TNH Audio
Listen here to a collection of occasional podcasts from the The New Humanitarian.
The New Humanitarian aims to amplify the voices of refugees, asylum seekers, and people affected by conflict and disaster – placing them at the centre of the conversations about the policies and events that shape their lives.
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The only thing saving us is us | First Person
Thursday 17th October 2024
“We constantly urge each other to remain tender toward one another”.
Our First Person narratives dig into the humanity of humanitarian challenges. In this episode, Nour ElAssy, a poet and writer, reflects on a year since Israel began a total war against the entirety of the Gaza Strip and its population. From Deir al-Balah, where she now lives with 27 other family members after fleeing her home on 7 October last year, she contemplates “what it means to have a family, to be a human, and to support each other selflessly”.
The New Humanitarian aims to amplify the voices of refugees, asylum seekers, and people affected by conflict and disaster – placing them at the centre of the conversations about the policies and events that shape their lives. Listen to more First Person stories at TheNewHumanitarian.org.
Haitian ‘gangs are at war with us’ | First Person
Thursday 5th September, 2024
When violent gangs moved into her neighbourhood in April, Haitian journalist and former UN official Monique Clesca left the Caribbean nation. She returned home a few months later, and in this episode, she describes what daily life is now like. “We are in more than a crisis situation”, she says. “The gangs are at war with us”.
The ongoing turmoil in Haiti is featured in The New Humanitarian’s annual list of ten crises that demand your attention now, which highlights places in the world where needs are rising, aid budgets have been cut or are insufficient, and where people feel forgotten by the international community. Over the coming months, our First Person series will feature aid workers and people affected by the crises on this year’s list.
A Sudanese collective’s care in Cairo | First Person
Thursday 29th August, 2024
“We came mainly seeking safety, seeking to live a decent life. But then we found another war”
Our First Person narratives dig into the humanity of humanitarian challenges. This episode tells a story of the 15,000 Sudanese people living in Egypt’s Masaken Osman area. When the war broke out in April 2023, these tower blocks on the outskirts of Cairo became home to a group of refugees. Meet them as they gather to discuss their current challenges and collective efforts to overcome them.
The New Humanitarian aims to amplify the voices of refugees, asylum seekers, and people affected by conflict and disaster – placing them at the centre of the conversations about the policies and events that shape their lives. Find more first-person stories at TheNewHumanitarian.org.
In Syria, ‘waiting for war’ | First Person
Thursday 22nd August, 2024
Our First Person narratives dig into the humanity of humanitarian challenges.
In this episode, Zeina Shahla, a reporting fellow with The New Humanitarian based in Damascus expresses what it is like to live in the shadow of war. With everyone in Syria living on edge since the political leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, was assassinated last month in Tehran, Shahla worries if a regional war is going to break out.
The New Humanitarian aims to amplify the voices of refugees, asylum seekers, and people affected by conflict and disaster – placing them at the centre of the conversations about the policies and events that shape their lives. Find more first-person stories at TheNewHumanitarian.org.
In the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate, ‘everything seems fine, until it's not’ | First Person
Thursday 15th August, 2024
Our First Person narratives dig into the humanity of humanitarian challenges.
In this episode, Ali Latifi, The New Humanitarian’s Asia Editor and co-host of the What's Unsaid podcast, marks the anniversary of the creation of the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate in his home country, Afghanistan.
Three years on, the country is still in the throes of a humanitarian crisis, with 23.7 million people in need of assistance. Latifi says: “We're in a situation full of paradoxes”. He paints a picture of how traders, TikTokers, and the Taliban co-exist, while noting: “In the Islamic Emirate, everything seems fine – until it's not”.
The New Humanitarian aims to amplify the voices of refugees, asylum seekers, and people affected by conflict and disaster – placing them at the centre of the conversations about the policies and events that shape their lives. Find more first-person stories at TheNewHumanitarian.org.
‘Everyone in Gaza is exhausted’ | First Person
Thursday 8 August, 2024
Our First Person narratives dig into the humanity of humanitarian challenges.
In this episode, Mahmoud Shalabi describes the difficult reality of life in his home, Beit Lahia. When the Israeli military issued orders last October for 1.1 million Palestinians to evacuate their homes in the north of Gaza, Shalabi refused to leave. “I believed that remaining in my home would be a form of resistance,” he says. Now, nearly 11 months later, the Deputy Director for programs for the UK-based NGO, Medical Aid for Palestinians, explains why he is ‘exhausted’.
