UN Organization Calls for Immediate Action on Inequities in Arab Region as 187 Million Face Marginalization
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Synopsis
A UN agency has highlighted the pressing need to confront disparities in the Arab region, where 187 million individuals are marginalized and 292 million lack social protection. The ESCWA report outlines critical areas requiring intervention.
Key Takeaways
- Approximately 187 million people are marginalized.
- 292 million lack social protection.
- 174 million do not have essential health services.
- 154 million are food insecure.
- Governments must implement concrete policies to address these disparities.
Beirut, Feb 20 (NationPress) A UN agency emphasized the urgent need to tackle inequalities in the Arab region, noting that 187 million individuals are marginalized while 292 million are without social protection.
“Around 187 million individuals in the Arab region are vulnerable and experiencing marginalization across multiple areas such as social protection, health, education, economic empowerment, technology, fundamental rights, food security, and adequate housing,” stated the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in a report.
“Approximately 292 million individuals lack access to at least one social protection benefit,” ESCWA reported in its fifth Social Development Report, which was released on the World Day of Social Justice.
The report, titled 'Unpacking the Promise to Leave No One Behind in the Arab Region', revealed that around 174 million people in the region do not have access to essential health services, 50 million lack safe drinking water, 154 million do not have safe sanitation, 42 million lack electricity, and 79.5 million do not have quality housing.
Moreover, 154 million individuals in the region face food insecurity, 56 million are undernourished, and 154 million are without Internet access, the report added. It also highlighted that 78 million are illiterate, 15.3 million are unemployed, 41.2 million work in informal sectors, and 211 million have limited access to financial services.
“To truly leave no one behind, it is essential not only to recognize these disparities but also to implement tangible policies to address them,” stated Oussama Safa, Chief of the Social Justice Section at ESCWA, urging governments to “act decisively,” as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The report suggests that governments and stakeholders should enhance social protection, prioritize gender equality through robust laws, invest in youth employment and entrepreneurship, and bolster climate resilience policies to bridge these gaps.
