The coronavirus pandemic has the potential to lead to an increase in inequality in almost every country at once, the first time this has happened since records began. The virus has exposed, fed off and increased existing inequalities of wealth, gender and race. Over two million people have died, and hundreds of millions of people are being forced into poverty while many of the richest – individuals and corporations – are thriving. Billionaire fortunes returned to their pre-pandemic highs in just nine months, while recovery for the world’s poorest people could take over a decade.
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Oxfam applauds president Biden’s day one executive actions.
Oxfam applauded President Biden’s expected efforts on his first day in office to roll back some of the Trump administration’s most unjust policies, including ending the discriminatory Muslim Ban, rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, joining global efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, and proposing sweeping immigration legislation that better reflects the values of our country.
“On the campaign trail, presidential candidate Biden promised to take urgent action to put an end to some of the most damaging policies enacted by President Trump. On his first day in office, President Biden did just that, pointing our country on a new, more just course,” said Abby Maxman, Oxfam America’s President and CEO.
Oxfam praised President Biden’s move to officially rejoin the Paris Agreement on climate change, as it is the best way to work with other countries to address the climate crisis.
“The US’s exit from the Paris agreement was indefensible, pointless, and self-defeating. The US is back at the table now, with a renewed mandate for ambitious global climate action and urgency to make up for lost time,” said Kristen Hite, Oxfam America’s Associate Director for Climate Change. “It’s got to be an all-out sprint for bold and inclusive action that protects people and planet.”
While rejoining the Paris agreement is crucial move, Oxfam warned that it is really just the first step. The climate crisis is affecting every country and every continent, but it is the poorest people who are least responsible for the problem who suffer the most. That’s why reducing emissions must be coupled with efforts to help frontline communities cope with mounting climate impacts.
“Addressing the needs of the vulnerable must be at the heart of the Biden administration’s climate agenda, continued Hite. “The Biden administration must step up to do its fair share to address climate change here at home and enable the poorest and most vulnerable around the world to do the same for themselves. We must bridge borders and stand up for the right to a livable planet for all.”
Oxfam also praised President Biden’s executive order repealing the discriminatory Muslim ban that was rooted in divisiveness, fearmongering, and hate.
“By repealing the Muslim Ban on day one, President Biden has made it clear to the world that banning people based on their identity does not reflect American values, said Isra Chaker, Oxfam America’s Migration and Protection Campaign lead. “No community should be discriminated against because of their religion or where they come from.”
President Trump’s administration waged an all-out assault on the principles of tolerance and inclusion that are the bedrock of this country founded by refugees and immigrants. Oxfam called on Congress to ensure that no future president can impose similar discriminatory bans by passing the landmark NO BAN Act.
Oxfam also applauded the comprehensive, progressive new immigration measures President Biden is spearheading, which include rebuilding the US refugee program, creating a pathway to citizenship for undocumented people, and increased efforts to address the root causes of forced migration in Central America.
“We hope this is the beginning of a wholesale repudiation of the anti-immigrant, anti-refugee, anti-Muslim mentality of the Trump administration,” said Chaker. “President Biden can save lives, restore America’s proud legacy as a refuge for people fleeing persecution, and unleash the contributions of immigrants by undertaking a number of reforms that don’t just go back to the pre-Trump era but move forward to build a better, more just, and more humane immigration system.”
Oxfam has worked in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras for decades and knows firsthand the importance of addressing the root cause of forced migration, including efforts to strengthen the rule of law, combat corruption, confront violence, strengthen democratic governance and respect for human rights, and address the structural causes of poverty and inequality.
“Every year, thousands of people in Central America are forced to leave their homes to escape violence, criminal gangs, instability, poverty, and economic hardship,” said Chaker. “Until the root causes are addressed and the situation in these countries improves, people will continue to flee in search of safety and a better life.”
Oxfam also praised President Biden’s reversal of the withdrawal process from the World Health Organization. This unprecedented pandemic calls for a response that engages with experts and promotes local leadership throughout communities, carried out with a sense of shared humanity. By recommitting to the World Health Organization today, President Biden is recommitting the United States to the global fight against the threat of global pandemics like COVID-19.
