The poor in the United Kingdom are wrestling with the same hardships they were facing 15 years ago. As per a new report by&nbsp;the Centre for Social Justice, an independent think-tank, there’s a “yawning gap between those who can get by and those stuck at the bottom”.

<h2>Divide despite wealth</h2>

In a 300-page report published on Sunday, the think tank showed evidence of a deep divide in Britain.&nbsp;

As per CNN, it shows that the nation's economic stagnation has made tackling poverty harder. Furthermore, the cost-of-living crisis has made hardships experienced by those least well-off harder.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/your-anxiety-is-lying-to-you-saying-no-to-plans-isnt-all-that-bad-finds-study-668806">Your anxiety is lying to you! Saying 'no' to plans isn't all that bad, finds study</a>

Sophia Worringer, Deputy Policy Director at the Centre for Social Justice, emphasised the stark contrast and said, "We have uncovered a nation of two halves."&nbsp;

"The general public for the most part can get by, and then there is this cohort of people whose lives are marked by family breakdown, physical and mental ill-health; who live in crime-ridden communities and experience multiple barriers to work."

<h2>Echoes of the Victorian Age</h2>

The think tank warns that the UK is "sliding back into the two nations of the Victorian era, marked by a widening gulf between mainstream society and a… poverty-stricken underclass."

Drawing parallels between the current situation and the Victorian Age, it says that the modern Britain is becoming similarly "entrenched" with extreme social inequality marked by poverty, family breakdown, joblessness, addiction, educational failure and more.&nbsp;

<h2>Stagnant wages, pandemic and more</h2>

"For too many, Britain is broken and the gap between the haves and have-nots is in danger of becoming a chasm," says the report's foreword, signed by Mervyn King, a former Bank of England governor, and others.

The report points out that average weekly wages in Britain have remained more or less the same since the 2008 financial crisis.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/epic-games-epic-win-jury-finds-google-guilty-of-monopolistic-practices-in-antitrust-trial-668853">Epic Games' 'epic' win: Jury finds Google guilty of monopolistic practices in antitrust trial</a>

Furthermore, the pandemic lockdowns worsened key drivers of poverty, and had a "catastrophic effect on the nation’s social fabric."

During lockdowns, domestic abuse helpline calls surged by 700 per cent, and mental health issues escalated, especially among young people.

"One in 5 young people were left facing mental health challenges after the pandemic."

It also found that severe school absence increased by 134 per cent, while welfare payments rose significantly to 1.2 million people availing it.&nbsp;

The report warns that if the current trend continues, by 2030, a quarter of children between the ages of five and 15 will suffer from a mental health disorder. 
&nbsp; 
Authors of the report, as per CNN, are working on "an ambitious suite of policy recommendations" which will be released next spring to help tackle "the root causes of poverty". Without a strategy to do so, "our future is looking very poor," warned Worringer.

(With inputs from agencies)

The poor in the United Kingdom are wrestling with the same hardships they were facing 15 years ago. As per a new report by the Centre for Social Justice, an independent think-tank, there’s a “yawning gap between those who can get by and those stuck at the bottom”.

The poor in the United Kingdom are wrestling with the same hardships they were facing 15 years ago. As per a new report by the Centre for Social Justice, an independent think-tank, there’s a “yawning gap between those who can get by and those stuck at the bottom”. Divide despite wealth In a 300-page report published on Sunday, the think tank showed evidence of a deep divide in Britain. As per CNN, it shows that the nation's economic stagnation has made tackling poverty harder. Furthermore, the cost-of-living crisis has made hardships experienced by those least well-off harder. Also read | Your anxiety is lying to you! Saying 'no' to plans isn't all that bad, finds study Sophia Worringer, Deputy Policy Director at the Centre for Social Justice, emphasised the stark contrast and said, "We have uncovered a nation of two halves." "The general public for the most part can get by, and then there is this cohort of people whose lives are marked by family breakdown, physical and mental ill-health; who live in crime-ridden communities and experience multiple barriers to work." Echoes of the Victorian Age The think tank warns that the UK is "sliding back into the two nations of the Victorian era, marked by a widening gulf between mainstream society and a… poverty-stricken underclass." Drawing parallels between the current situation and the Victorian Age, it says that the modern Britain is becoming similarly "entrenched" with extreme social inequality marked by poverty, family breakdown, joblessness, addiction, educational failure and more. Stagnant wages, pandemic and more "For too many, Britain is broken and the gap between the haves and have-nots is in danger of becoming a chasm," says the report's foreword, signed by Mervyn King, a former Bank of England governor, and others. The report points out that average weekly wages in Britain have remained more or less the same since the 2008 financial crisis. Also read | Epic Games' 'epic' win: Jury finds Google guilty of monopolistic practices in antitrust trial Furthermore, the pandemic lockdowns worsened key drivers of poverty, and had a "catastrophic effect on the nation’s social fabric." During lockdowns, domestic abuse helpline calls surged by 700 per cent, and mental health issues escalated, especially among young people. "One in 5 young people were left facing mental health challenges after the pandemic." It also found that severe school absence increased by 134 per cent, while welfare payments rose significantly to 1.2 million people availing it. The report warns that if the current trend continues, by 2030, a quarter of children between the ages of five and 15 will suffer from a mental health disorder. Authors of the report, as per CNN, are working on "an ambitious suite of policy recommendations" which will be released next spring to help tackle "the root causes of poverty". Without a strategy to do so, "our future is looking very poor," warned Worringer. (With inputs from agencies)

‘A nation of two halves’: UK’s persistent wealth inequality, poverty pushing it back into Victorian era

The low-income and non-Western lifestyles are portrayed&nbsp;less accurately by OpenAI's CLIP, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)&nbsp;model integral to the&nbsp;the popular DALL-E image generator.

CLIP stands for&nbsp;Contrastive Language-Image Pretraining. A foundational model used in various applications, CLIP operates by pairing text and images to create a score indicating the degree of alignment between the two.

The conclusion was made in a recent study conducted at the University of Michigan.

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

According to the researchers involved in the study, there is a&nbsp;critical need for comprehensive representation in AI tools deployed globally.

Also watch |&nbsp;Future of AI: Benefits &amp; Challenges

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/future-of-ai-benefits-challenges-667689/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The study showed that a&nbsp;significant portion of the population, particularly those with lower social incomes, is not accurately reflected in these applications, potentially furthering the inequality.

<h2>How the study was done?</h2>

The researchers evaluated CLIP's performance using Dollar Street, a diverse image dataset from the Gapminder Foundation, with an image-base of over 38,000 which&nbsp;depicts households across different income levels globally.

Monthly incomes in the dataset ranged from $26 to nearly $20,000, and thus provided&nbsp;a broad socio-economic spectrum.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/gemini-ai-boosts-alphabets-stock-as-google-seeks-to-regain-ai-leadership-from-microsoft-667458">Gemini AI boosts Alphabet's stock as Google seeks to regain AI leadership from Microsoft</a>

Results of the study showed that CLIP consistently assigned higher scores to images from higher income households, indicating a significant bias.

The study also identified geographic bias, with lower scores predominantly associated with low-income African countries.

This bias could potentially result in the underrepresentation of diverse demographics in large image datasets and applications relying on CLIP.

<h2>Is there any solution to rectify this AI bias?</h2>

Researchers proposed actionable steps for AI developers, including investing in geographically diverse datasets, defining evaluation metrics that account for location and income, and&nbsp;documenting the demographics of&nbsp;data on which the AI is trained.

The study presented its findings at the Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing conference, held on December 8 in Singapore. The paper is available on the arXiv preprint server. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The low-income and non-Western lifestyles are portrayed less accurately by OpenAI's CLIP, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model integral to the the popular DALL-E image generator.

