervention in environmental crises in Lebanon is not only significant for natural and urban landscapes but also a healthy and fair educational environment. This shall ensure that in the securing of a sustainable future, the environmental and educational priorities of Lebanon align and are robustly attended to by comprehensive and long-term strategies and international cooperation.

References

    Cover Image by Tripoli, Lebanon on 1/31/2021 © Zwein Florient / Shutterstock

     

    Broken Chalk Condemns Escalation in Lebanon, Urges Protection of Children

    Panashe ML Mlambo and The Journalism Department.

    Broken Chalk Condemns Escalation in Lebanon, Urges Protection of Children. Broken Chalk, an organisation dedicated to improving access to education, is deeply concerned by the escalating violence in Lebanon and its devastating impact on children.Thousands of innocent civilians have been displaced, and children are bearing the brunt of the conflict. The recent attack has resulted in the tragic loss of young lives and left countless children traumatised.Broken Chalk emphasises the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis and calls upon all parties involved to prioritise the protection of children. The psychological well-being of children is being severely compromised, and the uncertainty surrounding school openings due to the ongoing bombing is causing further distress.Broken Chalk appeals to the international community to take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of Lebanese children. Humanitarian aid must be provided to support displaced families and address the urgent needs of children, including access to education, healthcare, and mental health services.

    Research and Journalism Department

    Email: research@brokenchalk.org

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    Bangladeshi Student Protests: Demands for Genuine Meritocracy 

    Written by Uilson Jones 

    Since July 5th, Bangladesh has found itself engulfed by mass student protests. Grinding the country to a halt and leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to destabilize the government and its clique, the Bangladeshi student protests have reasserted the rights of civil society in a country where the authoritarianism of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken root. The narrative of the student protests developed rapidly throughout the month of July which had morphed into a united front that sought to topple the political status quo – Hasina and her cabinet. 

    The Motivations for the Outbreak of the Movement 

    The trouble came about with the ratification of the quota system, the origins of which lie in the 1972 legislation by then Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The quota system states the percentage of government jobs that are reserved and disseminated to the children and grandchildren of those that fought in the Bangladeshi Liberation War against Pakistan in 1971 (Al Jazeera, 2024). In practice, this meant the provision of well-paying government jobs to a caste of people who were already secure. In a country plagued by economic troubles and rising poverty rates, the dissemination of aristocratic privileges to the already well-off did not sit well with the millions of people who were capable of taking these jobs due to their merit, yet barred from them simply because they did not qualify under the quota system. It is therefore highly unsurprising when the Bangladeshi High Court reintroduced the job quota on July 5th, that the first to respond were students and universities. This reversed a key government decision made in concession to the 2018 Bangladesh Quota Reform Movement. 

    The quota system was a major point of tension for students and educational institutions. As it stood, 44% of jobs were tacitly based off merit, whilst 30% were reserved for the children and grandchildren of the freedom fighters, with quotas for ethnic minorities, women, disabled people, and backward districts sharing in the remaining piece of the pie (Al Jazeera, 2024). As stated above, in a climate of economic and financial strain, students and educational facilities thrust themselves into the forefront of the movement, as the quota system was a seen as a significant impediment for themselves in the future. As such, a much more meritocratic system was called for, one that eliminated the quota system for the privileged and shared its portion with the sections of ‘merit’, ‘ethnic minorities’, ‘women’, amongst others. In other words, the movement was not so much ‘anti-quota’, as it was more concerned with removing and rearranging government jobs to other sections of society.  

    Engagement of Civil Society and Government Response 

    Tens of thousands of people took to the streets to express their disapproval of the quota bill that was placed back on the agenda by the government in early July. A decision that overturned the previous 2018 moratorium on the quota system as a result of the then major uproar of civil society. In a firm attempt to express their discontent as well as their desire for meaningful change in the quota system. Spearheaded by university students and the educational institutions, the size and purview of the protests grew throughout the month as developments on the streets gave way to a dark reality.  

    The government response to the civil unrest triggered in full by foul decision-making, culminated in the bloodiest state crackdown in Bangladeshi history. Beginning with an attempt to destabilize the protest movement, a number of state adjacent actors took it upon themselves to dress in plain clothing and beat protestors at random to cause chaos and sow division (CIVICUS, 2024). It became overwhelmingly clear that the thugs who were doing their part in violently dispersing large crowds, were in fact members of the significantly problematic Bangladeshi Chhatra League. Founded in 1948 and colloquially known as the Chhatra League, the group is the student wing of the ruling Bangladeshi Awami League, or simply Awami League (CIVICUS, 2024). The depravity and senseless violence prompted by state officials against the peaceful protestors was so blatant, that the quota movement could not and did not cease and desist.  

    Numerous pictures and videos from the scenes were now able to be found on various social media sites, as well as mainstream media coverage showing the extent of the violence against protestors shocked people around the world. A case in point was the aimless killing of Abu Sayed, a student at Rangpur’s Begum Rokeya University (Amnesty International, 2024). On the 15th of July, police presence was overt and destructive. The Chhatra League, proving unable to contain the protests alone with its unorthodox methods, opened the avenue for the participation of Bangladeshi police and secret service. Upon closing into a crowd of protestors that quickly dispersed from their position, the police encountered a single student who stood in defiance, arms spread along the sides. Wielding nothing other than a wooden stick, positioned 15 metres away from fully geared police units, Abu Sayed was not in any position to deal any harm to officials. Yet, the police responded by unloading the barrels of their shotguns into Sayed, killing him on the spot (Amnesty International, 2024). Abu Sayed, whose death was filmed and posted on social media sites, became a crucial symbol of police brutality, paving the way towards a reinvigoration of the movement despite the life-threatening dangers that come with taking a stand. 

    The government crackdown saw many instances of police opening fire, with live ammunition, into large crowds of unarmed protestors in order to instil fear and dispersal (UN News, 2024). The situation deteriorated to such a grave extent, that helicopters began to be used against protestors. Rapid gunfire coming from the helicopters, were aimed at significant crowds of people and took the mass repression and killing to an unimaginable level (The Telegraph, 2024). The militarization of the country and its response to the movement became evermore violent and repressive, yet the protests showed no sign of abating. In fact, it was quite the opposite.  