The New Humanitarian aims to amplify the voices of refugees, asylum seekers, and people affected by conflict and disaster – placing them at the centre of the conversations about the policies and events that shape their lives. Find more first-person stories at TheNewHumanitarian.org.
Water ‘stress’ affects every aspect of life in Warawa, Nigeria | First Person
Thursday 1 August, 2024
Our First Person narratives aim to dig into the humanity of humanitarian challenges.
In this episode, Yusuf Sa’adu, a shopkeeper in Warawa in Nigeria’s Kano state, points out that “whoever has abundant water has wealth”. He shares how water scarcity made him lose out on education and still impacts personal relationships.
“If you are experiencing water stress, you will not be able to do a lot of things”, Yusuf explains.
The New Humanitarian aims to amplify the voices of refugees, asylum seekers, and people affected by conflict and disaster – placing them at the centre of the conversations about the policies and events that shape their lives. Find more first-person stories at TheNewHumanitarian.org.
A Syrian reminder: The ones you once saw suffering, still are | First Person
Thursday 18 July, 2024
Iyad Agha, a Syrian now living in Germany, has been working on his country's humanitarian crisis for nearly a decade. The United Nations itself recently said that “Syria is in danger of being forgotten”, while noting that the country is facing the highest levels of humanitarian need since the start of its 13-year war. Some 7.2 million people have been forcibly displaced inside the country, and another 5.1 million are refugees in neighbouring countries. Türkiye is host to 3.3 million refugees who are increasingly subjected to harassment, not to mention arbitrary arrest, detention, and deportation by authorities. In this First Person account, he narrates his experiences as an aid worker in Türkiye, and laments how many times Syrians have had to rebuild their lives.
The continuing conflict in Syria is featured in The New Humanitarian’s annual list of ten crises that demand your attention now, which highlights places in the world where needs are rising, aid budgets have been cut or are insufficient, and where people feel forgotten by the international community. Over the coming months, our First Person series will feature aid workers and people affected by the crises on this year’s list.
‘Culture of solidarity’: Why I’m hosting Congolese relatives who fled the M23 conflict | First Person
Thursday 13 June, 2024
One and a half million people have been uprooted by the conflict between the M23 rebel group and the national army in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Many are now living with host families, little-heralded frontline responders who play a central role in relief efforts across the region. Nicholas Bahati Ndoolé, a humanitarian worker based in the city of Goma, is one such host. In this First Person essay, he shares the many challenges his family faces, and explains why he feels he must shelter his relatives.
The continuing conflict in the DRC is featured in The New Humanitarian’s annual list of ten crises that demand your attention now, which highlights places in the world where needs are rising, aid budgets have been cut or are insufficient, and where people feel forgotten by the international community. Over the coming months, our First Person series will feature aid workers and people affected by the crises on this year’s list.
Venezuelans are so tired of living on the edge | First Person
Thursday 23 May, 2024
After 25 years as an international humanitarian worker, Susana Raffalli returned to Venezuela only to find herself at the centre of a humanitarian, political, and economic crisis in her own backyard. She describes the devastating impact that 10 years of crisis has had on Venezuelans and argues that the Latin American country has been largely neglected by the international aid sector.
The ongoing turmoil in Venezuela is featured in The New Humanitarian’s annual list of ten crises that demand your attention now, which highlights places in the world where needs are rising, aid budgets have been cut or are insufficient, and where people feel forgotten by the international community. Over the coming months, our First Person series will feature aid workers and people affected by the crises on this year’s list.
While we struggle to survive in Mali, the world looks away | First Person
Thursday 25 April, 2024
Today’s First Person story comes from Moussa Kondo, executive director of the Sahel Institute. Moussa recounts how drastically life has changed for everyday people in Mali, where years of conflict, climate change, and political isolation have left more than 7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
The worsening political instability in the Sahel is featured in The New Humanitarian’s annual list of ten crises that demand your attention now, which highlights places in the world where needs are rising, aid budgets have been cut or are insufficient, and where people feel forgotten by the international community. Over the coming months, our First Person series will feature aid workers and people affected by the crises on this year’s list.
