The Human-Made Famine Catastrophe Unfolding in Gaza and South Sudan

The Human-Made Famine Catastrophe Unfolding in Gaza and South Sudan

World Hunger Day was observed on May 28 to raise awareness about global food insecurity and encourage action to end hunger. This year's theme is "Sowing Resilience", focusing on how combating climate change can help ensure food security for all.

For three months, the world has watched a heartbreaking humanitarian crisis unfold in Gaza. Millions of vulnerable individuals—infants, children, women, and men—are grappling with devastating hunger in a region where the very act of obtaining food has become a forbidden struggle.

South Sudan is facing one of the world’s most prolonged hunger crises, with over 8 million people experiencing severe food insecurity, according to reports from the Organization for World Peace and the United Nations. Ongoing violence continues to block humanitarian aid, leaving countless individuals without access to essential supplies.

The stark reality is that this widespread starvation is not caused by natural disasters or climate change but rather results from deliberate political decisions, often described as a 'policy of starvation.

Starvation as a Weapon of War

The total blockade has turned Gaza into a place where hunger is being used as a method of control. Over the past three months, vital supplies like food, medicine, and fuel have been cut off, creating a devastating humanitarian crisis. Over 2.1 million people face acute food shortages, trapped in a cycle of starvation and disease. Nearly 500,000 individuals suffer from catastrophic hunger, at imminent risk of starvation, according to a UN-backed assessment.

Children are dying—right now, as the world watches. Since the blockade began, at least 57 children have lost their lives due to malnutrition, and their fragile bodies are unable to withstand the worsening crisis. Experts warn the actual number may be far higher, as aid workers struggle to reach those in need. 

On a recent report, on June 3, 2025, a UN food aid convoy was attacked near Al Koma, North Darfur. Multiple trucks carrying essential supplies were set ablaze while attempting to deliver aid to a famine-stricken region, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.

The World’s Worst Hunger Crisis—Unfolding in Real Time

The World Health Organization (WHO) has acknowledged Gaza as one of the world's worst hunger crises. People are starving, sick, and dying, yet aid remains blocked or drastically limited. Every attempt to deliver life-saving supplies is met with obstacles, leaving the entire population trapped in a slow, agonizing death. If action is not taken immediately, projections suggest that in the next 11 months, 71,000 children under five will suffer acute malnutrition, many of them perishing from preventable hunger. This is not a famine caused by nature—it is entirely manufactured by human decisions.

A Crime Against Humanity

The human-made famine unfolding in Gaza and South Sudan is not only immoral and unethical, it is a clear violation of human rights and international law. Under the Geneva Conventions, the intentional deprivation of food or humanitarian aid is explicitly prohibited. It is classified as a war crime, reinforcing the gravity of the ongoing situation. Yet millions remain without access to food and medical aid, trapped in a crisis they cannot escape.

Food Deprivation: A Violation of Faith, Religious Beliefs, and Cultural Traditions

Across major religions, the act of denying food is considered unjust and morally wrong. Many faiths emphasize compassion, generosity, and the responsibility to feed the hungry.

Christianity teaches that feeding those in need is an act of righteousness. Jesus' words, "For I was hungry and you gave me food" (Matthew 25:35), highlight the duty to care for the vulnerable. Stories like Elijah and the widow of Zarephath underscore the importance of divine intervention and human compassion in times of scarcity.

Judaism reinforces this principle through tzedakah—a concept rooted in justice and social responsibility. Jewish teachings insist that ensuring food for the needy is not mere charity, but it means “justice” or “righteousness” central to Jewish ethics. Encouraging generosity and social responsibility, says Rabbi Menachem Posner, on his website Chabad.org

Islam regards feeding the hungry as an act of righteousness, strongly encouraged in the Quran. The withholding of food from those in need is viewed as a moral failing. Likewise, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism emphasize non-harm and generosity, integrating food into spiritual and ethical practices.

Beyond religious values, cultural traditions around the world honor food as a means of unity and hospitality. Sharing a meal is an expression of community, love, and respect. In many societies, guests are welcomed with warmth and nourishment, reinforcing food’s role in human connection.

Food deprivation—especially when caused by injustice or conflict—violates the ethical teachings of many religions and traditions. It is a shared moral duty to ensure that those suffering from hunger receive aid and nourishment- food nurtures our bodies, minds, and souls.

The Urgency for Action

The world cannot afford to remain silent. This is a moment for international leaders to act decisively—to intervene, pressure, and ensure the immediate release of humanitarian aid. The blockade must end, and essential supplies must reach the people who depend on them for survival.

