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Myanmar’s earthquake crisis demands international humanitarian intervention - before it’s too late
We are at a crossroads. Will the international community intervene in Myanmar to save lives, or will it once again retreat into silence until it is too late? In the shadow of disaster, silence is complicity. The devastating earthquake that recently struck Myanmar, registering a magnitude of 7.7 and claiming over a thousand lives with the potential for fatalities to rise into the tens of thousands, is far more than a natural calamity - it is a preventable humanitarian catastrophe. The international community must confront a difficult question: How many more lives must be lost before the world steps in? As someone who has studied disaster governance for over two decades, I can say with a heavy heart that what we are witnessing in Myanmar is a textbook case of systemic failure - of national crisis management, of international humanitarian coordination and, most disturbingly, of disaster diplomacy. A Crisis Exacerbated by Inaction The situation on the ground is dire. Entire villages lie in ruins across Shan State and Mandalay. Liquefaction, caused by the shifting of tectonic plates, has turned many areas into unstable wetlands, with water seeping through the ground continuously. With countless bodies left unrecovered and proper sanitation systems overwhelmed, the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases looms large. In past disasters - be it Haiti in 2010, Nepal in 2015 or the Turkey-Syria earthquake of 2023 - we saw the tragic consequences of slow and politicised humanitarian responses. But Myanmar’s case is uniquely perilous. The country is not only facing a natural disaster but also the aftermath of years of civil conflict, military rule and geopolitical paralysis. The ruling junta’s statements and figures are unreliable at best and disinformation is hampering coordinated international support. When Aid Needs Armour The reality is that humanitarian intervention in Myanmar now requires more than blankets and bottled water - it needs boots on the ground. Given the multiplicity of armed rebel groups and the entrenched conflict dynamics, any aid convoy risks becoming a pawn in a larger power struggle. We need an international peacekeeping force, mandated strictly for humanitarian purposes, to ensure safe and unfettered access to affected populations. This must be a neutral, apolitical force, equipped to operate in a complex, high-risk environment - not to take sides, but to protect lives. Without such security guarantees, humanitarian agencies cannot function, and the crisis will evolve into famine, mass migration, and possibly regional instability across Southeast Asia. A Crisis of Leadership The United Nations, ASEAN, WHO and other key global institutions have yet again fallen short of timely action. The ineffectiveness of their response should prompt a critical reevaluation of their governance structures and crisis leadership models. The deeper issue is not just logistical - it’s moral. In the absence of strong, scientifically-informed and transparent leadership, international aid becomes another layer of dysfunction. We need a new generation of disaster governance professionals - leaders trained not only in logistics and law, but in negotiation, ethics and diplomacy. The Cost of Indifference Myanmar’s crisis will not remain confined within its borders. Already, we are seeing early signs of mass displacement towards India, Thailand and Bangladesh. If left unchecked, these flows will eventually extend to Europe, the UK and beyond, burdening an already overstretched global refugee system. The longer we delay, the greater the consequences - not just for Myanmar, but for the world. A Call for Science, Transparency and Regional Solidarity As academics and practitioners in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), we must hold ourselves to the highest standard of integrity. DRR in regions like South and Southeast Asia must be built on inclusive science, open data, regional collaboration and local knowledge. Taiwan and Singapore offer examples of how early warning systems and data transparency can save lives - why aren't we replicating these models more widely? If this disaster teaches us anything, it is that sovereignty cannot be used as a shield for inaction. A disaster of this magnitude transcends politics. It is a test of our global conscience.