The low-income and non-Western lifestyles are portrayed less accurately by OpenAI's CLIP, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model integral to the the popular DALL-E image generator. CLIP stands for Contrastive Language-Image Pretraining. A foundational model used in various applications, CLIP operates by pairing text and images to create a score indicating the degree of alignment between the two. The conclusion was made in a recent study conducted at the University of Michigan. What does it mean? According to the researchers involved in the study, there is a critical need for comprehensive representation in AI tools deployed globally. Also watch | Future of AI: Benefits & Challenges × The study showed that a significant portion of the population, particularly those with lower social incomes, is not accurately reflected in these applications, potentially furthering the inequality. How the study was done? The researchers evaluated CLIP's performance using Dollar Street, a diverse image dataset from the Gapminder Foundation, with an image-base of over 38,000 which depicts households across different income levels globally. Monthly incomes in the dataset ranged from $26 to nearly $20,000, and thus provided a broad socio-economic spectrum. Also read | Gemini AI boosts Alphabet's stock as Google seeks to regain AI leadership from Microsoft Results of the study showed that CLIP consistently assigned higher scores to images from higher income households, indicating a significant bias. The study also identified geographic bias, with lower scores predominantly associated with low-income African countries. This bias could potentially result in the underrepresentation of diverse demographics in large image datasets and applications relying on CLIP. Is there any solution to rectify this AI bias? Researchers proposed actionable steps for AI developers, including investing in geographically diverse datasets, defining evaluation metrics that account for location and income, and documenting the demographics of data on which the AI is trained. The study presented its findings at the Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing conference, held on December 8 in Singapore. The paper is available on the arXiv preprint server. (With inputs from agencies)

OpenAI’s CLIP shows bias for wealthy, scores poor African nations low, finds study

On Wednesday (Dec 6), the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) released a disturbing report on the state of poverty among children globally.&nbsp;

More than one in five, or around 69 million children, live in poverty, that too just in the world's 40 richest countries.

<h2>A childhood spent in poverty</h2>

The high numbers, as per AFP, are despite an around 8 per cent drop in child poverty rates from 2012 to 2014 and 2019 to 2021. The drop was witnessed in the 40 European Union and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries assessed.&nbsp;

Despite that, at the end of 2021, more than 69 million were still living in poverty in those countries, as per the report.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-paints-shocking-picture-of-the-future-of-homelessness-in-canada-666435">AI paints shocking picture of the future of homelessness in Canada</a>

As per UNICEF Innocenti, the United Nations agency's research arm, "This is equivalent to around 6 million children out of a total child population of 291 million."

"For most children, this means that they may grow up without enough nutritious food, clothes, school supplies or a warm place to call home," said Bo Viktor Nylund of UNICEF Innocenti.

Highlighting the impact of such struggles on young people's physical and mental health, the report called for action to ensure children's well-being. Evoking political will, it stressed that children aren't automatically lifted out of poverty by a country's wealth.

<h2>Main observations</h2>

The data, as per AFP, is based on relative poverty — around 60 per cent of a country's national median income — which is often used by developed countries to establish their poverty levels.

Blasting Britain and France for their particularly bad standings, UNICEF reported that since 2012, the biggest setbacks have been witnessed in the richest countries. While in Britain there were half a million or 19.6 per cent more poor children, in France the numbers increased by 10.4 per cent.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-in-this-japanese-restaurant-people-pay-not-for-food-but-to-get-slapped-for-just-2-666409">Watch: In this Japanese restaurant, people pay not for food, but to get slapped for just $2</a>

As per the report, in the European Union, children of non-EU nationality parents are 2.4 times more likely to live in poverty.

While the United States saw a 6.7 per cent decrease in the number of children living in poverty, it still means that one in four children continues to live in relative poverty.&nbsp;

There was a greater risk of poverty among children from single-parent families and minority backgrounds. Among the minorities in the US, 30 per cent of African American children and 29 per cent of Native American children live below the national poverty line. In comparison, only 10 per cent or one-in-10 non-Hispanic white children face the hardships that come with being poor.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

On Wednesday (Dec 6), the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) released a disturbing report on the state of poverty among children globally.

On Wednesday (Dec 6), the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) released a disturbing report on the state of poverty among children globally. More than one in five, or around 69 million children, live in poverty, that too just in the world's 40 richest countries. A childhood spent in poverty The high numbers, as per AFP, are despite an around 8 per cent drop in child poverty rates from 2012 to 2014 and 2019 to 2021. The drop was witnessed in the 40 European Union and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries assessed. Despite that, at the end of 2021, more than 69 million were still living in poverty in those countries, as per the report. Also read | AI paints shocking picture of the future of homelessness in Canada As per UNICEF Innocenti, the United Nations agency's research arm, "This is equivalent to around 6 million children out of a total child population of 291 million." "For most children, this means that they may grow up without enough nutritious food, clothes, school supplies or a warm place to call home," said Bo Viktor Nylund of UNICEF Innocenti. Highlighting the impact of such struggles on young people's physical and mental health, the report called for action to ensure children's well-being. Evoking political will, it stressed that children aren't automatically lifted out of poverty by a country's wealth. Main observations The data, as per AFP, is based on relative poverty — around 60 per cent of a country's national median income — which is often used by developed countries to establish their poverty levels. Blasting Britain and France for their particularly bad standings, UNICEF reported that since 2012, the biggest setbacks have been witnessed in the richest countries. While in Britain there were half a million or 19.6 per cent more poor children, in France the numbers increased by 10.4 per cent. Also read | Watch: In this Japanese restaurant, people pay not for food, but to get slapped for just $2 As per the report, in the European Union, children of non-EU nationality parents are 2.4 times more likely to live in poverty. While the United States saw a 6.7 per cent decrease in the number of children living in poverty, it still means that one in four children continues to live in relative poverty. There was a greater risk of poverty among children from single-parent families and minority backgrounds. Among the minorities in the US, 30 per cent of African American children and 29 per cent of Native American children live below the national poverty line. In comparison, only 10 per cent or one-in-10 non-Hispanic white children face the hardships that come with being poor.

69 million children in 'rich' countries living in poverty: UNICEF

"It takes her two hours to get to her school in these hills," said the person who was driving me around in a hill station nestled in Himalayas in north India's Uttarakhand state. While he told me about the duration it takes her daughter to reach school in the small but beautiful Himalayan town of Kausani, I could see tourism brimming around me. With improving road infrastructure, the 440 km distance from New Delhi to Kausani could be covered by road in less than a day — making tourism to flourish, as it has been doing since many years now. 
 
Home to more than 2,000 people, Kausani's children are free to dream of becoming writers, singers, athletes, astronomers, mathematicians and so on. 
 
But my driver's response revealed the stark reality of education in the small town. Two hours is the duration his daughter must spend in covering the distance&nbsp;every day to make her dreams achievable. The accessibility to schools for children living in Kausani are reflective of the larger reality of far-and-few institutional access to education in the hinterland across India. 
 
Education is a rigorous exercise. Its equal and qualitative access is integral for children to prosper towards a career which is not only fruitful but also enables them to show the world their genuine capabilities. 
 
However, for children living in remote areas and especially those from impoverished families, the childhood&nbsp;dreams of flying high are generally broken by the challenges of their early youth. Financial strains become a key issue. But what remains unaddressed is the lack of guidance and quality education which can help them choose their careers wisely and crack competitive exams when they compete against children from the rest of the country. 
 
25-year-old Priyanka Ghumre, who lives in Maharashtra's Mainda village, like many others, had once dreamt of getting a government job and building a successful career for herself. 
 
