Nonviolent Peaceforce’s Post

💔 On the anniversary of this tragic war, we call for peace and human rights. Archbishop Tapio Luoma, Bishop of Espoo Kaisamari Hintikka and Tomi Järvinen, Executive Director of Church Aid Finland write: • "Exactly one year ago Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, carried out terrorist attacks on the Israeli side as part of a long-running conflict. The attacks killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. The Israeli state responded to the terrorist attacks with direct military action against the Gaza Strip. • The Israeli state has killed more than 40,000 civilians and injured nearly 100,000 in its retaliation. More than 11,000 of those killed are children. More than 90% of Gaza’s schools have been damaged, and 650,000 children under the age of 10 in the region have lost a full school year. • Israeli bombing has destroyed hospitals, schools and churches where people have sought refuge in their distress. Israel is not allowing enough humanitarian aid into Gaza, resulting in a constant shortage of medicines, food, electricity and water. • At the same time, Israel has tightened its occupation of the West Bank. Forced displacement of civilians, house demolitions, settlement expansion and movement restrictions have increased. Insecurity and fear are also caused by increased violence against Palestinians by Israeli settlers living illegally in the area. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently declared Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories illegal. • Israel's crackdown has not increased security. War continues to spill over into neighbouring countries, most recently deep into Lebanon, where up to a million civilians have fled bombardments inside the country and across the borders into Syria. The prolongation of the crisis is also further aggravating the tense global political situation. • The security and human rights of Palestinians and Israelis are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, they can only be achieved together. The only lasting way to end the suffering and stabilise the situation is a permanent ceasefire, the launch of a peace process and, ultimately, an end to Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. Hamas must release its hostages and Israel must abide by the decisions of the international courts. • The international community, the political leaders and each of us must contribute to an end to the violence, adequate humanitarian access to Gaza and a lasting solution. We must do everything possible to ensure that both Israelis and Palestinians can live a safe life in a region of peace and equal enjoyment of human rights for all." ❗️A lasting peace is needed in the Middle East. Now. 👉 Donate to the relief effort: https://lnkd.in/ddyShXb5

Ahead of #WorldHumanitarianDay, Plan International Ukraine joins over 60 other humanitarian organizations working in Ukraine to pay tribute to the humanitarian workers and volunteers who have lost their lives while providing life-saving emergency assistance to civilians. It is also an opportunity to restate our joint commitment to helping those in need. The UN estimates that nearly 15 million people, almost 40% of the population, are in in need of humanitarian assistance, including nearly 3 million children, 3.4 million older people, and 3.6 million internally displaced people. Plan International East and Central Europe Response Director Sven Coppens said: "Plan International Ukraine is committed to continuing working with its local partners to address and reverse the dire consequences of the war by promoting an age and gender approach to the humanitarian response and to identify both-long term and localised solutions. We must continue working together to overcome the growing unmet and complex needs in Ukraine." Read here our joint statement available in Ukrainian and in English: https://lnkd.in/dKyzUqnv #actforhumanity #warinukraine #ukrainehumanitarian

After two years of ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the images sear our minds: shattered cities, grieving families, children clinging to hope amidst the rubble. The war in Ukraine, a senseless act of aggression, has unfolded before our eyes, exposing the horrific reality of human suffering. We, the LinkedIn community, a network built on connections and shared values, cannot be passive observers to this unfolding tragedy. The Ukrainian people have displayed unwavering courage, defying expectations with their fierce resistance and unwavering spirit. They stand not just for their own freedom, but for the principles of self-determination and the right to live in peace, values that resonate deeply with all who cherish democracy and human rights. This is a defining moment for our generation. We cannot afford to stand idly by. The time for empty words and passive sympathy is over. We must rise to the challenge, leveraging our unique skills and resources to support Ukraine's fight for survival. Here's how you can contribute: Amplify the voices of Ukrainians: Share their stories, advocate for their cause, and counter misinformation. Use your platform to raise awareness and inspire action. Support humanitarian organizations: Donate to reputable NGOs providing critical aid to refugees and civilians trapped in conflict zones. Every contribution, large or small, makes a difference. Pressure your governments and corporations: Demand stronger sanctions against Russia, increased military and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, and unwavering commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for war crimes. Use your expertise: Whether you're a lawyer, economist, technologist, or communications professional, leverage your skills to support Ukraine's efforts. Offer pro bono services, join volunteer initiatives, or contribute to research projects aiding the reconstruction and recovery process. The road ahead will be arduous, but through collective action, we can make a difference. Remember, even the smallest acts of solidarity can have a ripple effect, amplifying our collective voice and demonstrating our unwavering support for Ukraine's fight for freedom. Let us not be remembered as a generation that turned away when faced with such blatant injustice. Let history record our commitment to standing up for what is right, for the innocent lives under attack, and for the future of a nation yearning for peace and self-determination. Together, we can be the force for good that the world needs right now. Let's stand with Ukraine, not just with words, but with action. Glory to Ukraine, glory to heroes!

