RantCrush Top 5: March 28, 2017

International aid organizations are now warning that the world is not only facing a famine in South Sudan, but also in three more countries–Somalia, Nigeria, and Yemen. More than 20 million lives could be endangered, particularly by a lack of clean water in these areas. Lack of access to clean water increases the spread of cholera and other diseases, and the impending disaster is predicted to be the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II. “We underestimated the role of water and its contribution to mortality in the last famine,” said Ann Thomas from UNICEF, adding that this time, water is the top priority.

World’s largest humanitarian crisis in 70 years declared in 3 African countries as Trump set to slash foreign aid. https://t.co/g0eNjSg8fE pic.twitter.com/kA9yPyN8o1

— The Associated Press (@AP) March 28, 2017

At the same time, President Trump is trying to get Congress to cut U.S. funding for foreign aid and assistance to the United Nations. Specialists say this could multiply the deaths, as the U.S. provides more funding for these causes than any other country.

I can’t believe we live in a world where the idea of helping people fleeing from war and famine is a controversial issue.

— AtariJones 👨🏽‍🎨🕊 (@Atari_Jones) March 27, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.