"We all dream to become successful in our life despite our ... background. However, when we face reality and challenges, we realise how difficult it is to build a fruitful career. In our village, after we study till fourth standard, the family starts discussing if we must even receive education or not because of numerous social and financial challenges," Ghumre told WION.

<h2>Career counselling - a rare opportunity in rural India?</h2>

Today, Ghumre along with many others is working with the Asude&nbsp;Foundation to guide these kids to decide the best career for them and is helping them identify their abilities and even carve their dreams - even if that is of becoming a Michelin-star chef. 
 
"In our education system, it is still possible to complete studies till 12th standard. But what remains a question is if we have the academic capabilities to compete with other students in college entrance exams even after completing our schooling," Ghumre asked. 
 
Speaking about the lack of guidance, she said, "Career counselling is something which is critically missing in the country's hinterland. Children have no one to guide what they should pursue and how they should build their careers. Financial constraints also play a major factor in deciding the career, as many end up choosing the one which is better paying and has&nbsp;job security." 
 
The idea of propagating unconventional career options in India's hinterland may sound intriguing. But it is likely to come with its set of challenges because of factors such as conservative mindsets and limited exposure to the rapidly changing global market. 
 
Founder and CEO, of Physics Wallah (PW) Alakh Pandey, spoke about how this challenge can be thwarted and how a better future for such students can be paved. 
 
"New-age skills training programmes serve as a powerful vehicle for breaking these barriers. By offering courses in emerging fields like data science, blockchain, and cybersecurity, these programmes introduce individuals to unconventional career pathways. In essence, these programmes not only address the difficulty of spreading unconventional career ideas but actively contribute to reshaping career perspectives in hinterland communities," Pandey said. 
 
To help Physics Wallah change the future of India's education, social peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform Rang De has entered into a partnership which aims to address the need for accessible and affordable student loans to receive top-quality, industry-relevant education. 
 
"In its true essence, this partnership between Rang De and Physics Wallah holds significant promise in addressing the issue of accessible education in remote areas of our country. This collaboration aims to tackle two crucial elements that cause barriers in accessing education: affordable credit and access to quality educational programs. The collaboration between Rang De and Physics Wallah will enable deserving students from low-income backgrounds and remote areas by providing them with no collateral loans and help them get access to top-quality education through the residential programme," spoke Smita Ram, CEO and Co-founder, of Rang De.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

"It takes her two hours to get to her school in these hills," said the person who was driving me around in a hill station nestled in Himalayas in north India's Uttarakhand state.

"It takes her two hours to get to her school in these hills," said the person who was driving me around in a hill station nestled in Himalayas in north India's Uttarakhand state. While he told me about the duration it takes her daughter to reach school in the small but beautiful Himalayan town of Kausani, I could see tourism brimming around me. With improving road infrastructure, the 440 km distance from New Delhi to Kausani could be covered by road in less than a day — making tourism to flourish, as it has been doing since many years now. Home to more than 2,000 people, Kausani's children are free to dream of becoming writers, singers, athletes, astronomers, mathematicians and so on. But my driver's response revealed the stark reality of education in the small town. Two hours is the duration his daughter must spend in covering the distance every day to make her dreams achievable. The accessibility to schools for children living in Kausani are reflective of the larger reality of far-and-few institutional access to education in the hinterland across India. Education is a rigorous exercise. Its equal and qualitative access is integral for children to prosper towards a career which is not only fruitful but also enables them to show the world their genuine capabilities. However, for children living in remote areas and especially those from impoverished families, the childhood dreams of flying high are generally broken by the challenges of their early youth. Financial strains become a key issue. But what remains unaddressed is the lack of guidance and quality education which can help them choose their careers wisely and crack competitive exams when they compete against children from the rest of the country. 25-year-old Priyanka Ghumre, who lives in Maharashtra's Mainda village, like many others, had once dreamt of getting a government job and building a successful career for herself. "We all dream to become successful in our life despite our ... background. However, when we face reality and challenges, we realise how difficult it is to build a fruitful career. In our village, after we study till fourth standard, the family starts discussing if we must even receive education or not because of numerous social and financial challenges," Ghumre told WION. Career counselling - a rare opportunity in rural India? Today, Ghumre along with many others is working with the Asude Foundation to guide these kids to decide the best career for them and is helping them identify their abilities and even carve their dreams - even if that is of becoming a Michelin-star chef. "In our education system, it is still possible to complete studies till 12th standard. But what remains a question is if we have the academic capabilities to compete with other students in college entrance exams even after completing our schooling," Ghumre asked. Speaking about the lack of guidance, she said, "Career counselling is something which is critically missing in the country's hinterland. Children have no one to guide what they should pursue and how they should build their careers. Financial constraints also play a major factor in deciding the career, as many end up choosing the one which is better paying and has job security." The idea of propagating unconventional career options in India's hinterland may sound intriguing. But it is likely to come with its set of challenges because of factors such as conservative mindsets and limited exposure to the rapidly changing global market. Founder and CEO, of Physics Wallah (PW) Alakh Pandey, spoke about how this challenge can be thwarted and how a better future for such students can be paved. "New-age skills training programmes serve as a powerful vehicle for breaking these barriers. By offering courses in emerging fields like data science, blockchain, and cybersecurity, these programmes introduce individuals to unconventional career pathways. In essence, these programmes not only address the difficulty of spreading unconventional career ideas but actively contribute to reshaping career perspectives in hinterland communities," Pandey said. To help Physics Wallah change the future of India's education, social peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform Rang De has entered into a partnership which aims to address the need for accessible and affordable student loans to receive top-quality, industry-relevant education. "In its true essence, this partnership between Rang De and Physics Wallah holds significant promise in addressing the issue of accessible education in remote areas of our country. This collaboration aims to tackle two crucial elements that cause barriers in accessing education: affordable credit and access to quality educational programs. The collaboration between Rang De and Physics Wallah will enable deserving students from low-income backgrounds and remote areas by providing them with no collateral loans and help them get access to top-quality education through the residential programme," spoke Smita Ram, CEO and Co-founder, of Rang De. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Dreaming through poverty: Children from rural India deserve meaningful careers that matter

22% of the UK's population, or 14.5 million people, were expected to be living in poverty in 2023. There were 4.3 million youngsters among them.

UK: Over 1 MN children experience dire poverty

As Pakistan continues to reel under a grave economic crisis, the World Bank has now declared that the country’s current economic model is unfit for reducing poverty. The warning came as over 12.5 million people fell below the poverty line in Pakistan in the last year alone. It means that over 40 per cent population in the South Asian country is now living under the poverty line as they struggle to meet basic needs such as food, water and electricity. Take a look.