    When Reform Meets Revolution 

    The Anti-Discrimination Students Movement, together with the Non-Cooperation Movement, were unanimous in pushing for one overt demand by the time August rolled around. Following a month of unprecedented police brutality and the death of well over a thousand people, these groups sought to align their demands according to such developments. The quota reform movement, having begun as a result of irresponsible government policy, now evolved into a revolutionary movement of widespread scale. Their demand, otherwise known as the one-point movement, was the resignation of the now former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina along with her cabinet (UN News, 2024).  

    Having started as a mere quarrel with a particular government policy, the unprompted brutality in the government’s response led the student movement to adapt to the objective necessities of the hour. The state that the country and its people were left in, made the decision to overturn the government a rather simple one. After all, over 1000 deaths were recorded since the onset of the movement (NBC, 2024). Such was the price that Bangladeshis had to pay for the resignation of Sheikh Hasina and her cabinet. Succeeding the Awami League government, is Muhammad Yunus who leads the interim government for the time being (ORF, 2024). The future for Bangladesh remains uncertain, yet the actions taken by student protestors and the widespread movement afterwards is a promising sign for the health of Bangladeshi civil society. The participants in the movement have showed the world that the government is not impenetrable, and under given circumstances is rather fragile. The tens of thousands of protestors, as well as those that perished at the hands of the authoritarian rule of the Awami League, serves as an inspiration to those around the globe seeking justice, peace, and meritocracy. 

    References

    • Al Jazeera. (2024). What’s behind Bangladesh’s violent quota protests. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/16/whats-behind-bangladeshs-violent-quota-protests.  
    • Bose, S. & Chaudhury, A. B. S. (2024). Interim government: The faces of change in Bangladesh. ORF. https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/interim-government-the-faces-of-change-in-bangladesh.  
    • Corea, H. & Erum, N. (2024). What is happening at the quota-reform protests in Bangladesh? Amnesty International. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/07/what-is-happening-at-the-quota-reform-protests-in-bangladesh/.  
    • CIVICUS. (2024). Bangladesh: Brutal crackdown on quota reform protesters by security forces and ruling party youth wing. https://monitor.civicus.org/explore/bangladesh-brutal-crackdown-on-quota-reform-protesters-by-security-forces-and-ruling-party-youth-wing/.  
    • Ganguly, A. (2024). ‘Gunfire from helicopters last night’: Voices from Dhaka belie Bangladesh govt claim. https://www.telegraphindia.com/world/gunfire-from-helicopters-last-night-voices-from-dhaka-belie-bangladesh-govt-claim/cid/2036483.  
    • Mishra, V. (2024). Shocking violence in Bangladesh must stop: UN Rights Chief. UN News. https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/08/1152811.  
    • Mishra V. (2024). Bangladesh: UN urges peaceful transition as PM resigns and flees the country. UN News. https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/08/1152826.  
    • NBC. Over 1,000 killed in Bangladesh’s violence since July, health ministry chief says. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/1000-killed-bangladesh-violence-july-health-ministry-chief-says-rcna168928.  
    • Cover Image via Wikimedia Commons

    Russia Strikes Again: The Devastation of Ukraine’s Largest Children’s Hospital 

    Written by Uilson Jones 

    For many people around the world, Monday mornings consist of a rush to their place of employment or attending classes at school, going about their day without the slightest disturbance – apart from the casual annoyance due to traffic delays and the like. For Ukrainians, Mondays (as well as every other day) begin and end in destruction, bloodshed and grief. 

    On Monday July 8th, Russia launched a massive barrage of missiles against key points of civilian infrastructure in Kyiv and many other urban centres. Amongst these structures was Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital, Okhmatdyt. As a result of this vicious attack against Ukrainian children, a staggering 36 people were killed and another 140 injured, according to Andriy Yermak (BBC, 2024). These figures which are initial estimates, are expected to climb much higher given further investigation. The missiles struck surgical, oncological and toxicological departments, virtually levelling these intensive care units where children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses were being treated (UNSC, 2024).  

    The immediate aftermath on the scene was one right out of a horror movie – yet this was a brutal reality for Ukrainians on the ground. Hundreds of children with chronic illnesses, medical personnel, and staff were being rapidly evacuated from the shattered ruins of the building. Roads and highways in Kyiv were blocked up with waves of ambulances attempting to get on site in time to save as many lives as possible. A horror of unimaginable scale erupted as civilians on the scene, rescue teams, ambulances and fire brigades attempted to do everything in their power to lend their helping hand. 

    What of the response of Russian officials around the globe? The course of action taken by Russian officials was to outright deny its involvement in the Monday attack, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. An unending tirade followed, pointing fingers at the West and Ukraine for the decimation of the children’s hospital. Russia’s Council President for July went so far as to state the following: “If this was a Russian strike, there would have been nothing left of the building and all the children would have been killed and not wounded” (UNSC, 2024).

    Shamelessly covering up this hideous war crime, he chose to boast about the might of the Russian war machine – or whatever is left of it after struggling against the significantly smaller military might of Ukraine for two and a half years. A war that was supposed to last three days is rapidly approaching its third year as Ukrainians have been able to bog-down their opponent (Defense One, 2022). With slow and modest gain on the front lines, the consistent strikes on civilian infrastructure have been evident. Over the course of this time, the UN has verified 1,878 Russian attacks against various civilian infrastructure facilities, of which 249 (only in 2023) were directly attributed to Russian invaders (UNSC, 2024).  

    Now, one must reasonably pose the following questions: How long will it take for some states to deny the visibly absurd statement that Russia is not targeting civilians? India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a visit in Moscow during that time, willingly praising Putin for his hospitality, whilst the Indian Embassy was located only a few hundred meters away from Russian-induced destruction. Furthermore, how can it be justified to have a party that initiate attack at the head of the Council, supposedly supporting universalist principles of world peace and human rights? The term ‘war criminals’ has been applied time and time again to the Russian military and its officials, in numerous and ongoing UN investigations regarding human rights concerns in Ukraine (UNHRC, 2024).

