Sheikh Abu Sa’īd Abul Khayr

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The theme for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2020 focused on The Impact of COVID-19 on Violence, Abuse and Neglect of Older Persons.

An expert panel discussed the following themes with a focus on COVID-19: 1. Verbal abuse and hate speech: Do they lead to other types of abuse? 2. Protection and abuse: When do under or/and over-protection become abuse? Have lockdowns increased the risk of financial exploitation? 3. Neglect: What are examples of passive and active neglect? The event was organised by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) in collaboration with DESA, and with the support of the NGO Committees on Ageing in New York, Geneva and Vienna The event was held via a virtual discussion on a platform organised by INPEA.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) aslo released the updated COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan, where it prioritized the needs of the most vulnerable including older persons. Given that the pandemic has already heightened existing levels of discrimination, inequality and gender based violence, the Plan includes specific metrics to ensure that the vulnerabilities of these groups are addressed. The plan also includes programmes that respond to the projected rapid growth in food security.

Women in Peacekeeping: A key to peace

As peacekeeping has evolved to reflect the populations we serve, women have become increasingly part of the peacekeeping family – making operations more effective. Throughout May, UN Peacekeeping highlighted the invaluable contributions of women peacekeepers, particularly in the COVID-19 response. Visit peacekeeping.un.org/en/women-peacekeeping to learn more about:

• Why is it important to have women peacekeepers • Women peacekeepers in the COVID-19 response • Key initiatives in the Department of Peace Operations • Women, Peace and Security is a key commitment of the Action for Peacekeeping initiative • And how to join the conversation

UN75 Youth Townhall

Through their Permanent Representatives to the United Nations in New York, the Governments of Qatar and Sweden, in collaboration with the Office of the President of the General Assembly (OPGA), and the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth (OSGEY), hosted a Youth Townhall to collect young people’s input to the Member States Declaration for the United Nations’ 75th Anniversary – which will be adopted on 21 September 2020.

“By the sky and the night visitant...

By the star of piercing brightness. There is no soul but has a protectant over it.”

The Holy Qur’an Surah Al-Tariq

Before, voices spoke, running outward with no return. Ants who misstep from their lines fall into a heavy syrup or disappear into nothing at all.

This weighted blanket pulled up into a tented point, space and time with it leaving just the sweet origin, Your perfume and design.

Now the lines of Your light pass over sheepish shadows, each particle reflected in the dew. And voices only ask for You to wait for Your return.

The asking and answering, beats and breath marching. Water flows from a perfect line meeting the sun as each day begins and ends. Star and moon float in the womb of silence. In a deep reflection, burst of an honest blossom.

Al-Matin

The Steadfast

The unmoving center that moves all of creation, the Divine remains the calm, fixed constant underneath and within everything. With infinite composure, firmness and strength, the Divine is impenetrable.

prepared from the teachings of

Shah Nazar Seyyed Ali Kianfar, Ph.D.

by Sarah Hastings Mullin, Ph.D.

Illumination of the Names: Meditation by Sufi Masters on the Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of God. Shah Nazar Seyyed Dr. Ali Kianfar (2011) . San Rafael, CA: International Association of Sufism Publications.