Le Youth Charter appelle à un engagement mondial renforcé en faveur du Sport au service du Développement et de la Paix à l’occasion de la Journée des Nations Unies

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


En cette Journée des Nations Unies, le Youth Charter (www.YouthCharter.org) appelle à un renouvellement de l’engagement internationalpour mobiliser le sport, l’art, la culture et le numérique comme leviers essentiels de la paix, du développement durable et de l’autonomisation des jeunes dans le monde entier. 

Depuis plus de trente ans, le Youth Charter défend le rôle du sport et de la culture comme outils de changement social, capables d’autonomiser les jeunes, de transformer les communautés et de bâtir des ponts entre les divisions sociales, raciales et économiques. Face à l’augmentation des conflits, des inégalités et des défis climatiques, l’organisation avertit que la communauté internationale doit agir maintenant pour repenser la place du sport dans la construction de la paix et du développement durable. 

« Les principes fondateurs des Nations Unies, la paix, les droits humains et la justice sociale,  doivent se traduire par des actions concrètes au niveau communautaire », a déclaré Geoff Thompson MBE FRSA, fondateur et président du Youth Charter. 
« Le sport demeure l’un des langages universels les plus puissants. Il peut unir là où la politique divise, inspirer là où l’espoir s’estompe, et engager là où les systèmes traditionnels échouent. En cette Journée des Nations Unies, nous appelons les gouvernements, les institutions et les mouvements de jeunesse à réaffirmer leur engagement envers le Sport pour le Développement et la Paix. » 

En cohérence avec la Stratégie des Nations Unies pour la Jeunesse 2030, Fit for Life de l’UNESCO, et le cadre Olympism 365 du CIO, le modèle de Campus Communautaire du Youth Charter démontre comment la collaboration locale, nationale et internationale peut générer un impact social mesurable – en promouvant l’éducation, la santé, l’emploi et la citoyenneté à travers le sport et la créativité. 

Dans le cadre de son « Appel Mondial à l’Action », le Youth Charter invite les décideurs politiques, les bailleurs de fonds et les organisations internationales à : 

  • Réinvestir dans les programmes de développement de la jeunesse utilisant le sport, l’art et la culture comme catalyseurs de paix et de cohésion sociale ; 
  • Reconnaître le rôle des initiatives communautaires dans la réalisation du Programme de développement durable à l’horizon 2030 ; 
  • Créer des parcours inclusifs permettant aux jeunes de s’impliquer dans le leadership, le bénévolat et l’engagement civique à travers le sport ; 
  • Soutenir des partenariats intersectoriels reliant les objectifs d’éducation, de santé et de justice aux interventions sportives. 

« Les cinq années à venir, jusqu’en 2030, seront décisives », a ajouté Geoff Thompson. 

« Les Nations Unies et tous leurs partenaires doivent veiller à ce qu’aucun jeune ne soit laissé pour compte — et à ce que le sport demeure une plateforme universelle de paix, de sens et de progrès. » 

Distribué par APO Group pour Youth Charter.

Contact Presse : 
Secrétariat du Youth Charter 
info@youthcharter.org

Charte de la Jeunesse @ Réseaux sociaux : 
LinkedIn : @ YouthCharter
Facebook : @ YouthCharter
Instagram : @ youthchartersdp
YouTube : @ YouthCharter
X : @ YOUTHCHARTER
Site : www.YouthCharter.org

#Hashtags de la Charte de la Jeunesse : 
#ComitéInternationalOlympique 
#Olympisme 
#CombattreLaRue 
#JeunesViesPerdues 
#AppelÀL’Action 
#HéritageOpportunitéPourTous 
#SportDéveloppementPaix 
#AutonomiserLaProchaineGénération 
#SecrétariatDuCommonwealth
#ObjectifsDeDéveloppementDurableDeL’ONU 

À propos de la Charte de la Jeunesse :
La Charte de la Jeunesse est une organisation caritative enregistrée au Royaume-Uni et une organisation non gouvernementale accréditée auprès des Nations Unies. Lancée en 1993 dans le cadre de la candidature olympique de Manchester 2000 et des Jeux du Commonwealth de 2002, la Charte de la Jeunesse a milité et promu le rôle et la valeur du sport, de l’art, de la culture et des technologies numériques dans la vie des jeunes en difficulté issus de communautés défavorisées, aux niveaux national et international. La Charte de la Jeunesse a fait ses preuves dans la création et la mise en œuvre de programmes de développement social et humain, dont l’objectif général est d’offrir aux jeunes la possibilité de s’épanouir. 