#ExpertSpotlight: A look at Afghanistan
Afghanistan has been at the center of international focus since 2001, enduring decades of conflict, social change, and efforts toward rebuilding. This topic remains significant as the world reflects on the lasting impact of the Afghanistan war, the country's evolving human rights landscape, and the enduring resilience of its people. For the public, understanding Afghanistan's history and current situation is essential to grasp the broader issues of international policy, humanitarian needs, and global security. This subject also highlights the importance of accountability and the role of the international community. Key story angles that may interest a broad audience include: The impact of foreign intervention on Afghan society: Exploring how two decades of international involvement have reshaped the country politically, economically, and socially. Human rights challenges and progress: Analyzing the state of women’s and minority rights, including access to education and healthcare under various regimes. Refugee crises and displacement: Examining the large-scale displacement of Afghans over the years and the humanitarian response by neighboring and Western nations. The resilience of Afghan culture and identity: Highlighting how art, music, and traditions have survived despite conflict, and how cultural preservation remains vital to Afghan communities. The future of Afghanistan’s youth: Discussing the aspirations and challenges facing a generation born into conflict, and the role of education and innovation. The international community’s role and response: Assessing current global engagement, diplomatic efforts, and the responsibilities of the U.S. and allied countries toward Afghanistan. Connect with an expert about the History of Conflict in Afghanistan: To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com
ExpertSpotlight: The History of Haiti
Haiti is prominent in the news cycle - let our experts give you some perspective on the island's history and background Haiti's rich history and its ongoing refugee crisis remain critical topics in global conversations about human rights, migration, and international aid. As the first independent Black republic, Haiti's historical significance is profound, but the nation continues to face complex political, economic, and environmental challenges that have contributed to the displacement of its citizens. For journalists, understanding Haiti's past and present is essential for shedding light on issues such as migration policies, international support, and the lived experiences of Haitian refugees. Here are several story angles that offer deeper insights into Haiti's enduring struggles and global connections: Haiti’s fight for independence and its global impact: Explore how Haiti's revolution shaped the political landscape of the Western Hemisphere and its lasting influence on anti-colonial movements worldwide. The root causes of Haiti's refugee crisis: Investigate the political instability, natural disasters, and economic challenges driving the exodus of Haitian citizens and the broader migration dynamics in the region. International responses to Haitian refugees: Examine the policies of neighboring countries, including the U.S., and international organizations in addressing the influx of Haitian migrants and their treatment in host nations. Diaspora communities and cultural resilience: Highlight the Haitian diaspora’s contributions to culture, economy, and politics in countries where they have resettled, as well as their role in supporting those still in Haiti. Humanitarian aid and development in Haiti: Assess the effectiveness of international aid programs in addressing the country's crises, and explore innovative approaches to sustainable development in the region. Environmental degradation and its link to migration: Analyze how deforestation, climate change, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes are exacerbating Haiti’s humanitarian challenges and forcing people to flee. Connect with an expert about the the History of Haiti: To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com
On this day in 1981, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported the first cases of what would later be known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This event marks a crucial moment in medical history, heralding the beginning of an epidemic that would profoundly impact millions of lives globally. This topic remains newsworthy due to its lasting implications on public health, medical research, and social stigma. Understanding the evolution of the AIDS crisis provides insights into ongoing challenges in healthcare, policy, and community support. Key story angles that may engage a broad audience include: Historical Overview of the AIDS Epidemic: Tracing the timeline of the AIDS crisis from its early days to the present, highlighting key medical and social milestones. Advancements in HIV/AIDS Treatment and Research: Exploring the breakthroughs in antiretroviral therapies, the search for a cure, and the latest research developments. Public Health Policies and Responses: Analyzing the effectiveness of public health initiatives and policies in managing and preventing HIV/AIDS, including current strategies and future directions. Social and Cultural Impact: Investigating how the AIDS epidemic has influenced societal attitudes, policies towards marginalized communities, and the ongoing fight against stigma and discrimination. Global Perspective: Examining the global impact of HIV/AIDS, comparing responses and outcomes in different regions, and the role of international organizations in combating the epidemic. Personal Stories and Advocacy: Sharing personal narratives of those affected by HIV/AIDS, the role of advocacy groups, and the importance of community support in addressing the epidemic's challenges. These angles provide journalists with a range of perspectives to explore, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the historical, medical, and societal dimensions of the AIDS epidemic. Connect with an Expert about the History of AIDS in America: Dr. Adey Nyamathi Founding Dean and Distinguished Professor of Nursing · UC Irvine Petra Molnar Associate Director · Refugee Law Lab, Osgoode Hall Law School Andrea Benoit Assistant Professor (Adjunct) · Western University David J. Hardy Professor of Psychology | Psychological Science · Loyola Marymount University Valerie Earnshaw Associate Professor, Human Development and Family Sciences · University of Delaware To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com Photo credit: Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona
Aston University celebrates becoming a University of Sanctuary with official event
Aston University officially celebrated becoming a University of Sanctuary with an event held on 16 May for all those who contributed to achieving this status. The University was awarded University of Sanctuary status in December 2022, joining a network of higher education institutions across the UK working to develop support for those displaced by humanitarian crises. The celebration was hosted by Aston University Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor Aleks Subic. Guests included Councillor John Cotton, Birmingham City Council Cabinet member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, who made a special award presentation. The event programme also included a performance by poet Loraine Masiya Mponela, who herself was an asylum seeker and conversations with recipients of Ernest Edward Scholarships, a sanctuary scholarship scheme for students who have sought refuge in the UK. The scheme was set up by Aston University in 2022 due to a generous donation by prominent businessperson Matthew Crummack. Universities of Sanctuary is an initiative to recognise and celebrate the good practice of institutions welcoming people seeking sanctuary through facilitated access to higher education, supporting local refugee communities and taking an active role in learning about the issues and obstacles faced by this group in pursuing university-level education. Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said: “I am delighted to have had this opportunity to host a celebration event to thank everyone who has helped us achieve the University of Sanctuary status. “Aston University is committed to supporting people seeking sanctuary through its efforts to deepen our understanding of the issues surrounding asylum seekers and refugees, providing a welcoming environment for sanctuary students, and working with individuals and communities beyond the campus to promote the values and principles of sanctuary. “Being a University of Sanctuary is key to our Civic Agreement: our commitment to make Birmingham a better place for everyone who lives, works, and studies here. Birmingham." Councillor John Cotton, Birmingham City Council Cabinet member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said: “Birmingham is proud to be a City of Sanctuary, with its long history of offering refuge to those fleeing war, persecution and tyranny around the globe. In these troubled times, standing up for the principles of sanctuary and refuge is more important than ever. “I’m delighted that Aston University has joined the family of Universities of Sanctuary and is one of the many important institutions in our city that actively extends the hand of friendship to those seeking refuge and the chance to rebuild their lives here in Birmingham.”