“A global pandemic requires global solutions. As this global pandemic has only reinforced, America can only be great – and safe – when we work with others to solve the problems facing humanity,” said Noah Gottschalk, Oxfam America’s Global Policy Lead. “No one individual, community, or country can deal with this crisis alone. Only international cooperation and solidarity can save lives and restore the global economy. We must work together, in our communities and across borders, with dignity and compassion. No one is safe until everyone is safe.”
Oxfam called on the new Biden administration to build on these critical first day actions with wind in their sails. This includes taking action to enact rules to protect the health of workers at risk because of COVID-19, ending US support for the war in Yemen, and doing everything possible to make a People’s Vaccine free, fair and available as soon as possible to everyone in the US and around the world. Importantly, President-elect Biden must quickly work with Congress to enact a transformational COVID-19 recovery plan that helps families cope with the economic impacts of the pandemic; get people back to work; rein in corporate power; help rebuild our economy from the bottom up; and begin to tackle the economic; gender, and racial inequalities that have been exacerbated by this crisis, here and around the world.
“In the midst of a global pandemic and facing a climate crisis, we have an enormous task ahead of us, to rebuild while imagining something new,” said Maxman. “Now is not the time for half-measures or tinkering around the edges. Now is the time for bigger, bolder action that will deliver a more resilient and dignified future where everyone can thrive, not just survive.”
13.5 million people face starvation if US designation of Houthis blocks aid and food delivery
13.5 million people in Yemen will be pushed towards starvation by the US designation of Ansar Allah, commonly known as the Houthis, as a terrorist organization. The designation comes into effect today and will seriously affect vital food imports to the country and humanitarian assistance, Oxfam warned.
Muhsin Siddiquey, Oxfam’s Country Director in Yemen, said: “Around 50,000 Yemenis are already facing starvation. This designation is devastating for them and for the millions more who rely on food aid. The tragic fact is that people will die if food imports are disrupted.
“We desperately need the US to immediately reverse this decision in order to avert catastrophe. Yemen imports 88% of its food supply but food importers have told us that the designation means they can no longer operate. I’ve also been told by a major grain importer that there is less than one month’s supply in their warehouse. People need food – if it can’t be brought into the country how can they eat?”
The United States government’s designation of Ansar Allah means that Oxfam has been forced to immediately pause its support to up to 245,000 people due to restrictions on contributions from private donors in the United States. The flow of remittances – a vital source of income for food insecure people across the country – will also be severely impacted.
Oxfam warned that the effects of this decision will not be confined to the areas controlled by Ansar Allah only and will affect the country as a whole. Oxfam is calling on the US government to reverse both group designations of Ansar Allah, the Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) designation and the Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designation. While all sides of the conflict have committed violations of international law and unacceptable violent attacks against civilians, the designation will not provide justice or accountability to any of their victims. It will only compound the suffering of Yemen’s most vulnerable people.
Siddiquey explained: “Importers have told us they are worried that banks will no longer be able to do business with them. In any case, over 58% of Yemen’s grain is imported through two ports in Houthi controlled territory, Hodeida and Saleef. Even if ships could divert to government-controlled Aden, the port simply could not cope with the extra cargoes. Food supplies would be drastically reduced and, most importantly, prices would skyrocket.
“It is an ongoing, unforgivable tragedy that people in Yemen are suffering from malnutrition and lack of water in plain sight of the whole world. Yemenis deserve to live in a country without conflict where their children have a future.”
The US government designation is coming at the worst possible time for Yemeni people. After six years of deadly conflict, aid to Yemen has already been cut by half with only 50 per cent of the US$3.38 billion needed received by the end of December 2020.
Notes to Editors:
Spokespeople available in Yemen.