Plus précisément, la Charte de la Jeunesse s’attaque à l’échec scolaire, aux inégalités en matière de santé, aux comportements antisociaux et aux effets négatifs de la criminalité, de la drogue, des gangs et du racisme, en appliquant l’éthique de l’excellence sportive et artistique. Ces éléments peuvent ensuite se traduire par des avantages sociaux et économiques en matière de citoyenneté, de droits et de responsabilités, avec une amélioration de l’éducation, de la santé, de l’ordre social, de l’environnement, de l’enseignement supérieur, de l’emploi et de l’entrepreneuriat.

Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

Hanoi, October 24, 2025

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met Friday in Hanoi with HE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Minh Hang.

Discussions during the meeting dealt with cooperation relations between the two countries and means to support and develop them, in addition to a number of topics of common interest.

Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets Norwegian Counterpart

Source: Government of Qatar

Doha, October 24, 2025

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met Friday with HE State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway Andreas Kravik, currently visiting the country.
During the meeting, they discussed the strategic cooperation between the two countries and ways to support and enhance it, as well as developments in the region, particularly in Gaza Strip, the occupied Palestinian territories, Sudan, Afghanistan, and the Latin American continent, in addition to a number of issues of common interest.
HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed the State of Qatar’s support for all international efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region.
For his part, HE the State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway expressed his deep appreciation for Qatar’s efforts in mediation and conflict resolution, praising the active role it plays on the international stage and the close partnership relations that bind the two countries. 

Qatar Participates in Panel Discussion on Quantifying South–South Cooperation in Geneva

Source: Government of Qatar

Geneva, October 24, 2025

The State of Qatar participated in the third panel discussion on quantifying South–South cooperation, held on the occasion of the South-South Cooperation Forum, which is organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), with the participation of high-level representatives of countries and international and regional organizations.

Deputy Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva Jawhara bint Abdulaziz Al Suwaidi represented Qatar in the panel discussion.

Al Suwaidi said that Qatar’s journey began with a shared vision aimed at highlighting the contributions of countries from the South, which led to the establishment of the UN Framework to Measure South–South Cooperation, a framework developed by countries from the South and welcomed by the UN Statistical Commission in 2022. She added that two major regional meetings contributed to advancing this work, the first in Brazil in 2023, and the second hosted by the State of Qatar in June 2024.

She emphasized that shared data is not merely a technical tool, but a strategic asset for achieving development, noting that the State of Qatar is participating as a leading country in a global project led by UNCTAD and the UN regional commissions to test the UN framework, which enables countries to collect and report data in line with their national priorities, while contributing to highlighting the role of South-South cooperation in advancing sustainable development.

The Deputy Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva added that this commitment stems from the Qatar National Vision 2030, which places international cooperation and solidarity at the heart of sustainable development. She considered South-South partnerships a key focus of Qatar’s development strategy.

Lack of data has long prevented adequate representation of the contributions of countries from the South, she said, explaining that the new UN framework will help highlight these contributions to supporting sustainable development, particularly through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicator (17-3-1), which measures financial flows. The framework accommodates all forms of cooperation, both financial and non-financial.

The Doha meeting, which brought together 66 developing economies, confirmed that the UN framework represents a milestone, but at the same time emphasized the need to expand support for national data systems, especially in countries with limited capacity. Al Suwaidi said, while noting that national ownership remains a fundamental pillar of sustainability.