Pakistan: 40% population slips below poverty line, World Bank sounds alarm bell | WION Originals

Poverty increased sharply in the last year in the US, new data published by the Census Bureau on Tuesday (September 12) has shown. The rising cost of living and the government pulling the plug on federal programmes that provided aid to families during the pandemic were cited as a few of the many reasons that contributed to increased poverty, particularly among children.&nbsp;

In total, 12.4 per cent of Americans lived in poverty in 2022, which was a significant uptick from 7.8 per cent in 2021, the bureau said. Inflation played a part in the increase as nominal gains were cancelled out by&nbsp;record-high inflation numbers.&nbsp;

The report stated that inflation-adjusted, median household incomes in the US fell by 2.3 per cent in 2022, compared to the year prior - making it the third straight year when median household incomes had declined.&nbsp;

Notably, in 2021, a family of four living in a rental home was&nbsp;considered poor if the income was less than&nbsp;$31,453. However, the metric shot up to $34,518 in 2022 as families below this number were classified as poor in the report.&nbsp;

Additionally, the poverty rate for children in 2022 doubled from the previous year, primarily due to the loss of the expanded Child Tax Credit&nbsp;

"The steeper relative declines in post-tax income at the bottom and middle of the income distribution are attributable to the expiration of a number of tax policies," Census Bureau official Liana Fox was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cartonomics-decoding-the-state-of-us-economy-626756">Watch |&nbsp;Cartonomics: Decoding the state of US economy</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cartonomics-decoding-the-state-of-us-economy-626756/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Biden reacts</h2>

President Joe Biden, reflecting on the damning data, blamed the GOP lawmakers for refusing to extend Child Tax Credit.&nbsp;

"The rise reported today in child poverty is no accident, it is the result of a deliberate policy choice congressional Republicans made to block help for families with children while advancing massive tax cuts for the wealthiest and largest corporations," said Biden.&nbsp;

"No child should grow up in poverty, and I will continue to fight to restore the expanded Child Tax Credit to give tens of millions of families the tax relief and breathing room they deserve," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/forecast-chinas-slowdown-means-it-may-not-surpass-us-economy-632540">Also read |&nbsp;Forecast: China’s slowdown means it may not surpass US economy</a>

The White House added that more recent data might "tell a more optimistic story" as inflation had cooled in the past few months.&nbsp;

Experts have warned that the increase in poverty, particularly amongst children, could worsen over the next year if the government and politicians fail to fill in the financial gaps with social safety net programmes for struggling families.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Poverty increased sharply in the last year in the US, new data published by the Census Bureau on Tuesday (September 12) has shown. The rising cost of living and the government pulling the plug on federal programmes that provided aid to families during the pandemic were cited as a few of the many reasons that contributed to increased poverty, particularly among children.

Poverty increased sharply in the last year in the US, new data published by the Census Bureau on Tuesday (September 12) has shown. The rising cost of living and the government pulling the plug on federal programmes that provided aid to families during the pandemic were cited as a few of the many reasons that contributed to increased poverty, particularly among children. In total, 12.4 per cent of Americans lived in poverty in 2022, which was a significant uptick from 7.8 per cent in 2021, the bureau said. Inflation played a part in the increase as nominal gains were cancelled out by record-high inflation numbers. The report stated that inflation-adjusted, median household incomes in the US fell by 2.3 per cent in 2022, compared to the year prior - making it the third straight year when median household incomes had declined. Notably, in 2021, a family of four living in a rental home was considered poor if the income was less than $31,453. However, the metric shot up to $34,518 in 2022 as families below this number were classified as poor in the report. Additionally, the poverty rate for children in 2022 doubled from the previous year, primarily due to the loss of the expanded Child Tax Credit "The steeper relative declines in post-tax income at the bottom and middle of the income distribution are attributable to the expiration of a number of tax policies," Census Bureau official Liana Fox was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. Watch | Cartonomics: Decoding the state of US economy × Biden reacts President Joe Biden, reflecting on the damning data, blamed the GOP lawmakers for refusing to extend Child Tax Credit. "The rise reported today in child poverty is no accident, it is the result of a deliberate policy choice congressional Republicans made to block help for families with children while advancing massive tax cuts for the wealthiest and largest corporations," said Biden. "No child should grow up in poverty, and I will continue to fight to restore the expanded Child Tax Credit to give tens of millions of families the tax relief and breathing room they deserve," he added. Also read | Forecast: China’s slowdown means it may not surpass US economy The White House added that more recent data might "tell a more optimistic story" as inflation had cooled in the past few months. Experts have warned that the increase in poverty, particularly amongst children, could worsen over the next year if the government and politicians fail to fill in the financial gaps with social safety net programmes for struggling families. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Poverty rate increased in the US in 2022: Census Bureau

Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been elected to a second term with more than half the vote share to his name. Infamous for his ruthlessness, Emmerson, otherwise known as the 'Crocodile' has promised a new era for his people. As Zimbabwe reels under inflation, poverty, and climate change, the newly re-elected leader has a mammoth task ahead.

Emmerson Mnangagwa wins second term amid opposition

The coronavirus pandemic and rising inflation has pushed close to 70 million more people in Asia's developing countries into extreme poverty. An Asian development bank report shows that 155.2 million people in Asia's developing countries lived in extreme poverty last year. That's about 67.8 million more people than would have been the case without the covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.

Extreme poverty rises in Asia

Think tank of the government of India Niti Ayog has released a report on the multi-dimensional poverty index. This report suggests that in the span of five years 135 million Indians have exited the multi-dimensional poverty.

135 million people moved out of poverty in 5 years

India has made remarkable progress in its fight against multidimensional poverty, according to the latest report released by the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog). The report, titled 'National Multidimensional Poverty Index: A Progress Review 2023', reveals that an unprecedented 13.5 crore people moved out of multidimensional poverty between 2015-16 and 2019-21. This achievement places India well ahead of its 2030 target for reducing poverty under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Take a look.

Mission Possible: India's multidimensional poverty plummets ahead of schedule

Indian-origin World Bank Chief Ajay Banga is optimistic about India’s fight against poverty. He said that if India continues its economic momentum, it can tackle poverty. Speaking to reporters, Banga, who took over as the World Bank chief last year, said that the best way to fight poverty is through economic growth & job creation.

World Bank praises India’s anti-poverty drive

Mothers in Syria are being forced to abandon their babies in mosques, hospitals and even under trees. People in poverty-ridden refugee camps are struggling to feed their children. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Why are Syrian mothers forced to abandon their babies?

Argentina has been in economic difficulty for years. On Wednesday, social & political organizations blocked multiple streets and highways into the argentine capital, Buenos Aires. The Argentinians are up in arms against soaring inflation, & poverty affects nearly half the population. Nearly 18.6 million people are unable to cover their basic food needs with their salaries. Left-leaning organizations are demanding more social aid from the government to counteract the economic deterioration.

Argentina: Poverty now affects nearly half the population; People protest IMF deal and demand jobs

Kenyans were preparing for a fresh round of anti-government protests over the increasing cost of living on Monday after the opposition promised to take action even after a police ban.

Veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga appealed to citizens to take to the streets every Thursday and Monday, a week after the protests had turned violent and various parts of Nairobi were paralysed.

However, on Sunday, the police announced a ban on the rallies. "We will not allow violent demonstrations," said Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome.

"The demonstrations they plan tomorrow (Monday) are illegal and will not be allowed,” he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-to-solve-its-alcohol-problem-with-one-bar-per-town-plan-573540">Kenya to solve its alcohol problem with 'one bar per town' plan</a>

A university student was killed and 31 officers had suffered injuries in a police fire during the previous Monday's clashes as running battles took place between demonstrators and riot police in Nairobi as well as opposition strongholds in western Kenya.

Police arrested around 200 people which included various senior opposition politicians while protesters, including their own convoy of Odinga, were hit with water cannons and tear gas.

This was the first major political unrest since incumbent President William Ruto came to power around six months ago after Odinga was defeated in an election that his rivals alleged was "stolen".

Even after the police ban, Odinga appealed to the Kenyans on Sunday to take part in what he called “the mother of all demonstrations".

"I want to tell Ruto and the IG Koome that we are not going to be intimidated. We are not going to fear tear gas and police,” he added. President Ruto appealed to his rival to stop the action.

"I am telling Raila Odinga that if he has a problem with me, he should face me and stop terrorising the country," he stated on Thursday.

