UNODC’s Post

The World Economic Forum's 2023 report states that about 339 million people in #conflictzones require #humanitarianaid, with conflicts leading to trafficking, including the use of child soldiers. Groups like the Lord's Resistance Army heavily rely on #childsoldiers, and extremist organisations such as al-Shabab, Boko Haram, and the Taliban abduct children for operations. The Islamic State has trained kidnapped boys for suicide missions. Displacement and family separation increases the vulnerability of children, and under various pressures, some families give their kids over to armed groups. Economic desperation and the influence of social media also play roles in #childtrafficking, with groups like the Islamic State actively recruiting online. The complexity of combating trafficking in conflict zones due to weak law enforcement and reporting difficulties remains a critical issue. Key solutions include stronger international agencies intervention for #refugeeprotection, improved #refugeemonitoring and reporting mechanisms, and enhanced community support with necessities like food and water.

"Report: U.N. Teachers Celebrated Hamas Massacre As war wages on between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, UN Watch has released a new report that reveals how UNRWA teachers in the enclave, funded largely by the U.S. and EU, indoctrinate Palestinian children and promote terrorism and antisemitism. Entitled “UNRWA: Hate Starts Here,” the report uncovers 20 UNRWA teachers and other staff members who celebrated the October 7th Hamas massacre of Israeli civilians on their social media accounts. The new cases are in addition to 133 UNRWA educators and staff who were exposed for promoting hate and violence in UN Watch’s last report, released in March 2023." https://lnkd.in/ezqMJJaA

It’s difficult to sum up the personal pain I feel caused by the recent undeniable hate marches and outright violence targeting people of colour, particularly Muslims, in the country I call home. Some might dismiss this as “Priya pulling the race card again.” But believe me, writing this makes me sick to my core, and I fight back tears with every word. We shouldn’t have to play the "race card." People of colour are genuinely terrified. Warnings circulate, advising us to avoid certain towns and cities due to planned far-right attacks. Texts urge us to stay indoors after dark for safety. Outwardly, everything might seem great—like “luxury property,” “female brown businesswoman,” and “social media ready”—but inside, I feel unsafe in my own home and community, and I know I’m not alone. This is something our parents' generation faced when they came to this country. I don't think they ever expected their children would have to tackle it repeatedly 60 years on. I worry for my friends, family, and colleagues and stand in solidarity with them. Please check in on your friends who are people of colour. They may appear unaffected, but they are likely feeling the impact deeply. At The Luxury Property Forum, we stand for understanding, tolerance, and the celebration of diversity. This is how we collectively combat hate, prejudice, and division. Whether you are a member or not, if you are struggling with the events of the past week, please reach out to us. We are here to support you in any way we can. My direct email is [email protected]. Stay safe. #community #hope #compassion #togetherness #support

AMP’s Statement on Restriction Orders Issued under the Internal Security Act ===================================== The atrocities taking place in Gaza have left many around the world, including Singaporeans, feeling helpless in how they can alleviate the suffering of the Palestinians. While AMP Singapore understands and acknowledges this deep empathy the community feels towards the Palestinian cause, it is crucial that this support is expressed through legitimate and peaceful means. The latest Restriction orders issued against two Singaporeans underscores this. We encourage the community to support the Palestinian cause through avenues such as donations to recognised humanitarian organisations and other lawful activities. As Muslims, doa or prayer is a powerful tool for us to rely on to help those in need, including those in Palestine. As a member of the Inter Agency Aftercare Group (ACG), we would like to emphasise the vital role of families in safeguarding their loved ones. Families are the bedrock of a strong and resilient society. Parents can act as positive role models and offer guidance and support to their children. Open communication allows families to address any grievances or concerns a child may have, helping them find healthy outlets for their emotions. We are grateful for the early intervention by the authorities, which underscores the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding our community. We hope Singaporeans will work together to create a secure and supportive environment for everyone, fostering resilience against extremist influences through strong family bonds and community solidarity. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gXvScD8N

The correct decision.