In this context, Al Suwaidi welcomed the Seville Practitioners’ Network and commended UNCTAD’s initiative to launch the South-South data exchange fund, emphasizing the importance of adequately and sustainably funding this effort beyond 2030.

She added that the Doha meeting concluded with three key messages, including emphasizing that cooperation is the greatest strength of the countries of the South, which calls for closer coordination between national statistical offices, ministries, and international cooperation agencies, in addition to calling on UNCTAD to develop standardized tools, support national data systems, and facilitate reporting processes.

The meeting emphasized that inclusiveness must be the compass guiding our joint work, through the establishment of a regular platform for consultation and exchange of views on concepts, methodologies, and techniques for data measurement, in line with the principles of sovereignty, equality, mutual benefit, and diversity. Discussions also highlighted that innovation is a fundamental pillar in developing shared data platforms that can play a pivotal role in enhancing knowledge sharing.

Al Suwaidi welcomed UNCTAD’s collaboration with the South-South Galaxy program, managed by the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, as a mechanism that enables the exchange of expertise and innovation of solutions through open-source tools, standardized formats, and shared resources.

She stressed that South-South cooperation must be based on reliable data and field case studies, noting that five countries have submitted their initial data to UNCTAD, while the State of Qatar looks forward to integrating its data into the UN framework, thus strengthening the common development narrative of the countries of the South.

She emphasized that Qatar’s hosting and participation in these meetings, from Doha to Seville and Geneva, represents both an honor and a responsibility, reiterating the country’s commitment to continuing joint work with partners to ensure that every initiative of solidarity, knowledge exchange, and investment in shared prosperity is recognized and its impact clearly highlighted.

The Deputy Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva encouraged countries to collect their shared data on South-South cooperation, given its importance in strengthening shared voices and enabling countries to manage their cooperation in a manner supported by evidence and trust.

Youth Charter Calls for Greater Global Commitment to Sport for Development and Peace on United Nations Day

Source: APO


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Today, on United Nations Day, the Youth Charter (www.YouthCharter.org) is calling for renewed international commitment to harness the power of sport, art, culture, and digital engagement as essential tools in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing global peace, equality, and opportunity for young people. 

For over three decades, the Youth Charter has championed the use of sport and culture as vehicles for social change, empowering young people, transforming communities, and building bridges across social, racial, and economic divides. As the world faces increasing conflict, inequality, and environmental challenge, the organisation warns that the global community must act now to reimagine how sport can contribute to peacebuilding and sustainable development. 

“The founding principles of the United Nations – ‘peace, human rights, and social justice, must be lived out through practical action at the community level,” said Prof Geoff Thompson MBE FRSA, Founder and Chair of the Youth Charter. 

“Sport remains one of the most powerful global languages. It can unite where politics divides, inspire where hope is lost, and engage where traditional systems fail. On this United Nations Day, we call on governments, institutions, and youth movements to reaffirm their commitment to Sport for Development and Peace.” 

Aligned with the UN Youth 2030 Strategy, UNESCO’s Fit for Life, and the IOC’s Olympism 365 framework, the Youth Charter’s Community Campus Model demonstrates how local, national, and international collaboration can deliver measurable social impact, promoting education, health, employment, and citizenship outcomes through sport and creative activity. 

As part of its ongoing “Global Call 2 Action”, the Youth Charter is urging policymakers, funders, and international agencies to: 

  • Reinvest in youth development programmes using sport, art, and culture as catalysts for peace and social cohesion. 
  • Recognise the role of community-led initiatives in achieving the UN’s 2030 Agenda. 
  • Create inclusive pathways for young people to participate in leadership, volunteering, and civic engagement through sport. 
  • Support cross-sector partnerships that connect education, health, and justice outcomes to sport-based interventions. 

“The next five years to 2030 are critical,” added Thompson. “The United Nations and all its partners must ensure that no young person is left behind and that sport continues to be a universal platform for peace, purpose, and progress.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Youth Charter.