WATCH | Kenya: Opposition leader Odinga vows to hold protest rally despite ban

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kenya-opposition-leader-odinga-vows-to-hold-protest-rally-despite-ban-576143/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Stop paralysing the businesses of mama mboga, matatu and other Kenyans," he added, referring to private minibus operators and women stallholders.

On Monday, Ruto will be leaving for a four-day official trip to Belgium and Germany during which he will hold meetings with EU and national leaders.

Kenyans have been struggling to buy food by the end of the day as they are battling soaring prices for basic goods and declining local currency along with a record which has left millions hungry.

<main>
<section>
(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>
</section>
</main>

Kenyans were preparing for a fresh round of anti-government protests over the increasing cost of living on Monday after the opposition promised to take action even after a police ban.

Kenyans were preparing for a fresh round of anti-government protests over the increasing cost of living on Monday after the opposition promised to take action even after a police ban. Veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga appealed to citizens to take to the streets every Thursday and Monday, a week after the protests had turned violent and various parts of Nairobi were paralysed. However, on Sunday, the police announced a ban on the rallies. "We will not allow violent demonstrations," said Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome. "The demonstrations they plan tomorrow (Monday) are illegal and will not be allowed,” he added. ALSO READ | Kenya to solve its alcohol problem with 'one bar per town' plan A university student was killed and 31 officers had suffered injuries in a police fire during the previous Monday's clashes as running battles took place between demonstrators and riot police in Nairobi as well as opposition strongholds in western Kenya. Police arrested around 200 people which included various senior opposition politicians while protesters, including their own convoy of Odinga, were hit with water cannons and tear gas. This was the first major political unrest since incumbent President William Ruto came to power around six months ago after Odinga was defeated in an election that his rivals alleged was "stolen". Even after the police ban, Odinga appealed to the Kenyans on Sunday to take part in what he called “the mother of all demonstrations". "I want to tell Ruto and the IG Koome that we are not going to be intimidated. We are not going to fear tear gas and police,” he added. President Ruto appealed to his rival to stop the action. "I am telling Raila Odinga that if he has a problem with me, he should face me and stop terrorising the country," he stated on Thursday. WATCH | Kenya: Opposition leader Odinga vows to hold protest rally despite ban "Stop paralysing the businesses of mama mboga, matatu and other Kenyans," he added, referring to private minibus operators and women stallholders. On Monday, Ruto will be leaving for a four-day official trip to Belgium and Germany during which he will hold meetings with EU and national leaders. Kenyans have been struggling to buy food by the end of the day as they are battling soaring prices for basic goods and declining local currency along with a record which has left millions hungry. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Kenya prepares for fresh protests amid police ban

Climate change is causing successive years of drought, forcing rural families in the horn of Africa deeper into poverty and hunger, and that's according to the United Nations. In Kenya, women who would normally work in agriculture, are resorting to grueling labour to keep their children fed and in school. here's a report.

World of Africa: Women crush ballast to make ends meet

The UN Food Agency says malnutrition rates in Afghanistan are at record highs. Scores of families can't afford to feed their children. Millions have been pushed into extreme poverty and hunger since the Taliban takeover in 2021. Why are western powers that left the afghan people at the mercy of the Taliban, now acting as mute spectators?

Inside South Asia: Poverty, Hunger, Malnutrition: The story of Afghanistan

Nigeria has maintained the infamous title of 'world poverty capital' according to the world bank since 2016. The world bank data had shown that four in every 10 Nigerians live below the poverty line, having almost half her population living below $2 daily.

World of Africa: Nigeria's 'serious' Hunger level

Floods in Pakistan have killed over 1,600 people, it has also caused damage worth around 30 billion dollars and to make matters worse according to the World Bank between six and nine million Pakistanis are said to be dragged into poverty.

WION Climate Tracker | World Bank: Catastrophic floods drag nine million Pakistanis into poverty

A group of 32 Afghan and international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) are pleading with the international community not to abandon the people of Afghanistan one year after the Taliban took control of the country. Instead, they want the international community to address the causes of the country's economic crisis, defend human rights, and increase humanitarian aid.

They demand a clear roadmap that will result in the restoration of the fundamental functions of the Afghan central bank and the release of Afghanistan's assets that have been frozen abroad, primarily in the US, out of concern that the deep ideological stalemate between the Taliban and the international community is consigning millions of Afghans to squalor. The NGOs demand the release of printed Afghan banknotes that are now being held in Poland but are urgently needed.

As a result of the west's reluctance to lift sanctions until the Taliban established a more representative government, allowed girls to return to secondary school, and permitted independent control of the Afghan central bank, discussions on the release of the central bank's assets have been ongoing for months. In a statement released on Sunday, the European Union restated these general requests.

Also read |&nbsp;<meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/afghanistan-under-taliban-narrated-by-an-afghan-woman-507027">Afghanistan under Taliban: Narrated by an Afghan woman</a>

Most of the major organisations present in the nation are represented by the 32 NGOs, which state: "In the last 12 months, millions of Afghans have experienced a fresh wave of adversity, including widespread hunger, unemployment, and almost universal poverty. Ninety-five percent of people lack access to sufficient food. Girls and women suffer more than males do.

Families are reportedly being pushed to make unthinkable decisions in order to survive, according to NGOs working on the ground.

As reported by the Guardian, One of the NGOs that has signed the declaration, the International Rescue Committee, has an advocacy coordinator in Afghanistan named Samira Sayed Rahman. She said: "On a recent journey to the south and south-east, I saw a healthcare system in collapse. In recent months, hospitals have not had enough cash to pay their employees. They lack the funds to purchase drugs and medical supplies. They lack the resources to purchase equipment. Afghan doctors and nurses are operating a large portion of the healthcare system out of goodwill. That model cannot be maintained. Many are attempting to flee.

Asuntha Charles, the national director of World Vision Afghanistan, said: “The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is cataclysmic, and children – as ever in crises like this – are on the frontlines. Over 4 million children are out of school, the majority of them girls, and more than 1.1 million are engaged in child labour. I have met families forced to sell their children, as young as three years old, simply to survive. As the world’s attention drifts, Afghans are falling deeper into catastrophe. We cannot turn our backs on them now.”

The International Rescue Committee's director for Afghanistan, Vicki Aken, stated: "The country's economic collapse is what has caused this crisis. The decisions made last year to isolate the Taliban, such as the freezing of foreign funds, the grounding of the banking system, and the suspension of development assistance that funded the majority of government services, have had a disastrous effect. Extreme poverty is worsening food insecurity, decreasing demand for goods, driving Afghan businesses out of business, and leading to increased unemployment.

At the end of July in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Thomas West, the US special representative for Afghanistan, and Brian Nelson, the under-secretary of the Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence, met with Taliban representatives to discuss the conditions for the release of $3.5 billion (£2.9 billion) in Afghan central bank assets that are currently held in the US. The Biden administration has controversially set aside an additional $3.5 billion to aid 9/11 terror attack victims.

Noor Ahmad Agha, a US-designated global terrorist, was appointed by the Taliban as the central bank's deputy governor, which has angered the west. The US has pushed for the establishment of a body that is separate from the central bank to supervise the management of any repatriated assets.

The NGOs stress in their statement that "appropriate protections should be in place" if the bank's reserves are returned, without going into further detail.

The Afghan currency has suffered a severe depreciation as a result of the bank's inability to access the cash, driving up import prices and threatening to bring the banking system to its knees, making it difficult for people to access their savings and receive their paychecks.

The NGOs also urge donors and international financial organisations to distribute the remaining cash in the Afghan Reconstruction Trust Fund, which is overseen by the World Bank, as well as to increase the role of NGOs in the fund.