    The Council is not the place for cheap and dirty politics. It is a place for upholding the necessary values of the international community, ones that are being violated every hour of every waking day by the so-called Russian Federation. How can one speak of ceasefires and peace deals with Russia, when the Russian military is so blatantly destroying every aspect of Ukrainian society, including the most vulnerable sections of its population – children with chronic illnesses? It is due to these indiscriminate strikes levied against civilian infrastructure, that the European Parliament has declared Russia to be a ‘state sponsor of terrorism’ (EP, 2022). 

    These attacks by the Russian government will not cease on their own. Ukraine must be granted the full right to defend itself in any manner it so pleases. As it currently stands, Russia is using bases deep within its territory to carry out such acts. Ukraine has not yet received the permission to nip these in the bud to definitively safeguard its people (Politico, 2024). Furthermore, Ukraine requires urgent humanitarian and lethal aid to be able to cope with said attacks. This means modern medical and technical equipment, more air defence systems, shells, artillery systems and far more. In history, the world has learned the hard way of what happens when imperialistic states with totalitarian leaders are able to get away with widespread murder and occupation. One hopes that these mistakes will not be repeated, not only for the sake of Ukrainian children and the rest of its population, but also for the sake of the entirety of Europe.

    These important decisions were of absolute necessity already in 2022. One can only agitate and hope for their implementation now and in the near future. Negotiation is impossible, when the opponent is so willing to decimate the most defenceless sections of Ukraine’s population. Without urgent aid, we will surely hear of many more such egregious events taking place. Immediate steps need to be taken in order to ensure the safety of children given the ongoing state of war, and stronger measures need to be put into place which can allow children to study, heal, rest and play in peace. 

    References

    • Copp, T. (2022). ‘The convoy is stalled’: Logistics failures slow Russian advance, Pentagon says. Defense One. https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2022/03/convoy-stalled-logistics-failures-slow-russian-advance-pentagon-says/362666/. 
    • Corp, R, & Herrmannsen, K. (2024). Children’s hospital hit as Russian strikes kill dozens in Ukraine. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cl4y1pjk2dzo. 
    • European Parliament. (2022). European Parliament declares Russia to be a state sponsor of terrorism. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20221118IPR55707/european-parliament-declares-russia-to-be-a-state-sponsor-of-terrorism.  
    • Melkozerova, V. (2024). Zelenskyy urges Biden to allow Ukraine to hit Russian airfields to stop Kremlin bombing campaign. Politico. https://www.politico.eu/article/volodymyr-zelenskyy-biden-putin-bomb-strikes-russia-bombing-ukraine-war-kremlin/ 
    • UNSC. (2024). Russian Federation’s Attack on Ukainian Children’s Hospital ‘Not Only a War Crime’ but ‘Far Beyond the Limits of Humanity’, Medical Director Tells Security Council. https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15761.doc.htm. 
    • UNHRC. (2024). Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine. https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/iicihr-ukraine/index.  
    • Cover Image via Official Website of Ukraine 

    The Role of NGOs in Improving Access to Education in Pakistan 

    Written by Mahnoor Ali

    Pakistan’s education system has long faced numerous challenges that have hampered the country’s socioeconomic development. In Pakistan, all children aged 5 to 16 have the right to a 12-year school education.1 However, despite various government initiatives such as the ‘Education Emergency’ plan2 and ‘Punjab Education Sector Plan3’, Pakistan continues to face low literacy rates, gender disparities, and inadequate educational infrastructure. Against this backdrop, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have emerged as critical players in the effort to improve educational access and quality throughout the country. This article examines the current state of Pakistan’s education system, the contributions of key NGOs, and potential strategies for increasing their impact. 

    Current Situation of the Education System in Pakistan 

    The education system of Pakistan consists of approximately 260,903 institutions serving approximately 41 million students, with an estimated 1.5 million teachers. The system is predominantly public, with the government running 69% of institutions. Despite these figures, the literacy rate has remained stable at approximately 62.3% as of 2023, with urban areas having a higher rate (74%) than rural areas (54%). The Pakistan Education Statistics for 2021-22 highlighted a lack of funds, a low pupil-teacher ratio, and a lack of basic facilities.4 

    Furthermore, Pakistan has alarmingly high dropout rates, particularly at the primary and secondary levels. Several socioeconomic factors, such as poverty, child labour, and cultural norms, contribute to the high dropout rate. The number of out-of-school children is approximately around 26.21 million which basically means that 39% of children in Pakistan are out of school. Moreover, outdated curricula, insufficient teacher training, and a lack of learning resources frequently jeopardise the educational quality. These difficulties are exacerbated by political unrest and inconsistent policy implementation. 

    The Role of NGOs in Improving Educational Access 

    In response to these educational challenges, many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have stepped in to fill the gaps left by the government. They are at the forefront of implementing impactful programs that seek to uplift impoverished communities.5 These organisations work tirelessly to provide quality education, particularly in underserved communities. Their efforts include school construction, scholarship funding, teacher training, and the development of innovative learning programs. There are numerous NGOs in Pakistan which are working for the betterment of education in Pakistan, some of them are mentioned below: 

    One of the leading NGOs is The Citizens Foundation (TCF). TCF6 is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Pakistan’s education sector which was founded in 1995. Since then, the organisation has established a vast network of 1,921 school units throughout Pakistan, educating approximately 286,000 students. TCF schools provide high-quality education at a low cost, ensuring that low-income children have access to education. This places TCF as one of the largest privately owned networks of low-cost formal schools in the country. The organisation also emphasises gender equality, with nearly half of its students being female. Its comprehensive approach includes community mobilisation and parental involvement, both of which are critical for long-term educational gains. 

    Another prominent NGO is the Developments in Literacy (DIL)7 organization. The organisation was established in 2000 and has been providing low-cost, high-quality education to underprivileged children in Pakistan. The organization’s mission is to educate and empower underprivileged students, particularly girls, through student-centered model schools and high-quality professional development for teachers and principals. DIL’s vision is for every child in Pakistan to have equal access to a quality education, regardless of socioeconomic status. Moreover, the organisation currently educates over 61,000 students in 191 schools throughout Pakistan, and many of its graduate’s work in fields such as medicine, engineering, and public service. 

