What was once a gap in accessing global health care is now a crisis
As the aftershocks of COVID-19 reverberate around the world, what was once a gap in health services delivery has turned into a global crisis. And in a world where, all too often, it is women’s rights that become the early casualties of any crisis, women and girls are bearing the brunt of the disruptions of […]
The pandemic will not end anywhere until it ends everywhere
Canadians have reason to be hopeful. We’re on track to become a global leader in terms of COVID-19 vaccine rollout. But as we experience the gradual easing of restrictions and lockdowns at home, we need to be very mindful of a new world record. The end of 2020 marks the highest number of forcibly displaced […]
Canada can do more to boost global vaccination rates, say advocates, despite G7 pledge
As Canada signed on to a G7 pledge to help vaccinate people around the world faster, stakeholders say the pledge doesn’t go far enough and more focus should be put on the international vaccine effort by distributing additional vaccines and facilitating increased manufacturing. Leading up to the G7 summit in Cornwall, England, which took place […]
Work towards pathway for repatriation of Rohingya, urges subcommittee report
Canada should be working with its international allies to figure out a way to repatriate the displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh refugee camps back to Myanmar, recommends a new House subcommittee report. More than 750,000 Rohingya have fled Rakhine State since 2017 in the face of genocide at the hands of the Myanmar military that now […]
In the shadow of COVID-19, the spectre of famine
The COVID-19 pandemic is monopolizing our attention. We are watching and suffering its consequences, first at home. Meanwhile, abroad, it has joined with other plagues to fuel a crisis that is escaping our attention. The kind of crisis that, because it unfolds in slow motion instead of exploding suddenly, flies under the radar: famine. Last […]
Canada must show leadership in international development to ensure a global recovery
The pandemic has laid bare the potentially catastrophic costs of leaving part of the world behind as wealthier nations like Canada move forward. The reality is the COVID-19 crisis will not be resolved anywhere until it is dealt with everywhere. It is a compelling reminder of our common humanity and responsibility in this international health […]
Why Canada should sustain its COVID-19 aid to Myanmar through the border areas
If Canada were to end its direct funding to Indigenous civil societies working in areas outside of the Myanmar government control, it would have an enormous impact on Indigenous communities served by Canada’s life-saving assistance. The way COVID-19 support to Myanmar—including to the 600,000 Rohingya living in refugee camps in Bangladesh—was handled by the central […]
As hunger rises amidst pandemic, Canada can and should make an impact
“When we were home, we used to eat good things, now there is nowhere to farm—it is too dry,” said Martin, a refugee from South Sudan, living in Uganda’s Rhino Camp Settlement. By 2017, there were more than one million South Sudanese refugees in Uganda, forcibly displaced by violent conflict. Conflict, climate disasters, and economic […]
Pandemic risks undoing progress at achieving gender parity
Sunita is 16. She has been married for four years. At the age of 12, she became a child bride—forced into marriage and out of education by her parents in the Indian state of Bihar. “It felt terrible because I was still very young and was attending school with my friends,” says Sunita. “All my […]
Caremongering started at home but it shouldn’t end here
It has been moving to experience and witness the generosity of Canadians over the last six months. It was not uncommon to hear stories in the midst of fears around food scarcity and grocery store paranoia, of neighbours delivering baskets of hard-to-find supplies and food. During COVID-19, Canadians across the country have rallied to support […]