Yosuke Nagai spoke with Salzburg Global Seminar about his work with youth to challenge apathy and inequality in conflict zones. “General humanitarian work, like providing food, care, and protection for refugees and IDPs (internally displaced people), is somehow easy, but when we talk about resolution, rehabilitation of disengaged combatants, or even negotiations with armed groups and terrorist organizations to get their voluntary defection… it’s super tough… high costs, high risks, less money,” explained Yosuke, and spoke of these challenges as motivations for Accept International to do the things other people could not or would not do.

Second day of #EESCplenary   Today's first debate during today's plenary session focused on the humanitarian situation in #Gaza with Ajith Sunghay, Head of Office of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Sergio Cecchini, Humanitarian Representative to the EU and NATO, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Antje Gerstein Words fail you when it comes to this tragedy. It is abundantly clear that more humanitarian aid is urgently needed for the Gaza Strip: continuous and reliable.   Maurizio Reale We must support any initiative to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza and secure the unconditional release of Israeli hostages.   José Ignacio Salafranca: While it hard to stay objective towards this humanitarian disaster, we can all agree that humanitarian help is needed now

Two years since the conflict in #Ukraine began. Today more than 17 million people inside Ukraine are in need of humanitarian assistance while over six million have taken refuge throughout Europe. Those who remain in Ukraine – including millions of children – fear for their lives as they cope with the realities of conflict. Help us act fast to protect children whose lives have been turned upside down: wvuk.org/sOt750QFEVQ #UkraineAppeal #TwoYearsOn #UkraineAnniversary #UkraineConflict #TwoYearAnniversary

📢 Ukraine’s incursion displaces more than 133,000 in Russia - Financial Times In a recent report by the Financial Times, it is revealed that over 133,000 people have been displaced in Russia due to the incursion in Ukraine. The impact of this conflict is devastating, forcing families to leave their homes and seek safety elsewhere. This news highlights the urgent need for humanitarian aid and support for those affected by the crisis. It's a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of international cooperation in providing assistance to those in need. Let's stand in solidarity with the displaced individuals and families, and advocate for peaceful resolutions to conflicts around the world. Together, we can make a difference and provide hope for a better future. #UkraineCrisis #HumanitarianAid #InternationalSolidarity https://ift.tt/hdltpZk

The United States should use its influence to compel Israel to allow more humanitarian supplies into the Gaza Strip and save lives. Humanity & Inclusion U.S., together with more than two dozen advocacy and #humanitarian organizations, based upon existing US law, has called upon the Biden Administration to end the transfer of offensive arms to Israel. Known as Section 620I of the #ForeignAssistanceAct, the law prohibits the United States from providing security assistance or arms sales to any country when the President is made aware that the government "prohibits or otherwise restricts, directly or indirectly, the transport or delivery of United States humanitarian assistance." This letter supports a similar one, also sent today by seven US Senators, along the same lines. There is no question that the flow of humanitarian assistance into the #Gaza Strip, primarily by truck, has been severely constrained, and that the primary reason is obstacles put in place by the Israeli Government. HI is continuing to move humanitarian supplies through designated border crossings, but the pace is exceedingly slow and comes nowhere close to meeting the immense needs. For now, this remains the only way to delivery lifesaving supplies at a pace that will be sufficient for residents of Gaza. Meanwhile, the civilian population in Gaza is suffering at levels rarely seen because of lack of access to food, clean water, medicines and other basic supplies. #Israel has a legitimate need to defend itself. The nation also has an overriding need to rescue hostages from the October 7 attack by Hamas and other militants and to bring to justice those responsible for the heinous activities that took place on that day and subsequently. That said, as a humanitarian organization, HI opposes the deliberate impeding of #HumanitarianAssistance, which is costing lives every day in Gaza. We reiterate our call for the United States to help bring an end to the obstruction of aid flows so that organizations like ours can work safely and effectively. https://lnkd.in/ecSxE8KJ

On the last few months in Ukraine, I've gained a deep understanding of the situation on the ground. Among the various challenges faced by civilians caught in the conflict, one group particularly stands out: the elderly men and women living near the frontlines. The hardships they endure are immense, not only due to the immediate dangers but also because of the significant barriers they face in accessing essential services and understanding the humanitarian aid mechanisms available to them. This revelation highlights an urgent need for tailored support and outreach to ensure our most vulnerable are not left behind. Let's discuss ways to bridge this gap and provide the necessary assistance effectively. #Ukraine #HumanitarianAid #ElderlySupport"