First Person | How Yemenis keep each other alive, nine years into war
Thursday 28 March, 2024
Today’s First Person story comes from Fatma Jaffar, a Yemeni humanitarian worker and the policy and advocacy lead for Oxfam Yemen. Fatma describes the dire humanitarian situation in her country and how Yemenis have kept each other alive throughout nine years of war. The ongoing conflict in Yemen is featured in The New Humanitarian’s annual list of ten crises that demand your attention now, which highlights places in the world where needs are rising, aid budgets are cut or insufficient, and where people feel forgotten by the international community. Over the coming months, our First Person series will feature aid workers and people affected by the crises on this year’s list. On the nine-year anniversary of the war in Yemen, The New Humanitarian also launched The Yemen Listening Project, which highlights stories from more than 100 Yemenis answering one question: “How has the war impacted your life?
A journey into Libya’s man-made disaster
11 October 2023
While attending a leadership camp in Zuwara, Libya, the author and friend Mahmoud, a medical student from Derna, learned of devastating floods striking Derna. In a bid to help, they embarked on a 1,500-kilometer journey to the city, joining a widespread volunteer effort. Upon arrival, they witnessed unprecedented destruction and tragedy, with Mahmoud discovering his family among the 4,000 confirmed fatalities. This experience, coupled with reflections on climate change's impact and the need for proactive environmental measures, underscores the urgency of both immediate aid and long-term climate action.
First Person: Why narratives around migration in Latin America need to change
23 August 2023
Today’s essay was written by a Colombian refugee living in Ecuador and focuses on why narratives around migration in Latin America need to change. In her essay, Laura shares her experience of how people displaced within Latin America are overlooked as the dominant media narrative is about those heading north for the United States. In order to protect their security, the author uses a pseudonym, Laura, and her essay is read out by The New Humanitarian’s Sofia Kuan.
First Person | How Malawi is telling me and other refugees we don’t belong
9 August 2023
Today’s essay was written by a refugee living in Malawi. In their essay, the anonymous author shares how the treatment of refugees in Malawi makes them worry about their security and feel like they don’t belong.
In order to protect their security, the author’s name is not public. Therefore, their essay is read out by The New Humanitarian’s Senior Editor for Inclusive Storytelling, Patrick Gathara.
First Person | Let refugees be economic contributors
26 July 2023
Today’s essay was written and read out by Matai Muon. He is a South Sudanese refugee. Although he is currently studying in the United Kingdom, this essay was recorded from his home country of South Sudan where he is conducting research. In his essay, Matai shares how policies suppress the economic potential of refugees, which forces many into a situation of dependency instead of allowing them to contribute to the societies they’re currently living in.
First Person | Why Cyclone Mocha should end talk of sending Rohingya like me home
12 July 2023
Today’s essay was written by San Thai Shin. He is a Rohingya researcher and volunteer teacher in a refugee camp in Bangladesh. In his essay, San looks at how restrictive policies suppress refugees’ economic potential, forcing many into a situation of dependency rather than allowing them to contribute to the societies they live in. In order to speak freely, San writes under a pseudonym. Therefore, his essay is read out by The New Humanitarian’s Asia editor, Ali Latifi.
First person | How years of impunity gave Sudan’s generals licence to destroy my country
28 June 2023
Today’s essay was written and read out by Hala al-Karib. She is the regional director of SIHA - the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa. In her essay, Hala shares how the days unfolded when the violence started in Sudan, and what some of the root causes are according to her, including the failings of the international community.
First person | A reporter reflects on Somalia’s record drought
14 June 2023
Today’s essay was written and read out by Liban Mahamad. He is a freelance journalist and writer from Somalia. In his essay, Liban looks at the limitations of international aid in Somalia, and in particular at how its short-termism risks perpetuating a cycle of need for millions of Somalis. Liban’s recording also features the natural sounds of Dolow in southern Somalia, where he recorded his essay:
First Person | The roots of the refugee protection system are colonial and racist
31 May 2023
Today’s essay was written and read out by Sana Mustafa. She is a feminist human rights defender and CEO of Asylum Access. In her essay, Sana looks at power imbalances within the international refugee protection system, and calls for those who have been forcibly displaced themselves to have much more say in the decision-making.
Interview | How to fix the UN’s sex abuse problem?
25 April 2023
Christian Saunders was appointed as the UN’s special coordinator on improving the response to sexual exploitation and abuse in July.
