BBC - Capital - Picked the wrong career? This five-year plan could help: "Craving a professional change isn’t unusual. Forty-eight percent of US workers feel ready for a career switch, according to a survey by consulting firm Lee Hecht Harrison, and another 13% feel they are almost ready. In the UK, 47% of professionals felt the same way, according to a report by the London School of Business and Finance."
'via Blog this'
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Gender Equality in Science Will Require a Culture Shift - Scientific American
Gender Equality in Science Will Require a Culture Shift - Scientific American: "The problem is not only outright sexual harassment—it is a culture of exclusion and unconscious bias that leaves many women feeling demoralized, marginalized and unsure. In one study, science faculty were given identical résumés in which the names and genders of two applicants were swapped; both male and female faculty judged the male applicant to be more competent and offered him a higher salary.
Unconscious bias also appears in the form of “microassaults” that women scientists are forced to endure daily. This is the endless barrage of purportedly insignificant sexist jokes, insults and put-downs that accumulate over the years and undermine confidence and ambition. Each time it is assumed that the only woman in the lab group will play the role of recording secretary, each time a research plan becomes finalized in the men's lavatory between conference sessions, each time a woman is not invited to go out for a beer after the plenary lecture to talk shop, the damage is reinforced."
'via Blog this'
Unconscious bias also appears in the form of “microassaults” that women scientists are forced to endure daily. This is the endless barrage of purportedly insignificant sexist jokes, insults and put-downs that accumulate over the years and undermine confidence and ambition. Each time it is assumed that the only woman in the lab group will play the role of recording secretary, each time a research plan becomes finalized in the men's lavatory between conference sessions, each time a woman is not invited to go out for a beer after the plenary lecture to talk shop, the damage is reinforced."
'via Blog this'
Bill Cosby Is Charged With Felony Sex Crime Over 2004 Case : The Two-Way : NPR
Bill Cosby Is Charged With Felony Sex Crime Over 2004 Case : The Two-Way : NPR: "Narrowly beating a statute of limitations deadline to file charges, prosecutors in Pennsylvania announced felony sexual assault charges against comedian Bill Cosby on Wednesday. A former Temple University employee says Cosby drugged and assaulted her in January 2004.
Montgomery County, Pa., prosecutors have charged Cosby with three counts of aggravated indecent assault. The charges against him are second-degree felonies, each carrying a minimum of five and a maximum of 10 years in prison.
"These charges stem from a sexual assault," according to prosecutor Kevin Steele, who said the assault occurred at Cosby's house in Cheltenham, a Montgomery County township that's just outside Philadelphia.
Steele urged any other victims to contact his office."
'via Blog this'
Montgomery County, Pa., prosecutors have charged Cosby with three counts of aggravated indecent assault. The charges against him are second-degree felonies, each carrying a minimum of five and a maximum of 10 years in prison.
"These charges stem from a sexual assault," according to prosecutor Kevin Steele, who said the assault occurred at Cosby's house in Cheltenham, a Montgomery County township that's just outside Philadelphia.
Steele urged any other victims to contact his office."
'via Blog this'
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
No Criminal Charges For Police Officers Who Shot Tamir Rice - BuzzFeed News
No Criminal Charges For Police Officers Who Shot Tamir Rice - BuzzFeed News: "A grand jury in Cleveland declined Monday to criminally charge two police officers who shot and killed Tamir Rice.
Rice, 12, was shot and killed in a public park in November 2014 after two Cleveland police officers, Timothy Loehmann and Frank Garmback, mistook his toy gun for a real weapon.
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy McGinty said at a press conference that he had, too, recommended that no charges be brought against the officers, saying that the “perfect storm of human error” that led to Rice’s death did not raise to the level of criminality.
“The death of Tamir Rice was an absolute tragedy,” McGinty said, “but it was not, by the law that binds us, a crime.”"
'via Blog this'
Rice, 12, was shot and killed in a public park in November 2014 after two Cleveland police officers, Timothy Loehmann and Frank Garmback, mistook his toy gun for a real weapon.
Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy McGinty said at a press conference that he had, too, recommended that no charges be brought against the officers, saying that the “perfect storm of human error” that led to Rice’s death did not raise to the level of criminality.
“The death of Tamir Rice was an absolute tragedy,” McGinty said, “but it was not, by the law that binds us, a crime.”"
'via Blog this'
Thursday, December 17, 2015
UN Human Rights Council Calls Special Session on Burundi
UN Human Rights Council Calls Special Session on Burundi: "The session, set for Thursday, was called at the request of the United States, and supported by 17 members of the Human Rights Council and 25 observer states. Only one African state, Ghana, supported the measure.
This will be the first such special session for the group since April, when the Human Rights Council convened to discuss terrorist attacks and human rights abuses by the terrorist organization Boko Haram in northern Nigeria."
'via Blog this'
This will be the first such special session for the group since April, when the Human Rights Council convened to discuss terrorist attacks and human rights abuses by the terrorist organization Boko Haram in northern Nigeria."
'via Blog this'
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Man carrying gun around Akron gets big response, prompts talk of racial tension, gun laws | cleveland.com
Man carrying gun around Akron gets big response, prompts talk of racial tension, gun laws | cleveland.com: "Cleveland.com talked to several people Wednesday afternoon at the corner of East Exchange and Sumner Streets, outside the University of Akron, one of several places Kovacevic was spotted with the large weapon. Most considered it an unnecessary demonstration of open carry laws. Others said guns make them feel safer.
"I feel safer that he had it visible," said University of Akron student Sean Chappell. "If everybody knew everybody was packing, they'd all leave each other alone."
Akron Public Schools notified the media about Kovacevic's display, but its spokesman said Wednesday it had no real impact on the schools' day-to-day operations.
"He stayed far enough away, but because there are schools in every neighborhood, we wanted to let the media know," school spokesman Mark Williamson said. "When we put the advisory out, we talked to the police, and they assured us this is not a threat and nothing to be concerned about."
According to the Akron Beacon Journal, residents at the community meeting Tuesday brought up racial profiling and compared Kovacevic's situation to Tamir Rice.
Kovacevic is white. People Wednesday told cleveland.com they believe the outcome would have been different if he were black.
"It's different if it's a black person. People say it isn't, but it is," 26-year-old Traneece Johnson said. "[Kovacevic] was approached, and they gave him a chance to speak and say he was expressing his right. The little boy didn't get that chance.""
'via Blog this'
"I feel safer that he had it visible," said University of Akron student Sean Chappell. "If everybody knew everybody was packing, they'd all leave each other alone."
Akron Public Schools notified the media about Kovacevic's display, but its spokesman said Wednesday it had no real impact on the schools' day-to-day operations.
"He stayed far enough away, but because there are schools in every neighborhood, we wanted to let the media know," school spokesman Mark Williamson said. "When we put the advisory out, we talked to the police, and they assured us this is not a threat and nothing to be concerned about."
According to the Akron Beacon Journal, residents at the community meeting Tuesday brought up racial profiling and compared Kovacevic's situation to Tamir Rice.
Kovacevic is white. People Wednesday told cleveland.com they believe the outcome would have been different if he were black.
"It's different if it's a black person. People say it isn't, but it is," 26-year-old Traneece Johnson said. "[Kovacevic] was approached, and they gave him a chance to speak and say he was expressing his right. The little boy didn't get that chance.""
'via Blog this'
Donald Trump: Ban all Muslim travel to U.S. - CNNPolitics.com
Donald Trump: Ban all Muslim travel to U.S. - CNNPolitics.com: "Obama's deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes reacted to Trump's call Monday on CNN, calling it "totally contrary to our values as Americans" and pointed to the Bill of Rights' protection of freedom of religion and pointing to the "extraordinary contributions" Muslim Americans have made to the U.S.
"But it's also contrary to our security," Rhodes told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on "The Situation Room." "The fact of the matter is ISIL wants to frame this as a war between the United States and Islam, and if we look like we're applying religious tests to who comes into this country, we're sending a message that essentially we're embracing that frame and that is going to make it very difficult to partner with Muslim communities here in the United States and around the world to prevent the scourge of radicalization that we should be focused on.""
'via Blog this'
"But it's also contrary to our security," Rhodes told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on "The Situation Room." "The fact of the matter is ISIL wants to frame this as a war between the United States and Islam, and if we look like we're applying religious tests to who comes into this country, we're sending a message that essentially we're embracing that frame and that is going to make it very difficult to partner with Muslim communities here in the United States and around the world to prevent the scourge of radicalization that we should be focused on.""
'via Blog this'
Thursday, December 3, 2015
'Daily News' provokes with cover on Calif. shooting: 'God isn't fixing this'
'Daily News' provokes with cover on Calif. shooting: 'God isn't fixing this': "The front cover of New York's Daily News for Thursday takes a strong stance against how some politicians are reacting to the San Bernardino shooting with calls for prayer instead of tighter gun control laws.
The headline says, "God Isn't Fixing This."
"As latest batch of innocent Americans are left lying in pools of blood, cowards who could truly end gun scourge continue to hide behind meaningless platitudes," the cover reads.
House Speaker Paul Ryan and GOP presidential hopefuls Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Jeb Bush and Lindsey Graham all responded with "prayers" for the victims of San Bernardino."
'via Blog this'
The headline says, "God Isn't Fixing This."
"As latest batch of innocent Americans are left lying in pools of blood, cowards who could truly end gun scourge continue to hide behind meaningless platitudes," the cover reads.
House Speaker Paul Ryan and GOP presidential hopefuls Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Jeb Bush and Lindsey Graham all responded with "prayers" for the victims of San Bernardino."
'via Blog this'
Searchers Refine Possible Path of Lost Malaysian Flight 370 - The New York Times
Searchers Refine Possible Path of Lost Malaysian Flight 370 - The New York Times: "SYDNEY, Australia — Investigators have refined the possible flight path of a missing Malaysia Airlines jet using a set of probability tools that they say takes them closer to locating the jetliner in the southern Indian Ocean.
The analysis, made public in a report on Thursday, emphasized a search area toward the southern end of the current search zone, which is a long strip of ocean known as the seventh arc, a remote area off the southwest coast of Western Australia."
'via Blog this'
The analysis, made public in a report on Thursday, emphasized a search area toward the southern end of the current search zone, which is a long strip of ocean known as the seventh arc, a remote area off the southwest coast of Western Australia."
'via Blog this'
CBS News finds Peace Corps volunteers blamed, punished for reporting sexual assault - CBS News
CBS News finds Peace Corps volunteers blamed, punished for reporting sexual assault - CBS News: "Nearly 7,000 Peace Corps currently serve in about 65 countries. Roughly one in five of them is sexually assaulted during that service, according to the results of a recent anonymous Peace Corps safety questionnaire, obtained exclusively by CBS News.
The report also shows that nearly half don't report the assaults.
Pressure to change a culture of victim-blaming goes back years, but some survivors still claim they are blamed or punished. One volunteer wrote that in reporting an assault, "I made myself a target.""
'via Blog this'
The report also shows that nearly half don't report the assaults.