    Zindagi Trust8 is another NGO in Pakistan dedicated to improving education by transforming government schools. The trust also works to improve school infrastructure, create safe learning environments, and provide necessary facilities. Moreover, it has transformed under-resourced Karachi schools into model institutions, such as the SMB Fatima Jinnah Government School and the Khatoon-e-Pakistan Government Girls School, which have significantly improved their infrastructure and academic quality. In addition to these initiatives, Zindagi Trust runs comprehensive educational programs like Life-Skills Based Education (LSBE), which provides students with the necessary skills to protect themselves from abuse and health problems. The trust also provides a variety of extracurricular activities, such as art, music, and sports, to promote holistic growth. 

    Challenges and the Way Forward 

    Despite the significant contributions made by non-governmental organisations, many challenges remain. Scalability is one of the most significant issues. While NGOs working in Pakistan have achieved remarkable success, their reach remains limited in comparison to the large number of children who are still not in school. Scaling up these initiatives necessitates significant financial investment, logistical planning, and collaboration between the government and the private sector. 

    Another challenge is of sustainability. Many NGOs projects are heavily reliant on donor funding, which can be unpredictable. Long-term sustainability necessitates the development of self-sustaining models, such as community ownership of schools and revenue-generating activities that support educational initiatives. Furthermore, there is a need for improved coordination among all stakeholders. The government, NGOs, and private sector must collaborate to create a cohesive strategy. 

    Conclusion 

    The contribution of non-governmental organisations to improving educational access in Pakistan cannot be overstated. Organisations such as the Citizens Foundation, Developments in Literacy, and Zindagi Trust, among others, have made commendable efforts to provide quality education to the country’s most vulnerable populations. However, achieving universal education requires a concerted effort by all stakeholders. This includes expanding on successful models, ensuring sustainability, and encouraging collaboration. By addressing these challenges, Pakistan can get closer to its goal of providing quality education to all, paving the way for a better future. 

    To conclude, the journey to educational reform in Pakistan is undoubtedly complex and difficult, but with the continued efforts of NGOs and a collective commitment from all sectors of society, it is attainable. Pakistan’s future depends on its children’s education, and every effort must be made to ensure that no child falls behind. 

    References 

    • Abbasi, K. (2024, January 23). Govt turns its back on education sector. DAWN.COM. https://www.dawn.com/news/1807937 
    • Ahmad, H., Fatima, N., & Nazeer, A. (2023). ROLE OF NGO’S IN PAKISTAN. International Journal of Social Sciences Bulletin, 1(1). https://ijssb.org/index.php/IJSSB/article/view/13 
    • Education Program – The Citizens Foundation (TCF). (2022, October 12). The Citizens Foundation (TCF). https://www.tcf.org.pk/education-programme/ 
    • Government of the Pubjab. (n.d.). Punjab Education Sector Plan. https://schools.punjab.gov.pk/system/files/Punjab%20Education%20Sector%20Plan%20(2019-20%20to%202023-24).pdf 
    • Halai, A., & Durrani, N. (2021). School education system in Pakistan. In Global education systems (pp. 665–693). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-0032-9_17 
    • Ministry of federal education and professional training. (n.d.). Malala Fund welcomes Pakistan’s new plan to address its national education crisis [Press release]. https://www.mofept.gov.pk/NewsDetail/MWNmNTA3ZTYtYTU3ZS00NDA0LWIwOTQtMTZiZjNhNjlmMzJj 
    • Our impact — developments in literacy. (n.d.). Developments in Literacy. https://www.dil.org/our-impact/index 
    • School reform | Revamping learning | Zindagi Trust – Non-Profit Organization. (n.d.). https://www.zindagitrust.org/school-reform 
    • Image source: “Girls in school in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan” via Flickr

    Human Rights in Yemen and the Houthi insurgency

    Written by Iasmina-Măriuca Stoian

    The short history of the Houthi movement 

    The Houthi movement, or Ansar Allah, is a Zaydi Shiite group that emerged in the northern part of Yemen in the early 1990s. This group was born as a response, partially, to the financial development and religious expansion in the region of Saudi Arabia. Since 2004, the group has been in conflict with Yemen’s government which is majoritarian Sunni. However, in November 2009, the Houthi movement expanded its operations in Saudi Arabia, when, after the launch of multiple air strikes, more than 130 Saudis died.i The horrors continue, as in September 2014 the capital in Yemen, Sanaa, was controlled by Houthis, and seized control over almost all northern regions of Yemen by 2016. In parallel, the Houthi also continued their attacks against Saudi Arabia, most notably in 2017, when a ballistic missile was fired at Riyadh’s airport.ii By 2018, Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia became common, leading to a protracted and complex war in the region. 

    The current situation in Yemen 

    Even if there has been a decrease in the number and intensity of the attacks compared to the previous years, Yemen continues to suffer, and civilians continue to be victims of unlawful attacks and targeted killings. Both the internationally recognised Yemeni government and the Houthi de facto authorities are responsible for serious human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, harassment, and forced disappearances. People were not only targeted depending on their political beliefs but also on their religion. For instance, according to an Amnesty International report,iii multiple members of the Baha’i religious minority forcibly disappeared, violating their right to freedom of religion and belief. 

    The Houthi’s recent attacks on the Red Sea have also disrupted the maritime security in the region. Between November and December 2023, Houthi groups targeted 24 commercial and military ships in the Red Sea, publicly announcing that these attacks would not cease until Israel ended its military campaign in Gaza.iv This conflict has drawn in multiple foreign countries, making the situation even more complex. Thus, the Saudi-Arabia coalition, along with the United States, supports the Yemeni government with their military aid and airstrikes. On the other hand, Iran is currently accused of supporting the Houthi groups by providing weapons and training. 

    Apart from the political arena, civilians face most of the consequences of the conflict, adding to the environmental challenges currently existing in the country. Extreme weather and water scarcity, food insecurity and restriction of humanitarian aid are some of the examples that will be further discussed below.  

