Tackling trafficking, older people’s rights, Canadian pow wow and Kenyan potholes
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The Salvation Army has co-signed an oral statement on contemporary forms of slavery and trafficking in persons. The statement was presented on 11 September 2026 to the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, during an interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur.
Delivered by Dr Janet Epp Buckingham, Director of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Geneva Office, the statement focused on one of the continuing challenges in tackling human trafficking: identifying those who are being exploited.
The joint advocacy builds on previous collaboration between The Salvation Army and WEA. In September 2025, the organisations issued a joint statement to the Human Rights Council calling for urgent action to address the worst forms of child labour.
Through its international modern slavery and human trafficking work and engagement at the United Nations, The Salvation Army continues to advocate for approaches that place the dignity, safety and rights of victims of exploitation at the centre of the response.
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Protecting rights of older people with cognitive impairment
The Salvation Army has delivered an oral statement by video on the human rights of older persons with cognitive impairment.
The statement was presented on 11 September 2026 at the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council during an Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert.
The dialogue considered the Independent Expert’s report, Cognitive Impairment and the Continuing Exercise of the Human Rights of Older Persons, which examines how older people can continue to exercise their rights when cognitive abilities change.
Speaking on behalf of The Salvation Army, Markus Hofer, United Nations Representative in Geneva, welcomed the report’s focus on autonomy, participation and human dignity.
“We share the view that cognitive impairment must never be equated with a loss of personhood or human rights,” the statement said. “Older persons retain their values, preferences, relationships and right to participate in decisions affecting their lives.”
Drawing on The Salvation Army’s experience of supporting older people around the world, the statement highlighted residential care, community and pastoral programmes, and dementia-inclusive initiatives that seek to place dignity, respect, participation and protection at the heart of care.
It also pointed to dementia-friendly communities and caregiver education as ways of helping people remain included, safe and meaningfully engaged as their needs change.
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UK Prime Minister thanks Salvos
A coordinator from The Salvation Army’s Emergency Response Vehicle at the Dunwich Heath wildfire in the United Kingdom was a guest at a reception hosted by Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Downing Street last week.
Debbie Charles from Stowmarket, along with 20 volunteers, provided food and drinks to emergency crews as they battled to keep the Suffolk wildfire under control back in July and August this year.
Debbie and The Salvation Army team rotated 11-hour shifts during the 14-day wildfire, serving up hundreds of drinks, rolls and snacks to firefighters, police and other emergency responders. Pastoral support was also available to exhausted crews.
Debbie was among 150 guests from a range of organisations gathered at Downing Street to be thanked by the Prime Minister for their work in responding to the challenge of the 2026 summer heatwaves, going above and beyond to provide vital support to people and communities across the country.
Debbie paid tribute to all the services who came together to tackle the blaze, which affected about 370 acres.
She said: “When we were on site, we became a team. Everyone adapted to what was needed and worked alongside each other. I’d like to thank all the volunteers who gave up their time to serve emergency responders on the frontline.”
At Downing Street Debbie met people involved in other emergency responses, heard their stories and spoke about The Salvation Army’s work.
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Poland joins NGO festival
The Salvation Army Warsaw Corps in Poland joined the recent NGO (Non-Government Organisation) Festival in Praski Park, Warsaw, where a range of organisations and institutions offered activities and information for everyone.
Salvation Army representatives, primarily the youth, spoke about The Salvation Army’s support for people in need, modern slavery and human-trafficking, the Youth Project, Seniors’ Club and other programs.
Face-painting and teaching scouting ‘tricks of the trade’ were popular activities.
Everyone was invited to the Warsaw Corps and assured that there was a place for everyone.
Canada celebrates Indigenous culture
Canadians celebrated the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation yesterday (30 September). This is recognised as an important day to give space for, listen to and learn from Indigenous Peoples.
In August of this year, The Salvation Army partnered with Indigenous Pathways to host the annual Celebration of Culture, bringing more than 70 people together to take a step on the path of reconciliation.
The event was a time of growth, healing and learning, as stories were spoken around sharing circles, a tipi was built, through song and dance at the Saturday afternoon pow wow, and around an evening campfire.
Testing roads to deliver aid
The Emergency Response in the Kenya East Territory traversed the hills of Mbitini in thick fog, rain-soaked roads and almost-impassable potholes to reach 250 vulnerable families in need of food relief.
A difficult journey became an opportunity to stand alongside a struggling community in a moment of need.