The disbursement of $793 million in two instalments to other long-term projects outside of the Taliban's authority was authorised by the management committee of the fund in June. The NGOs assert that Afghan civil society organisations, particularly those run by women both inside and outside the nation, must also have access to money and support.

"Hard-won advances over the past 20 years are swiftly being undone, as women and girls are systematically eliminated from public life," Human Rights Watch researcher Fereshta Abbasi said. They are no longer able to exercise their rights to freedom of movement, work, or education. The tremendous sense of abandonment and helplessness that permeates the women I meet with makes them feel resentful. Their cries must be heard by us.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH |&nbsp;One year of Taliban regime: A year of grave human rights violation?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/one-year-of-taliban-regime-a-year-of-grave-human-rights-violation-507058/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A group of 32 Afghan and international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) are pleading with the international community not to abandon the people of Afghanistan one year after the Taliban took control of the country.

A group of 32 Afghan and international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) are pleading with the international community not to abandon the people of Afghanistan one year after the Taliban took control of the country. Instead, they want the international community to address the causes of the country's economic crisis, defend human rights, and increase humanitarian aid. They demand a clear roadmap that will result in the restoration of the fundamental functions of the Afghan central bank and the release of Afghanistan's assets that have been frozen abroad, primarily in the US, out of concern that the deep ideological stalemate between the Taliban and the international community is consigning millions of Afghans to squalor. The NGOs demand the release of printed Afghan banknotes that are now being held in Poland but are urgently needed. As a result of the west's reluctance to lift sanctions until the Taliban established a more representative government, allowed girls to return to secondary school, and permitted independent control of the Afghan central bank, discussions on the release of the central bank's assets have been ongoing for months. In a statement released on Sunday, the European Union restated these general requests. Also read | Afghanistan under Taliban: Narrated by an Afghan woman Most of the major organisations present in the nation are represented by the 32 NGOs, which state: "In the last 12 months, millions of Afghans have experienced a fresh wave of adversity, including widespread hunger, unemployment, and almost universal poverty. Ninety-five percent of people lack access to sufficient food. Girls and women suffer more than males do. Families are reportedly being pushed to make unthinkable decisions in order to survive, according to NGOs working on the ground. As reported by the Guardian, One of the NGOs that has signed the declaration, the International Rescue Committee, has an advocacy coordinator in Afghanistan named Samira Sayed Rahman. She said: "On a recent journey to the south and south-east, I saw a healthcare system in collapse. In recent months, hospitals have not had enough cash to pay their employees. They lack the funds to purchase drugs and medical supplies. They lack the resources to purchase equipment. Afghan doctors and nurses are operating a large portion of the healthcare system out of goodwill. That model cannot be maintained. Many are attempting to flee. Asuntha Charles, the national director of World Vision Afghanistan, said: “The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is cataclysmic, and children – as ever in crises like this – are on the frontlines. Over 4 million children are out of school, the majority of them girls, and more than 1.1 million are engaged in child labour. I have met families forced to sell their children, as young as three years old, simply to survive. As the world’s attention drifts, Afghans are falling deeper into catastrophe. We cannot turn our backs on them now.” The International Rescue Committee's director for Afghanistan, Vicki Aken, stated: "The country's economic collapse is what has caused this crisis. The decisions made last year to isolate the Taliban, such as the freezing of foreign funds, the grounding of the banking system, and the suspension of development assistance that funded the majority of government services, have had a disastrous effect. Extreme poverty is worsening food insecurity, decreasing demand for goods, driving Afghan businesses out of business, and leading to increased unemployment. At the end of July in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Thomas West, the US special representative for Afghanistan, and Brian Nelson, the under-secretary of the Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence, met with Taliban representatives to discuss the conditions for the release of $3.5 billion (£2.9 billion) in Afghan central bank assets that are currently held in the US. The Biden administration has controversially set aside an additional $3.5 billion to aid 9/11 terror attack victims. Noor Ahmad Agha, a US-designated global terrorist, was appointed by the Taliban as the central bank's deputy governor, which has angered the west. The US has pushed for the establishment of a body that is separate from the central bank to supervise the management of any repatriated assets. The NGOs stress in their statement that "appropriate protections should be in place" if the bank's reserves are returned, without going into further detail. The Afghan currency has suffered a severe depreciation as a result of the bank's inability to access the cash, driving up import prices and threatening to bring the banking system to its knees, making it difficult for people to access their savings and receive their paychecks. The NGOs also urge donors and international financial organisations to distribute the remaining cash in the Afghan Reconstruction Trust Fund, which is overseen by the World Bank, as well as to increase the role of NGOs in the fund. The disbursement of $793 million in two instalments to other long-term projects outside of the Taliban's authority was authorised by the management committee of the fund in June. The NGOs assert that Afghan civil society organisations, particularly those run by women both inside and outside the nation, must also have access to money and support. "Hard-won advances over the past 20 years are swiftly being undone, as women and girls are systematically eliminated from public life," Human Rights Watch researcher Fereshta Abbasi said. They are no longer able to exercise their rights to freedom of movement, work, or education. The tremendous sense of abandonment and helplessness that permeates the women I meet with makes them feel resentful. Their cries must be heard by us. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH | One year of Taliban regime: A year of grave human rights violation?

Afghanistan: In order to address 'near-universal poverty' NGOs demand assets to be unfrozen

Since the take over of Afghanistan by the Taliban, the country's economic prospects continue to remain grim. The country's children bear the most brunt of the economic situation as 97% of the population remains below poverty.

Afghanistan children bear the brunt of economic woes, 97% population below poverty

Brutal gang violence, fuel shortages and soaring food commodity prices have brought the capital city of Port-au-Prince in Haiti to a halt. According to United Nations estimates, approximately 234 people have lost their lives or got hurt in the violence, with new reports of sexual violence also coming to light.&nbsp;

According to deputy mayor Jean Hislain Frederick, the violence erupted in the Cite Soleil neighbourhood of the city last week (Thursday) when two rival gangs engaged in a bloody battle amongst themselves. Soon, the violence spread around and the entire city was in flames in no time.&nbsp;

According to the humanitarian organisation named Medecins Sans Frontieres, more colloquially known as Doctors Without Borders, thousands of people are trapped without drinking water, food or medical care. The aid organisation has been pleading with the armed groups to spare civilians. The aid outfit is also requesting the gangs&nbsp;to let them reach the isolated neighbourhood of Brooklyn that has been completely disconnected from the mainstream.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for&nbsp;UN Human Rights Office was quoted as saying, “Most of the victims were not directly involved in gangs and were directly targeted by gang elements. We have also received new reports of sexual violence,”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/numerous-inmates-starve-to-death-in-haiti-prison-due-to-overcrowding-491471">Numerous inmates starve to death in Haiti prison due to overcrowding</a>

Jimmy Cherizier, nicknamed Barbecue, a former police officer is one of the main perpetrators and the leader of a gang named G-9. Last month, Cherizier was seen posting videos on various social media platforms to brainwash and recruit impressionable youngsters into joining his gang, whilst spreading his propaganda. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Guerre des kulunas à Port-au-Prince, en Haïti—Les « G-Pèp » &amp; les « G-9 », 2 coalitions de gangs lourdement armés, se livrent des combats dans la capitale. Jimmy Chérizier alias Barbecue (à dr.) a même saisi des bulldozers pour raser des maisons.<a href="https://t.co/xvpI1oPh5s">https://t.co/xvpI1oPh5s</a> <a href="https://t.co/CdJ436a8nU">pic.twitter.com/CdJ436a8nU</a>
— alexengwete (@alexengwete) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexengwete/status/1548217221247160323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The inaction of the law enforcement agencies has only bolstered the confidence of the gangs.&nbsp;United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) has already issued a warning that the hunger situation was set to worsen in the city as well as the country. Large-scale migration is expected to take place as ordinary Haitians flee for neighbouring Dominican Republic&nbsp;or leave the Carribean for United States.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Read More:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lawyers-fed-up-with-paralyzed-judicial-system-in-haiti-469577">&nbsp;Lawyers fed up with paralysed judicial system in Haiti</a>

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

Brutal gang violence, fuel shortages and soaring food commodity prices have brought the capital city of Port-au-Prince in Haiti to a halt. According to United Nations estimates, approximately 234 people have lost their lives or got hurt in the violence, with new reports of sexual violence also coming to light.