    Humanitarian Rights Violation 

    One of the most important objectives of International Humanitarian Law is the protection of civilians during armed conflicts. Under these rules, civilian individuals enjoy certain protection against the actions carried out by organised armed groups. Of course, certain exemptions exist, in cases of active participation in hostilities, for example. However, even those rules exist, we can see that in Yemen, the articles show that over 100 civilians are killed or injured monthly, one example being October 2021v. Between April 2015 and May 2024, the statistics show that there have been over 166,000 fatalities in Yemen, out of which 16,400 were civilians who died because of the attacksvi. 

    Impact on Education 

    The war in Yemen has also affected the education in the country. Schools across Yemen have for all intents and purposes become centers of indoctrination. The Houthi groups have systematically transformed regular public schools into a “prison” for children, charging tuition fees and implementing a very strict curriculum promoting both their political and religious ideologies. Not only the children are affected, but also the teachers, who have been intimidated by the Houthis. Thus, many teachers quit their jobs because of the violence against them and the irregular and unequal payment of their salaries. As a consequence, the numbers show the devastating landscape in education, with over 2,900 schools and universities in Yemen destroyed to ruins, over 2.4 million children who do not have access to education, and another 8.5 million at risk of dropping out.vii 

    Humanitarian Crisis and Aid Restrictions 

    Currently, the Yemen government and the Houthi groups are impeding humanitarian aid, leading to huge delays in offering resources and aid to the victims. The main travelling corridors from and to Taizz have been blocked by the Houthi, violating the right to free movement, as well as the flow of essential resources, food and medicines. Despite the UN efforts and multiple protests against Houthi, these roads remain closed until today. Moreover, different humanitarian female staff struggled to conduct fieldwork in the affected areas because of the mahram requirement, preventing visits or providing aid. In many traditional interpretations, it is considered forbidden for a woman to travel alone for long distances (usually defined as a journey that takes more than a day and night without a mahram, namely a male relative whom she cannot marry). 

    Environmental challenges 

    The environmental issues further worsen the already existing tensions in Yemen. The country suffers from heavy rains and floods, but also water scarcity in some areas, most notably in Taizz. Yemen is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, with over half of its population lacking access to sufficient and safe water for personal and sanitary uses. This issue of water shortage has also contributed to the spread of water-borne illnesses and diseases, further risking the health and well-being of the population. Furthermore, the Houthi groups have weaponized the water scarcity, by preventing water from flowing into government- controlled Taizz city from the two basins they oversee, where the primary water treatment station is situated. The Houthis have cut off access to this water source even though they are aware that the people of Taizz city depend on water from these reservoirs. 

    International involvement and legal framework 

    The current conflict in Yemen has drawn international attention due to its allegations of violations of human and humanitarian rights, and its impact on national security and regional stability. The involvement of multiple parties, including not only the recognized government of Yemen and the Houthi authorities, but also external actors, for example, the Saudi Arabia- led coalition and the Southern Transitional Council, has complicated the situation and raised concerns about violations of both international humanitarian and human rights law. 

    From a legal perspective, the conflict in Yemen is governed by international humanitarian law, which includes the four Geneva Conventions and their supplementary protocols. These legal documents govern how parties behave during times of armed conflict, safeguarding the well-being of civilians and guaranteeing the fair and humane treatment of prisoners of war. By breaking these laws, like illegally targeting civilians and civilian objectives, the implicated actors may face legal repercussions on a global scale, including possible trials for war crimes. Additionally, the conflict has also implications for international human rights law, particularly regarding the rights of women, children, and minority groups. The restrictions imposed by the Houthi de facto authorities, such as the mahram requirement for women and the targeting of religious minorities, among others, raise concerns about violations of fundamental human rights principles. 

    Conclusion 

    To summarize, it is clear that the Houthi movement in Yemen has severely impacted regional stability through the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The civilian population is subjected to denationalization, schools destroyed, inaccessibility to education, limited humanitarian access due to their race, and continuous conflicts and wars leave Yemen as a failed state with an uncertain future. The involvement of multiple foreign actors complicates the conflict, raising serious concerns about widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws, potentially leading to global legal repercussions for the involved parties. International involvement is expected to continue, as the international community must support comprehensive peace talks to foster long-term and sustainable stability and prioritize humanitarian aid. 

    References

    • Alquhaly, H. Y. H., & Basir, S. M. (2023). The Potential Violations of Civilians’ Rights in Armed Conflicts in Yemen from the Perspective of International Law. OAlib, 10(10), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1110749 

    Follow-up to the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls’ country visits to Kyrgyzstan, Romania, Greece, Poland, Honduras, Chad, Samoa, Kuwait and Hungary

    Presented by Ariel Ozdemir, Luna Plet and Olimpia Guidi

    The Lenca, indigenous to southwestern Honduras and northeastern El Salvador, reside in approximately 50 villages within a 100-km radius of La Esperanza, the capital city of the mountainous Intibucá department. 1 Most of these villages find themselves on the outskirts of the public education system due to factors such as poverty, age, geographic isolation, gender, and ethnicity. These circumstances collectively contribute to the difficulty in accessing education for many inhabitants.
    The educational hurdles for Lenca girls in Honduras, especially in regions like San Francisco de Opalaca, are intricate and deeply influenced by socio-economic, cultural, and geographical factors. These challenges are marked by restricted access to education due to economic constraints, particularly affecting girls pursuing primary education. Gender-sensitive education proves to be a critical aspect of the struggles faced by Lenca girls. Prevailing patriarchal norms pose obstacles to their educational opportunities.
    Concerns about the quality of education in public schools, notably in regions like San Francisco de Opalaca, are pronounced. Challenges include limited access to junior high schools in most villages and the geographic obstacles that impede education beyond grade 6. 2 Inadequacies in the education infrastructure, such as a shortage of teachers and insufficient facilities, further hinder the provision of quality education for Lenca girls. Furthermore, with a literacy rate of 30-50%, the Lenca population typically spends an average of only four years in school. 3 This low educational attainment contributes to a pervasive sense of inferiority and a lack of confidence in advocating for a democratic and civil society.
    The need for revamping the curriculum to address gender equality, stereotypes, and violence is evident. Emphasis is placed on incorporating human rights workshops to create awareness about gender, cultural, educational, and employment equality. 4 This approach strives to foster an inclusive and supportive educational environment, empowering Lenca girls and addressing societal challenges they encounter.