Pressure to change a culture of victim-blaming goes back years, but some survivors still claim they are blamed or punished. One volunteer wrote that in reporting an assault, "I made myself a target.""
'via Blog this'
Multinational force frees 900 hostages held by Boko Haram - CBS News
Multinational force frees 900 hostages held by Boko Haram - CBS News: "YAOUNDE, Cameroon -- A multinational force freed 900 hostages held by Nigeria's Boko Haram extremists, killed more than 100 fighters and arrested 100 others last week, Cameroon's government spokesman said Wednesday."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Calls for Ireland to double number of permits to protect migrant fishermen | Global development | The Guardian
Calls for Ireland to double number of permits to protect migrant fishermen | Global development | The Guardian: "The Irish government will have to issue at least 1,000 work permits to non-EU migrant fishermen – double the number announced by the government last week – if they want to provide protection to all those currently working on Irish trawlers, according to representatives from the Irish fishing industry.
On Friday the Irish government said it was planning to issue 500 work permits for migrants employed in its fishing industry who are from outside the European Economic Area, and ensure they are paid the national minimum wage. The announcement followed a three-week inquiry prompted by a Guardian investigation into alleged labour abuses on Irish fishing trawlers."
'via Blog this'
On Friday the Irish government said it was planning to issue 500 work permits for migrants employed in its fishing industry who are from outside the European Economic Area, and ensure they are paid the national minimum wage. The announcement followed a three-week inquiry prompted by a Guardian investigation into alleged labour abuses on Irish fishing trawlers."
'via Blog this'
Guardian research suggests mental health crisis among aid workers | Global Development Professionals Network | The Guardian
Guardian research suggests mental health crisis among aid workers | Global Development Professionals Network | The Guardian: "A worryingly high proportion of aid workers have experienced mental health issues, exclusive findings from the Guardian can reveal.
79% of the 754 respondents to the mental health and wellbeing survey on the Global Development Professional Network stated that they had experienced mental health issues. The overwhelming majority, 93%, believe these to have been related to their work in the aid industry.
Over three quarters of those that took the survey were female and the majority of participants identified as international staff working at an international NGO.
The findings raise fresh concerns over the wellbeing of staff in the profession, and lends further weight to the arguments of a small but growing number of figures questioning the quality of support and protection provided by humanitarian organisations. “This is a huge, hidden and important issue,” said one anonymous contributor to the survey.
Over half of contributors said they had experienced or been diagnosed with anxiety, and 44% with depression. Panic attacks and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were also cited among over a fifth. While there was little gender differentiation for these results, men were almost twice as likely to cite alcoholism than women."
'via Blog this'
79% of the 754 respondents to the mental health and wellbeing survey on the Global Development Professional Network stated that they had experienced mental health issues. The overwhelming majority, 93%, believe these to have been related to their work in the aid industry.
Over three quarters of those that took the survey were female and the majority of participants identified as international staff working at an international NGO.
The findings raise fresh concerns over the wellbeing of staff in the profession, and lends further weight to the arguments of a small but growing number of figures questioning the quality of support and protection provided by humanitarian organisations. “This is a huge, hidden and important issue,” said one anonymous contributor to the survey.
Over half of contributors said they had experienced or been diagnosed with anxiety, and 44% with depression. Panic attacks and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were also cited among over a fifth. While there was little gender differentiation for these results, men were almost twice as likely to cite alcoholism than women."
'via Blog this'
Infographic: The Screening Process for Refugee Entry into the United States | whitehouse.gov
Infographic: The Screening Process for Refugee Entry into the United States | whitehouse.gov: "Summary: A step-by-step guide to the rigorous process for refugee entry into the U.S."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Map of Terror: Where Will ISIS Strike Next? - NBC News
Map of Terror: Where Will ISIS Strike Next? - NBC News: "But the senior U.S. intelligence official said the recent attacks raise concerns about one worst case scenario that the CIA has long feared — that senior military officers from Saddam Hussein's vaunted Baathist Party are leading ISIS efforts to attack the West.
One of the biggest strategic blunders of the Iraq war was the Bush administration's demobilization of the Baath party's military and police agencies in 2003, which created a vast reservoir of men who were heavily armed, well-trained, bitterly resentful and unemployed. In recent years, authorities have gathered evidence that some of these men, including former senior Baath party military officials, have not only joined ISIS but have provided training and strategic operational guidance to the terror network that have helped it take so much territory in Iraq and Syria."
'via Blog this'
One of the biggest strategic blunders of the Iraq war was the Bush administration's demobilization of the Baath party's military and police agencies in 2003, which created a vast reservoir of men who were heavily armed, well-trained, bitterly resentful and unemployed. In recent years, authorities have gathered evidence that some of these men, including former senior Baath party military officials, have not only joined ISIS but have provided training and strategic operational guidance to the terror network that have helped it take so much territory in Iraq and Syria."
'via Blog this'
US issues worldwide travel alert over terror threats - BBC News
US issues worldwide travel alert over terror threats - BBC News: "The US has issued a worldwide travel alert for its citizens in response to "increased terrorist threats".
The state department said "current information" suggested the Islamic State [IS] group, al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and others continued "to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions".
The alert, it said, will remain in place until 24 February 2016."
'via Blog this'
The state department said "current information" suggested the Islamic State [IS] group, al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and others continued "to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions".
The alert, it said, will remain in place until 24 February 2016."
'via Blog this'
US issues worldwide travel alert over terror threats - BBC News
US issues worldwide travel alert over terror threats - BBC News: "The US has issued a worldwide travel alert for its citizens in response to "increased terrorist threats".
The state department said "current information" suggested the Islamic State [IS] group, al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and others continued "to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions".
The alert, it said, will remain in place until 24 February 2016.
France, Russia, Mali and several other countries have seen deadly attacks in the past month.
A US state department representative told BBC News there was "currently... no reason to believe that US citizens would be specifically targeted"."
'via Blog this'
The state department said "current information" suggested the Islamic State [IS] group, al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and others continued "to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions".
The alert, it said, will remain in place until 24 February 2016.
France, Russia, Mali and several other countries have seen deadly attacks in the past month.
A US state department representative told BBC News there was "currently... no reason to believe that US citizens would be specifically targeted"."
'via Blog this'
Monday, November 23, 2015
Dianne Feinstein Says Islamic State Stronger, Criticizes U.S. Approach
Dianne Feinstein Says Islamic State Stronger, Criticizes U.S. Approach: "Feinstein, the ranking Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, said Secretary of State John Kerry gave the panel a more comprehensive picture last week of the U.S. strategy to combat Islamic State, including talks in Vienna to find a diplomatic solution to the Syrian crisis.
However, she said on CBS, "I don't think the approach is sufficient to the job."
Feinstein said President Barack Obama's decision to send 50 special forces to Syria will not solve the problem and advocated a larger, more specific special operations plan.
"We need to be aggressive now," she told "Face the Nation.""
'via Blog this'
However, she said on CBS, "I don't think the approach is sufficient to the job."
Feinstein said President Barack Obama's decision to send 50 special forces to Syria will not solve the problem and advocated a larger, more specific special operations plan.
"We need to be aggressive now," she told "Face the Nation.""
'via Blog this'
New study suggests we're sending our kids to school too young - ScienceAlert
New study suggests we're sending our kids to school too young - ScienceAlert: "How old should our children be before they start a formal education? That's the question asked by new research from academics at Stanford University in the US, and it turns out that it might be better for our youngsters if they started school later – a whole year later in the case of the Danish children involved in the study.
Researchers used surveys filled out by tens of thousands of parents in Denmark, where youngsters typically start kindergarten at the age of six. Those who started aged seven showed lower levels of inattention and hyperactivity, factors known to be influential in improving self-regulation, which in turn is linked to academic achievement. The effects persisted up until age 11.
"We found that delaying kindergarten for one year reduced inattention and hyperactivity by 73 percent for an average child at age 11," explained Stanford's Thomas Dee in a press release."
'via Blog this'
Researchers used surveys filled out by tens of thousands of parents in Denmark, where youngsters typically start kindergarten at the age of six. Those who started aged seven showed lower levels of inattention and hyperactivity, factors known to be influential in improving self-regulation, which in turn is linked to academic achievement. The effects persisted up until age 11.
"We found that delaying kindergarten for one year reduced inattention and hyperactivity by 73 percent for an average child at age 11," explained Stanford's Thomas Dee in a press release."
'via Blog this'
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Dozens killed in Nigeria market bombing - Al Jazeera English
Dozens killed in Nigeria market bombing - Al Jazeera English: "At least 32 people have been killed and dozens more wounded in a blast at a market in the northeastern Nigerian city of Yola, the Red Cross and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said.
The explosion occurred at a fruit and vegetable market beside a main road in the Jimeta area of Adamawa's state capital on Tuesday night.
The area, also housing a live stock market, was crowded with shoppers."
'via Blog this'
The explosion occurred at a fruit and vegetable market beside a main road in the Jimeta area of Adamawa's state capital on Tuesday night.
The area, also housing a live stock market, was crowded with shoppers."
'via Blog this'
As a HIV-positive person, I have watched the Charlie Sheen controversy unfold with sadness and horror | Voices | The Independent
As a HIV-positive person, I have watched the Charlie Sheen controversy unfold with sadness and horror | Voices | The Independent: "And it goes to show that certain sections of the media must resist propagating the myth that HIV is a death sentence to both the people it affects, and those who come peripherally into contact with it. In a time in which HIV rates have never been higher globally, never has there been a more urgent time in which to talk more openly about sex, STIs and (most of all) HIV.
While treatment options have never been better, the reception of Sheen’s diagnosis clearly highlights how public and media perception simply haven’t kept pace with medical breakthroughs. The lengths to which Sheen went to buy the silence of those who knew of his diagnosis and the media witch-hunt which eventually forced his hand are shocking facts to face up to given this is 2015. "
'via Blog this'
While treatment options have never been better, the reception of Sheen’s diagnosis clearly highlights how public and media perception simply haven’t kept pace with medical breakthroughs. The lengths to which Sheen went to buy the silence of those who knew of his diagnosis and the media witch-hunt which eventually forced his hand are shocking facts to face up to given this is 2015. "
'via Blog this'
After Attacks, France Increases Its Commitment To Refugees | ThinkProgress
After Attacks, France Increases Its Commitment To Refugees | ThinkProgress: "French President Francois Hollande promised to honor his commitment to take in tens of thousands of refugees on Wednesday. He said France would do so despite concerns raised by ultra-right nationalist leaders that refugees might pose a security threat to the country.
“Some people say the tragic events of the last few days have sown doubts in their minds,” Hollande said, but added that it is a “humanitarian duty” to help the throngs of refugees who have landed on European shores after fleeing conflict and hardship in countries like Syria and Afghanistan.
In a speech to mayors from around France, Hollande said France would welcome 30,000 refugees over the next two years. That’s even more than the 24,000 he committed to accepting in September."
'via Blog this'
“Some people say the tragic events of the last few days have sown doubts in their minds,” Hollande said, but added that it is a “humanitarian duty” to help the throngs of refugees who have landed on European shores after fleeing conflict and hardship in countries like Syria and Afghanistan.
