Arthur Howell’s Post

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"

𝗜𝘀𝗿𝗮𝗲𝗹𝗶 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆'𝘀 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗮𝘇𝗮 𝗔𝗶𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗸 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗱𝘆 In the aftermath of the heartbreaking events surrounding a humanitarian aid operation in northern Gaza, the Israeli military released a heavily edited video in an attempt to deflect blame. However, far from offering clarity, the footage has only deepened the mystery surrounding the circumstances leading to mass casualties as people gathered around food aid trucks. The video, presented by the Israeli military, seeks to shape the narrative of the incident, but a closer examination raises more questions than answers. The extent of the editing, the omission of crucial details, and the ambiguity surrounding key moments cast doubt on the transparency of the military's account. As we delve into the footage, a disconcerting reality emerges — the tragedy remains shrouded in shadows. The chaotic scene near the aid trucks, where civilians sought sustenance, is obscured by the selective lens of the edited video. The lack of a comprehensive and unaltered account leaves room for speculation and further intensifies the demand for an impartial investigation. The international community, witnessing the aftermath of this devastating event, is left grappling with the complexities of a narrative that seems to be carefully curated. Questions surrounding the decisions leading to the aid operation, the military's response, and the overall accountability in the face of civilian casualties demand thorough scrutiny. This article aims to unravel the layers of the edited video, examining the discrepancies and highlighting the need for a transparent investigation into the tragedy in northern Gaza. The desperate circumstances of those seeking aid, juxtaposed with the attempt to shift blame through edited visuals, underscore the urgency of uncovering the truth and holding accountable those responsible for the loss of innocent lives. As the world watches, the shadows must dissipate, giving way to a clearer understanding of the events that unfolded on that fateful day in Gaza. #GazaTragedy #EditedVideoAnalysis #AccountabilityDemands https://lnkd.in/dAdejtK2

There is little good news to report, however. I led a team tasked with evaluating the inter-agency humanitarian response to the crisis in the northern Ethiopian regions of Tigray, Afar, and Amhara between November 2020 and April 2023. Our findings, published on 3 June, describe the UN-led collective aid effort as a systemic failure. https://lnkd.in/etcmK7VA Report is found here: https://lnkd.in/efA9T7A2

Over 3000 people killed, more than 14000 people injured, a quarter of the population displaced, vast destruction of civilian and public infrastructure: the humanitarian situation in Lebanon is catastrophic. I'm very grateful KUNO Humanitarian Knowledge Exchange is organizing the event 'Humanitarian response in focus: addressing the impact of hostilities in Lebanon and the escalating regional conflict,' where Gerard Jonkman, Pia Zeinoun, Myrna Hammadi, Ioanna Charalambous and myself are invited to contextualize the ongoing humanitarian response in Lebanon. Looking forward to this important conversation. https://lnkd.in/eGggd96c

A much wider lens offers a much larger context on the human condition. And ours, today, is truly (and unnecessarily) tragic. "The shocking thing is that to meet the most urgent humanitarian needs of the region the relief agencies are asking, all told, for less than $20 billion. For all humanitarian emergencies around the world, the ask in 2023 was $56.7 billion. That is barely more than half the emergency package that just passed Congress, centered on America’s geopolitical spheres of interest in Ukraine, Palestine and Indo-Pacific. It is no more than the defense budget of one of the larger European countries. It is 0.05 percent of global GDP. And yet to meet the most acute needs of 363 million people, the rich countries of the world could muster only $19 billion dollars." #war #humanitariancrisis #humanitarianaid #famine #genocide #poverty

Today, the Ministerial Conference on "Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region" will take place in Brussels for its eight year. We urge leaders to mobilize urgent financial support of the Syrian people’s most pressing needs. We are seeing the highest needs on record while the humanitarian response to Syria remains alarmingly underfunded. 4.2 Million people are in need in just northwest Syria. We urge leaders to stand with us in investing in a future for the Syrian people. #SeeSyria #SyriaConf2024 #Syria #humanitarianAid

Millions of people are facing another year, and potentially another winter, of suffering and deprivation. Many, particularly those in frontline communities, continue to rely on humanitarian aid to meet their most basic needs.  But the longer the violence and destruction continue, the greater the suffering will become, and the bigger the task to rebuild shattered lives and communities. The long-term impact of this war will already be felt for many generations. Source: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Since the conflict began, UNITED SIKHS has been on the ground in Ukraine, providing essential humanitarian aid. As the only organization continuously working since day one, we deliver critical support including food, water, clothing, and psychological assistance. Our efforts have brought hope and relief to many individuals at transit centers. Despite ongoing challenges, we remain committed to our mission, bringing hope and relief to those in need. #StandWithUkraine #HumanitarianAid #SupportUkraine #UNITEDSIKHS #ReliefWork #UkraineCrisis #Solidarity #Peace

In a recent report, CNN has documented an Israeli airstrike on a hospital complex in Gaza. What is unfolding in Gaza, especially in the northern region, is a humanitarian catastrophe that many are describing as an active genocide, witnessed by the entire world. I urge the free people of the world to raise their voices. Call on your governments, parliaments, and decision-makers to demand an immediate ceasefire and allow for the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Let us stand together for peace and humanity. #Gaza #CeasefireNow #HumanRights #HumanitarianAid

🚨"This is a crisis within a crisis. Humanitarian needs in #Syria are at their highest, as funding for aid organizations is at its lowest." – Mathieu Rouquette, Mercy Corps Country Director for Syria The situation in Syria is dire. Read the full statement to understand the scale of the crisis and how Mercy Corps is responding: https://lnkd.in/gTezrFy6