We, ordinary citizens, have the power to demand action. Advocacy, protests, petitions—whatever role we can play, we must. As climate activist Greta Thunberg said while joining an aid ship sailing to Gaza, breaking the blockade:

"Not even near as dangerous as the silence of the world in the face of the live-streamed genocide."

Every life lost to starvation is a failure of global humanity. Every child dying from hunger is a stain on the conscience of the world. We must choose to speak, to resist, to demand justice—before Gaza is lost forever.

As the World YMCA powerfully stated:

“Gaza is enduring more than just a humanitarian crisis—the crisis is existential.”

In Solidarity,

Sunita Suna

Executive Secretary

Asia Pacific YMCA

YMCA of Hong Kong Domestic Helper Unit: 30th Annual Graduation Ceremony and YMCA of Hong Kong Thanksgiving Dinner 2025

On May 1, 2025, YMCA of Hong Kong proudly hosted its "30th Annual Graduation Ceremony" and “YMCA of Hong Kong Thanksgiving Dinner 2025” at the YMCAHK Headquarters. Themed "Together We Rise, Celebrating Our Journey", this event commemorated three decades of dedication and service to the Domestic Helpers Unit.

The Thanksgiving dinner, with the motto "Together We Thrive", symbolizes the collaborative efforts of the YMCA and ethnic minority communities in building a brighter future.

These events align with the YMCA Vision 2030, particularly the Just World pillar, which promotes an inclusive, fair and just community. The celebration brought together 100 graduates who shared their achievements and experiences, highlighting the profound impact of the program on their lives.

The Annual Graduation Ceremony recognizes and celebrates the achievements of graduates, honoring their hard work and dedication throughout their journey in the YMCA. This celebration serves not only to acknowledge individual accomplishments but also serves as an inspiration for continued growth.

Additionally, YMCA organize specialized programs for domestic helpers in Hong Kong to foster a sense of community and support among domestic helpers, creating a nurturing environment where they can connect, share experiences, and uplift one another.

Moreover, the YMCA of Hong Kong Thanksgiving Dinner commemorates the organization's 30-year commitment to supporting ethnic minority communities. This event aims to strengthen connections among diverse service recipients and recognize the invaluable contributions of individuals and groups advocating for these communities.

The "30th Annual Graduation Ceremony" features 100 graduates and special guests from the Consulate General of the Philippines in Hong Kong and the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Hong Kong. During the opening ceremony, paper airplanes symbolising aspirations were placed on a bulletin board. In the evening, the Thanksgiving Dinner 2025 was specially held to celebrate the support from YMCA for ethnic minority communities over the past 30 years. The dinner was also honored to invite Ms. Shalini Mahtani, the 2020 Hong Kong Humanity Award recipient, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Zubin Foundation, as the officiating guest of the dinner, highlighting the difficulties faced by ethnic minorities and praising YMCA’s support.

This event enhanced recognition of the graduates' achievements and strengthened ties between YMCA and ethnic minority groups, fostering collaboration and raising awareness of their challenges.

The events highlighted the resilience and determination of domestic helpers as they navigate and overcome various challenges when staying in Hong Kong as an ethnic minority. Additionally, the importance of YMCA to gather community support emerged as a crucial factor in enhancing the lives of ethnic minority groups. Furthermore, the gatherings illuminated the potential for increased collaboration between organizations and communities as there are many guests were invited from different backgrounds and areas, paving the way for the development of impactful programs that can address the needs of these populations effectively in the future.

By Erica Ngai
Communications & Engagement Manager
YMCA of Hong Kong

YMCA Madurai organized an inclusive Women's Day celebration

YMCA Madurai – Women’s Day Celebration

YMCA Madurai organized an inclusive Women's Day celebration under the auspices of the YMCA Madurai Gender Concerns Committee on 15th March 2025 at the hill view Chellamuthu Gardens, Alagarkoil, Madurai.

Fr. J. Benadict Barnabas, President YMCA Madurai inaugurated the Inspiration Walk commemorating the lives of great women who inspire women and men and those who worked for liberation of women such as the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Saint. Mother Teresa, the Queen of Siva Gangai, Velu Natchiyar, who was the first Indian queen to wage war with the East India Company in India, Pakistani activist, anchor, artist, model, singer and motivational speaker Muniba Mazari, Pakistani female education activist, film and television producer, and the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, Indian reformer and writer  Rajaram Mohan Roy who was known for his efforts to abolish the practices of sati and child marriage and Madurai Padma Shri. Chinna Pillai who started a very successful banking system in the villages of Tamil Nadu, and has made many contributions to attempt to reduce poverty and debt grievances by empowering women by bringing their characters in reality.  His address to the gathering was encouraging and motivational.