In a speech to mayors from around France, Hollande said France would welcome 30,000 refugees over the next two years. That’s even more than the 24,000 he committed to accepting in September."
'via Blog this'
Senegal plans to ban full-face amid militant threat - BBC News
Senegal plans to ban full-face amid militant threat - BBC News: "Senegal plans to ban women from wearing the full-face Islamic veil in public in an attempt to curb jihadi activity, the interior minister has said.
The move should not be seen as anti-Islamic, as Senegal was a mainly Muslim state, Abdoulaye Daouda added.
If the plan becomes law, Senegal will be the fifth African state to restrict the wearing of the full-face veil.
In another move to target militants, all unregistered Sim cards are to be deactivated by the end of November."
'via Blog this'
The move should not be seen as anti-Islamic, as Senegal was a mainly Muslim state, Abdoulaye Daouda added.
If the plan becomes law, Senegal will be the fifth African state to restrict the wearing of the full-face veil.
In another move to target militants, all unregistered Sim cards are to be deactivated by the end of November."
'via Blog this'
Nigerian troops free 241 women, children in Boko Haram camps - CNN.com
Nigerian troops free 241 women, children in Boko Haram camps - CNN.com: "(CNN)The Nigerian military rescued 241 women and children in a raid on two camps controlled by the Boko Haram terrorist group, the country's military said Wednesday.
The Tuesday operation unfolded in the villages of Jangurori and Bulatori, the statement said.
The operations also netted the arrests of 43 militants belonging to the Islamist group, including a local leader, Bulama Modu, who the Nigerian military says was acting as the "emir" of the village of Bulakuri."
'via Blog this'
The Tuesday operation unfolded in the villages of Jangurori and Bulatori, the statement said.
The operations also netted the arrests of 43 militants belonging to the Islamist group, including a local leader, Bulama Modu, who the Nigerian military says was acting as the "emir" of the village of Bulakuri."
'via Blog this'
Monday, November 16, 2015
How do we respond to democracy's 'rollback' crisis? | Devex
How do we respond to democracy's 'rollback' crisis? | Devex: "Fighting the rollback is about more than just language, though. Values tend to be broad concepts, but protecting them needs attention to detail — another important lesson from Seoul. What exactly are the democratic norms that are threatened by regulatory restrictions on NGOs? How exactly can traditional values, faiths or beliefs be reconciled with universal human rights? And what impact will an obscure U.N. General Assembly resolution have on the international standards that have been adopted by the U.N. since 1948?
Unless we get this right, it is too easy to paint our reaction as unfounded or culturally insensitive. And sometimes we are wrong. Lawyers are our friends in this work, working with all those that bear witness. This is well-trodden ground for the human rights community, but I think the democracy-strengthening community is struggling with it a bit, for example in looking at “non-Western democracies.”"
'via Blog this'
Unless we get this right, it is too easy to paint our reaction as unfounded or culturally insensitive. And sometimes we are wrong. Lawyers are our friends in this work, working with all those that bear witness. This is well-trodden ground for the human rights community, but I think the democracy-strengthening community is struggling with it a bit, for example in looking at “non-Western democracies.”"
'via Blog this'
Unveiled women drivers in Iran to have cars impounded - Yahoo News
Unveiled women drivers in Iran to have cars impounded - Yahoo News: "Tehran (AFP) - Iranian women who fail to wear the veil when driving will have their cars impounded for a week and are likely to be fined, police warned Sunday.
In the past week, about 10,000 motorists have received warnings, with 2,000 facing further action for breaking "social norms", but the new measure to confiscate cars will come into force nationwide."
'via Blog this'
In the past week, about 10,000 motorists have received warnings, with 2,000 facing further action for breaking "social norms", but the new measure to confiscate cars will come into force nationwide."
'via Blog this'
Nepal's PM asks India to lift undeclared blockade - Yahoo News
Nepal's PM asks India to lift undeclared blockade - Yahoo News: "KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Nepal's prime minister has asked neighboring India to lift an "undeclared blockade," saying the Himalayan nation is facing a severe fuel shortage and trouble obtaining medicine and food supplies blocked at the border."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Paris attacks: Bataclan and other assaults leave many dead - BBC News
Paris attacks: Bataclan and other assaults leave many dead - BBC News: "France has declared a national state of emergency and tightened borders after at least 120 people were killed in a night of gun and bomb attacks in Paris.
Eighty people were reported killed after gunmen burst into the Bataclan concert hall and took dozens hostage.
The siege ended when security forces stormed the building.
People were shot dead at bars and restaurants at five other sites in Paris. Eight attackers were later reported killed.
Police believed all of the gunmen were dead but it was unclear if any accomplices were still on the run after the string of near-simultaneous attacks.
Paris residents have been asked to stay indoors and about 1,500 military personnel are being deployed across the city."
'via Blog this'
Eighty people were reported killed after gunmen burst into the Bataclan concert hall and took dozens hostage.
The siege ended when security forces stormed the building.
People were shot dead at bars and restaurants at five other sites in Paris. Eight attackers were later reported killed.
Police believed all of the gunmen were dead but it was unclear if any accomplices were still on the run after the string of near-simultaneous attacks.
Paris residents have been asked to stay indoors and about 1,500 military personnel are being deployed across the city."
'via Blog this'
At least 120 dead in Paris attacks, Hollande declares emergency | Reuters
At least 120 dead in Paris attacks, Hollande declares emergency | Reuters: "Gunmen and bombers attacked restaurants, a concert hall and a sports stadium at locations across Paris on Friday, killing at least 120 people in a deadly rampage that a shaken President Francois Hollande called an unprecedented terrorist attack.
A Paris city hall official said four gunmen systematically slaughtered at least 87 young people attending a rock concert at the Bataclan music hall. Anti-terrorist commandos eventually launched an assault on the building. The gunmen detonated explosive belts and dozens of shocked survivors were rescued.
Some 40 more people were killed in five other attacks in the Paris region, the city hall official said, including an apparent double suicide bombing outside the national stadium, where Hollande and the German foreign minister were watching a friendly soccer international. Some 200 people were injured.
The coordinated assault came as France, a founder member of the U.S.-led coalition waging air strikes against Islamic State fighters in Syria and Iraq, was on high alert for terrorist attacks ahead of a global climate conference due to open later this month."
'via Blog this'
A Paris city hall official said four gunmen systematically slaughtered at least 87 young people attending a rock concert at the Bataclan music hall. Anti-terrorist commandos eventually launched an assault on the building. The gunmen detonated explosive belts and dozens of shocked survivors were rescued.
Some 40 more people were killed in five other attacks in the Paris region, the city hall official said, including an apparent double suicide bombing outside the national stadium, where Hollande and the German foreign minister were watching a friendly soccer international. Some 200 people were injured.
The coordinated assault came as France, a founder member of the U.S.-led coalition waging air strikes against Islamic State fighters in Syria and Iraq, was on high alert for terrorist attacks ahead of a global climate conference due to open later this month."
'via Blog this'
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Teacher's quiz: How many migrants to push overboard? - CNN.com
Teacher's quiz: How many migrants to push overboard? - CNN.com: "(CNN)To the teacher, the assignment was a simple question of physics. To critics, it was a tasteless assignment about death at sea.
A teacher in the eastern Polish city of Bialystok gave the size of a boat and the number of people on board.
The students' assignment? To calculate how many Syrian refugees had to be thrown overboard for the boat to stay afloat and reach Greece.
The teacher, Grzegorz Nowik, said it was a matter of holding the students' attention.
"Pupils are not interested when I explain the lift of a wooden block floating on water," he said. "I told them it was a joke while saying words to be written down.""
'via Blog this'
A teacher in the eastern Polish city of Bialystok gave the size of a boat and the number of people on board.
The students' assignment? To calculate how many Syrian refugees had to be thrown overboard for the boat to stay afloat and reach Greece.
The teacher, Grzegorz Nowik, said it was a matter of holding the students' attention.
"Pupils are not interested when I explain the lift of a wooden block floating on water," he said. "I told them it was a joke while saying words to be written down.""
'via Blog this'
Refugee crisis: German man takes in 24 asylum-seekers and describes his 'disappointing' experience | Europe | News | The Independent
Refugee crisis: German man takes in 24 asylum-seekers and describes his 'disappointing' experience | Europe | News | The Independent: "And he said that it was the reactions from those around him - not from the actions of refugees - that disappointed him most.
"The real disappointment that happened to us came in the form of ordinary text messages, death threats on the street, or insulting letters at the front door.
Or simply by school friends, that rather cry and quote the AfD [Germany’s right-wing political party].
Instead of tackling the crisis, we act as if there is no tomorrow. Wake up finally!"
'via Blog this'
"The real disappointment that happened to us came in the form of ordinary text messages, death threats on the street, or insulting letters at the front door.
Or simply by school friends, that rather cry and quote the AfD [Germany’s right-wing political party].
Instead of tackling the crisis, we act as if there is no tomorrow. Wake up finally!"
'via Blog this'
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
The incidents that led to the University of Missouri president’s resignation - The Washington Post
The incidents that led to the University of Missouri president’s resignation - The Washington Post: "Tim Wolfe’s resignation Monday as the University of Missouri System president came after months of escalating racial tension surrounding high-profile incidents on the flagship campus in Columbia, Mo., and student criticism about the administration’s response.
Here’s a rundown of what happened leading up to Wolfe’s announcement that he was stepping down from his post leading the four-campus system."
'via Blog this'
Here’s a rundown of what happened leading up to Wolfe’s announcement that he was stepping down from his post leading the four-campus system."
'via Blog this'
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Man of the world | The Economist
Man of the world | The Economist: "Once, Humboldt seemed to be on everybody’s lips; his portrait even hung in the palace of the King of Siam. Born into an aristocratic Prussian family, he showed an early and insatiable curiosity for the natural worlds “perpetual drive”, he said, as if chased by “10,000 pigs”. As young men he and his brother, Wilhelm, were lights in Berlin’s intellectual circle which, though admittedly small, included Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller. But always Humboldt was consumed by Fernweh, a longing for distant places. His misery was to be “too good a son”. A cold and distant mother (his father had died when he was young) had strict ideas about what it meant to be a member of the Prussian elite. In 1790, at 21, he was all set for a career in the ministry of mines. Then came Humboldt’s jubilee with the death of his mother and a generous inheritance."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
The Essential Heartlessness of the Sharing Economy Will Be Revealed Now or Later, Maybe Via Deaths at Airbnb
The Essential Heartlessness of the Sharing Economy Will Be Revealed Now or Later, Maybe Via Deaths at Airbnb: "Of course, were Airbnb to invest in safety requirements by offering home inspections or by analyzing photo content to target higher-risk properties and features (pools, saunas, trampolines, etc.) with site-specific safety recommendations, such a program could be far more costly, and might jeopardize Airbnb’s covetable neutrality as a platform. The irony is that amateur innkeepers who couldn’t be trusted with the banal task of photographing and marketing their properties are expected to excel at hospitality’s most important rule: keeping guests safe and alive."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Friday, November 6, 2015
Silicon Valley’s New Philanthropy - The New York Times
Silicon Valley’s New Philanthropy - The New York Times: "The tech world is home to some of the planet’s wealthiest entrepreneurs and most dynamic philanthropists, 21st-century heirs to Carnegie and Rockefeller who say they can apply the same ingenuity and zeal that made them rich to making the rest of the world less poor. San Francisco also has one of the highest levels of income inequality in the nation, with the wealth distortion most concentrated among the very people who are driving the economy as a whole.