    education for disadvantaged communities . 21 Women and girls, already facing obstacles in pursuing education, find themselves further marginalised by the privatisation of schooling . 22
    Consider the challenges faced by promising young students in La Esperanza who experience increased fees due to their schools’ privatisation, leading to their education’s abandonment. This educational setback not only perpetuates the cycle of poverty but also underscores the gendered impact of privatisation on educational opportunities for women and girls.
    Expanding on the educational aspect, it’s essential to recognise that privatisation can lead to a reduction in educational resources. Privatised institutions may prioritise profit over educational quality, leaving women in poverty with fewer educational support systems. This, in turn, perpetuates systemic disadvantages, limiting the potential for upward mobility through education.
    Healthcare Challenges
    Privatisation in the healthcare sector can pose significant challenges for vulnerable populations, particularly women. As essential healthcare services become privatised, the financial burden on impoverished women intensifies, limiting their access to crucial medical support. The lack of affordable healthcare options further entrenches gender disparities in health outcomes . 23

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    Photo by Michelle Ding on Unsplash

    References

    1 Susan Stone, “El Maestro En Casa,” El Maestro en Casa, accessed January 20, 2024, https://lencaedu.wordpress.com/
    2 Wanda Bedard, “2009 – Honduras,” 60 million girls, accessed January 20, 2024, https://60millionsdefilles.org/en/our-projects/2009-honduras/
    3 Susan Stone, “El Maestro En Casa,” El Maestro en Casa, accessed January 20, 2024, https://lencaedu.wordpress.com/
    4 Wanda Bedard, “2009 – Honduras,” 60 million girls, accessed January 20, 2024, https://60millionsdefilles.org/en/our-projects/2009-honduras/

    21 Edwards Jr, D. B., Moschetti, M., & Caravaca, A. (2023). Globalisation and privatisation of education in Honduras—Or the need to reconsider the dynamics and legacy of state formation. Discourse: Studies in the Cultural Politics of Education, 44(4), 635-649. Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01596306.2020.1852181
    22 Murphy-Graham, E. (2007). Promoting participation in public life through secondary education: evidence from Honduras. Prospects, 37(1), 95-111. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11125-007-9013-2
    23 Hasemann Lara, J. E. (2023). Health Sector Reform in Honduras: Privatisation as Institutional Bad Faith. Medical Anthropology, 42(1), 62-75. Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/01459740.2022.2125388

    Educational Challenges in Afghanistan

    Written by Charlotte Lagadec-Jacob

    Introduction 

    The Taliban’s takeover in 2021 has had a devastating impact on the education system in Afghanistan. The declining quality of education and the promotion of gender inequality have become major concerns for the international community. Last year, UNESCO dedicated its International Day of Education to Afghan girls and women. 

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    Picture by Nk Ni via Unsplash

    Although Afghanistan has signed multiple UN human rights treaties and conventions, which aim for access to education to all, gender equality and children’s rights, the new education system established by the Taliban restricts access to education for young women, allows the use of corporal punishment at school and has led to a deterioration of the overall quality of education for both boys and girls.

    Impact on girls and women’s educational rights

    The Taliban takeover in Afghanistan had a negative impact on access to education for girls and women. This issue has been raised by the United Nations as well as NGOs in several reports. Education is a fundamental right enshrined in the Convention of the Rights of the Child. The restrictions imposed on girls and women violate several treaties signed by Afghanistan which prohibit gender-based discrimination. 

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    Picture by Wanman uthmaniyyah via Unsplash 

    Decrease of the school attendance rate among girls and women

    The bans imposed by the Taliban on access to secondary and higher education for girls and women have resulted in a rising drop-out rate among female students in Afghanistan.  

    Article 28.1 (e) of the Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 states: 

    Governments should “take measures to encourage regular attendance at schools and the reduction of drop-out rates.”

    Despite the ratification of this Convention by Afghanistan, 75% girls are currently out of school. This makes Afghanistan one of the countries with the highest out-of-school rates for girls in the world.

    While the ban on access to secondary education for girls was introduced in 2021 as a temporary measure, it is still ongoing. Moreover, the ban on access to university for women violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that higher education should be ‘accessible to all on the basis of merit’ as opposed to gender. 

    Low literacy rate among women 

    Most women in Afghanistan are currently illiterate. Despite Afghanistan being a party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child which encourages the elimination of illiteracy, the literacy rate in Afghanistan is currently among the lowest in the world. This particularly applies to women as only 20.6% of Afghan women are literate. 

    Being literate is important for daily tasks and cannot be neglected. In the long term, restricting access to education might worsen this situation and jeopardise Afghan girls and women’s independence and future, as it also makes accessing information about humanitarian support more difficult. 

    Impact on boys’ educational rights 

    Boys are also negatively affected by the new education system introduced under the Taliban. According to Human Rights Watch, boys and their parents have noticed a deterioration in boys’ access to education as well as the quality of their education.

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    Photo de Wanman uthmaniyyah sur Unsplash

    Corporal punishment 

    The use of corporal punishment on boys is becoming more prevalent at school and constitutes a severe violation of human rights law. The Human Rights Watch has reported an increasing use of corporal punishment at school and interference of the “Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice” with the functioning of Afghan schools since the new education measures were put in place by the Taliban. 

    Corporal punishment violates international law and the Convention of the Rights of the Child which was signed by Afghanistan. This convention is complemented by Article 39 the Afghanistan’s education act 2008 which prohibits all forms of punishment at school. 

    Afghan students have reported an increasing use of corporal punishment for moral crimes since the Taliban took power in 2021. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety among boys are unfortunately common consequences of the restrictive measures imposed by the Taliban at school. 

    Decreased school attendance rate 

    As with girls, the attendance rate of boys at school has decreased since the Taliban takeover.  This may be related to the economic and humanitarian situation of the country which puts more pressure on boys, thus resulting in decreased attendance. Moreover, the regime of fear established by the Taliban at school and a loss of motivation due to the low quality of education may lead some male students to stop coming to class.

