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World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, observed on June 17 each year, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the challenges posed by desertification, land degradation, and drought. It highlights the importance of combating these environmental issues and promoting sustainable land management practices. Human Concern International (HCI), a leading humanitarian organization, has been at the forefront of building awareness and taking action on this significant day. Through its Water for Life campaign and strategic partnerships, HCI is actively working to address the impacts of desertification and drought in North America, particularly within Indigenous communities.
As part of its mission to address water challenges and combat drought, Human Concern International (HCI) and Human Concern USA have launched the Water for Life North America Tour. This extensive tour includes stops in prominent Canadian cities such as Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton, and Vancouver, as well as key locations in the United States including Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles. Through engaging events and educational initiatives, HCI is working to bring attention to the pressing issue of drought, desertification, and access to clean water while inspiring communities to take action and support sustainable water solutions.
At the heart of HCI's Water for Life campaign is a commitment to social justice and participation in the #JusticeBeginsHere movement launched in late 2022. This movement aims to address the underlying structural inequalities that hinder the equitable delivery of water and sanitation services, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable communities. HCI recognises that access to water is not just a matter of necessity but also a fundamental human right. It seeks to challenge the systemic barriers and disparities that perpetuate water insecurity, disproportionately affecting disadvantaged communities, including Indigenous populations.
Engin Altan Düzyatan Documentary Be Witness
Engin Altan Düzyatan, widely recognized for his role as Ertuğrul Bey in the hit series "Diriliş: Ertuğrul," has been a driving force in HCI's awareness campaign. In 2019, Altan embarked on a documentary project titled Be Witness, which shed light on the water insecurity faced by vulnerable communities in Africa. Through this powerful film, Altan spearheaded a large-scale campaign in Turkey to secure funds for building clean water wells and improving access to clean water for those in need. His dedication to raising awareness and mobilizing support has been invaluable in promoting the urgency of addressing the global water crisis.
The partnership between HCI and Engin Altan Düzyatan has resonated deeply with people across North America, inspiring thousands to join the cause and support efforts to combat drought and water scarcity worldwide. Through the Water for Life campaign, HCI and Altan have created platforms that allow concerned citizens to actively engage in the fight against water scarcity. These platforms have fostered a sense of solidarity, empowering individuals to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable communities worldwide.
HCI’s Work Around the World Combating Drought and Access to Water
HCI's commitment to combating drought extends across continents. In Africa, HCI has implemented water projects in countries such as Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, providing sustainable access to clean water and improving the overall quality of life for communities facing water scarcity. In the Middle East, HCI has played a crucial role in Gaza and Yemen, where water scarcity exacerbates existing humanitarian crises. In Asia, HCI's efforts have made a significant impact in countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, empowering communities through the construction of wells, water filtration systems, and water infrastructure development.
How Indigenous Communities in Canada Are Impacted by Drought
Indigenous communities in Canada are disproportionately impacted by the impacts of climate change and its related disasters. Recent studies have shown that a staggering 69.6 percent of Canadian Inuit Indigenous people do not always know where their next meal is coming from, while a quarter of surveyed off-reserve First Nation households and over half of on-reserve First Nation people experience moderate food insecurity due to drought and other climate-related factors. These statistics underscore the profound challenges faced by Indigenous communities in accessing essential resources in the face of climate change.
In recent years, Indigenous communities across Canada have witnessed the increasing frequency and intensity of drought, wildfires, floods, and temperature extremes directly linked to climate change. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, who maintain deep connections to the land, waters, animals, plants, and natural resources, are uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. However, it is crucial to recognize that their vulnerability is not inherent but rather systemic, stemming from a history of climate injustice and policies of inequity that have persisted for generations.
HCI understands the importance of a holistic approach that encompasses not only access to clean water but also addresses the broader climate challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
HCI’s Partnership with Water First Empowers Indigenous Communities
Recognizing the urgent need to address the water-related insecurities faced by Indigenous communities, HCI has committed itself to work in partnership with these communities. By collaborating with organizations like Water First, HCI aims to empower Indigenous communities to tackle the specific water challenges they face due to drought and other climate-related impacts.
HCI's support of Water First plays an important role in empowering Indigenous communities in Canada. Through the collaboration, HCI is supporting Water First to provide water science programs and training initiatives, equipping Indigenous youth with the knowledge and skills to address water-related challenges effectively. This partnership fosters sustainability and nurtures a sense of pride and ownership among Indigenous communities, empowering them to actively secure their water future.
Amplifying the Voices of those Impacted By Drought
The journey toward justice and social and environmental sustainability requires collective action and collaboration. HCI is actively engaged in raising awareness and advocating for policy changes. HCI is working toward a more equitable future where all communities, regardless of their background, have access to clean water and can thrive in harmony with the environment.
As we mark the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, it is crucial to recognize the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities in the face of climate change. By acknowledging their unique knowledge systems, supporting their self-determination, and amplifying their voices, we can foster a more inclusive and sustainable world for future generations. HCI firmly aligns itself with the principles outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, upholding the inherent rights, dignity, and self-governance of Indigenous communities. HCI remains dedicated to standing alongside Indigenous peoples, acknowledging their challenges, and working collaboratively towards a future founded on principles of justice and equity.
About Human Concern International (HCI):
Human Concern International (HCI) was established in 1980, registered with the Canadian Revenue Agency as a federally recognized charity in 1983, and is Canada’s first and oldest Muslim charity. We began our operations in 1979 in Pakistan, assisting Afghan refugees fleeing the war. Since then, we have delivered over $200 million of aid across the globe. Entrenched in all our work is our vision for a world without poverty and injustice. Since its inception, HCI has provided humanitarian aid and development support to tens of millions of individuals and families around the world as per our mission to save lives and move people from crises to sustainability through emergency response, education, healthcare, livelihoods, water and sanitation, and child sponsorship programs. For HCI, charity starts at home, and we uplift our community in both times of need and celebration.
For more information on HCI, visit https://humanconcern.org/