In today’s edition of Squirrel News, we’re talking about Slovenia’s remarkable achievement in reducing child poverty by one-third over the last decade, the latest developments in stricter new laws regarding corporate accountability, and the announcement that Ukraine is set to begin official talks to join the European Union.
Slovenia sets the blueprint for tackling child poverty in Europe
A UNICEF report indicates that only 10% of children in Slovenia are living in poverty – a 31% decline since 2014. This is thanks to a series of measures, including investing in education, health and nutrition, giving families cash benefits, introducing labour market reforms and providing adequate social protection.
EU introduces supply change law, calls for greater corporate accountability
In a landmark development, the European Parliament and EU negotiators have jointly established rigourous due diligence rules, compelling major corporations to take action against child labour, slavery, or environmental harm within their supply chains.
Ukraine receives historic green light to start talks to join the European Union
Following the unanimous approval from EU leaders on Thursday, Kyiv has been granted the opportunity to commence official negotiations for European Union membership.
Nigerian women take the lead in plastic upcycling initiatives
In Nigeria, grappling with the pervasive issue of plastic pollution, a surge of initiatives spearheaded by women is driving innovative solutions to address the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste.
Farmers embrace creativity in boosting tree-planting efforts
Despite the UK falling behind government-set targets for tree-planting, collaborating with farmers to diversify their land is emerging as a promising strategy to elevate tree-planting rates.
Exploring non-carceral approaches to mental health crises
The Gerstein Centre, managing approximately 30,000 crisis calls annually, goes beyond traditional methods by providing a mobile crisis team, follow-up services, referrals to health and social programmes, crisis beds, and recovery and peer support initiatives.
A rapidly growing movement is reframing journalism by championing an approach that focuses on highlighting solutions-oriented responses to pressing issues in society – spanning from the climate crisis and plastic pollution to gender inequality and cultural divisions.
Through the revival of bison herds and ancestral seeds, Native Americans are rebuilding a reconnection with historic traditions that also serves as an initiative to promote healthy eating.
Former Afghan refugee helps fellow displaced persons heal from trauma
Waheed Arian, a UK-based doctor, is on a mission to aid fellow refugees in their healing journey. His goal extends beyond advocacy as he actively provides mental health services, leveraging his own experiences to catalyse healing.