A similar paradox seeps into philanthropy. Tech entrepreneurs believe their charitable giving is bolder, bigger and more data-driven than anywhere else — and in many ways it is. But despite their flair for disruption, these philanthropists are no more interested in radical change than their more conservative predecessors. They don’t lobby for the redistribution of wealth; instead, they see poverty and inequality as an engineering problem, and the solution is their own brain power, not a tithe."
'via Blog this'
A similar paradox seeps into philanthropy. Tech entrepreneurs believe their charitable giving is bolder, bigger and more data-driven than anywhere else — and in many ways it is. But despite their flair for disruption, these philanthropists are no more interested in radical change than their more conservative predecessors. They don’t lobby for the redistribution of wealth; instead, they see poverty and inequality as an engineering problem, and the solution is their own brain power, not a tithe."
'via Blog this'
IITA Promotes a Solution that Puts Smallholders’ Food, Nutrition and Income in a Bag | Inter Press Service
IITA Promotes a Solution that Puts Smallholders’ Food, Nutrition and Income in a Bag | Inter Press Service: "The case for the PICS bag is compelling. By hermetically sealing dried produce, they keep the insect threat at bay. That in turn revolutionizes the potential value of the food that farmers grow, as they face lower risks of losses from voracious weevils who can easily destroy half a crop in less than two months when traditional storage methods are used. With their crop better protected, smallholders can assure they have enough to eat at home and can actually command higher prices for what they take to market because they are no longer forced to sell into seasonal gluts out of fear that their goods would spoil. An early analysis found that cowpea farmers raised their income by almost 50 per cent by using the bags.
IITA has been promoting PICS, helped by a host of partners and the Gates Foundation, for seven years now.
One of the issues for PICS bags is that they need to be manufactured locally. That is being organized in a slew of African countries, most recently Rwanda. In Nigeria, the company Lela Agro has churned out more than a million PICS bags. But even once that process has been licensed and authorized and built, the supply chain still needs a distribution network."
'via Blog this'
IITA has been promoting PICS, helped by a host of partners and the Gates Foundation, for seven years now.
One of the issues for PICS bags is that they need to be manufactured locally. That is being organized in a slew of African countries, most recently Rwanda. In Nigeria, the company Lela Agro has churned out more than a million PICS bags. But even once that process has been licensed and authorized and built, the supply chain still needs a distribution network."
'via Blog this'
Indonesia is burning. So why is the world looking away? | George Monbiot | Comment is free | The Guardian
Indonesia is burning. So why is the world looking away? | George Monbiot | Comment is free | The Guardian: "I’ve often wondered how the media would respond when eco-apocalypse struck. I pictured the news programmes producing brief, sensational reports, while failing to explain why it was happening or how it might be stopped. Then they would ask their financial correspondents how the disaster affected share prices, before turning to the sport. As you can probably tell, I don’t have an ocean of faith in the industry for which I work. What I did not expect was that they would ignore it."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
UN body calls for Malaysia's Anwar to be freed: family - Yahoo News
UN body calls for Malaysia's Anwar to be freed: family - Yahoo News: "A UN body has determined that former Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has been jailed in violation of international law and called for his immediate release, according to a copy of the opinion released by his family.
Anwar, 68, was jailed in February for five years after being convicted for sodomising a male aide. He denies the charge, calling it a frame-up by Malaysia's long-ruling government to cripple a resurgent opposition.
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that Anwar was denied a fair trial and that the charges were pursued for political reasons, according to the document released by the family Monday."
'via Blog this'
Anwar, 68, was jailed in February for five years after being convicted for sodomising a male aide. He denies the charge, calling it a frame-up by Malaysia's long-ruling government to cripple a resurgent opposition.
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded that Anwar was denied a fair trial and that the charges were pursued for political reasons, according to the document released by the family Monday."
'via Blog this'
U.S., allies conduct 10 air strikes in Syria, 17 in Iraq: U.S. military - Yahoo News
U.S., allies conduct 10 air strikes in Syria, 17 in Iraq: U.S. military - Yahoo News: "WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S.-led coalition conducted 10 air strikes against Islamic State in Syria on Sunday and 17 in Iraq, the U.S. military said, stepping up its air assault in Syria as fighting on the ground escalated."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
South Africa yellow maize scales 2015 high as drought fears mount | Top News | Reuters
South Africa yellow maize scales 2015 high as drought fears mount | Top News | Reuters: "JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South African prices for yellow maize, used mostly for animal feed, scaled their highest peaks in 2015 on Monday as drought concerns mounted, fueling food price pressures in Africa's most advanced economy.
Another poor maize harvest would have serious implications for Africa's most advanced economy as it would pressure food prices and inflation and so could influence the timing of rate hikes by the central bank, which is in a tightening cycle."
'via Blog this'
Another poor maize harvest would have serious implications for Africa's most advanced economy as it would pressure food prices and inflation and so could influence the timing of rate hikes by the central bank, which is in a tightening cycle."
'via Blog this'
UN Frontline Staff Consider Their Options as Pay Cuts Loom | Inter Press Service
UN Frontline Staff Consider Their Options as Pay Cuts Loom | Inter Press Service: " When the world’s most powerful ambassadors gathered in New York last week to celebrate the United Nations’ 70th anniversary, it would have been undiplomatic to mention the looming crisis facing the UN’s proudest achievement – its humanitarian aid programmes.
But the diplomats and political leaders at the anniversary concert in the General Assembly Hall with Lang Lang and the Harlem Boys Gospel Choir were well aware that they have just a few months to avert a fundamental threat to the UN’s ability to deliver its aid programmes effectively.
UN professional staff who deliver emergency relief in some of the most dangerous places in the world are now considering their options after learning that the value of their pay and allowances, including the right to family leave, will be cut by up to 10% next year, after a three year pay-freeze. The cuts will be heaviest at the lower grades, thereby falling disproportionately on staff recruited from the same developing countries that the UN is trying to help.
When the cuts were announced to World Food Programme workers in South Sudan, a staff association representative who was there said: “Everyone looked like they’d been punched in the stomach.”"
'via Blog this'
But the diplomats and political leaders at the anniversary concert in the General Assembly Hall with Lang Lang and the Harlem Boys Gospel Choir were well aware that they have just a few months to avert a fundamental threat to the UN’s ability to deliver its aid programmes effectively.
UN professional staff who deliver emergency relief in some of the most dangerous places in the world are now considering their options after learning that the value of their pay and allowances, including the right to family leave, will be cut by up to 10% next year, after a three year pay-freeze. The cuts will be heaviest at the lower grades, thereby falling disproportionately on staff recruited from the same developing countries that the UN is trying to help.
When the cuts were announced to World Food Programme workers in South Sudan, a staff association representative who was there said: “Everyone looked like they’d been punched in the stomach.”"
'via Blog this'
This Map Shows How Large Europe’s Refugee Crisis Really Is | TakePart
This Map Shows How Large Europe’s Refugee Crisis Really Is | TakePart: "It’s been called the largest humanitarian crisis in Europe since World War II. But while the stories of people fleeing violence and oppression have shocked the world, grasping the scale of the number of migrants seeking asylum on the continent can be difficult.
That’s where Lucify, a data visualization company based in Helsinki, hopes to help. The company used data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on the origin and destination of all the refugees in its database over three years to create an interactive graphic of the mass movement of people into Europe."
'via Blog this'
That’s where Lucify, a data visualization company based in Helsinki, hopes to help. The company used data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on the origin and destination of all the refugees in its database over three years to create an interactive graphic of the mass movement of people into Europe."
'via Blog this'
Austria tightens asylum policy for Afghans | World news | The Guardian
Austria tightens asylum policy for Afghans | World news | The Guardian: "The Austrian cabinet is to introduce a law to make the country less of a magnet for tens of thousands of Afghans fleeing a surge of violence as Taliban insurgents intensify their attacks.
Days after Germany said it would tighten its asylum policy on Afghans, the new law would force most to wait for three years rather than one before their families are able to join them. It would also make them prove they have an independent source of income, health insurance and accommodation."
'via Blog this'
Days after Germany said it would tighten its asylum policy on Afghans, the new law would force most to wait for three years rather than one before their families are able to join them. It would also make them prove they have an independent source of income, health insurance and accommodation."
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IRIN Middle East | Lebanese law forces Syrian refugees underground | Lebanon | Syria | Governance | Refugees/IDPs
IRIN Middle East | Lebanese law forces Syrian refugees underground | Lebanon | Syria | Governance | Refugees/IDPs: "RIYAQ, 2 November 2015 (IRIN) - Ibrahim waited outside the legal clinic with his most valuable belongings – Syrian ID, passport, a document proving his status as a UN-registered refugee and a notarised pledge promising not to work in Lebanon – all in a crumpled shopping bag.
The 47-year-old father of five from Aleppo meets all the requirements for a residency permit in Lebanon, but when he last applied he was told his promise to stay jobless wasn’t believable and he therefore needed a Lebanese citizen to vouch for him.
So he did what most others do. He became illegal.
A complicated set of laws has made obtaining legal residency in Lebanon so difficult that an estimated two-thirds of the country’s Syrian refugees now lack the proper papers, putting them at constant risk of arrest.
Ibrahim chanced it to seek out legal advice, crossing Lebanese army checkpoints on his way through the eastern Bekaa Valley, but found little respite. “The lawyer said there was nothing to be done: either find a sponsor or lay low,” he told IRIN, still clutching the shopping bag."
'via Blog this'
The 47-year-old father of five from Aleppo meets all the requirements for a residency permit in Lebanon, but when he last applied he was told his promise to stay jobless wasn’t believable and he therefore needed a Lebanese citizen to vouch for him.
So he did what most others do. He became illegal.
A complicated set of laws has made obtaining legal residency in Lebanon so difficult that an estimated two-thirds of the country’s Syrian refugees now lack the proper papers, putting them at constant risk of arrest.
Ibrahim chanced it to seek out legal advice, crossing Lebanese army checkpoints on his way through the eastern Bekaa Valley, but found little respite. “The lawyer said there was nothing to be done: either find a sponsor or lay low,” he told IRIN, still clutching the shopping bag."
'via Blog this'
Kenyan youths renounce crime to protect forests | Top News | Reuters
Kenyan youths renounce crime to protect forests | Top News | Reuters: "He and other young people resorted to crime to support themselves after the ban on cutting down public forests put a stop to the lucrative local trade of transporting logs for sale, which many had quit school to do.
Now their knowledge of the timber trade is being put to good use.