    Promotion of a misogynistic society 

    Barring girls and women from studying and teaching also has a negative impact on the quality of learning of boys in Afghanistan and promotes values in contradiction with human rights treaties and conventions signed by the country.

    Under the Taliban regime, female teachers are restricted to teach boys and were replaced by men regardless of their qualifications and experience. Sometimes, no replacement could be found, leading to the disruption of classes.  This certainly has had a deteriorating effect on the quality of education of boys.

    In addition to the decline of the quality of education caused by these replacements or teacher shortage, the new education system established under the Taliban promotes values in contradiction with rights enshrined in human rights treaties. Gender-based segregation by excluding girls from secondary schools and universities as well as the modification of the school curriculum may also have a negative impact on boys as it shows them an example of society where men and women are not equal. This promotion of misogyny violates several human rights treaties ratified by Afghanistan which provides that men and women should enjoy the same rights and be equal. 

    These new decrees introduced by the Taliban regarding education constitute severe violations of human rights law.  

    Impact on the overall quality of education

    In addition to the ban on female teachers which severely undermines the quality of education in Afghanistan, the change of curriculum by the Taliban and the condition of facilities in some schools constitute significant challenges to the current education system of the country.

    Change in curriculum 

    The new curriculum established under the Taliban does not align with human rights law and appears to deny women’s rights. Human rights treaties provide that education should encourage the full development of the human personality and the respect of human rights. 

    Despite the ratification of these treaties by Afghanistan, important subjects such as English, civic education, physical education, arts have been removed and the new curriculum focuses primarily on religion as well as on the view of women’s Islamic rights. A report obtained by Human Rights Watch in January 2022 which is believed to be an internal proposal for the revision of the curriculum contains discriminatory statements such as: 

    “Many books have presented women’s rights as human rights. The teachers must explain women’s rights through the framework of Islam, not what the West calls women’s rights.”

    Issues with the condition of educational facilities and infrastructure

    Poor standards of hygiene and a lack of clean water, toilets and soap may also have an impact on school attendance. In over 50% of schools in Afghanistan, there is no clean drinking water and in over one-third of schools, there are no toilets where students can wash their hands. 

    Conclusion and recommendations

    Despite the ratification of multiple human rights treaties and conventions by Afghanistan, the Taliban have established an education system which causes gender-based discrimination, promotes illiteracy and allows human rights violations such as corporal punishment at school. Different recommendations can be made to address these issues. 

    Combating illiteracy among girls and women in Afghanistan

    The high rate of illiteracy (particularly among girls and women) in Afghanistan calls for action. For example, the EU, UN Women and UNESCO have collaborated in implementing the project “Empowering women and adolescent girls in Afghanistan through literacy and skills development for sustainable livelihoods”. Other projects could be initiated in this regard. 

    Encouraging vocational and community-based education for girls and women

    Among options currently available to girls and women to remedy the ban on secondary and higher education imposed by the Taliban, vocational education can be considered. This alternative can help women secure self-employment, thus allowing them to obtain financial independence. UNESCO currently provides literacy and pre-vocational training to over 55,000 young people and adolescents (over 68% of students are women and adolescent girls) in Afghanistan. UNICEF also provides children (mostly girls) with community-based education classes and teaching and learning materials. 

    Providing women with teacher training

    Teacher training could be provided to women who aspire to teach. This was the approach taken by UNICEF for its Girls’ Access to Teacher Education (GATE) programme. 

    Addressing corporal punishment at school

    The use of corporal punishment on children constitutes a severe violation of human rights law and might severely undermine the quality of education of boys as it may lead some students to drop out of school. It is urgent to act to prevent such punishments at school. 

    Improving the condition of educational facilities to foster attendance at school.

    Since 2024, UNICEF and the EU have joined forces in improving the condition of buildings and classrooms in 385 public primary schools in Afghanistan. UNICEF stressed the importance of ‘rehabilitating classrooms, building toilets and water systems’.

    References

    Water Scarcity in Jordan 

    “When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.”  

    -Benjamin Franklin 

    Written by Iasmina-Măriuca Stoian 

    Water scarcity is a serious issue that affects over 700 million peoplei that live in over 43 different countries. From those, there is a list of 14 countriesii that face severe water stress: Qatar, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Eritrea, United Arab Emirates, San Marino, Bahrain, India, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Oman and Botswana. Because most of them are located either in the Middle East or in the Northern Africa region (MENA region), they are mostly affected by the desert climate and by the increasing level of demand. 

    By definition, water scarcity, or water shortage, is the lack of necessary supplies of fresh and clean water to meet the demand for water, thus affecting the countries economically, politically and also the world’s growth level of population. 

    Background 

    Jordan, a relatively stable oasis in the midst of Middle Eastern turmoil, is affected by two issues that threatens its continuous stability – water scarcity and the regional conflicts that not only affects the surrounding countries, but also the Jordanians. According to a study, without intervening measures, over 90% of Jordan’s low-income population will be experiencing critical water insecurity by the end of 2030 (Yoon et al., 2021). What is worth mentioning about this issue is that, although infrastructure is adequate, demand exceeds supply due to population growth and Syrian refugees. Water sources in Jordan include 54% groundwater, 37% surface water, and 110 mm of annual rainfall. However, while the underground basins are overly exploited, the surface water supplies are either mismanaged or contaminated by pollution, making them inaccessible for immediate use. 

    This article will look firstly into the factors contributing to this issue, then the effects on the society and the environment, and finally the solutions and current projects. From the mismanagement of surface water resources to desertification and climate change, this article will provide an overview of Jordan’s water scarcity, the measures already taken and solutions for this issue. 

    Main causes for water scarcity 

    The issue of water scarcity in the Jordan Valley is complex and difficult to address due to a variety of factors such as natural processes, political crises, rapid population growth, water pollution, the discrepancy between supply and demand, the migration of Syrian refugees, and the misuse of water resources. The water shortage not only has effects on the environment and people living in the region, but also on the poor populations from rural areas who face daily struggles due to water scarcity, pollution, and resulting health and economic crises. The following paragraphs will present some, but not all causes of the water shortage in the country. 

