Samuel Hall

TW*: mentions of rape, harassment and violence. “As a child, I had always wanted to be a journalist so that I could write and share stories about the violence I saw facing women. I also wanted to help them and ensure that every girl or woman would be provided the opportunity of education," says Isra Yahya, who had to flee Sudan as a child. Decades later, this is exactly what Isra is doing. With five other women, she co-founded She Can Initiative, one of the few women-run refugee-led organisations (RLOs) in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. Their work covers crucial areas such as sexual and reproductive health, self-hygiene, mental well-being, and child protection. As part of our #16DaysOfActivism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), we’re resharing Isra’s story from our Everyday Women Leader Series. Isra discusses the power of localisation and collaboration in addressing GBV in Kakuma Refugee Camp. "Our programmes empower young girls and women with the knowledge and skills to safeguard their rights. People with basic skills are better equipped to recognise and prevent violations of their rights," she shares. Their efforts have deeply resonated within the community, contributing to reducing practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Read her story here ⬇ https://lnkd.in/d64582Fb

📢 New Samuel Hall Podcast Episode: From the Ground Up: Redefining Localisation with Refugees 💡As humanitarian organisations have committed  to more localised action, what are the gaps between how refugees define localisation versus how organisations implement it. Understanding this gap is vital in helping us all play a role in filling it. In this special Samuel Hall Stories Podcast episode, our host Mwara Nyoike speaks with Nhial Deng, a South Sudanese refugee advocate and Global Student Prize winner. Nhial shares his journey from Kakuma refugee camp to championing change in the humanitarian sector, offering practical insights on achieving genuine localisation. 🔍 This episode explores: 🌍What localization means to refugees vs. organisations 🤝How humanitarian practices can better align with refugee needs ⚡How to shift power for true inclusion 🎙️This conversation brings new depth to our understanding of localisation, highlighting perspectives from refugee-led organisations and emphasising the importance of capacity-building for sustainable, community-driven impact, illustrating how empowering local voices can lead to more meaningful and lasting change. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eeCamUjZ

TW*: mentions of rape, harassment and violence. 🛑Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a complex, intersectional issue that’s rooted in cultural, political, and societal norms. Our research in several contexts shows that this is a 'silent form of violence:  underreported, normalised, and overlooked'. 🚶♀️While #migration can be a crucial coping mechanism for many, it may put women, girls and members of the queer community at an even higher risk of GBV due to multiple forms of #discrimination and exploitation As we observe #16DaysOfActivism against GBV, we’re sharing insights from our work at Samuel Hall to shed light on these critical issues and to advocate for safer, more inclusive paths for migrants. 🚨Primary Risk Factors on Migration Journeys: Migrants, especially those travelling without legal or financial security, face heightened vulnerability to violence. In our research presented at the International Labour Organization’s THAMM conference, we found that irregular migration, combined with a lack of social safety nets, exposes migrants to severe risks. In several contexts girls report facing sexual violence, robbery, and assault due to unsafe routes and limited shelter options. 👩👧👦Entrenched Cultural Norms and Displacement: In places like Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, our study with UNICEF highlights how conservative gender norms intersect with economic pressures to escalate violence. Over 42% of women in the Rohingya community reported domestic violence, a statistic deeply tied to systemic norms that inhibit women’s autonomy and safety. 🏠Isolation and Lack of Support Networks: For women left behind in displacement contexts, the risks are compounded by isolation. Our work in South Sudan reveals how women, unlike men, often remain confined to unsafe environments without access to resources or safety networks, leaving them exposed to exploitation and violence. 📊 Our findings are clear: gender-sensitive policies, legal protections, and access to health and economic services are vital to safeguard migrant rights. From community-based women’s centres to targeted support networks, we need solutions that address these risks holistically. Governments and organisations must join forces to ensure that migrants, particularly women and LGBTQI+ individuals, can journey safely, with rights and dignity. ⬇️ Scroll through some recommendations below and read our blog. https://lnkd.in/dVKTck4k Stay tuned for more insights and stories as we join the #16dayscampaign against Gender-Based Violence