Group members select a specific ringtone on their cell phones to notify each other when they are alerted to tree-felling activities."
'via Blog this'
Now their knowledge of the timber trade is being put to good use.
Group members select a specific ringtone on their cell phones to notify each other when they are alerted to tree-felling activities."
'via Blog this'
Veteran Ugandan leader and rival get green light to run in 2016 election | Top News | Reuters
Veteran Ugandan leader and rival get green light to run in 2016 election | Top News | Reuters: "KAMPALA (Reuters) - Uganda's electoral commission approved on Tuesday veteran leader Yoweri Museveni's bid to extend his three decades in office, kicking off campaigning for the presidential election due in early 2016.
The commission also gave the green light to Museveni's ally-turned-rival Amama Mbabazi, a former prime minister, to run in the election.
Museveni, 71, in power since 1986, is one of Africa's longest-ruling leaders. His critics accuse him of wanting to be president for life and of grooming his son, army brigadier Kainerugaba Muhoozi, to succeed him, charges he denies."
'via Blog this'
The commission also gave the green light to Museveni's ally-turned-rival Amama Mbabazi, a former prime minister, to run in the election.
Museveni, 71, in power since 1986, is one of Africa's longest-ruling leaders. His critics accuse him of wanting to be president for life and of grooming his son, army brigadier Kainerugaba Muhoozi, to succeed him, charges he denies."
'via Blog this'
Sierra Leone set for Ebola all clear as it approaches 42 days without a fresh case | Global development | The Guardian
Sierra Leone set for Ebola all clear as it approaches 42 days without a fresh case | Global development | The Guardian: "Sierra Leone is expected to be declared Ebola-free by the World Health Organisation on Saturday, when it will have gone 42 days without any fresh case of the virus.
Celebrations are being prepared but the optimism is tempered by caution because the virus is still affecting neighbouring Guinea, which has recorded four cases in the past fortnight.
In a grim reminder of how the virus cuts through families, all four patients are siblings, infected by their mother. She had tested positive after caring for her sister who died of the disease."
'via Blog this'
Celebrations are being prepared but the optimism is tempered by caution because the virus is still affecting neighbouring Guinea, which has recorded four cases in the past fortnight.
In a grim reminder of how the virus cuts through families, all four patients are siblings, infected by their mother. She had tested positive after caring for her sister who died of the disease."
'via Blog this'
Cyclone Chapala Hammers Yemen; At Least 3 Dead | The Weather Channel
Cyclone Chapala Hammers Yemen; At Least 3 Dead | The Weather Channel: "As Chapala made landfall Tuesday, it dumped enormous amounts of rainfall on the arid coast – as much as a decade's worth, according to some forecasts. This caused major flooding and swamped entire towns."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Thursday, November 5, 2015
“Orphan Crops”: What They Are, Why They Matter and What’s Being Done - RTB-CGIAR
“Orphan Crops”: What They Are, Why They Matter and What’s Being Done - RTB-CGIAR: "Orphan crops are those that aren’t traded internationally, and therefore tend to get less attention in terms of research of agricultural training and extension, such as cassava. They’re typically grown in Africa, Asia, and/or South America and eaten as part of local diets. Because they get less research attention, the breeding technology for orphan crops is lagging way behind modern technology. That means that the seeds farmers plant are less likely to be resilient to drought, flooding, or extreme temperatures; lower in productivity; and more vulnerable to pests and disease."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Friday, October 30, 2015
Syria: Obama authorizes boots on ground to fight ISIS - CNNPolitics.com
Syria: Obama authorizes boots on ground to fight ISIS - CNNPolitics.com: "The United States is set to deploy troops on the ground in Syria for the first time to advise and assist rebel forces combating ISIS, the White House said Friday.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest said that the U.S. would be deploying "less than 50" Special Operations forces, who will be sent to Kurdish-controlled territory in northern Syria. The American troops will help local Kurdish and Arab forces fighting ISIS with logistics and are planning to bolster their efforts.
The deployment of U.S. Special Operations forces is the most significant escalation of the American military campaign against ISIS to date."
'via Blog this'
White House spokesman Josh Earnest said that the U.S. would be deploying "less than 50" Special Operations forces, who will be sent to Kurdish-controlled territory in northern Syria. The American troops will help local Kurdish and Arab forces fighting ISIS with logistics and are planning to bolster their efforts.
The deployment of U.S. Special Operations forces is the most significant escalation of the American military campaign against ISIS to date."
'via Blog this'
Thursday, October 29, 2015
English Lessons for Free as Malaysia Tackles Drop in Proficiency - Bloomberg Business
English Lessons for Free as Malaysia Tackles Drop in Proficiency - Bloomberg Business: "Malaysia is encouraging schools to teach more classes in English and will offer free lessons to the masses as manufacturers and company chiefs say a deteriorating command of the language is hurting the country’s competitiveness.
Over 90 percent of the 190,000 respondents in an online poll this month said there should be an option to take more subjects in the language, Idris Jala, head of the government’s Performance Management and Delivery Unit, said in an interview on Monday. Prime Minister Najib Razak introduced a dual-language program during his budget speech last week, and the New Straits Times said Thursday the government will organize English communication lessons at no charge from next year."
'via Blog this'
Over 90 percent of the 190,000 respondents in an online poll this month said there should be an option to take more subjects in the language, Idris Jala, head of the government’s Performance Management and Delivery Unit, said in an interview on Monday. Prime Minister Najib Razak introduced a dual-language program during his budget speech last week, and the New Straits Times said Thursday the government will organize English communication lessons at no charge from next year."
'via Blog this'
National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau axed, anti-poverty schemes starved - The Hindu
National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau axed, anti-poverty schemes starved - The Hindu: "The bureau, under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), had been critical in informing the government’s poverty alleviation interventions with periodic assessments of nutrient deficiency among tribal communities, pregnant women, adolescents and “at-risk” elderly population in India.
“The problem was that the bureau was running in a project mode. Government programmes that run in a project mode for this long are not sustainable. We have been asked to shut down that particular project,” said Soumya Swaminathan, Director-General, ICMR, and Secretary, Health Research Department.
In countries such as India where nutrition has a cultural significance, such organisations provide a good understanding of what people eat and what, therefore, can be culturally accepted nutritional interventions, said Amit Sengupta, convener of the Jan Swasthya Abhiyan, the Indian chapter of the People’s Health Movement."
'via Blog this'
“The problem was that the bureau was running in a project mode. Government programmes that run in a project mode for this long are not sustainable. We have been asked to shut down that particular project,” said Soumya Swaminathan, Director-General, ICMR, and Secretary, Health Research Department.
In countries such as India where nutrition has a cultural significance, such organisations provide a good understanding of what people eat and what, therefore, can be culturally accepted nutritional interventions, said Amit Sengupta, convener of the Jan Swasthya Abhiyan, the Indian chapter of the People’s Health Movement."
'via Blog this'
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Hillary Clinton and the Benghazi Gang - The New York Times
Hillary Clinton and the Benghazi Gang - The New York Times: "The pointless grilling of Mrs. Clinton, who fielded a barrage of questions that have long been answered and settled, served only to embarrass the Republican lawmakers who have spent millions of dollars on a political crusade. In recent days, some prominent Republicans have even admitted as much.
If there was any notion that the Select Committee on Benghazi might be on to something, it was quickly dispelled. In a flailing performance, the committee’s chairman, Trey Gowdy of South Carolina, made it evident that he and his colleagues have squandered more than $4.6 million and countless hours poring over State Department records and Mrs. Clinton’s email. They produced no damning evidence, elicited no confessions and didn’t succeed in getting an angry reaction from Mrs. Clinton."
'via Blog this'
If there was any notion that the Select Committee on Benghazi might be on to something, it was quickly dispelled. In a flailing performance, the committee’s chairman, Trey Gowdy of South Carolina, made it evident that he and his colleagues have squandered more than $4.6 million and countless hours poring over State Department records and Mrs. Clinton’s email. They produced no damning evidence, elicited no confessions and didn’t succeed in getting an angry reaction from Mrs. Clinton."
'via Blog this'
Friday, October 23, 2015
Target's Halloween Disability Ad Is A Win For Advocates
Target's Halloween Disability Ad Is A Win For Advocates: "NORMALIZING DISABILITIES IN CHILDREN IS PRICELESS."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
‘Yoga Always Helps’ - NYTimes.com
‘Yoga Always Helps’ - NYTimes.com: "The Times analyzed key moments live from Hillary Rodham Clinton’s testimony on Thursday to a House committee investigating the 2012 attacks in Benghazi, Libya."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Joe Biden Announces He Is Not Running For President - BuzzFeed News
Joe Biden Announces He Is Not Running For President - BuzzFeed News: "After months of speculation, Vice President Joe Biden announced he will not run for president.
Biden announced the news from the White House Rose Garden. He said on Wednesday that, as he had said before, that he knew the grieving process over the death of his son might continue past the point that he could realistically launch a bid for the presidency.
“I’ve said all along what I’ve said time and again to others: that it may very well be that that process, by the time we get through it, closes the window on mounting a realistic campaign for president,” Biden said."
'via Blog this'
Biden announced the news from the White House Rose Garden. He said on Wednesday that, as he had said before, that he knew the grieving process over the death of his son might continue past the point that he could realistically launch a bid for the presidency.
“I’ve said all along what I’ve said time and again to others: that it may very well be that that process, by the time we get through it, closes the window on mounting a realistic campaign for president,” Biden said."
'via Blog this'
UN chief regrets 'root causes' of refugee crisis were unaddressed - Yahoo News
UN chief regrets 'root causes' of refugee crisis were unaddressed - Yahoo News: ""We should have addressed this issue at the origin," the UN chief told reporters in the Slovak capital Bratislava before visiting a nearby refugee centre."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Peace Corps smashes application record again, but what does it mean for volunteers? | Devex
Peace Corps smashes application record again, but what does it mean for volunteers? | Devex: "Peace Corps broke a new record for the number of applications received for two-year volunteer opportunities in the 2015 fiscal year. The agency received nearly 23,000 applications, marking a 32 percent increase over the number of applications received in 2014 — and the highest application number since 1975."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Four killed in protest over plan to extend Congo Republic president's rule | Reuters
Four killed in protest over plan to extend Congo Republic president's rule | Reuters: "At least four people demonstrating against plans to lift presidential term limits in Congo Republic were killed when police opened fire when the crowd refused to disperse, protesters said.
Thousands of opposition supporters took to the streets against Sunday's planned referendum on removing constitutional term limits for President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who has ruled the oil producer for all but five years since 1979."
'via Blog this'
Thousands of opposition supporters took to the streets against Sunday's planned referendum on removing constitutional term limits for President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who has ruled the oil producer for all but five years since 1979."
'via Blog this'
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Phoenix Africa: A boxer, a grandee and an ex-soldier seek $27m for rice-producing business in Sierra Leone | Business News | News | The Independent
Phoenix Africa: A boxer, a grandee and an ex-soldier seek $27m for rice-producing business in Sierra Leone | Business News | News | The Independent: "An Oxford University boxing blue, a former Shell chairman, and an ex-SAS commanding officer are looking to raise $26.6m (£17.8m) to build the biggest food company in Ebola-scarred Sierra Leone.
