Author: Veronica Ung-Kono

SEATTLE — When understanding facts about Azerbaijan refugees, it is important to note that refugees and internally displaced people are of a different status. Refugees are people who are outside the nation of their nationality, while Internally displaced people are essentially people who have fled their homes, but not crossed an international border. Regardless of their status, both groups of people currently residing in Azerbaijan can receive government aid, which United Nations officials have praised for its effectiveness. 1. Refugees and asylum-seeker population comprise of a variety of ethnicities and nationalities. Refugees of Azerbaijan are mainly Chechens, Afghans, Pakistani, Armenian, Iranians,…

As one of the most diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Burma, also known as Myanmar, enjoys a population that consists of a vast array of ethnic groups that collectively speak over 100 languages and dialects. Boasting powerhouse neighbors such as Thailand, India and China, Burma appears to be the perfect location in Southeast Asia to reap the benefits of neighboring economic success. However, poverty in Burma stands at a staggering 26 percent, making it one of the poorest nations in the region. With an economy that is largely dependent on agricultural development, it comes as no not surprise that poverty…

BANJUL, Gambia — Disease is prevalent throughout the nation of Gambia, due to a lack of access to proper healthcare and certain preventative vaccines, knowledge and resources to practice proper sanitation and the ability to provide adequate treatment. The following are the top five diseases in Gambia: 1. Hepatitis A Hepatitis is a liver disease that can be transmitted through contaminated food or water, or contact with a contaminated individual. Risks of contracting the viral disease are associated with a lack of clean water, improper sanitation and hygiene. In Gambia, unpasteurized dairy products and water that hasn’t been boiled are not recommended for consumption by visitors,…

MINSK, Belarus — Poverty in Belarus runs rampant. With a population over 9.4 million people, Belarus borders Russia and Ukraine. Unfortunately, due to the prominence of diseases such as TB and HIV/AIDS, high human trafficking rates, and recent violence in Ukraine, the Belarus is experiencing many setbacks in its quest to eliminate poverty. Bordered by Russia and Ukraine, much of the poverty in Belarus stems from the three main problems of the nation: human trafficking, internally displaced people (as well as refugees) and the prominence of diseases, like HIV/AIDS. However, organizations like UNDP are working to combat poverty in Belarus through…

SINGAPORE — Located in the islands between Malaysia and Indonesia is the bustling city-state of Singapore. Although a land with very few natural resources, Singapore is still considered to be one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Despite its “wealth,” poverty in Singapore runs rampant. The man who founded modern-day Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, transformed the former British colony into a major financial and manufacturing center. Yew established the largest domestic sectors, like electronics and banking, by directing government aid directly towards their creation. The culmination of these efforts made Singapore’s property market one of the top 10, and the sixth…

SEATTLE — While many actors are memorable for their movie roles, these five humanitarian actors are also recognized for their initiatives in promoting fair trade, human rights, global education, earth preservation and affordable health care. Emma Watson In 2014, the famous “Harry Potter” actress Emma Watson was given the title of Goodwill Ambassador for U.N. Women. Watson’s role focuses on empowering young women through the U.N.’s HeForShe campaign, which promotes gender equality. HeForShe was only Watson’s latest advocacy efforts for girl’s empowerment. She was named a Camfed International Ambassador in 2012. Camfed International is an organization supporting girls’ education in rural Africa. Watson also promotes the use of fair trade,…

SEATTLE — Bordering the Red Sea in northern Africa, The Republic of Sudan is the third largest country in Africa. Although Sudan is rich in land and natural resources, poverty is still abundant; and this is mainly due to the lack of public aid institutions. In addition to the long-standing ethnic and rebel-militia conflicts with Darfur, South Kordofan, the Blue Nile in Khartoum, and other areas bordering the southern part of the Republic. Public resources are unequally allocated in the Republic of Sudan with 97 percent of the water supply being dispensed to the agricultural sector. Only 2 percent of fresh water is available…

SEATTLE — The debate over accepting refugees has always been a contentious issue in international politics. It affects both a nation’s internal and external sovereignty. Such matters will almost always divide political parties, which often leaves the public likewise divided. Concerned about losing their jobs to refugees, many citizens believe accepting refugees would be detrimental to society. However, it is important to examine how nations may benefit from accepting refugees. 1. Accepting refugees reduces the likelihood of a threat to international security. If refugees can escape from their situations, then they are less likely to join the fight (whether by choice or coercion). After experiencing…

SEATTLE — A joint venture with Save the Children and the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has led to the development of a disinfectant product called Umbipro that would aid in the prevention of infections in the umbilical cord stumps of newborns, saving approximately 85,000 babies a year. In May of 2000, five U.N. organizations—the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank and UNAIDS—entered into a partnership with five pharmaceutical companies, including GSK, to address the lack of access and affordability of HIV medicines and to work on increasing people’s access to global health…