🌿As COP29 Azerbaijan comes to an end, let’s be reminded that all climate programming and priorities should centre the voices and knowledge of those on the frontlines. Their resilience, expertise, and deep connection to the land are vital in crafting solutions that are not only sustainable but truly inclusive. 📍 Our recent field research, in partnership with the Greater Caribbean Climate Mobility Initiative, took us to Colombia, Suriname, Costa Rica, Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, and Jamaica to gather critical insights on climate-induced mobility and to inform policy and action plans. 🌱 What did we find? While climate change does drive some migration, many communities remain deeply rooted, drawing strength from their rich knowledge of the land and traditions. This is especially true for nature-based and Indigenous communities whose livelihoods, farming practices, culture, and identity is intertwined with their relationship to land. Each context reaffirmed that those most affected are the true experts of their own experiences, ideally positioned to influence policy and programmes around climate action. 📊 We shared these findings with the Greater Caribbean Climate Mobility Initiative’s community consultations, held with different constituency groups—women, youth, Indigenous peoples and nature-based communities, coastal communities, and cities—to ensure that diverse perspectives shape the way forward. We observed innovative approaches from both nature-based and Indigenous communities: in Suriname, the Wayana Indigenous communities are leading sustainable agricultural practices, and in Jamaica, techniques like mulching and water catchment are vital for conserving resources. 🌏 Now, more than ever, it is essential to embrace and integrate Indigenous knowledge and representation into our global strategies. 📊Scroll through  to explore key insights, stories, and recommendations from our research. 🕰️For a deeper dive, check out our position paper, Against The Clock, that nods to strong community-led initiatives and presents insights from our research in other contexts. https://lnkd.in/dEhqihc7

🌍 COP and the 1.5°C Goal: Building Resilient Cities for Displaced Communities 🌱 As COP prioritises the 1.5°C goal, fair adaptation measures must follow to protect those most affected by the climate crisis. Displaced people often seek shelter and work in urban areas, yet urban planning seldom includes them. Through International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)’s Protracted Displacement in an Urban World Consortium, we’ve collaborated with communities to bring their voices to the forefront of urban resilience strategies. 🏙️ With over 70% of displaced people living in cities, our work in countries like Kenya, Afghanistan, Jordan, and Ethiopia has identified critical pathways to inclusive urban planning for displaced communities. By involving them directly in participatory forums, such as those held in Jalalabad, Nangarhar from 2021-2023, we address issues like thermal injustice and infrastructure gaps in ways that reflect their lived realities and urgent needs. 📘 Our collaborative policy brief, City Planning with Displaced Communities: The Benefits of Inclusion, co-authored with Samer Saliba of Mayors Migration Council, Nassim Majidi of Samuel Hall, and Anna Walnycki of IIED, underscores how cities can become more inclusive through. ⬇ Scroll through key insights below and read our paper here: https://lnkd.in/dR2YpF_K P.S: Help Us Sustain Our Participatory Forums for City Planning. Sustaining participatory forums  beyond project cycles requires strategic support and adequate, decentralised and agile international humanitarian and donor funding. ✉️ If you'd like to support this impactful initiative please write to us at development@samuelhall.org

🌍✨ On this World Children's Day, Samuel Hall is proud to announce a new milestone in our decade-long collaboration with Save the Children International through the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Over the years, we have worked tirelessly to amplify the voices of displaced and returning children in Afghanistan—particularly girls—while addressing the impacts of conflict, climate change, and limited access to essential services. 📉At a time when data on children’s needs is becoming harder to access, and socio-political challenges are growing increasingly complex, this partnership allows us to deepen our commitment to protecting children’s rights. Together, we aim to advance impactful research, strengthen community capacity, and deliver evidence-based solutions to shape the policies and practices that influence children’s lives. 🌱 Our Focus on Climate Change A key area of our collaboration includes a participatory study on climate risks and their impact on children. This study assesses vulnerabilities across sectors critical to children—education, healthcare, WASH, nutrition, and child protection—while mapping resource allocation from international aid to household spending. By identifying the gaps and opportunities, we aim to ensure that children’s needs are front and centre in climate adaptation strategies. 📌 What This MoU Covers: 🌍Collaborative research projects to generate actionable insights on key challenges facing children. 💪Capacity-building initiatives to empower communities and stakeholders to protect children’s rights. 📢Advocacy efforts to translate evidence into impactful policy and practice. 📚Knowledge-sharing platforms to amplify voices from the field and inform global responses. 🤝This partnership reflects our shared commitment to addressing the interconnected challenges children face today—whether from climate change, conflict, or systemic barriers. At the ongoing COP29 Azerbaijan in Baku, IOM - UN Migration and UNICEF signed a four-year strategic agreement to bring to the forefront issues around children, youth, migration, and displacement. This aligns closely with our work in Afghanistan on Climate Landscape Analysis for Children (CLAC) and with Save the Children. Learn more here:  https://lnkd.in/dWR68Bda On this World Children's Day, we recommit to ensuring that no child is left behind. #WorldChildrensDay #ChildRights #SaveTheChildren #ClimateAdaptation #PartnershipsForImpact COP29 Azerbaijan