Youth Charter @ Social Media:
LinkedIn: @ YouthCharter
Facebook: @ YouthCharter
Instagram: @ youthchartersdp
YouTube: @ YouthCharter
X: @ YOUTHCHARTER

Youth Charter #Hashtags: 
#InternationalOlympicCommittee 
#Olympism 
#Fight4theStreets 
#YoungLivesLost 
#Call2Action 
#LegacyOpportunity4All 
#SportDevelopmentPeace 
#Empowerthenextgeneration 
#CommonwealthSecretariat 
#UNSustainableDevelopmentGoals 

About Youth Charter:
The Youth Charter is a UK registered charity and UN accredited non-governmental organisation. Launched in 1993 as part of the Manchester 2000 Olympic Bid and the 2002 Commonwealth Games, the Youth Charter has Campaigned and Promoted the role and value of sport, art, culture and digital technology in the lives of disaffected young people from disadvantaged communities nationally and internationally. The Youth Charter has a proven track record in the creation and delivery of social and human development programmes with the overall aim of providing young people with an opportunity to develop in life. 

Specifically, The Youth Charter Tackles educational non-attainment, health inequality, anti-social behaviour and the negative effects of crime, drugs, gang related activity and racism by applying the ethics of sporting and artistic excellence. These can then be translated to provide social and economic benefits of citizenship, rights responsibilities, with improved education, health, social order, environment and college, university, employment and enterprise. 

African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson addressed the inaugural virtual meeting of the Ad-Hoc Committee on African Union (AU) Institutional Reform

Source: APO


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The Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf this afternoon addressed the inaugural virtual meeting of the Ad-Hoc Committee on AU Institutional #Reform, convened & chaired by H.E. President @ WilliamsRuto of Kenya, the AU Champion for Institutional Reform.

The Chairperson thanked President Ruto for his leadership in steering the reform process. President Ruto & the Chairperson reaffirmed Africa’s shared commitment to building a stronger, more coherent, & people-centered Union.

President Ruto announced that the Extraordinary Summit on AU Reforms will take place on 26 November 2025 in Luanda, to be hosted by H.E. President João Lourenço of #Angola.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Le Chef de l’État reçoit les Conseillers membres du Conseil Économique, Social et Environnemental de la Transition

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Le Président de la République, Chef de l’État, Chef du Gouvernement, a reçu ce jour, au Palais Rénovation, une délégation des Conseillers membres du Conseil Économique, Social et Environnemental de la Transition (CESE).

À l’heure où s’achève le mandat transitoire de ladite institution, les Conseillers membres ont tenu à exprimer leur profonde gratitude au Chef de l’État pour son accompagnement constant et pour la reconnaissance du travail accompli tout au long de la période de transition. Ils ont salué le bon déroulement de celle-ci ainsi que les nombreuses actions menées par les plus hautes autorités en faveur du progrès social et du développement national.

Ils ont notamment évoqué l’ organisation du Dialogue National Inclusif, la tenue du référendum, l’ adoption de la nouvelle Constitution, la réalisation de plusieurs chantiers d’infrastructures, ainsi que l’organisation d’une élection présidentielle libre, transparente et démocratique.

Tout en se félicitant du travail accompli au cours de leur mandat, les Conseillers membres ont formulé quelques recommandations visant à renforcer le fonctionnement du CESE. Ces propositions portent, entre autres, sur la réaffirmation de l’autonomie administrative et financière de l’institution, ainsi que sur le relèvement des dotations budgétaires afin d’assurer le bon fonctionnement des commissions spécialisées.

Distribué par APO Group pour Présidence de la République Gabonaise.

Committee on Health Briefed on Challenges Posed by Illicit Flow of Tobacco

Source: APO


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The Portfolio Committee on Health met on Wednesday and heard presentations from the South African Revenue Services (SARS) and the South African Police Services (SAPS) on the challenges posed by the flow of illicit cigarettes across South Africa’s borders.

The presentations highlighted the involvement of criminal syndicates in the illicit tobacco trade. Members of the committee expressed concern that the current low penalties imposed on offenders are insufficient to prevent or deter illegal activities, allowing criminal conduct to persist. The committee emphasised that stricter enforcement mechanisms and harsh penalties need to be implemented, as this will help curtail the growing trade.

