Humanitarian Voices is an insightful video podcast from HumAngle Media that shines a spotlight on the pressing humanitarian crisis in Africa, delving into the impact it has on the lives of victims and what aid organizations are doing to address it.
Hosted by the CEO of HumAngle, Ahmad Salkida, the podcast collaborates with and features representatives of humanitarian organizations for each episode. The first episode, done in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), aired in June.
The ICRC, whose primary mission is protecting and assisting victims of armed conflict and violence, plays a crucial role in addressing the dire circumstances those affected by the crisis face.
The debut episode of the podcast features Patience Nanklin Yusuf, who brings her extensive expertise gained over a decade of working with the ICRC. Together, Ahmad Salkida and Patience Yusuf delve into the multifaceted aspects of vulnerability that individuals face, whether due to fear, illness, the horrors of war, or the challenges of old age. The podcast illustrates how traumatic events and conflicts make people vulnerable and expose them to severe hardships.
Guided by their objectives, humanitarian organisations are at the forefront of providing crucial support to these vulnerable victims of crises. This support encompasses various forms, including vital services such as sanitation, shelter, and hygiene assistance. One of the most critical needs in displaced persons camps is access to sustenance. Patience Yusuf explains the approaches to food aid provision, ranging from direct distribution of food supplies to empowering individuals with the choice to make purchases in local markets using cash, depending on availability.
Another pressing issue highlighted in the episode is the occurrence of survival sex, sexual exploitation, and violence in crisis-ridden environments. Nankling emphasizes that the ICRC has implemented measures to prevent such atrocities and has established safe channels for reporting incidents, ensuring appropriate actions are taken to address such cases.
The podcast also sheds light on the unique vulnerabilities faced by people with disabilities amidst displacement and crisis. In a commendable effort, the ICRC endeavours to include individuals with physical or psychosocial disabilities, ensuring their active involvement in decision-making processes and equitable access to aid. Through their Physical Rehabilitation Programme, the ICRC extends services and equipment, such as physiotherapy and prosthetics, while providing capital to initiate businesses, empowering them to achieve independence.
As the conversation unfolds, the ethical considerations of the ICRC’s work and its commitment to accountability come to the forefront. Patience shares heartfelt insights into her experience working with the ICRC, expressing what drives her and her profound fulfilment in her work.
The episode concludes with Ahmad Salkida reflecting on HumAngle’s dedicated focus on the Humanitarian Crisis and the organization’s unyielding commitment to addressing these pressing issues. The importance of raising awareness through platforms like Humanitarian Voices is underscored, as it plays a pivotal role in inspiring collective action and support for those in dire need.
From the first episode, it can be seen that Humanitarian Voices is a powerful platform that not only sheds light on the harrowing realities faced by countless individuals caught in the crossfires of crisis but also appreciates the resilience of the human spirit and the vital work of humanitarian organizations in alleviating suffering and bringing hope to the most vulnerable populations in Africa.