Brutal gang violence, fuel shortages and soaring food commodity prices have brought the capital city of Port-au-Prince in Haiti to a halt. According to United Nations estimates, approximately 234 people have lost their lives or got hurt in the violence, with new reports of sexual violence also coming to light. According to deputy mayor Jean Hislain Frederick, the violence erupted in the Cite Soleil neighbourhood of the city last week (Thursday) when two rival gangs engaged in a bloody battle amongst themselves. Soon, the violence spread around and the entire city was in flames in no time. According to the humanitarian organisation named Medecins Sans Frontieres, more colloquially known as Doctors Without Borders, thousands of people are trapped without drinking water, food or medical care. The aid organisation has been pleading with the armed groups to spare civilians. The aid outfit is also requesting the gangs to let them reach the isolated neighbourhood of Brooklyn that has been completely disconnected from the mainstream. Meanwhile, Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for UN Human Rights Office was quoted as saying, “Most of the victims were not directly involved in gangs and were directly targeted by gang elements. We have also received new reports of sexual violence,” Read More: Numerous inmates starve to death in Haiti prison due to overcrowding Jimmy Cherizier, nicknamed Barbecue, a former police officer is one of the main perpetrators and the leader of a gang named G-9. Last month, Cherizier was seen posting videos on various social media platforms to brainwash and recruit impressionable youngsters into joining his gang, whilst spreading his propaganda. Guerre des kulunas à Port-au-Prince, en Haïti—Les « G-Pèp » & les « G-9 », 2 coalitions de gangs lourdement armés, se livrent des combats dans la capitale. Jimmy Chérizier alias Barbecue (à dr.) a même saisi des bulldozers pour raser des maisons.https://t.co/xvpI1oPh5s pic.twitter.com/CdJ436a8nU — alexengwete (@alexengwete) July 16, 2022 × The inaction of the law enforcement agencies has only bolstered the confidence of the gangs. United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) has already issued a warning that the hunger situation was set to worsen in the city as well as the country. Large-scale migration is expected to take place as ordinary Haitians flee for neighbouring Dominican Republic or leave the Carribean for United States. Read More: Lawyers fed up with paralysed judicial system in Haiti (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

234 dead, thousands trapped without food, water or fuel; Haiti descends into chaos and anarchy

From education to business, the world is moving onto online platforms, leading to massive growth in the information and communication technology (ICT) industry. The internet, what was once a luxury, has become an essential utility. But many countries still don't have access to the latest technology and some regions don't have access to high-speed internet. This digital divide between the rich and poor is widening, causing "digital poverty". Digital poverty simply means a lack of ICTs. Reports have noted that it might be a feature of any population segment, whether or not economically poor.

Digital poverty is a thing. Do you know what it is?

Rising inflation has pushed 71 million people into poverty since Russia's war on Ukraine. The IMF chief says a recession cannot be ruled out in 2023. Can central banks tame inflation without triggering a recession? Molly Gambhir tells you why the window is closing.

Gravitas: Inflation pushed 71 million people into poverty

In Kyrgyzstan, residents are struggling to make ends meet due to exponential increase of the cost of living and lack of jobs. Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have only worsened the situation.

Kyrgyzstan endures soaring inflation and poverty, residents struggle to find work

They appear at nightfall, dragging heavy carts from dustbin to dustbin in the affluent northern suburbs of the Colombian capital&nbsp;Bogota.

Informal recyclers, they rifle through the&nbsp;trash&nbsp;of the&nbsp;rich&nbsp;looking for waste plastic, glass bottles and cardboard they can sell for a handful of pesos.

It is back-breaking work for little reward, but a salvation for thousands&nbsp;in a country where one in eight city dwellers is unemployed, and the poverty rate approaches 40 percent.

"This life is hard, but it is my only option to survive," Jesus Maria Perez, 52, told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-conflict-to-cartels-all-you-need-to-know-about-colombia-482849">From conflict to cartels: All you need to know about Colombia</a>

Men, women and even children: these waste pickers are the face of the misery that candidate after candidate for Sunday's first round of presidential elections has vowed to eradicate.

Many, Perez included, are among the estimated 1.8 million migrants to have fled neighbouring Venezuela in search of a better life in Colombia -- Latin America's fourth-largest economy but one of the world's most unequal.

In 2020, according to the&nbsp;Bogota&nbsp;city council, 25,000 of the capital's eight million inhabitants worked as informal rubbish recyclers.

On average, each earns between 12,000 and 18,000 pesos ($3 to $4.50) daily for their efforts, according to Alvaro Nocua of the "Give Me Your Hand" association set up to help this community.

Watch |&nbsp;Colombians mark 1-year anniversary of national strikes

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/colombians-mark-1-year-anniversary-of-national-strikes-474905/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h3>Human work horses</h3>

For Perez, who used to be a cook in Venezuela, it is a struggle to meet his daily goal of 40,000 pesos -- about $10 -- to cover his one meal a day, a bed for the night and parking for his wooden cart.

He has no horse or donkey to pull the heavy burden: the&nbsp;Bogota&nbsp;municipality banned the practice eight years ago to combat animal abuse.

And as few can afford a self-propelled vehicle, it is people who do the heavy lifting, pulling their carts for kilometres&nbsp;every day.

Whole families take part in the endeavour; the parents wading through the garbage as little ones wait in the cart, playing among the rubbish.

Bogota&nbsp;produces nearly 7,500 tons of waste every day, of which as much as 16 percent, municipal data shows, is recycled by people like Perez.&nbsp;

Nearly 80 percent of Colombian households did not recycle or even separate their waste at home, according to 2019 figures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-euthanasia-colombia-approves-assisted-medical-suicide-for-seriously-ill-patients-478584">Now, Colombia approves assisted medical suicide for seriously ill patients</a>

<h3>A small income</h3>

Martha Munoz, 45, runs a small recycling station where she buys waste from the informal collectors before reselling it to one of 15 large centres in&nbsp;Bogota.

"Many of those who come here live on the street; this allows them to have a small income," she told AFP.

Munoz said she raised her seven children with her recycling income -- one is a lawyer today and another an engineer.

Perez's expectations are shorter term.

On the day AFP met him, he had managed to earn only 25,000 pesos, just over half of what he needs.

Subtracting the rent for his room in a filthy boarding house in a rough neighbourhood and expenses for parking his cart, Perez is left with just 1,000 pesos -- about a quarter of a US dollar.

To make up the difference, he sets out again, this time to sell candy and bin bags on the street.

In this way, he collects enough to pay for his first and only meal of the day: a small sachet of rice with a bit of meat.

According to the World Bank, Colombia is one of the countries with the highest income inequality and biggest informal labor markets in Latin America.

Colombians go to the polls Sunday for elections in which deepening economic woes -- which gave rise to deadly protests last year -- are a key campaign issue.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

They appear at nightfall, dragging heavy carts from dustbin to dustbin in the affluent northern suburbs of the Colombian capital Bogota. Informal recyclers, they rifle through the trash of the rich looking for waste plastic, glass bottles and cardboard they can sell for a handful of pesos.

