Latest news with #MinistryofGender
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
South Korea probe blames sweeping lapses for World Scout Jamboree debacle
SEOUL (Reuters) - The failure of the World Scout Jamboree hosted by South Korea in 2023 that ended in chaos was the result of a "complete lapse" in all aspects including the incompetence of the organisers and the site selection, a government probe issued on Thursday concluded. Dire conditions including overflowing trash bins, dirty toilets, questionable food quality and a bug-infested site with little shade from the sun led some national contingents to pull out early from an event that the opposition party called "a national disgrace of epic scale." The government's Audit Board in a report found a "complete lapse in all aspects of management including lack of competency and awareness of the organisers exacerbated by poor execution of work led to the failure of the Saemangeum Jamboree." Saemangeum refers to the area of reclaimed land on the country's west coast where more than 40,000 scouts aged 14-18 camped for the event scheduled over 12 days in August 2023. The event, which was attended by representatives from 155 countries, saw hundreds fall ill amid a heat wave, prompting complaints from parents over the safety of their children. The organisers closed down the site early ahead of an approaching typhoon, with thousands of teenage scouts taken by buses to accommodation in and around Seoul to view a hastily arranged K-pop concert. The 542-page report said the organising committee was headed by a retired public servant at the Ministry of Gender who lacked expertise and staffed mostly by personnel without experience working on large international events. The Ministry of Gender, which was supervising the organisers, failed in its role to oversee preparations and made a false report to the cabinet ahead of the opening that the event was ready, it said. Facilities including toilets and showers, power and communication equipment and trash disposal were insufficient and inadequate, and the organisers failed to follow up on questions about preparations, it said. The Ministry of Gender said it accepted the results of the probe and pledged to take any remedial action needed. The organising committee, which the ministry said was in the process of dissolution, could not be reached for comment. The Audit Board referred four individuals for criminal investigation and 12 officials for disciplinary action.
Reuters
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
South Korea probe blames sweeping lapses for World Scout Jamboree debacle
SEOUL, April 10 (Reuters) - The failure of the World Scout Jamboree hosted by South Korea in 2023 that ended in chaos was the result of a "complete lapse" in all aspects including the incompetence of the organisers and the site selection, a government probe issued on Thursday concluded. Dire conditions including overflowing trash bins, dirty toilets, questionable food quality and a bug-infested site with little shade from the sun led some national contingents to pull out early from an event that the opposition party called "a national disgrace of epic scale." The government's Audit Board in a report found a "complete lapse in all aspects of management including lack of competency and awareness of the organisers exacerbated by poor execution of work led to the failure of the Saemangeum Jamboree." Saemangeum refers to the area of reclaimed land on the country's west coast where more than 40,000 scouts aged 14-18 camped for the event scheduled over 12 days in August 2023. The event, which was attended by representatives from 155 countries, saw hundreds fall ill amid a heat wave, prompting complaints from parents over the safety of their children. The organisers closed down the site early ahead of an approaching typhoon, with thousands of teenage scouts taken by buses to accommodation in and around Seoul to view a hastily arranged K-pop concert. The 542-page report said the organising committee was headed by a retired public servant at the Ministry of Gender who lacked expertise and staffed mostly by personnel without experience working on large international events. The Ministry of Gender, which was supervising the organisers, failed in its role to oversee preparations and made a false report to the cabinet ahead of the opening that the event was ready, it said. Facilities including toilets and showers, power and communication equipment and trash disposal were insufficient and inadequate, and the organisers failed to follow up on questions about preparations, it said. The Ministry of Gender said it accepted the results of the probe and pledged to take any remedial action needed. The organising committee, which the ministry said was in the process of dissolution, could not be reached for comment. The Audit Board referred four individuals for criminal investigation and 12 officials for disciplinary action.
Zawya
26-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Uganda: Deputy Speaker Tayebwa Calls for More Funds for Child Disability Benefit
Uganda is set to introduce a National Child Disability Benefit to support families raising children with disabilities. This was the focus of the National Child Benefit High-Level Dialogue Meeting organized by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in partnership with UNICEF and held at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel on Wednesday, 26 March 2025. The event, themed 'Towards inclusive social protection: exploring a child disability benefit for Uganda,' brought together government officials, legislators, and development partners. Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, emphasized that disability support is a right, not a privilege, and criticized the Shs3 billion initial allocation, calling it inadequate and urging the government to commit at least Shs10 billion to the initiative. 'If we are to start this as a fund, let's be serious. It would be a betrayal to the disability movement to allocate such a small amount,' Tayebwa stated. He praised the Ministry of Gender for its efforts in supporting vulnerable groups but raised concerns about the potential misuse of funds by irresponsible parents. 'This money should improve the welfare of children, not serve as compensation for parents,' he cautioned. Gender Minister Betty Amongi explained that families caring for disabled children face extra financial burdens, with 50 percent of such households living in extreme poverty. 'This benefit will help cover costs like transport, medicine, and rehabilitation support. A child with disabilities requires more financial support than their siblings,' she said. She also highlighted the gendered impact of caregiving, noting that many fathers abandon mothers of disabled children, leaving them to shoulder the burden alone. State Minister for Disability Affairs, Hellen Asamo, urged a shift in societal attitudes, recalling her own struggles growing up with a disability. 'I didn't go to school like my siblings—I was given a shortcut. We must stop thinking for people with disabilities and instead ask them what they need,' she said. She warned against overprotection and exclusion, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies. Aggrey Kibenge, Permanent Secretary at the Gender Ministry, reaffirmed the government's commitment to disability inclusion, outlining plans for regular cash transfers to families as part of the benefit. UNICEF Country Representative, Robin Nandy, praised Uganda's social protection efforts, highlighting the economic benefits of investing in disability support. 'Every shilling invested in a child disability benefit can generate up to Shs2.5 in the economy,' he noted. Uganda aims to learn from countries like Kenya and South Africa, which have successfully implemented similar programmes. Parliament, through the Deputy Speaker and attending MPs, pledged full support to ensure children with disabilities receive the care and assistance they need. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
Zawya
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
President Boakai Declares Saturday, March 8, 2025, As 'International Women's Day' to be Celebrated On Friday, March 7, 2025
The President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has by Proclamation declared, Saturday, March 8, 2025 as 'International Women's Day', to be celebrated on Friday, March 7, 2025 throughout the territorial confines of the Republic of Liberia as a 'Working Holiday'. The day marks the struggle that women around the world have made to gain equality and equal rights as well as to reflect on the changes and progress that culminated in their international endeavor. According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Boakai has requested the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, government agencies, civil society organizations and partners and NGOs concerned to execute appropriate programs to make the day meaningful. The women of Liberia will join their counterparts around the world to celebrate the International Women's Day 2025, under the Global Theme: 'Accelerate Action' and National Theme: 'Accelerate Action to end Gender Based Violence and Achieve Gender Equality in Liberia'. In 1997, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 32/142 proclaiming 8th of March of each year as International Women's Day to be observed by Member States in accordance with their historical and national traditions. The Government of Liberia, being cognizant of its obligation to ensure equal status for men and women in society without discrimination, has ratified the Convention on 'The Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women', reflecting its commitment to gender equality and equity through its national reconstruction and development program. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.