Phoenix Africa focuses on African countries that are recovering from conflicts, such as Sierra Leone’s long civil war, and are therefore neglected by many investors. With just $250,000, it launched a rice-producing business, Lion Mountains, in the Bo District to the south of Sierra Leone at the height of the Ebola crisis last year."
'via Blog this'
Phoenix Africa focuses on African countries that are recovering from conflicts, such as Sierra Leone’s long civil war, and are therefore neglected by many investors. With just $250,000, it launched a rice-producing business, Lion Mountains, in the Bo District to the south of Sierra Leone at the height of the Ebola crisis last year."
'via Blog this'
General John Holmes' battle to rebuild Sierra Leone 15 years after a daring rescue | Africa | News | The Independent
General John Holmes' battle to rebuild Sierra Leone 15 years after a daring rescue | Africa | News | The Independent: "Fifteen years ago John Holmes led a daring mission in Sierra Leone, helping defeat murderous rebels who were threatening to over-run the country. Now he is back, with an even bigger goal. Peter Oborne reports"
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Parents Advised To Introduce Peanuts, Other Allergenic Foods Early To Prevent Serious Allergy : LIFE : Tech Times
Parents Advised To Introduce Peanuts, Other Allergenic Foods Early To Prevent Serious Allergy : LIFE : Tech Times: "In a review of related evidence published in the Canadian Medical Association journal (CMAJ), findings showed that introducing children to foods that typically cause allergic reactions like eggs and peanuts when they are four to six months old give them higher chances of avoiding a food allergy later in life.
This advice, authors noted, is contrary to the decades old belief of immunologists who advised parents to not include these foods in their children's diet until they are older.
"If parents ask how to prevent allergy in their children, our current advice is to introduce the allergenic foods at four to six months of age," the authors wrote in their study, citing that early and regular exposure to these allergens are important in building tolerance for them.
One of the researches to challenge conventional wisdom when it came to allergies was the Learning Early About Peanut (LEAP) study. Researchers of the LEAP study found that introducing peanuts early to children reduced chances of having allergy to the nuts by about 80 percent."
'via Blog this'
This advice, authors noted, is contrary to the decades old belief of immunologists who advised parents to not include these foods in their children's diet until they are older.
"If parents ask how to prevent allergy in their children, our current advice is to introduce the allergenic foods at four to six months of age," the authors wrote in their study, citing that early and regular exposure to these allergens are important in building tolerance for them.
One of the researches to challenge conventional wisdom when it came to allergies was the Learning Early About Peanut (LEAP) study. Researchers of the LEAP study found that introducing peanuts early to children reduced chances of having allergy to the nuts by about 80 percent."
'via Blog this'
Korean families divided by war reunite in the North - BBC News
Korean families divided by war reunite in the North - BBC News: "Hundreds of South Koreans have begun meeting family members in the North in a rare reunion event for families separated by the Korean War.
The reunion, comprising a series of meetings over a week, is being held at a Mount Kumgang resort, at the border.
Thousands of families have been apart with little or no contact since the war ended in 1953.
Reunions have been held sporadically since 1988 and depend on the state of relations between the two countries.
The last reunion was held in February 2014.
This year's meeting comes after an agreement in August that de-escalated tensions sparked by a border explosion that injured South Korean soldiers."
'via Blog this'
The reunion, comprising a series of meetings over a week, is being held at a Mount Kumgang resort, at the border.
Thousands of families have been apart with little or no contact since the war ended in 1953.
Reunions have been held sporadically since 1988 and depend on the state of relations between the two countries.
The last reunion was held in February 2014.
This year's meeting comes after an agreement in August that de-escalated tensions sparked by a border explosion that injured South Korean soldiers."
'via Blog this'
Canada election: Liberals sweep to power - BBC News
Canada election: Liberals sweep to power - BBC News: "The centrist Liberals, led by Justin Trudeau, started the campaign in third place but in a stunning turnaround now command a majority.
Mr Trudeau, the 43-year-old son of late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, said Canadians had voted for real change.
Incumbent Conservative PM Stephen Harper accepted defeat and his party said he will step down as leader."
'via Blog this'
Mr Trudeau, the 43-year-old son of late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, said Canadians had voted for real change.
Incumbent Conservative PM Stephen Harper accepted defeat and his party said he will step down as leader."
'via Blog this'
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
In post-Ebola Sierra Leone, aid is needed, but not all is helpful
We have a big problem now with aid,” Nyuma Tommy, Kpondu’s chief, told me. International NGOs, he said, were now visiting the village regularly, “bringing assistance to orphans and survivors, and nothing to all the rest.” Every month, he said, villagers watched as SUVs rumbled in to deposit food parcels at the homes of these chosen few. Were those who had cared for the dying or lost their closest friends not just as deserving? Had everyone here not suffered enough to merit assistance?
It was a complaint I heard again and again across Sierra Leone: international aid organizations, attempting to ease the burden of those who had suffered most from Ebola, were actually making recovery more difficult, breeding suspicion, distrust, and jealousy in tight-knit villages where communal support offered the best chance for physical and psychological recovery from the disease’s traumas.
Nothing less than a seed revolution for smallholder farmers
The challenge, however, is to ensure that improved seed reaches smallholder farmers — including those at the “last mile” — through sound investment in seed systems.
Farmers typically use two types of seed systems — formal and informal. The first offers modern crop varieties in the form of high-quality “certified” seed, which is generally made available through research organizations, private seed companies, and sometimes emergency relief agencies. Informal or traditional systems move a range of varieties — both local and modern, and of variable quality — through local markets, social networks, and farmers’ own seed stocks.
For decades, nearly all investment in seed systems has focused on supporting the formal model (both public and private). Yet, farmers continue to source the lion’s share of the seed they sow from informal channels. Recent large-scale studies involving 40 crops and 10,000 or more observations (mostly from Africa but also Haiti) document this puzzling conundrum with precision. Farmers were found to obtain 90.2 percent of their seed from informal systems, including 50.9 percent from local markets. Meanwhile, formal sector agro dealers supplied only 2.4 percent of the seed — and most of that was just maize and hybrid vegetable seed. The figures for grain legumes are even more striking: 98 percent from the informal sector and 64.4 percent from markets.
https://www.devex.com/news/nothing-less-than-a-seed-revolution-for-smallholder-farmers-87099
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Syria: Whose war is better? | Reinventing Peace
Syria: Whose war is better? | Reinventing Peace: "For the pundits and critics of the Russians, these arguments are easy to produce, because they draw on glaring facts. But Putin’s critique of the policies of the US and its allies is just as valid. We have also played to win a war rather than negotiate a peace, starting with the unbendable line that Asad must go, a factor that may have had a significant influence limiting Asad’s supporters from being able to back negotiations, even if they had wanted to. We have played the same game for years—seeking military defeat—but have done it with less material commitment than the Russians.
The turn from nonviolent protest to war was enabled by rapid infusion of weaponry to opposition groups (see here, here and here); despite the fact that non-violent change has a stronger proven record. Asad’s crackdown against protesters was overwhelming, but that does not translate into carte blanche for regime change by military force. It is a fallacy to limit civilian protection to toppling governments. The arming of ‘vetted’ rebels has proven to be a ludicrous policy—arms ‘flow’ by nature, particularly in a complex war like this. What is more, you cannot blame rebels for seeking to build what we might term unsavory alliances (also here), with groups that are affiliated with al Qaeda and hardcore Islamists; they are fighting for their lives and would be stupid to use our criteria for picking favorites. So ‘we’ end up now with radical Islamist allies and yet think the vetted insurgents can still pull off a victory. What is more, this scenario envisions winning two wars against all odds: a defeat of Asad and a conflict to consolidate a post-Asad Syria. Should the first war be won, a distant prospect, the second war has a serious chance of looking like the 12 years of violence in post-Hussein Iraq or the mess of Libya rather than anything verging on a pluralistic, western-leaning, minority protecting democracy."
'via Blog this'
The turn from nonviolent protest to war was enabled by rapid infusion of weaponry to opposition groups (see here, here and here); despite the fact that non-violent change has a stronger proven record. Asad’s crackdown against protesters was overwhelming, but that does not translate into carte blanche for regime change by military force. It is a fallacy to limit civilian protection to toppling governments. The arming of ‘vetted’ rebels has proven to be a ludicrous policy—arms ‘flow’ by nature, particularly in a complex war like this. What is more, you cannot blame rebels for seeking to build what we might term unsavory alliances (also here), with groups that are affiliated with al Qaeda and hardcore Islamists; they are fighting for their lives and would be stupid to use our criteria for picking favorites. So ‘we’ end up now with radical Islamist allies and yet think the vetted insurgents can still pull off a victory. What is more, this scenario envisions winning two wars against all odds: a defeat of Asad and a conflict to consolidate a post-Asad Syria. Should the first war be won, a distant prospect, the second war has a serious chance of looking like the 12 years of violence in post-Hussein Iraq or the mess of Libya rather than anything verging on a pluralistic, western-leaning, minority protecting democracy."
'via Blog this'
Polls open in Guinea election amid tight security | Top News | Reuters
Polls open in Guinea election amid tight security | Top News | Reuters: "CONAKRY (Reuters) - Long lines formed in front of guarded polling booths across Guinea on Sunday as the West African country voted in its second free election in nearly 60 years since independence.
Guinea -- Africa's leading producer of bauxite, the raw material for aluminium -- has a history of election violence linked to ethnic tensions, including in a 2010 vote that brought President Alpha Conde to power."
'via Blog this'
Guinea -- Africa's leading producer of bauxite, the raw material for aluminium -- has a history of election violence linked to ethnic tensions, including in a 2010 vote that brought President Alpha Conde to power."
'via Blog this'
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Why is Singapore covered in smoke, and what can be done about it? (+video) - CSMonitor.com
Environmental and public-health advocates from Singapore, Malaysia, and around the world have been sternly calling on the Indonesian government to strengthen its policies on forest fires, pressuring it in September to ratify a 13-year-old regional agreement on cross-border haze, reported the Guardian.
"Indonesia has already carried out operations for the prevention, mitigation of forest fires and haze, and recovery activities, at the national level," the country's parliament said in a statement, according to the Guardian. "But, to handle cross-border pollution, Indonesia and other Asian nations recognize that prevention and mitigation need to be done together," it said.
The "together" part might be key, as Greenpeace points out that companies that own plantations on Indonesian islands are not necessarily Indonesian.
"Of course all the fires are coming from Indonesia, but Singapore is enjoying the 'deforestation economy' of Indonesia as a financial center," Bustar Maitar, head of Indonesia Forest Campaign at Greenpeace International told the Times. "And there are many Malaysian palm oil companies operating in Indonesia, and Singaporean companies are there as well," he pointed out.