🌍 In Afghanistan, climate impacts are reshaping childhood. With 83% of new displacements in 2022 alone driven by climate events and nearly 60% of the population facing climate shocks, Afghan children are enduring crises that disrupt health, safety, and education. Drought is depleting water sources, leaving many communities without access to clean drinking water, while flash floods repeatedly destroy homes, schools, and healthcare facilities. 🤝Samuel Hall, in partnership with UNICEF Afghanistan, is leading a Climate Landscape Analysis for Children (CLAC) to tackle these pressing challenges. The study supports Afghanistan’s National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) by identifying urgent risks to children and providing targeted recommendations to build climate resilience at the local level. Through detailed data and real-life stories, CLAC aligns with COP29 Azerbaijan priorities, advocating for children to be central in climate adaptation and resilience strategies. Why does this study matter? ❓CLAC is more than an analysis—it’s a roadmap to embed children’s needs within Afghanistan’s climate response. Some of our focus areas include: 💧Water Security and Climate-Resilient WASH: Developing sustainable water solutions to ensure safe drinking water and protect communities from the impacts of drought and flood, directly supporting Afghanistan’s NAP focus on water management. 🩺Health and Nutrition: Strengthening healthcare infrastructure to withstand climate shocks and addressing malnutrition exacerbated by climate-induced food shortages. 📚Education Access: Reducing climate-related barriers to schooling—whether extreme weather or infrastructure damage—so children can continue learning. 🌱Community-Led Solutions for Resilience: Empowering local leaders and communities to drive climate-resilient healthcare, WASH, and renewable energy initiatives that safeguard children’s well-being. These themes are also a focus for our new partnership with Save the Children International on Participatory Climate Risk, Vulnerability, and Capacity Assessment that focuses on mapping climate risks and assessing impacts across sectors critical to children. We are also examining how resources are allocated to meet these needs, from international funding to household expenditures, ensuring children’s needs are at the forefront of climate adaptation. 🌏In midst of  #COP29 and as we approach #WorldChildrensDay, Samuel Hall is calling for urgent, actionable steps that reflect Afghanistan’s National Adaptation Plans and prioritise child-centred resilience. From climate-resilient infrastructure to sustainable water solutions, our study equips UNICEF and partners to create lasting change that aligns with Afghanistan’s adaptation goals. 🌏Now is the time to secure a climate-safe future for Afghanistan’s children. Join us in advocating for meaningful policies at COP29 that centre on the needs of the youngest and most vulnerable.

