Uganda: mental health crisis at refugee camps
The mental health crisis at Kiryandongo refugee camp is escalating, with suicides and suicide attempts surging. Between January and October 2024, 41 suicides and over 130 attempts were recorded, highlighting the profound psychological distress faced by refugees. Many are haunted by memories of past trauma, such as bombings. These ongoing fears disrupt daily life and contribute to widespread mental health struggles. Despite the existence of psychosocial support programs, resources at the camp are insufficient to meet the overwhelming demand. With over 1.7 million refugees in Uganda, local healthcare services are under immense pressure, but specialised care is often inaccessible due to high costs. The UNHCR is calling on governments, the private sector, and international donors to increase funding for mental health programs to address this urgent need.
Brazil: Lula’s health scare causes problems for the country’s left wing
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s recent health scare has raised questions about his political future and Brazil’s left-wing leadership. At 79, Lula has undergone emergency surgery in São Paulo after a fall at home led to a cranial hemorrhage. His health issues, coupled with his central role in negotiating key policies, have cast uncertainty over the future of his minority government, which is grappling with essential reforms in spending cuts and tax policies. There are also concerns over his ability to run for reelection in 2026, with the Workers Party lacking a clear successor. He has said that he would like to see a political ‘renovation’ in the next election, but if his candidacy is required to defeat the far right, then ‘obviously I'll be ready to run’. Analysts believe the party is unprepared for a future without his leadership; the failure to develop new leaders has made it challenging for it to gain traction in recent elections.
Iran: released from death sentence
Marziyeh Amirizadeh spent her first 33 years under a restrictive regime that curtailed freedoms following the 1979 revolution. Raised as a Muslim, she experienced a profound spiritual transformation after encountering God in a dream, leading her to embrace Christianity. Despite the severe risks, Marziyeh and her friend Maryam began evangelising in Tehran, distributing Bibles and sharing Jesus' love. Their activities attracted the attention of authorities, and in 2009 they were arrested and sentenced to death by hanging for apostasy and promoting Christianity. Initially confined in an underground dungeon, they endured inhumane conditions, but throughout their imprisonment Marziyeh held on to the promise of Matthew 10:19, which assures believers that the Spirit will provide words in times of persecution. Their unwavering faith and international advocacy eventually led to their release. Her story is a testament to steadfast faith amid persecution.
300 global leaders adopt 'Madrid Commitment'
The VI Transatlantic Summit, hosted by the Political Network for Values (PNfV) in Spain, united 300 global leaders from 45 nations to launch the Madrid Commitment. This initiative presents a decade-long action plan defending freedom, family, and the culture of life, emphasising Christian principles and universal values as essential to national well-being. Key proposals include defending human dignity and life from conception to natural death, fostering family stability through policy, and promoting a culture that celebrates life. Leaders also encouraged governments to adopt the Geneva Consensus Declaration, supporting women's health and protecting life, while reaffirming the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The summit, supported by groups like the Heritage Foundation, reinforced PNfV’s mission to advocate for life, family, and freedom worldwide.