Podcast: The partition of India: an ‘evil act’ or ‘rush to grant independence’?
Aston University academic discusses need to understand what resulted in up to two million deaths The partition formed part of a global pattern of expanding nation-states, fitting populations to borders, and decolonisation throughout the 20th century Debate now needed to find ways to accommodate human diversity rather than pulling people apart The partition of India at the end of the Second World War was not an “evil scheme” but a case of being “overtaken by events”, according to an academic at Aston University. Dr Volker Prott, a senior lecturer in modern history, spoke about the legacy of India and Pakistan’s independence in the latest episode of the ‘Society matters’ podcast series, presented by journalist Steve Dyson. Dr Prott said there was a “bitter irony” in “celebrating” the 75th anniversary of the partition and independence of India and Pakistan, granted on 15 August 1947. But he argued that now was the time to overcome divisions in society caused by Britain’s colonial past. He said: “Partition is very much an ambivalent event because, on the one hand, there is indeed grounds for celebration because it meant independence from British colonial rule for India and Pakistan … but at the same time partition was a reason for frustration and then, further on, it was a cause of violence.” Historians have estimated up to 20 million people were displaced in the years following partition, with the death toll “somewhere between 200,000 and two million people”, and possibly hundreds of thousands of girls and women suffering rape and abduction. Partition also led to a lasting long-term conflict between India and Pakistan involving several wars and the break-up of Pakistan in 1971. Dr Prott said Britain had come in for a lot of criticism due to the violence, with various historical studies regarding Indian partition as a “deliberate design” to weaken India and secure long-term British influence. But he argued that Britain was “overtaken by events” in the sense they underestimated “the dynamic for independence” and the huge potential for violence. “That’s the moment they rushed independence and rushed partition … a quick and easy exit option for the British Empire,” he said. As a result, no-one put mechanisms in place for refugee or minority protection, or to draw borders “in a sensible way”. Dr Prott said the partition of India was not an exception, but part of a larger historical pattern throughout the 20th century that also included new borders drawn that split Ireland, Palestine, Korea, Germany, Vietnam and Cyprus. This pattern comprised of three factors – the global expansion of the nation-state, “international stability” involving “fitting populations to borders”, and decolonisation leading to “friction and conflict”. He said: “We shouldn’t blame the British for plotting partition. It wasn’t an evil scheme they came up with.” But he stressed that the British did try to avoid assuming responsibility for more than a century of colonial rule in India, including “colonial violence, economic exploitation, and politicising religious identities of Muslims and Hindus” in particular. Dr Prott said the “starkest example” of a nation taking responsibility for the past was his own country, Germany, which committed the Holocaust, the “most extreme case of genocide in history”. Germany had come to terms with its crime and guilt, and accepted the need to work towards reconciliation. He said this was mostly seen as a historic problem in Germany, “but in Britain the legacy of colonialism is with us every day” with the Black Lives Matter movement, decolonising the curriculum in universities, changing street names, and removing controversial statues. He said: “We should see this dealing with our colonial past as an opportunity to bridge existing divides, to learn from each other. We need an open-ended debate.” Many people, he said, have very extreme views on the partition. Some praised the British Empire and said the violence was all because of racial hatreds, while others claimed people lived in harmony for centuries and problems were only caused by “evil British plotting”. “What we need to do is move away from these simplistic views of the past. History shows us that partitions very often cause more problems than they solve and we should try to find ways to accommodate human diversity rather than pulling people apart.” Aston University is marking the 75th anniversary of Indian partition by taking part in an exhibition at Birmingham New Street Station called ‘Children of the Railway: The Partition of India 75 Years On’, which opens on 6 September for three weeks. Dr Prott is also giving a public talk on partition at 5pm on 25 August at the Hockley Social Club.