Dr. D. Janet Vasanthakumari, Chairperson of Gender Concerns Committee delivered her Chairperson’s Address and an  insightful presentation on mental health and how to be happy which was need of the hour.  Various fun activities were conducted.  Group discussions on the status of Women in rural, urban and metropolitan cities and the status of transgender brought out several recommendations for the YMCA. It was resolved to initiate small saving scheme among the staff and to open the doors of employment opportunities for the transgender community. It was a highly cherishing day both for the male and female staff of YMCA Madurai.

Ms. Shamila Doris

General Secretary

Madurai YMCA

National Gender & Women’s Assembly Organized by the NCY India

The National Council of YMCAs of India

National Gender / Women Assembly & International Women’s Day Celebration

YMCA Camp Centre, Yelagiri

March 7-9, 2025

A Brief Report

The National Council of YMCAs of India organized the National Gender/Women Assembly & International Women’s Day Celebration at YMCA Camp Centre, Yelagiri, hosted by YMCA Boys Division, Tirupattur during March 7-9, 2025.

On Friday, 7^th March at 4 pm, Inauguration was graced by Dr. Betsy Williams, National Vice President, NCYI as the Chief guest among the other YMCA Dignitaries present. Dr. Sheila Jackson, Chairperson, Women’s Empowerment and Gender Concern Committee, NCYI, chaired the event. Mr. G. Sundersingh Barnabas, Asst. National General Secretary, NCYI offered Greetings on behalf of The National Council of YMCAs of India. Adv. T. Ashok Kumar, Vice Chairman, welcomed the gathering. Dr. Sheila Benjamin, Convenor of the Assembly briefed the three-day program. There were 125 participants representing 35 local YMCAs participated in the Assembly. Ms. Aasha Ramesh, Gender Development Consultant, Bangalore gave a Keynote address on the theme “Gender Equity: A Shared Responsibility for Sustainable Communities" expressing about women in contemporary situations in society, and particularly emphasized on women’s empowerment to become sustainable women and turn to sustainable communities.

The first session was led by Mr. Benjamin Franklin, Treasurer, Southern India Region on the topic “Policy and Advocacy: Strengthening Gender Justice in YMCA” briefing about the Good Governance Policy which is practicing in YMCAs and he urged all the local YMCAs need to implement this policy. The day ended with a cultural Night by the students of YMCA College of Physical Education, Chennai.

The Second day began with devotion by the Participants from YMCA Bangalore and Patna, the first session was led by Mrs. Shalin Maria Lawrence, Human Rights Activist, Chennai, on the Theme “Workplace Inclusion: Creating Equitable Opportunities” She spoke about the challenges for Working women at the workplace and during the travel and home.

The Assembly observed International Women’s Day as a special program. Ms. Aash Ramesh spoke on the occasion as a special guest on the UN Theme: “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” As part of this celebration, presented some Women’s Day Special Award as a recognition of excellence, perseverance, and dedication. honoring women who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields; breaking barriers, empowering others, and paving the way for future generations. Each recipient of the award embodies the spirit of determination, compassion, and leadership, and we are privileged to acknowledge their efforts and achievements.

Session 4 was presented by Dr. Sheila Benjamin, Executive Secretary, SCINDeA on the topic “Climate Justice and Gender: Women at the Forefront of Sustainability”. She elicits the role of women in Climate Change and its effect on the global impact.

Post lunch session was visiting sustainable agriculture farms and Yelagiri local sightseeing. As the day faded the delegates brightened with colorful performances, especially the South West India Region delegates performed a marvelous dance by prorating different states’ folk culture.

The third day (Sunday) commenced with a Holy Communion service conducted by Rev. Dr. Livingston. The final day’s first session was led by Mr. Susai Michele, NGO Consultant from Chennai, on the Theme “Youth for Gender Equity: Agents of Change”.

The Assembly concluded with a Valedictory and Certificate distribution Ceremony on 9^th March by 12 noon. Mrs. Saramma, former Chairperson of SWIR welcomed the gathering and Dr. Sheila Benjamin led the “Way Forward” session in which the POSH Act was adopted for Indian YMCAs. Participation Certificates were distributed to all the delegates. Conclusively, Mr. S. George Bernardsha, Executive Secretary proposed the vote of thanks on behalf of Dr. Koshy Alexander Vaidyan, Secretary, Youth Work Department, NCYI. The closing prayer and benediction pronounced by Er. M. M. Selvakumar, Vice Chairman, YMCA Boys Division, Tirupattur Project, NCYI.

Eldo N. V.

National General Secretary NCYI