Vital Strategies’ Post

It seems this post got quite a lot of engagement in recent weeks. So I'd like to add a couple of follow-up points. 1) I picked up this article from Martin Barrow's 'Week in Care' newsletter. If you want to keep up-to-date with what's going on in child protection services in the UK, sign up. He links to a wealth of information! (Warning! It's pretty messed up across the channel. An article in yesterday's Observer says that more than 80% of children's homes in England & Wales are run to profit. https://lnkd.in/e9CaZ39y In the North-East of England, one in every 88 children is in care. https://lnkd.in/eVBVyYry According to Bishop Helen-Ann “deep-rooted issues of poverty are a major factor in the alarming statistics behind which are the lives of real people.” 2) If over-representation of Roma in child protection systems is a problem across Europe, is anybody joining forces to challenge structural discrimination & racism & amplify the lived experience of Roma families? I'd be interested to connect with Roma-led organisations &/or social work professionals working (or interested in working) in this area. I may be able to connect you to EU &/or private resources. #childprotection #Roma #EU #money

Today, to celebrate the International Youth Day, the young members of the Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) were live on radio discussing digital pathways for youth development in South Sudan. They talked about how youth can use the media as an advocacy and economic empowerment tool. They also discussed the risks that come with using media and how youth can protect themselves from these risks. Listen to this insightful interview here; https://lnkd.in/dDQdsNJc

Dear Members of the Nigerian Radiographers in the Diaspora UK/ROI, We are deeply concerned about the recent unsettling events involving immigrants in the United Kingdom. We empathise deeply with those impacted by these regrettable acts and offer our unwavering support during this challenging time. Your safety and well-being remain our top priority, and we strongly encourage everyone to exercise caution and remain vigilant in light of these developments. It is important to remember that the contributions of radiographers like yourselves are vital to the healthcare systems and communities you serve. Despite isolated incidents of hostility, most individuals value and appreciate the dedication, expertise, and hard work you bring to your profession. We urge you to seek assistance and solidarity from local support networks and community organisations. Establishing connections with fellow professionals and compatriots can provide valuable support and a sense of security. Additionally, we advise reporting violence or harassment to the appropriate authorities to ensure your safety and that of others. We stand united with you and encourage you to draw strength from one another and your shared experiences. Together, we can navigate these challenges and strive toward fostering a more inclusive and respectful society. With sincere concern and steadfast support, Obi Augustine Ubua President NIRAD(UK/ROI)

#HGConvention24 was such a destination on saturday that we were featured on 96.1fm LAGOS TRAFFIC RADIO! Listen as they describe the electrifying atmosphere and report inspiring moments at our convention! What was your favorite part of the convention? Share your highlights in the comments below, and let's keep the conversation going! #HGConvention24 #HealthgardeInternational #HealthgardeUrlyf #30YearsOfCreatingWealthThroughWealth

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (#CHOGM2024) was a momentous event, making history by welcoming children aged 4 to 14 as official delegates for the very first time!#CHOGM2024 #CommonwealthYouth #commonwealthcountries #CommonwealthForClimate #BilateralCooperation #commonwealthnews #Commonwealth

An important healthcare conversation from the lens of LTC, home and community care. Looking forward to the conversation 💡

Accountability for atrocity crimes was a key focus for many civil society representatives at the recent Syria Brussels Conference on 30 April. During a panel discussion on “Justice, Peace, and the Right to Truth: Addressing the cases of missing persons and detainees” Ms. Catherine Marchi-Uhel, the outgoing IIIM Head, emphasized how a proactive approach and responding to the priorities of Syrian civil society meant that the IIIM’s collection of data and evidence could be used, not only to support justice and accountability processes but also the mandate of the new Independent Institution on Missing Persons in Syria (IIMP). On her last day as Head, Ms. Marchi-Uhel gave the example of the IIIM's frameworks to identify information relevant to missing persons as one of the activities that contributed to broader justice objectives. The tireless advocacy of Syrian families insisting on a timely solution, underscores the urgency of addressing the fate of missing persons and detainees. 📺 Watch the full panel discussion on the link below. https://lnkd.in/e4EAAg23 #iiimsyria #accountability #inclusivejustice

RESPECT OUR PAST The annual debate about Australia Day has been prematurely ignited by the questionable and concerning decision by some venues, The last orders for Oz Day, The Advertiser, 2/12/2024. Despite over 64% of Australians supporting the retention of Australia Day, in a January 2023 survey, there are some, a small minority, who believe that it should not be held. Each year a range of groups and individuals express their contempt for Australia Day, calling for it to either be changed to Invasion Day or moved to a different date. Acceding to these demands, a cosmetic solution, will not alter what took place, nor redress the perceived injustice of that time and moment in our long and proud history. With history being a series of events and practices from the past, which were the accepted norm for that time, it is not up to today's society to make judgments, apportion blame, and impose guilt on today's generation, for previous actions and decisions. It needs to be remembered that, "the preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt nor disrespect for another's culture." On this Australia Day, don't be shamed into not celebrating it and ignoring its importance and value.

Do you remember Monique Koumatekel, a 34-year-old pregnant woman, and her unborn twins who died due to insufficient medical care in Cameroon? Watch their family narrate how it all happened and the impact it has had on them ever since. Please share this to raise awareness of the need for reforms to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Cameroon. https://ow.ly/9ntf50Rhsg4