They appear at nightfall, dragging heavy carts from dustbin to dustbin in the affluent northern suburbs of the Colombian capital Bogota. Informal recyclers, they rifle through the trash of the rich looking for waste plastic, glass bottles and cardboard they can sell for a handful of pesos. It is back-breaking work for little reward, but a salvation for thousands in a country where one in eight city dwellers is unemployed, and the poverty rate approaches 40 percent. "This life is hard, but it is my only option to survive," Jesus Maria Perez, 52, told AFP. Also read | From conflict to cartels: All you need to know about Colombia Men, women and even children: these waste pickers are the face of the misery that candidate after candidate for Sunday's first round of presidential elections has vowed to eradicate. Many, Perez included, are among the estimated 1.8 million migrants to have fled neighbouring Venezuela in search of a better life in Colombia -- Latin America's fourth-largest economy but one of the world's most unequal. In 2020, according to the Bogota city council, 25,000 of the capital's eight million inhabitants worked as informal rubbish recyclers. On average, each earns between 12,000 and 18,000 pesos ($3 to $4.50) daily for their efforts, according to Alvaro Nocua of the "Give Me Your Hand" association set up to help this community. Watch | Colombians mark 1-year anniversary of national strikes Human work horses For Perez, who used to be a cook in Venezuela, it is a struggle to meet his daily goal of 40,000 pesos -- about $10 -- to cover his one meal a day, a bed for the night and parking for his wooden cart. He has no horse or donkey to pull the heavy burden: the Bogota municipality banned the practice eight years ago to combat animal abuse. And as few can afford a self-propelled vehicle, it is people who do the heavy lifting, pulling their carts for kilometres every day. Whole families take part in the endeavour; the parents wading through the garbage as little ones wait in the cart, playing among the rubbish. Bogota produces nearly 7,500 tons of waste every day, of which as much as 16 percent, municipal data shows, is recycled by people like Perez. Nearly 80 percent of Colombian households did not recycle or even separate their waste at home, according to 2019 figures. Also read | Now, Colombia approves assisted medical suicide for seriously ill patients A small income Martha Munoz, 45, runs a small recycling station where she buys waste from the informal collectors before reselling it to one of 15 large centres in Bogota. "Many of those who come here live on the street; this allows them to have a small income," she told AFP. Munoz said she raised her seven children with her recycling income -- one is a lawyer today and another an engineer. Perez's expectations are shorter term. On the day AFP met him, he had managed to earn only 25,000 pesos, just over half of what he needs. Subtracting the rent for his room in a filthy boarding house in a rough neighbourhood and expenses for parking his cart, Perez is left with just 1,000 pesos -- about a quarter of a US dollar. To make up the difference, he sets out again, this time to sell candy and bin bags on the street. In this way, he collects enough to pay for his first and only meal of the day: a small sachet of rice with a bit of meat. According to the World Bank, Colombia is one of the countries with the highest income inequality and biggest informal labor markets in Latin America. Colombians go to the polls Sunday for elections in which deepening economic woes -- which gave rise to deadly protests last year -- are a key campaign issue. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

In Bogota, trash of the rich becomes lifeline for the poor

Thousands of people in Argentina took the streets of the capital to express their discontent with President Alberto Fernandez due to gripping inflation and a prolonged economic crisis in the country.

Argentina economic crisis: 40% of Argentines are battling poverty

Since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, unemployment and poverty have increased and ordinary Afghans have been complaining about the harsh economic environment. Prices of fuel and other items have risen even more during Ramadan. For more details, we're joined by Economist, Atiqullah Matin

WION-VOA Co-Production: Rising unemployment & poverty in Afghanistan

It's a journey like no other. This shocking viral video shows how this woman is using a precarious zipline to get to another village on the other side of a deep canyon.

This is how children go to school here

This is how children go to school here...

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has warned that nine out of 10 Ukrainians could face extreme economic vulnerability if the Russian war goes on for another year.

The early projection released by the UNDP on Wednesday stated that the ongoing conflict can undo 18 years of socio-economic achievements, with almost one-third of the population living below the poverty line and a further 62 per cent at high risk of falling into poverty within the next 12 months.

“The war in Ukraine is causing unimaginable human suffering with a tragic loss of life and the displacement of millions of people. While the need for immediate humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians is of the utmost importance, the acute development impacts of a protracted war are now becoming more apparent,” said UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner on the official website.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/struggling-russia-deploying-more-reinforcements-from-across-country-into-ukraine-uk-intel-462861">‘Struggling’ Russia deploying more reinforcements from across country into Ukraine: UK intel</a><o:p></o:p>

“An alarming economic decline, and the suffering and hardship it will bring to an already traumatised population must now come into sharper focus. There is still time to halt this grim trajectory.”

Before the launch of the Russian invasion, an estimated 2 per cent of Ukrainians lived under the poverty line, but the situation will get worse if the conflict goes on, according to Steiner.

"We estimate that up to 18 years of development gains of Ukraine could simply be wiped out in a matter of 12 to 18 months," Steiner said in an interview with Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fox-news-veteran-war-zone-photographer-ukrainian-journalist-killed-in-ukraine-462764">Fox News veteran war-zone photographer, Ukrainian journalist killed in Ukraine</a><o:p></o:p>

Earlier, Ukraine’s government economic adviser Oleg Ustenko said that the Russian forces have destroyed $100bn worth of infrastructure, buildings, roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, and other physical assets.

It was further stated that 50 per cent of Ukrainian businesses had shut down completely.

Watch |&nbsp;Zelenskyy: Russia-Ukraine Peace talks 'sound realistic'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/zelenskyy-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-sound-realistic-462871/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With agency inputs)

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has warned that nine out of 10 Ukrainians could face extreme economic vulnerability if the Russian war goes on for another year.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has warned that nine out of 10 Ukrainians could face extreme economic vulnerability if the Russian war goes on for another year. The early projection released by the UNDP on Wednesday stated that the ongoing conflict can undo 18 years of socio-economic achievements, with almost one-third of the population living below the poverty line and a further 62 per cent at high risk of falling into poverty within the next 12 months. “The war in Ukraine is causing unimaginable human suffering with a tragic loss of life and the displacement of millions of people. While the need for immediate humanitarian assistance to Ukrainians is of the utmost importance, the acute development impacts of a protracted war are now becoming more apparent,” said UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner on the official website. Also read | ‘Struggling’ Russia deploying more reinforcements from across country into Ukraine: UK intel “An alarming economic decline, and the suffering and hardship it will bring to an already traumatised population must now come into sharper focus. There is still time to halt this grim trajectory.” Before the launch of the Russian invasion, an estimated 2 per cent of Ukrainians lived under the poverty line, but the situation will get worse if the conflict goes on, according to Steiner. "We estimate that up to 18 years of development gains of Ukraine could simply be wiped out in a matter of 12 to 18 months," Steiner said in an interview with Reuters. Also read | Fox News veteran war-zone photographer, Ukrainian journalist killed in Ukraine Earlier, Ukraine’s government economic adviser Oleg Ustenko said that the Russian forces have destroyed $100bn worth of infrastructure, buildings, roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, and other physical assets. It was further stated that 50 per cent of Ukrainian businesses had shut down completely. Watch | Zelenskyy: Russia-Ukraine Peace talks 'sound realistic' (With agency inputs)

Nine out of 10 Ukrainians could be pushed into poverty if war continues: UNDP

poverty

Poverty, News on Poverty, stories on Poverty, articles on Poverty, Poverty stories at Wion, Poverty news, Poverty latest news