🌡️Where do we situate the Right to Cooling within climate action? This year, COP29 Azerbaijan’s priority is clear: keeping the 1.5°C goal within reach. Yet, alongside this ambitious target, it’s essential to address the experiences of those most affected by rising temperatures—particularly in informal settlements, refugee camps, and urban areas where thermal injustice is most acute. 🌆Rising temperatures aggravate social inequalities, particularly in informal settlements and refugee camps, where water scarcity and inadequate housing and ventilation amplify the detrimental effects of heat. This is a consequence of poor and often intentional urban planning - an example of Thermal Injustice that Professor Nausheen Anwar explained at at Samuel Hall’s inaugural annual lecture, titled "Asia and Africa in Conversation: Cities, Migration, and Climate Change,”, held in collaboration with the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications and the Institute for the Study of Muslim Civilisations (AKU-ISMC), held earlier this year. 📹Listen here: https://lnkd.in/dDaXHa6R 🌍 Samuel Hall has been engaging in collaborative efforts with academics, organisations, and communities to explore and understand the intersection of climate, mobility, and gender, and its implications for rights and justice for those in vulnerable situations. ☀️Direct scorching sun outdoors versus suffocating heat inside: these are some of the disheartening trade-offs faced by several displaced communities in the semi-arid town of Baidoa where temperatures soar to 40 degrees. The intense heat restricts daily movement, and causes stored produce to spoil quickly, affecting the income of women who sell firewood and work as street vendors. 📊The impacts of thermal injustice are a lived reality for many marginalised populations across the world. Our research across Eastern and Western Africa as well as Afghanistan confirms this. Tying in and engaging with Critical Heat Studies and integrating gender-lens in climate resilience initiatives will be key. 🌱 Scroll through key insights below and read our blog to know more strategies that can help us take meaningful steps towards addressing thermal injustice and creating a more inclusive and livable environment for everyone. ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/dbNSRMtf

🌍 What does it cost a country to be excluded from the global climate conversation? For Afghanistan, ranked eighth in climate vulnerability, the price is high. 💧Afghanistan, despite one of the world’s lowest carbon footprints, bears severe climate impacts, especially in water management. Nearly 80% of Afghan families struggle with water scarcity, endangering food security and fueling displacement. Without global support, communities face increasing vulnerability as traditional systems decline. Until 2021, Afghanistan actively participated in COP meetings. With COP29 Azerbaijan underway in Baku, the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) attends as an observer, advocating for Afghanistan’s urgent climate needs. 📑Ahead of COP29, the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) and partners updated Afghanistan’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Key priorities include: 🏞️River-basin water management to directly tackle the water crisis ⚠️Early Warning Systems to better prepare communities for droughts and floods 🌱On November 11, REHA Organization organised a ‘mini-COP’ in Kabul, where Samuel Hall joined over 160 participants and representatives—including United Nations agencies, donors, NGOs, and community leaders—to discuss these recommendations. Roundtable discussions underscored the importance of integrating community perspectives into climate action, with insights from youth, religious scholars, and women shaping locally grounded solutions. Explore reflections from the event in this blog: https://lnkd.in/dsZirxMj Our learning brief 'Harnessing Hope - Community Perceptions & Climate Adaptation in Afghanistan', created with REHA, amplifies these voices, emphasising sustainable, community-led solutions to build resilience. 👉 Read our full brief: https://lnkd.in/djkcEkKC and scroll through key takeaways from the brief and the event below. #ClimateAction #Afghanistan #COP29

🌱 Women’s inclusion is non-negotiable for effective climate action in Afghanistan. 🌍 Afghanistan may have one of the world’s lowest greenhouse gas emissions, yet it ranks among the most climate-vulnerable nations.  As the ongoing #COP29 puts National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) in the spotlight, a new paper by Samuel Hall and Islamic Relief Worldwide for United Nations OCHA and the Research Centre for University of Shanghai for Science and Technology underscores why gender inclusion is crucial to meaningful climate adaptation and localisation. 📜 Through the stories of Maryam and Zeba, two Afghan women leading local climate efforts, the paper showcases how women’s leadership drives meaningful, community-driven change. 📊 Building on our previous research with Islamic Relief Worldwide on the essential role of faith actors in localisation, these case studies highlight how faith leaders — especially women faith scholars — serve as vital contributors to community-driven solutions. Their involvement promotes culturally sensitive and impactful humanitarian and development efforts, helping international organisations adapt approaches to resonate locally. 🌐 With deep local knowledge, trusted networks, and strong community ties, faith leaders are invaluable, particularly in conservative contexts. Engaging these actors strengthens localisation and strengthens effective, community-based climate responses. As COP29 Azerbaijan unfolds, let’s advocate for NAPs that embrace women’s perspectives and support faith leaders in shaping culturally aligned, inclusive strategies for resilience. It’s time to bring these essential voices to the centre of climate adaptation and localisation. Scroll through key recommendations from Maryam, Zeba and our work below. Read the paper here ⬇ : https://lnkd.in/eb55Ykcv