Aston University signs City of Sanctuary pledge
City of Sanctuary supports groups and organisations to build a culture of welcome and hospitality Aston University has become a supporting organisation of City of Sanctuary It is committed to achieving University of Sanctuary status. Aston University has become a supporting organisation of City of Sanctuary UK to demonstrate its commitment to helping people fleeing violence and persecution. City of Sanctuary is a charity supporting a network of groups across the UK and Ireland working to build a culture of welcome and hospitality within their communities. Earlier this year, the University opened a new Centre for Migration and Forced Displacement. The centre officially launched with an event bringing together designers, artists and academics to discuss how to investigate and publicise violence against migrants. Other initiatives set up by Aston University to support refugees and asylum seekers include: a new sanctuary scholarship scheme for students who have sought refuge in the UK the student-led Enactus Society Chance for Change project, facilitating integration and employment for refugees supporting the Kozminski Foundation run by Kozminski University in Poland, which provides support for victims of the war in Ukraine students in the University’s Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship undertaking PhD research into refugee entrepreneurship funding for an emergency training package for Ukrainian interpreters, supporting local organisations in contact with Ukrainian refugees. Dr Angela Jeffery, director of regional strategy at Aston University, said: “Aston University recently launched its Civic University Agreement, outlining our commitment as an anchor institution to improving the economic, social, environmental and cultural life of our local communities. “Becoming a supporting organisation of the City of Sanctuary is one of many steps the University is taking to support our region and society. We endorse the City of Sanctuary Charter and agree to act in accordance with its values. We are committed to achieving University of Sanctuary status by welcoming asylum seekers and refugees into the university community and fostering a culture of welcome and inclusion for all.” City of Sanctuary chair, David Brown, said: “As a diverse and vibrant university in a diverse and vibrant city, Aston University is in a really strong position to welcome and support asylum seekers, refugees and other migrants as they seek to build new lives in the UK, and to contribute their skills and energy to the University community, to Birmingham and to the Midlands. “With colleagues in the City of Sanctuary movement, I warmly welcome Aston University’s commitment to become a University of Sanctuary.”
Up to four scholarships are being offered to students who have sought refuge in the UK The donor, Matthew Crummack, is CEO of Domestic & General, former CEO of GoCompare and lastminute.com and an alumnus of Aston University The Scholarships are named after the donor’s grandfather, Ernest Edward, who left school at 12 to work in a coal mine. Aston University is launching a new sanctuary scholarship scheme for students who have sought refuge in the UK. Up to four sanctuary scholarships are on offer, due to a generous donation by prominent businessperson Matthew Crummack, currently chief executive of Domestic & General. They will be known as The Ernest Edward Scholarships in memory of the donor’s grandfather, Ernest Edward Crummack, who left school aged 12 to work in a coal mine. Matthew graduated with a BSc in International Business and French at Aston University in 1993. His career to date has taken him into well-known companies such as GoCompare, lastminute.com, Expedia, Nestlé and Procter & Gamble. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by Aston University in 2016, in recognition of his professional achievements and service to the University. Ernest Edward Scholars will receive a full tuition fee waiver and up to £25,000 throughout their course to help with living costs. Language assistance will also be offered if required, as well as support from Aston University Students’ Union and professional mentoring support. To be eligible for an Ernest Edward Scholarship, applicants must be an asylum seeker, the partner or dependant of an asylum seeker or an asylum seeker/refugee/partner/dependant who has been granted Discretionary Leave to Remain (DLR) or some other form of temporary status. Applicants need to apply for an eligible Aston University course - any three-year undergraduate or one-year postgraduate programme - before applying for a scholarship. Applications will close on 12 June for the 2022 round. Speaking about his motivation for funding the scholarships, Matthew said: “My grandfather, whom I sadly never met, had little choice but to leave school at 12 to work in a coal mine. “100 years on, so many young people and especially young refugees, still find themselves challenged to grow and fulfil their potential. I hope that these scholarships will create that opportunity and pave the way for some of tomorrow’s leaders. “I strongly value my Aston University education and believe that business and individuals can take a leadership role in giving back to those facing challenge.” Saskia Loer Hansen, Interim Vice-Chancellor of Aston University, said: “Young people seeking asylum in the UK are likely to have experienced trauma and will have lost much which cannot be replaced. The Ernest Edward Scholarship can contribute to a brighter future, made possible by education. It offers hope and an opportunity for respite. “On behalf of Aston University, I would like to express my deep gratitude to Matthew for his generous and compassionate support in helping to make Aston University a safe haven. It is an act of kindness which will have a profound effect on those young lives.” More information about The Ernest Edward Scholarships is available here.