A key point of discussion was the corruption within licencing bodies for clearing and forwarding agents. Members were concerned that a substantial proportion of these businesses are foreign-owned and may be operating outside the law. The committee called for enhanced scrutiny and stricter controls to ensure that licences are granted only to compliant and legitimate operators, thereby fostering a more transparent and accountable environment.

The committee discussed in detail the effectiveness of existing legislation in combating illicit trade. Members questioned whether the Tobacco Bill currently being processed by the committee will provide sufficient enforcement powers to address the complexities of the situation. Some committee members proposed that an enforcement impact analysis be conducted to assess the implications of new laws before they are enacted, ensuring that any bill passed into law will be enforceable.

The presentations revealed the need for increased resources within SAPS and SARS. Both entities indicated that the lack of personnel and funding has severely hampered their ability to effectively combat illicit trade. Members of the committee noted their concern about the current number of officers dedicated to enforcement and highlighted the necessity of additional training and staffing to reinforce these efforts.

The acting committee Chairperson, Ms Tembalam Xego, said the decision to invite SARS and SAPS was informed by issues raised during public consultations on the Tobacco Bill, particularly regarding concerning challenges related to illicit trade and the non-enforcement of existing regulations. Ms Xego said the engagement is not intended to be a once-off encounter; rather, it marks the beginning of an ongoing dialogue that will enable the committee to engage with the relevant authorities directly involved in addressing the illicit trade of tobacco.

On the issue of plain packaging, “I want to clarify that the proposed regulations do not entail the elimination of brand names. The focus is on removing the bright colours that attract consumers, especially young people, to these products. Brand names will remain visible, but the emphasis is on presenting the products in a less appealing manner to discourage use,” said Ms Xego.

The committee acknowledged the need for enhanced interdepartmental collaboration. It is essential for the relevant government departments, including Health, Justice and Home Affairs, to work together effectively to address the challenges posed by illicit trade.

In her concluding remarks, Ms Xego said “You highlighted the partnerships between your departments, however it is essential to also include the justice system in these discussions. Given the complex interdependencies, consideration must be given to the roles of the Department of Transport and the Department of Correctional Services within the broader strategy. As Members of Parliament, our primary responsibility is to safeguard the public interest, and we must ensure that all relevant stakeholders are included in this effort.”

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, MS TEMBALAM XEGO.

For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Yoliswa Landu (Ms)
Cell: 081 497 4694
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Select Committee on Agriculture to Host Workshop to Discuss Threatened or Protected Species Regulations

Source: APO


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The Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Mineral Resources will tomorrow meet with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment including nine provincial legislatures. The committee will host a workshop to address the threatened or protected species (TOPS) regulations and the draft notice prohibiting certain activities involving African lions.

The workshop is scheduled for 25 and 26 October 2025 at Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town. All nine provincial legislatures will be represented by nine delegates each.

The workshop follows a meeting held on 7 October 2025, where various provincial issues were raised. The meeting was considered insufficient for comprehensive discussion and so the committee chairperson, Mr Mpho Modise, proposed a consolidated workshop that would delve more deeply into the subject matter.

Mr Modise said the primary goal of the workshop is to create a platform for meaningful dialogue between the national department, the committee and all provincial legislatures. “Representatives will have the opportunity to discuss specific provincial concerns raised during the previous briefing, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered in the legislative process,” he said.

The workshop also aims to provide clarity on the TOPS regulations, which will allow stakeholders to better understand the implications of the legislation for their respective provinces.