A fish called development
http://www.policyinnovations.org/ideas/commentary/data/00386?utm_content=buffer9363e&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
In fact, whether the SDGs succeed will depend to a significant degree on how they influence other international negotiations, particularly the most complex and contentious ones. And an early test concerns a goal for which the Global Ocean Commission actively campaigned: to "conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development."
When political leaders meet at the 10th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in Nairobi in December, they will have an opportunity to move toward meeting one of that goal's most important targets: prohibition of subsidies that contribute to overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by no later than 2020.
This is not a new ambition; it has been on the World Trade Organization's (WTO) agenda for many years, and it has been included in other international sustainable development declarations. But, even today, countries spend $30 billion a year on fisheries subsidies, 60 percent of which directly encourages unsustainable, destructive, or even illegal practices. The resulting market distortion is a major factor behind the chronic mismanagement of the world's fisheries, which the World Bank calculates to have cost the global economy $83 billion in 2012.
Friday, October 9, 2015
How common is sexual violence in the humanitarian aid community? | New Scientist
How common is sexual violence in the humanitarian aid community? | New Scientist: "Jones gave a talk last month at the Sexual Violence Management Conference for the Humanitarian sector in London, where she outlined some initial findings from surveys of aid workers that the Headington Institute has conducted over the past five years.
Some 10 per cent of the 1439 aid workers that the Headington Institute surveyed reported being forced into unwanted sexual contact. Three-quarters of those reporting an incident were female. When the Headington researchers examined a sub-set of 1108 aid workers from 37 countries, they found that four in 10 had experienced two or more unwanted incidents."
'via Blog this'
Some 10 per cent of the 1439 aid workers that the Headington Institute surveyed reported being forced into unwanted sexual contact. Three-quarters of those reporting an incident were female. When the Headington researchers examined a sub-set of 1108 aid workers from 37 countries, they found that four in 10 had experienced two or more unwanted incidents."
'via Blog this'
Understanding hunger | Devex
Understanding hunger | Devex: "“Now we’re looking at loss of life and loss of potential caused by unseen deficiencies — deficiencies taken for granted in so much of the developed world where people don’t need to know their foods are fortified with nutrients in order to be saved by them,” he said.
Food fortification has long benefited from a lack of awareness, Lomborg explained. People don’t need to know why — or by whom — their flour is enriched with folic acid and vitamin A in order to see neural tube defects in newborns reduced by 30 percent over a single generation. Likewise, in only a few decades, 91 million children were protected against iodine deficiency, and not because consumers changed their habits, according to a study by UNICEF. Meanwhile, the fortification of cooking oil with vitamin A, which became mandatory in Indonesia in March, reduced vitamin A deficiency in infants and breast-feeding mothers without increasing the amount of cooking oil consumed.
When governments make fortification mandatory, as they have in one form or another in 84 countries across the globe, advertising and awareness campaigns become less necessary — saving time and budgets, as well as lives."
'via Blog this'
Food fortification has long benefited from a lack of awareness, Lomborg explained. People don’t need to know why — or by whom — their flour is enriched with folic acid and vitamin A in order to see neural tube defects in newborns reduced by 30 percent over a single generation. Likewise, in only a few decades, 91 million children were protected against iodine deficiency, and not because consumers changed their habits, according to a study by UNICEF. Meanwhile, the fortification of cooking oil with vitamin A, which became mandatory in Indonesia in March, reduced vitamin A deficiency in infants and breast-feeding mothers without increasing the amount of cooking oil consumed.
When governments make fortification mandatory, as they have in one form or another in 84 countries across the globe, advertising and awareness campaigns become less necessary — saving time and budgets, as well as lives."
'via Blog this'
Why Obama's legacy trade agreement matters for development | Devex
Why Obama's legacy trade agreement matters for development | Devex: "While negotiations between the 12 countries have wrapped up, the text of the agreement itself will likely not be made public for another few weeks — or perhaps months. Importantly, that final text will ultimately contain the key details of how TPP countries will implement and enforce the accord. What is available so far is the 30-chapter summary of the agreement.
The TPP agreement summary contains an entire chapter specifically on development and it is believed to be a first time that such a multinational trade deal includes a specific focus on the topic. It mentions three areas “to be considered for collaborative work” once TPP enters force — broad-based economic growth, women’s empowerment and education, science and technology. But it remains unclear exactly how a specific development focus will be woven into the contours of the agreement. And the language around it appears vague, for example, calling for the establishment of a TPP Development Committee that will “meet regularly to promote voluntary cooperative work in these areas and new opportunities as they arise.”"
'via Blog this'
The TPP agreement summary contains an entire chapter specifically on development and it is believed to be a first time that such a multinational trade deal includes a specific focus on the topic. It mentions three areas “to be considered for collaborative work” once TPP enters force — broad-based economic growth, women’s empowerment and education, science and technology. But it remains unclear exactly how a specific development focus will be woven into the contours of the agreement. And the language around it appears vague, for example, calling for the establishment of a TPP Development Committee that will “meet regularly to promote voluntary cooperative work in these areas and new opportunities as they arise.”"
'via Blog this'
No Country Is As Deadly For Aid Workers As Afghanistan
No Country Is As Deadly For Aid Workers As Afghanistan: "A recent deadly U.S. airstrike against a hospital in northern Afghanistan was only the latest attack amid the myriad dangers humanitarian workers face in the war-riven country. From 1997 to the end of 2014, more than 450 aid workers were killed, assaulted, or kidnapped in Afghanistan, making it the most dangerous country in the world for doctors, relief workers, and other humanitarians, according to data from the Aid Worker Security Database."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Where the 'magic happens' for innovation | Devex
Where the 'magic happens' for innovation | Devex: "Innovation can be a real challenge for nongovernmental organizations because of funding constraints and restrictions.
“I think it’s actually really hard for NGOs to innovate,” Ann Mei Chang, executive director of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s U.S. Global Development Lab, said at the Social Capital Markets conference in San Francisco Wednesday. “And I think one of the biggest problems is folks like USAID.”
But USAID has recognized that major funders and old systems are part of the problem and the agency is working to address the issue by providing flexible funding models, she added.
Chang’s comments drew laughs from a crowd of social business enthusiasts, and probably some appreciation from her colleagues from UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity and World Vision International at the SOCAP Conference Wednesday. Devex caught up with Chang for a video interview to hear more about the challenges of scaling innovations at NGOs and her plans for the lab.
“SOCAP really works at the intersection of the private sector, the public sector and NGOs,” said Chang, who spent most of her career in Silicon Valley before joining USAID. The former senior engineering director at Google is now tasked with driving science, technology and innovation through a government agency."
'via Blog this'
“I think it’s actually really hard for NGOs to innovate,” Ann Mei Chang, executive director of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s U.S. Global Development Lab, said at the Social Capital Markets conference in San Francisco Wednesday. “And I think one of the biggest problems is folks like USAID.”
But USAID has recognized that major funders and old systems are part of the problem and the agency is working to address the issue by providing flexible funding models, she added.
Chang’s comments drew laughs from a crowd of social business enthusiasts, and probably some appreciation from her colleagues from UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity and World Vision International at the SOCAP Conference Wednesday. Devex caught up with Chang for a video interview to hear more about the challenges of scaling innovations at NGOs and her plans for the lab.
“SOCAP really works at the intersection of the private sector, the public sector and NGOs,” said Chang, who spent most of her career in Silicon Valley before joining USAID. The former senior engineering director at Google is now tasked with driving science, technology and innovation through a government agency."
'via Blog this'
Protesting group agrees to talks with Nepal government - Yahoo News
Protesting group agrees to talks with Nepal government - Yahoo News: "KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — The main group protesting against a new constitution in Nepal has agreed to sit down for talks with the government in the first step toward easing the lingering crisis in the Himalayan nation."
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Ivory Coast seeks to save forests from illegal cocoa boom | Top News | Reuters
Ivory Coast seeks to save forests from illegal cocoa boom | Top News | Reuters: "With the years of turmoil over, the government of President Alassane Ouattara is preparing to re-exert state authority by expelling tens of thousands of farmers from parks and reserves in an attempt to save the dwindling forests.
Mont Peko, with an illegal population of around 28,000, will prove the first test of the government's new policy. Evictions are slated for December and similar operations will follow in Ivory Coast's more than 200 parks and reserves.
"The role of a national park is not to produce cocoa," said Adama Tondossama, director of the OIPR, one of the government agencies charged with managing protected land. "Those people who are there are there illegally and we'll fight to get them out."
But as it works to roll back decades of environmental destruction, the government faces a dilemma: can it foster conservation while avoiding social unrest and preserving the country's position as the world's top cocoa grower?"
'via Blog this'
Mont Peko, with an illegal population of around 28,000, will prove the first test of the government's new policy. Evictions are slated for December and similar operations will follow in Ivory Coast's more than 200 parks and reserves.
"The role of a national park is not to produce cocoa," said Adama Tondossama, director of the OIPR, one of the government agencies charged with managing protected land. "Those people who are there are there illegally and we'll fight to get them out."
But as it works to roll back decades of environmental destruction, the government faces a dilemma: can it foster conservation while avoiding social unrest and preserving the country's position as the world's top cocoa grower?"
'via Blog this'
Beating parasites wins three scientists Nobel prize for medicine | Top News | Reuters
Beating parasites wins three scientists Nobel prize for medicine | Top News | Reuters: "STOCKHOLM/LONDON (Reuters) - Three scientists from Japan, China and Ireland whose discoveries led to the development of potent new drugs against parasitic diseases including malaria and elephantiasis won the Nobel Prize for Medicine on Monday.
Irish-born William Campbell and Japan's Satoshi Omura won half of the prize for discovering avermectin, a derivative of which has been used to treat hundreds of millions of people with river blindness and lymphatic filariasis, or elephantiasis.
China's Youyou Tu was awarded the other half of the prize for discovering artemisinin, a drug that has slashed malaria deaths and has become the mainstay of fighting the mosquito-borne disease. She is China's first Nobel laureate in medicine.
Some 3.4 billion people, most of them living in poor countries, are at risk of contracting the three parasitic diseases."
'via Blog this'
Irish-born William Campbell and Japan's Satoshi Omura won half of the prize for discovering avermectin, a derivative of which has been used to treat hundreds of millions of people with river blindness and lymphatic filariasis, or elephantiasis.
China's Youyou Tu was awarded the other half of the prize for discovering artemisinin, a drug that has slashed malaria deaths and has become the mainstay of fighting the mosquito-borne disease. She is China's first Nobel laureate in medicine.
Some 3.4 billion people, most of them living in poor countries, are at risk of contracting the three parasitic diseases."
'via Blog this'
My journey from Doctors Without Borders aid worker to Syrian refugee | Global Development Professionals Network | The Guardian
My journey from Doctors Without Borders aid worker to Syrian refugee | Global Development Professionals Network | The Guardian: "I got on a small, seven-metre long boat with 52 other people. Small children sat around me. The driver of the boat was one of us, a refugee, who had never driven a boat before. It was only an hour at sea to reach one of the Greek islands but the engine was too small to carry the weight. When the fuel ran out some of us had to get in the water to drag and push the boat. We were exhausted when we reached land seven hours later. But we had made it.