The war in Gaza is a feminist and minorities' issue due to its disproportionate impact on women and minority communities. Women and children are facing heightened vulnerabilities during this conflict, and sexual minorities are experiencing discrimination and targeted violence. Addressing this conflict requires recognizing and addressing these intersectional challenges for a more inclusive and equitable resolution. A ceasefire is urgently needed to prevent further humanitarian crises, protect civilian lives, and create conditions for diplomatic solutions, fostering peace and stability for all affected communities globally. Beyond Gaza's borders, minority communities worldwide, particularly those with ties to the region, are experiencing a surge in discrimination, hate crimes, and heightened security concerns. Tensions related to the conflict have exacerbated existing prejudices and impact the well-being of these communities. A ceasefire is urgently needed for several reasons. Firstly, it would prevent further loss of civilian lives, particularly among vulnerable groups like women and other minorities including SOGIESC minorities. Secondly, it's going to provide an opportunity for humanitarian aid to reach those in need, addressing the pressing health and humanitarian crises. Thirdly, a ceasefire will create a conducive environment for diplomatic efforts, enabling a more sustainable resolution to the longstanding conflict. Ultimately, an immediate cessation of hostilities is imperative to protect lives, alleviate suffering, and pave the way for a just and lasting peace. Kindly advocate for a cease-fire NOW, wherever you are, and whoever you are. #ceasefireingazanow #globalsecurity #globalpeace CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation MADRE Het Actiefonds Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF) FEMNET - African Women's Development and Communication Network International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC

🚨 Critical Update: The situation in #Lebanon🇱🇧 🚨 🔹 Conflict & Community Tensions Escalation 1. Southern Lebanon Conflict: - Violence is on the rise with the recent attacks between Iran and Israel, the clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces intensifying, and the significant civilian impacts. Our teams are on the ground, assessing needs and providing aid. Action Against Hunger calls for a sustained ceasefire to continue its humanitarian response in the region. 2. Rising Community Tensions: - Following a crime committed recently, violence against Syrian refugees has surged. We advocate for peaceful coexistence. How You Can Help: - 📢 Share this message to raise awareness. - 🤝 Join us in calling for peace and humanitarian access. #Ceasfire #LebanonCrisis #ActionAgainstHunger

“According to the suggested agreement, roughly 40 hostages – the remaining women and children, the injured, sick, the elderly and female soldiers - will be freed first in exchange for a pause of a few weeks in the fighting, the release of hundreds of Palestinians from Israeli prisons, and an increase in humanitarian aid entering Gaza. Following this, the release of male soldiers and the rest of those kidnapped would be negotiated.” AIJAC's Dr Ran Porat writes in Monash Lens on the two issues that stand in the way of finalising the latest deal outlined above: "What will happen to Hamas afterwards?” and “What will be the political fate of the current Netanyahu-led Israeli government in any such arrangement?" Click here to read:

Blocking humanitarian #aid from reaching a civilian population is a war crime. This zionist #Israeli proudly announces that they have successfully blocked 132 aid trucks from going into #Gaza, and is asking more Israelis to join them. Multiple UN and independent agencies have warned of unparalleled #starvation levels in #Gaza. There is no clean water to drink or medicine to treat the wounded. 80% of Gazans don’t eat everyday and 25% suffer from acute starvation. The #UN has warned of eminent famine in Gaza, with devastating consequences for #children especially; There are already reports of adults and children dying from lack of food. Starvation has always been a popular ethnic cl8ns1ng tool with Ap@rthe1d regimes: India’s great famine, Ireland, Latin America, South Africa, and now #Nazi Israel (ironically, Israel is doing exactly what Nazi Germany did to jews in the Holocaust! go figure). #Fascist regimes kill by any means necessary to subjugate and oppress, and famine is an easy way to achieve mass murder and annihilate a desperate #indigenous population out of their land. As for the hostages: Israel remains the biggest hostage slavemaster of all, long before October 7th. Over 6,000 P2lest8nians are locked in #zionist prisons with no trial, bail or appeal. Half of those hostages are #children. During the last ceasefire agreement, P2lest1n8an hostages released by Israel recounted brutal assaults, rape, child murder in prison, starvation, forced lack of sleep and withdrawal of basic necessities, and many more #violence tactics. All illegal, all with total impunity from the #US and #EU. To this day, Israeli militia capture and kill Pal3st2n2an children daily in the #WestBank, an area that has nothing to do with #Hamas or Oct 7th. Armed #settlers shoot P3lest1@ns inside their homes and forcibly squat in on their farmlands. All illegal, and all with the full blessings of the #zionist government of the #Israeli occupation.

Today is Palestinian Children's Day. - Over 14,000 children have been killed by Israel in Gaza since October. - Over 1 million children in Gaza are facing starvation and have already begun to die from the famine induced by Israel's obstruction of humanitarian aid. - Violence towards Palestinian children isn't new. Since 2008, Israel has wounded 10s of 1,000s of children and they killed over 600 children just in 2014. - Israeli is the only country who systematically tries children in military court and children are often detained for extended periods of time where they are exposed to a wide range of torture, including sexual violence. Israel's violence towards Palestinians is nothing new but this current conflict is producing an entire generation who will have long-term, if not permanent, physical and psychological damage. This is in no one's best interest, and most certainly not in the interest of Israel's long-term security. This is genocide. This is a war crime. This is unforgivable.