The discussions will focus on finding collaborative solutions that reflect the diverse needs of all provinces, thereby strengthening the legislative framework. Moreover, the workshop will explore how similar gatherings can be used in the future for interrogating bills referred to the committee and for conducting legislative reviews of passed legislation.
Details of the workshop
Date: 25 and 26 October 2025
Time: 09:00–17:00
Venue: Kirstenbosch Gardens

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND MINERAL RESOURCES, MR MPHO ‘BONES’ MODISE 

For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Yoliswa Landu (Ms)
Cell: 081 4974694
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

People’s health is direly impacted by poor living conditions in Gaza despite ceasefire

Source: APO


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More than one million people are still being forced to survive on a tiny patch of land, and in dangerous living conditions, in southern Gaza, Palestine. This displacement, along with the massive destruction of civilian infrastructure and the health system by Israeli forces, is creating the perfect storm for disease and illness to spread, warns Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Israeli authorities should immediately allow a massive scale up of humanitarian assistance to flow freely into Gaza. 

Despite the ceasefire, people in Gaza continue to endure extreme suffering, as Israel’s two-year-long genocidal campaign has left them traumatised, injured, and dangerously exposed to the elements as winter approaches. Without immediate improvements to water, sanitation, shelter, and nutrition, more people will die from entirely preventable causes.

“In southern Gaza, families who have been forced to flee repeatedly are crammed into a sea of makeshift tents, packed into the few remaining schools, or sleeping in the open amid rubble, piles of garbage, animal waste, and overflowing sewage,” says Aitor Zabalgogeazkoa, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza. “It’s utterly unacceptable.”

As the temperature drops, people’s fragile living conditions will heighten their exposure to extreme weather. This, combined with people’s exhaustion, will further heighten health risks.

MSF medical data from 2025 shows that diseases directly linked to poor living conditions, such as skin, eye, respiratory, and gastrointestinal infections, as well as generalised aches and pains, account for 70 per cent of all outpatient consultations in our healthcare centres in southern Gaza.

“Malnutrition, inadequate sanitation, and poor living conditions are taking a devastating toll on people’s health — they’re especially getting sick because of the conditions they’re forced to live in,” says Adi Nadimpalli, MSF medical coordinator.

Malnutrition, inadequate sanitation, and poor living conditions are taking a devastating toll on people’s health — they’re especially getting sick because of the conditions they’re forced to live in.

The collapse of the water and sanitation system — a direct result of targeted destruction and the systematic blockages on reconstruction materials imposed by Israeli authorities — has triggered a surge in waterborne diseases, particularly diarrhoeal illnesses, since the first week of April 2025. Over the past two years, MSF teams have treated more than 78,000 cases of diarrhoea, including over 24,000 cases since April of this year. Many families are unable to acquire or safely prepare food, and limited access to clean water is worsening the situation.

From October 2024 to September 2025, MSF teams at Nasser hospital, in Khan Younis, screened pregnant women for malnutrition, with 1,366 being diagnosed. In Gaza, many mothers are struggling to safely feed their babies — some are so malnourished that they are unable to produce enough breast milk, while ready-to-use infant formula is in short supply.

Finding clean water and sterile materials to prepare milk is nearly impossible, and even boiling water has become a challenge, with most families lacking access to cooking gas and resorting to burning scarce and expensive wood.

Recovery from trauma is also compromised by these harsh living conditions. The lack of mobility aids, such as crutches and wheelchairs, makes it extremely difficult for thousands of people with amputations or disabilities to move around tents, access latrines, or reach clinics.

“We see many people with large open wounds, burns, or external fixators who are living in tents without proper hygiene, waste management, or climate control,” says Nadimpalli. “Infections that would normally be preventable are now common, leading to worsening health conditions and repeated hospitalisations.”

We see many people with large open wounds, burns, or external fixators who are living in tents without proper hygiene, waste management, or climate control.

Since May — with a sharper increase from mid-August — MSF teams have observed a significant rise in respiratory tract infections, which are typically more common during the winter months. According to the Ministry of Health, acute respiratory infections now account for 67 per cent of total morbidity.

MSF has also witnessed an increase in skin diseases, including scabies, lice, and other infectious and non-infectious conditions, since mid-August.

The Israeli authorities must immediately allow a massive scale up of unimpeded humanitarian assistance into Gaza, so that people’s suffering and vulnerability to the elements can be addressed.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).