My journey started in Syria, where I have seen the situation in my country get worse and worse, with no end in sight. Several rebel groups, most notably what’s called the Islamic State (IS), have now taken over large parts of the country, including my hometown of Raqqa in northern Syria.
I joined Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in 2014, first working as an administrative assistant in Raqqa, later as assistant project coordinator, helping to set up a new project in Tal Abyad. Providing aid, though, became increasingly difficult as the war dragged on and IS started controlling more areas. It was strange, even shocking, to see people I knew joining IS. One of the leaders in the area was a former neighbour of my family. We had lived next to each other for 20 years; now we had to negotiate with him to be able to provide aid."
'via Blog this'
My journey started in Syria, where I have seen the situation in my country get worse and worse, with no end in sight. Several rebel groups, most notably what’s called the Islamic State (IS), have now taken over large parts of the country, including my hometown of Raqqa in northern Syria.
I joined Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in 2014, first working as an administrative assistant in Raqqa, later as assistant project coordinator, helping to set up a new project in Tal Abyad. Providing aid, though, became increasingly difficult as the war dragged on and IS started controlling more areas. It was strange, even shocking, to see people I knew joining IS. One of the leaders in the area was a former neighbour of my family. We had lived next to each other for 20 years; now we had to negotiate with him to be able to provide aid."
'via Blog this'
Why the World Bank is changing the definition of the word "poor" - Vox
Why the World Bank is changing the definition of the word "poor" - Vox: "At the United Nations' big gathering in late September, world leaders signed on to an ambitious pledge: "By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere, currently measured as people living on less than $1.25 a day." But just 10 days later, the goalposts shifted. The World Bank – which is in charge of setting the global poverty line — announced it was raising the line from $1.25 to $1.90 a day.
What gives? The cynical explanation is that the World Bank wants to make it harder to eradicate poverty by widening the definition; the fewer poor people there are, after all, the less there is for the World Bank to do.
The real answer is less alarming: The bank is just trying to make sure poverty data stays consistent over time. But the sudden, jarring change is an important reminder that you can’t capture the actual condition of the world’s poor in just one simple number."
'via Blog this'
What gives? The cynical explanation is that the World Bank wants to make it harder to eradicate poverty by widening the definition; the fewer poor people there are, after all, the less there is for the World Bank to do.
The real answer is less alarming: The bank is just trying to make sure poverty data stays consistent over time. But the sudden, jarring change is an important reminder that you can’t capture the actual condition of the world’s poor in just one simple number."
'via Blog this'
Big palm oil's pledge to preserve forests vexes Indonesia - Yahoo News
Big palm oil's pledge to preserve forests vexes Indonesia - Yahoo News: "JAKARTA (Reuters) - The Indonesian government is asking major palm oil companies to row back on the historic “no deforestation” pledges they made at last year’s United Nations climate change summit, officials and company sources say.
Major palm oil companies were invited to a series of meetings at the economics ministry last week, where officials expressed concern the pledges the plantation companies made are causing big problems for smaller palm oil firms in their supply chain, the sources told Reuters.
The government has asked palm oil firms who signed the Indonesian Palm Oil Pledge (IPOP) to exempt smallholders because they are not yet ready to practice the same level of sustainable forest practices as the big players, said Musdhalifah Machmud, deputy minister for food and agriculture at the coordinating ministry for economic affairs."
'via Blog this'
Major palm oil companies were invited to a series of meetings at the economics ministry last week, where officials expressed concern the pledges the plantation companies made are causing big problems for smaller palm oil firms in their supply chain, the sources told Reuters.
The government has asked palm oil firms who signed the Indonesian Palm Oil Pledge (IPOP) to exempt smallholders because they are not yet ready to practice the same level of sustainable forest practices as the big players, said Musdhalifah Machmud, deputy minister for food and agriculture at the coordinating ministry for economic affairs."
'via Blog this'
Hillary Clinton comes out against Obama’s Pacific trade deal - The Washington Post
Hillary Clinton comes out against Obama’s Pacific trade deal - The Washington Post: "Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton announced Wednesday that she opposes an expansive 12-nation Pacific Rim free-trade accord finalized by the Obama administration this week, breaking sharply with the president over a deal she had championed while serving as secretary of state.
Clinton said in an interview with PBS that she would not support the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) based on what she knows of the deal. The 30-chapter text of the agreement, which negotiators concluded Monday, has not been made public.
"As of today, I am not in favor of what I have learned about it," Clinton said in the interview. "I have said from the very beginning that we had to have a trade agreement that would create good American jobs, raise wages and advance our national security. I still believe that's the high bar we have to meet. I've been trying to learn as much as I can about the agreement, but I'm worried.""
'via Blog this'
Clinton said in an interview with PBS that she would not support the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) based on what she knows of the deal. The 30-chapter text of the agreement, which negotiators concluded Monday, has not been made public.
"As of today, I am not in favor of what I have learned about it," Clinton said in the interview. "I have said from the very beginning that we had to have a trade agreement that would create good American jobs, raise wages and advance our national security. I still believe that's the high bar we have to meet. I've been trying to learn as much as I can about the agreement, but I'm worried.""
'via Blog this'
Suspected poachers kill 14 elephants with cyanide, says Zimbabwe | Top News | Reuters
Suspected poachers kill 14 elephants with cyanide, says Zimbabwe | Top News | Reuters: "Suspected poachers used cyanide to kill 14 elephants in Zimbabwe's western Hwange national park and in the north since Sept. 26, the national wildlife agency said on Tuesday"
'via Blog this'
'via Blog this'
Clooney's South Sudan coffee reaches Europe despite war - Yahoo News
Clooney's South Sudan coffee reaches Europe despite war - Yahoo News: "But coffee company Nespresso is bringing South Sudanese espresso to the international market for the first time as part of a long-term plan to revive the coffee industry in the poor, war-wracked East African country.
Hollywood actor George Clooney –- an advocate for South Sudan and the public face of the Nespresso brand -– launched the initiative two years ago. "There is a real opportunity here," Clooney said in July 2013."
'via Blog this'
Hollywood actor George Clooney –- an advocate for South Sudan and the public face of the Nespresso brand -– launched the initiative two years ago. "There is a real opportunity here," Clooney said in July 2013."
'via Blog this'
UN: No new Ebola cases reported last week - The Washington Post
UN: No new Ebola cases reported last week - The Washington Post: "LONDON — The World Health Organization says there were no Ebola cases reported last week — the first time an entire week has passed without any new confirmed patients since the devastating outbreak began last March.
The U.N. health agency said in a report issued Wednesday that all contacts of Ebola cases in Sierra Leone have now been followed for 21 days without falling sick, suggesting the country might soon be free of the disease."
'via Blog this'
The U.N. health agency said in a report issued Wednesday that all contacts of Ebola cases in Sierra Leone have now been followed for 21 days without falling sick, suggesting the country might soon be free of the disease."
'via Blog this'
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Baby, maternal deaths soar in Sierra Leone on Ebola fear: researchers | Top News | Reuters
Baby, maternal deaths soar in Sierra Leone on Ebola fear: researchers | Top News | Reuters: "DAKAR (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Maternal and newborn deaths in Sierra Leone have soared since the Ebola outbreak in West Africa as fear of being infected and mistrust of health workers deter pregnant women from giving birth in health facilities, researchers said on Tuesday.
Deaths of women during or just after childbirth rose by almost a third and those of newborns by a quarter between May 2014 and April 2015 compared with the previous year, a study by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) found.
The number of women giving birth at health centres fell by 11 percent, and those receiving care before or after birth fell by around a fifth, despite most facilities across Sierra Leone being functional and adequately staffed, the study said."
'via Blog this'
Deaths of women during or just after childbirth rose by almost a third and those of newborns by a quarter between May 2014 and April 2015 compared with the previous year, a study by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) found.
The number of women giving birth at health centres fell by 11 percent, and those receiving care before or after birth fell by around a fifth, despite most facilities across Sierra Leone being functional and adequately staffed, the study said."
'via Blog this'
Doctors Without Borders airstrike: US alters story for fourth time in four days | World news | The Guardian
Doctors Without Borders airstrike: US alters story for fourth time in four days | World news | The Guardian: "US special operations forces – not their Afghan allies – called in the deadly airstrike on the Doctors Without Borders hospital in Kunduz, the US commander has conceded.
Shortly before General John Campbell, the commander of the US and Nato war in Afghanistan, testified to a Senate panel, the president of Doctors Without Borders – also known as Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) – said the US and Afghanistan had made an “admission of a war crime”.
Shifting the US account of the Saturday morning airstrike for the fourth time in as many days, Campbell reiterated that Afghan forces had requested US air cover after being engaged in a “tenacious fight” to retake the northern city of Kunduz from the Taliban. But, modifying the account he gave at a press conference on Monday, Campbell said those Afghan forces had not directly communicated with the US pilots of an AC-130 gunship overhead."
'via Blog this'
Shortly before General John Campbell, the commander of the US and Nato war in Afghanistan, testified to a Senate panel, the president of Doctors Without Borders – also known as Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) – said the US and Afghanistan had made an “admission of a war crime”.
Shifting the US account of the Saturday morning airstrike for the fourth time in as many days, Campbell reiterated that Afghan forces had requested US air cover after being engaged in a “tenacious fight” to retake the northern city of Kunduz from the Taliban. But, modifying the account he gave at a press conference on Monday, Campbell said those Afghan forces had not directly communicated with the US pilots of an AC-130 gunship overhead."
'via Blog this'
Former U.N. President and Chinese Billionaire Are Accused in Graft Scheme - The New York Times
Former U.N. President and Chinese Billionaire Are Accused in Graft Scheme - The New York Times: "A former top United Nations official and a billionaire real estate developer from the Chinese territory of Macau were accused on Tuesday of engaging in a broad corruption scheme, according to federal prosecutors in Manhattan.
The former president of the United Nations General Assembly, John W. Ashe, a diplomat from Antigua, was one of six people identified in a criminal complaint outlining a bribery scheme that involved more than $1 million in payments from sources in China for assistance in real estate deals and other business interests.
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The case is highly embarrassing to the United Nations, which had vowed to act with greater transparency and accountability after past scandals. Mr. Ashe is the most senior diplomat to be accused of such graft, and it remains unclear whether the case will prompt the organization to review how it elects leaders of the General Assembly. It is different from the oil-for-food program scandal in Iraq a decade ago, when an independent commission found widespread abuse."
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The former president of the United Nations General Assembly, John W. Ashe, a diplomat from Antigua, was one of six people identified in a criminal complaint outlining a bribery scheme that involved more than $1 million in payments from sources in China for assistance in real estate deals and other business interests.
Continue reading the main story
The case is highly embarrassing to the United Nations, which had vowed to act with greater transparency and accountability after past scandals. Mr. Ashe is the most senior diplomat to be accused of such graft, and it remains unclear whether the case will prompt the organization to review how it elects leaders of the General Assembly. It is different from the oil-for-food program scandal in Iraq a decade ago, when an independent commission found widespread abuse."
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