Life on Land

Socotra, south of the Arabian Peninsula, means “island abode of bliss” in Sanskrit. It is a hub for people on holiday from around the world who go to enjoy the breathtaking landscape and fascinating fauna, as well as diving, snorkeling, and trekking. 

Separated by thousands of kilometres, united by a common cause – they both share a common vision. Both are advisers on ensuring the rights and improving the quality of life of people with disabilities.

News of the COVID-19 pandemic had not reached Horihanny Del Valle, a pregnant 16-year-old migrant from Venezuela, until a few weeks ago, when she

Amidst growing unemployment, rising food prices, and the devastating impact of floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, Myanmar’s most vulnerable are suffering.

Mercy, a single parent of two children, fled violence in her home county of El Salvador, and found refuge in Belize. Since her arrival to Belize, Mercy is most grateful for the safety she can provide her children.  In the north of Central America, gender-based violence carried out by criminal groups is one of the primary factors driving women and girls—like Mercy and her daughter—to flee their homes for safety.

The International Day of the Tropics takes place annually on 29 June to celebrate the extraordinary diversity of the tropics while highlighting unique challenges and opportunities nations of the Tropics face. It provides an opportunity to take stock of progress across the tropics, to share tropical stories and expertise and to acknowledge the diversity and potential of the region.

Rural women have great potential as leaders and entrepreneurs. They also have the desire to lead. But they face many obstacles: few job opportunities, low levels of education, and lots of unpaid work. They are also often openly discouraged by their loved ones to pursue their dreams, pressured by traditional stereotypes.  

As long as any of the ladies at the “Casa de las Muñecas Tiresias” shelter can remember, they’ve been discriminated against. This shelter, located in a humble neighbourhood of Mexico City, houses up to 12 transgender— or “trans” — women at a time. 

Candelario migrated to Costa Rica at the age of 90, and Juan Carlos did the same when he was 10 years old. They both arrived looking for opportunities to fulfill their dream of starting a better life. With the support of the State, the community and the United Nations, today they are achieving it in their own terms.

Born into the privilege and comforts of a high-caste Brahmin family in Nepal, Ratna Khawas’s life changed drastically when she got married to someone outside her social class, in 1968. She and her new husband moved to his home village in Belbari, where there were no toilets or handwashing facilities. That shock set her on what became a lifelong quest to improve sanitation for her and her neighbours. 

As the world marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, hear from the UN Secretary-General, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Country Teams on where the world stands when it comes to poverty and how quality jobs and protections can help restore dignity for millions.

For the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence, the UN’s call to “Orange the World” comes with the rallying cry to “Fund, Respond, Prevent and Collect” – bridge the funding gaps, ensure essential services for survivors of violence, focus on prevention and collect the data that we need to adapt and improve life-saving services for women and girls. This year we are handing over the mic to them.