The New Humanitarian’s Investigations Editor Paisley Dodds spoke with him on 19 April following his recent trip to South Sudan, where allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation surfaced last year at a UN-run camp for civilians in the northern city of Malakal.
In their wide-ranging interview, Saunders says he believes in “radical transparency”, he doesn’t think the UN should be investigating itself, and he agrees it’s time to retire the phrase “zero tolerance”.
Event | Principled humanitarian action in Ukraine
2 April 2023
At the European Humanitarian Forum, The New Humanitarian's CEO Heba Aly moderates a panel on principled humanitarian action in Ukraine.
EVENT | Crises and Trends to Watch in 2023
18 January 2023
The effects of the war in Ukraine continue to ripple across the globe. We are near the point of no return for those on the front lines of the climate crisis. Soaring public debt is preventing governments from being able to prepare for crises. These trends are shaping the world – and humanitarian needs – in 2023. But what are policymakers doing about them?
Listen to policymakers from both donor and national governments as they discuss their priorities for the year ahead with civil society representatives in this online conversation hosted by The New Humanitarian on 13 January.
EVENT | Launch of the Pledge for Change 2030
1 November 2022
Soon after her interview with Degan Ali (Executive Director, Adeso) on whether decolonising aid is an oxymoron, our host, Heba Aly, moderated the launch of the Pledge for Change – a new set of commitments spearheaded by Adeso and other INGOs to reimagine their role in the aid sector by 2030.
EVENT | Nabil Alawzari in conversation with TNH Middle East Editor Annie Slemrod
16 September 2022
Nabil Alawzari is a Yemeni freelance photojournalist working on rights and freedoms.
EVENT | Anthony Langat in conversation with TNH Senior Africa Editor Obi Anyadike
14 September 2022
Anthony Langat is a Kenya-based reporter covering environment, climate change, health, and security. Topics discussed included drought, climate change, conflict, impact on pastoralism in Kenya, and more.
EVENT | Megan Janetsky in conversation with TNH Latin America and the Caribbean Editor Azeez Yusuf
13 September 2022
Megan Janetsky is a Colombia-based reporter and photographer covering migration, women's issues and human rights in Latin America. Topics discussed included crises and trends in Latin America, the COVID-19 hangover, social media, migration, political shifts, emerging crises, and more.
EVENT | Thin Lei Win in conversation with TNH Policy Editor Irwin Loy
12 September 2022
Thin Lei Win is an award-winning multimedia journalist specialising in food and climate issues for various international news media and also through her own newsletter Thin Ink. Topics discussed included food security, climate issues, what's happening in Myanmar, social media’s hate problem, humanitarian challenges, and more.
EVENT | Ukraine & Beyond: Whose suffering counts?
1 June 2022
The New Humanitarian hosted a debate on media coverage of humanitarian crises and why Ukraine has dominated Western media since the start of the war. Speaking with four panelist, TNH CEO Heba Aly discussed why some crises get more attention than others and what that tells us about our inherent biases. Panel guests: Patrick Gathara, media critic; Hugo Slim, humanitarian ethicist; Mel Bunce, City, University of London; Mustafa Alio, managing director R-SEAT.
TNH Special | Earthquake relief. Mexico. 2051
10 September 2021
A fictional take on tomorrow's disaster response - when cluster approaches, donor-funded appeals, and foreign-led responses are no longer part of humanitarian assistance. As read by the author, Malka Older.
EVENT | Crises to Watch 2021
11 February 2021
COVID-19 dominated headlines in 2020. The pandemic shocked the world, exacerbating existing crises, overshadowing new ones, and creating all kinds of knock-on health, economic and social effects.
Against the backdrop of 2020, what can we expect in the year ahead? What will be the continued fallout from COVID-19? What other crises and trends are on the horizon?
For this online conversation, explored our annual Crises to Watch list and asked leading thinkers in the humanitarian space what should demand our attention.
- Heba Aly, Director, The New Humanitarian (moderator)
- Eilidh Kennedy, Director, IARAN
- Julia Sanchez, Secretary General, ActionAid
- Sherine El Taraboulsi-McCarthy, PhD, Senior Research Fellow, Overseas Development Institute
- Sudhanshu Shekhar Singh, Founder, Humanitarian Aid International
- Comfort Ero, Program Director, Africa, International Crisis Group