Aston University offers emergency interpreter training for Ukrainian speakers to support refugees
Dr Emmanuelle Labeau and Dr Yvonne Fowler are running Emergency Interpreting Training for Ukrainian Speakers to introduce them to the basics of interpreting The 10-hour training (10 x one hour) will take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings online for five weeks It is part of an Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) project with support from Aston University’s College of Business and Social Sciences. Aston University has kicked off a five-week introduction to interpreting course for Ukrainian speakers to enable emergency interpreters to support Ukrainian refugees arriving in the UK. It is part of an Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) project called BRUM (Birmingham Research for Upholding Multilingualism) with support from Aston University’s College of Business and Social Sciences. Dr Emmanuelle Labeau (AHRC fellow for the Future of Language Research) and Dr Yvonne Fowler are running Emergency Interpreting Training for Ukrainian Speakers. The 10-hour training scheme (10 one-hour sessions) started on 28 April 2022 and will take place every Tuesday and Thursday evening online for five weeks. It has been devised to enable emergency interpreters to deliver a better service to traumatised Ukrainian refugees whose English is limited and who may require interpreting help in every aspect of their lives to access housing, physical and mental healthcare, educational facilities and welfare benefits. Dr Emmanuelle Labeau, co-director of Aston Centre for Applied Linguistics (ACAL) at Aston University, said: “Ukrainian refugees are arriving in the UK and there are few trained qualified Ukrainian interpreters to support those refugees with limited or no English in their dealings with public services. “We have had a fantastic response to our offer of free emergency training in interpreting for Ukrainian speakers in the West Midlands, as part of the AHRC-funded BRUM project. “I am thrilled that we have been able to pull this together and I am really pleased with how the first session went. We have people of all walks of life such as social services, healthcare, education and even a refugee who are so committed to help in any way they can, and it is lovely to empower them to do so!” Dr Yvonne Fowler said: “I am really proud to see this project get off the ground and help people in need. “I have been a public service interpreter trainer for the last 25 years. “My work has mostly involved preparing interpreters for the Diploma In Public Service, Interpreting Law and Healthcare options. “But during this period, I delivered emergency interpreter training to support various waves of refugees who have come to Birmingham over the last 20 years: the Vietnamese boat refugees, the Bosnian refugees in the aftermath of the Bosnian war, and a month in Kosovo after the war there to train Albanian and Serbian interpreters at the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.”
Operation Allies Welcome -- the official name for the American government's ongoing effort to assist vulnerable Afghans following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan -- is the most significant U.S. resettlement effort since 1975. As of February 2022, some 65,000 Afghans have evacuated and settled in American communities. UConn School of Social work professors Kathryn Libal and Scott Harding have extensively studied the refugee resettlement process in America. In a recent essay for The Conversation, they detailed the resettlement process that refugees face -- and the challenges that individuals, families, agencies, and volunteers are enduring as the effort strains an already overburdened system. U.S. agencies brought in Afghans under humanitarian parole, rather than standard refugee procedures, because of the urgency of the evacuation. But the consequences may be profound. Some parolees had to wait weeks or months for the government or social service organizations to file paperwork granting them the right to work. Another challenge for parolees is securing family members’ admission to the U.S., which requires a high level of proof of threat to that particular individual. Many Afghan parolees should eventually qualify for asylum, but applying is a lengthy and complex process that generally requires significant legal assistance. More than 400,000 asylum cases are pending in the U.S. asylum system. Refugee resettlement organizations and voluntary groups that could normally help with filing asylum claims are already stretched thin. Evacuees’ advocates have called for approval of the Afghan Adjustment Act, which would allow Afghans to apply for lawful permanent resident status without waiting for the asylum system to rule on their cases or processing of special immigrant visa applications. Governors, businesses, celebrities, universities, military members, veterans and individuals across the U.S. have stepped in to support recent Afghan evacuees – many in locales with no history of resettling refugees. The responsibilities of resettlement, however, extend beyond helping evacuees in their first few weeks, to helping them secure a stable future. -- The Conversation, February 18, 2022 An associate professor of social work and human rights, Kathryn Libal is the director of UConn's Human Rights Institute and is an expert on human rights, refugee resettlement, and social welfare. She is available to speak with media – click on her icon now to arrange an interview.