For more information contact Tania Corbett [email protected] / +44 7824 824 359
Figures for food imports to Yemen are here: https://www.acaps.org/sites/acaps/files/products/files/20201216_acaps_yemen_analysis_hub_food_supply_chain.pdf
Aid relief information and update – https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/yemen-humanitarian-update-issue-12-december-2020
Figures for numbers facing starvation and reliant on food aid taken from here – https://reliefweb.int/report/yemen/under-secretary-general-humanitarian-affairs-and-emergency-relief-coordinator-mark-35
Oxfam warns of COVID-19 risks in camps following Indonesian earthquake
Oxfam warned today of the risk of an outbreak of coronavirus in the over-crowded camps where people are sheltering following Friday’s earthquake in Sulawesi, Indonesia.
At least 56 people are reported dead, more than 826 injured and more than 15,000 fled from their homes following 6.2 magnitude earthquake which damaged and destroyed hundreds of homes around the cities of Majene and Mamuju in the west of the island. Many of those who fled the quake are now sheltering in 15 camps.
Oxfam is working through its local partners Jejaring Mitra Kemanusiaan (JMK-Humanitarian Knowledge Hub) to help those affected by the earthquake.
Oxfam in Indonesia’s Humanitarian Operation Lead Dino Argianto said:
“Initially, access to some of the affected areas was blocked due to damage to the road between the two cities. Now it has been cleared, we have been able to travel to the camps and have seen the conditions people are living in.
“The camps are over-crowded, with no precautionary measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and there is limited PPE available – yet this is a part of Indonesia that is currently classified as a high transmission risk zone.
“There are many displaced people on the road, and no segregation in the camps, leading to safety concerns particularly for women and children.
“We were able to do an initial assessment and distribute some tarpaulin for shelter, hygiene kits and dignity kits for women, but much more is needed.”
Oxfam in Indonesia will continue to work through its local partner, JMK, in close coordination with government bodies and departments, such as the National Disaster Management Office, Ministry of Social Affairs and other humanitarian agencies.
NGO heavyweights team up for South Island adventure challenge
Two of New Zealand’s most respected organisations have teamed up in 2021 to offer Kiwis the chance to take on the famous Alps2Ocean cycling adventure, all for a good cause.
Oxfam New Zealand and Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand are inviting Kiwis to experience a stunning cycle ride through spectacular scenery across the South Island.
Participants in the challenge will start their 300km journey at the Southern Alps, making their way through glacier-carved valleys, rural plains, and vineyards to the historical coastal town of Oamaru, all the while fundraising to support Oxfam and Amnesty’s vital work challenging injustice around the world.
Oxfam New Zealand’s Executive Director Rachael Le Mesurier said the epic adventure was sure to attract everyone from cycling buffs to mere enthusiasts.
“Having just cycled this very trail over the holidays I could not be more excited to launch this event to our supporters and all who want to get out and experience the South Island.
“It’s simply some of the most beautiful scenery you might have the chance to see in Aotearoa. The landscapes are both wondrous and humbling, and we know the camaraderie will be excellent! This is a unique opportunity to enjoy our breath-taking whenua while knowing you’re helping to make a difference for people who need it most.
“We’re proud to start this collaboration with our friends at Amnesty, in such an exquisite part of our country and ‘cycling’ together towards our shared goal of challenging injustice around the world.”
Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand’s Executive Director Meg de Ronde is equally excited about the new adventure.
“After such a challenging 2020 this event offers an amazing opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together for an inspiring adventure in 2021.
“I love that the team on the Alps2Ocean ride will be connected on so many levels – not only united by their sense of adventure but also in actively helping create the world they want to see.
“In the spirit of connection, it is great to be working together with Oxfam for this new adventure and we can’t wait to have our supporters join us for what will truly be a ride to remember!”
To find out more or to REGISTER visit Oxfam or Amnesty.
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For images, interviews or more information please contact:
Kelsey-Rae Taylor on [email protected] or 021 298 5894
Alicia King on [email protected] or 02102463250
All Apart, All Together
How are others around the world experiencing the festive period this year? Peek inside rooms from Honduras to the Western Sahara to the Solomon Islands, and read from people first-hand if and how they celebrate, how COVID-19 has impacted their experience and their year, what their hopes are for 2021, and how Oxfam supports them.
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