    Desertification, droughts, and climate change 

    Desertification and droughts are natural phenomena affecting the water shortage not only in the country but also in the region, as well as the impact of climate change leading to decreased groundwater and aquifer replenishment. Also, heavy irrigation practices and the overdrawing of water from aquifers have contributed to the depletion of water sources. 

    While droughts are temporary periods caused by a lack of precipitation, desertification is a long-term process in which fertile land becomes arid and almost impossible to support vegetation, leading to the transformation of the specific area into a desert. They are both caused by the increased temperatures, human activities, such as deforestation, or lack of rainfalls. 

    On the other hand, climate change means rising global temperatures, modifying rainfall patterns, intensifying drought conditions and desertification processes. These conditions increase the risk of wildfires and threaten groundwater resources, which supply a significant portion of the country’s domestic water. 

    Pollution and water contamination 

    Pollution from agricultural runoff and contamination has had a significant impact on the water in Jordan. Multiple rivers and lakes have been contaminated due to the use of insecticides by farmers. In Jordan Valley, the widest region with freshwater resources,iii approximately 70% of freshwater resources are now contaminated by biological pollutants.  

    Mismanagement of water resources  

    Jordan relies on 3 major surface water sources for 37% of its total water supply; these are the Jordan, Zarqa, and Yarmouk rivers. Overdrawing water for heavy irrigation is depleting water resources in the whole MENA region, leading to drier landscapes and decreasing moisture in the ground. Heavy irrigation uses water from various sources, such as rivers, aquifers, and groundwater, preventing the excess water from being used for other purposes due to added pollutants and chemical compounds. Additionally, over-pumping by Israel and Syria are causing Jordan’s access to the Jordan and Yarmouk rivers to diminish, due to lack of regional environmental cooperation.  

    Migration of refugees and increasing demand 

    Current water demand exceeds the water supply, leading to a constant water deficit in Jordan. Population growth, particularly from refugees, exacerbates the issue by reducing available water per capita. There are three main uses for water in Jordan: municipal, industrial, and agricultural.  

    As for Amman, private water tankers in wealthy areas have seen a rise in prices, contributing to the ongoing water shortages in the city. As a result, government rationing of water is common, and wealthier households often use private water trucks to fill multiple tanks on their roofs. On the other hand, the poor households are most affected, as they have limited capacity to store water and cannot afford to buy from private trucks. While people are responsible for obtaining water tanks on their own, damage to these tanks can make them lose precious water. Stories from people show the dramatic image behind this issue, making people beg for water from their neighbours or skip showers or cleaning to save water.iv More effects will be further discussed below. 

    Impact on society and environment 

    Human capital impacts 

    Apart from the insufficient amount of drinking water for the population, the rest of the amount necessary for basic hygiene and sanitation is almost inexistent. Consequences of the lack of water on the long term are the development of adverse health conditions such as lethargy, neurological symptoms, kidney failure, and others. Moreover, the lack of clean water can also affect the population by increasing the mortality rate attributed to numerous wash-related diseases. 

    Water scarcity can also affect children and young students, by lowering the school attendance and performance rates, especially for girls. This is important as children would be able to practice important hygiene behaviour, such as correct disposal of menstrual products and handwashing. 

    Impact on refugees 

    The impact on refugees is even more drastic. As many of them are among the poorest people in Jordan, the impact is even greater. Tayba Abkar, a 32-year-old Sudanese refugee and a mother of four says: “My children have to go to the neighbours’ house on most of the days to use the toilet. My 13-year-old daughter feels very embarrassed when she goes there”.v This is just one of the many stories of families struggling with this environmental issue. 

    Impact on food security 

    Water scarcity not only affects human lives but has also a direct effect on food security. A decrease of water in local lakes and rivers means a decrease in agricultural productivity. Food insecurity mostly affects the poor population, leading to multiple cases of malnutrition, famine or undernourishment. 

    Solutions and mitigations 

    Jordan Water Sector Efficiency Project 

    The Jordan Water Sector Efficiency Project aligns with the government’s strategy and aims to improve water sector efficiency, drought management, and climate resilience, for which the World Bank approved $300 million for the implementation of this project.vi The project is still being implemented and is envisaged to cover over 1.6 million people and to save 10 million cubic meters of water, reduce electricity use, and establish a drought management system to benefit households, farmers, and industries in the country. 

    UNICEF collaboration 

    Among the different international organizations involved in this issue, UNICEF supports sustainable water and environmental conservation projects to improve access to water and sanitation for vulnerable children and families. They currently work with the Ministry of Water and Irrigation to enhance water supply and sanitation infrastructure in cities, schools, refugee camps, and communities.vii They are planning to implement alternative water technologies, promote water conservation, and advocate for policies that manage social-ecological systems. Regional advocacy groups like EcoPeace Middle East also contribute to environmental protection and peacebuilding.  

    Dialogues about regional water allocation 

    Another solution would be the improvement of water allocation by establishing multilateral discussions and regional cooperation between countries. The Jordan River Basin lacks a multilateral treaty for water allocation. These discussions could play a significant role in reaching comprehensive agreements and promoting regional sustainable development, including unified management of the Jordan River Basin. 

    References

    • Wu, T. L. (2024, March 4). 4 Countries with Water Scarcity Right Now | Earth.Org. Earth.Org. https://earth.org/countries-with-water-scarcity/ 
    • Yoon, J., Klassert, C., Selby, P., Lachaut, T., Knox, S., Avisse, N., Harou, J., Tilmant, A., Klauer, B., Mustafa, D., Sigel, K., Talozi, S., Gawel, E., Medellín-Azuara, J., Bataineh, B., Zhang, H., & Gorelick, S. M. (2021, March 29). A coupled human–natural system analysis of freshwater security under climate and population change. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2020431118 
    • Water, sanitation and hygiene. (n.d.). UNICEF Jordan. https://www.unicef.org/jordan/water-sanitation-and-hygiene 
    • Beithou, N., Qandil, A., Khalid, M. B., Horvatinec, J., & Ondrasek, G. (2022, July 8). Review of Agricultural-Related Water Security in Water-Scarce Countries: Jordan Case Study. Agronomy. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12071643