End Abuses Against Older People During Conflict: Daily Brief

Older people are often at heightened risk – facing death, rape and abductions - when they are unable or choose not to flee attacks during armed conflict. The laws of war recognize the protection of older civilians during armed conflict. Governments and all parties should facilitate humanitarian assistance to older people during conflict.  

The war in Ukraine started in 2014 when Russia occupied Crimea and backed armed groups in parts of eastern Ukraine. For eight years, civilians faced extreme hardship and thousands have been killed. The protection of civilians must remain the top priority in Ukraine.

A proposed law in the US senate seeks to limit the maximum out-of-pocket costs for insulin among people who have health insurance. The law excludes the uninsured. For those without adequate health cover, a single vial of insulin can cost up to $400. High insulin prices can be devastating for poorer households who often must make impossible choices between covering different basic needs.

This week, Poland's President Andrezj Duda could sign a bill that would give government officials authority over what extracurricular or educational activities can occur in schools. Activists and educators fear that the law could be used to limit access to already-limited comprehensive sexuality education.

Thailand already restricts free speech and intimidates critics and opposition members through harassing criminal charges, abusive prosecutions, arbitrary closure of tv, radio, and internet stations, and censorship of online content. Instead of addressing these existing concerns, the government is reportedly considering a national internet gateway which could be used for widespread censorship.

Ahead of upcoming elections, candidates for the Philippines presidency should pledge to drop all charges against Senator Leila de Lima, who is starting her sixth year in detention. De Lima was detained on politically motivated drug charges in retaliation for her criticism of President Rodrigo Duterte’s human rights violations.

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