Blog
We like to get you thinking with original comment and reflection from a variety of voices. Each blog expresses the views of its writer, and does not represent the position of SOS Children.
Refugee crisis: What we can learn from history?
The refugee crisis has dominated headlines this month – but today's humanitarian disaster is not new. Throughout history, people have been displaced from their homes by war, political turmoil and natural disaster. Today, we look at crises of the past, and consider what we can learn for the future.
Syrian refugee crisis: What can sci-fi teach us?
As the Syrian refugee crisis finally receives the political response it deserves, we consider what science-fiction can teach us about the dangers of denying compassion and ignoring a humanitarian crisis.
Ecovillages: The answer to sustainable living?
The world of sustainability is constantly developing, with new eco-friendly trends springing up all the time. For the environmentally conscious, living green is top priority. In this week's guest blog, Isabelle looks at the old idea of the ecovillage and how it measures up today.
Ethical fundraising: How should charities ask for money?
As a regular fundraiser for charity, guest blogger Jen is used to asking the same friends for contributions to her endeavours. Her experiences have taught her to be creative in asking for money – so that donors get something in return for their generosity. For charities, is there a lesson to be learned here?
Freedom and fundraising in the digital age
In 2014, Sudanese Meriam Ibrahim was sentenced to death for her religion. However, such was the public support for Amnesty International's campaign in protest, the decision was overturned. This would never have been possible without the internet. In this week's guest blog, Jen looks at the power of the web to work to humanitarian ends – whether by raising the profile of activism, or helping charities raise more money.
Looking South? Africa and the Tripartite Free Trade Agreement
As 26 African countries lay the groundwork for the ‘Cape to Cairo’ Tripartite Free Trade Agreement (TFTA), our guest blogger Kim examines what this could mean for the continent, who benefits, and the impact on the countries not included.
Elder abuse: An escalating problem
Here at SOS Children, we spend a lot of time talking about the many issues affecting young people around the world. In the wake of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, guest blogger Isabelle wanted to draw attention to the problem of elder abuse, which is affecting more and more people as this portion of society grows.
“We are the child”: Barrel bombs in Syria
This week, the Global Peace Index again identified Syria as the world's least peaceful country. In today's guest blog, Kim reflects on children killed, injured or otherwise affected by the use of barrel bombs in Syria, and how a Twitter campaign using the hashtag “We are the child” is seeking to draw attention to this brutal method of warfare.
Burundi: A case for fixed terms of office
Burundi is heading to the polls next month after months of violence. In this week's guest blog, Kim considers the state of African democracy and why free and fair elections are essential for the health of the state and the security of the populace.
Why Britain needs the Human Rights Act
The Queen's Speech put the UK government's plans to scrap the Human Rights Act on the backburner. However, with plans still afoot to replace the Act with a British Bill of Rights before the end of the administration, guest blogger Isabelle looks at the ramifications of moving away from the common European system.
Only half the story is told at sea
In this week's guest blog, Kim considers the ongoing tragedy of the Mediterranean migrant crisis and why Europeans must look again at why people are so desperate to reach their continent before turning families away.
Mental health and children’s well-being
It's Mental Health Awareness Month, and in this week's guest blog, Jen considers how mental health can be huge factor in children's well-being – both in childhood and in later life.
Finding balance: Olive Cooke and how charities approach the public
The death of 92-year-old Olive Cooke last week came as a shock, and was quickly linked by the media to the hundreds of letters and cold calls she received from charities every month. Her family later downplayed these claims, but nevertheless the story raises questions about a common tactic used by charities to boost revenue. In this guest blog, Kim considers how those in the charity sector might strike a balance between sales techniques and ethical practice.
How xenophobia disrupts children’s education
In this week's guest blog, Isabelle reflects on the recent spate of racially motivated attacks in South Africa. Drawing on her own experiences, she considers the consequences of the violence on children's education.
Protect our food to protect our health
Last week's World Health Day focused on the issue of food safety. In today's guest blog, Isabelle looks at how local problems can become global catastrophes, and the serious consequences contaminated food can have for people in the developing world.
The impact of neglect
Neglect is the most common form of child mistreatment. The effects can last long into adult life, and can cause trauma and even self-harm in children. In this week's guest blog, Jennifer looks at the many forms neglect can take, the damage it can cause, and why it must be tackled.
Who's looking out for domestic workers?
Every day, domestic workers from around the world experience abuse and injustice – from their employers, recruitment agencies, and even legal systems. In this week's guest blog, Isabelle asks why this is and what can be done to address it.
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