The ICRC, established in 1863, works worldwide to provide humanitarian help for people affected by conflict and armed violence and to promote the laws that protect victims of war. An independent and neutral organization, its mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, it employs some 12,000 people in 80 countries; it is financed mainly by voluntary donations from governments and from national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies. The … [Read more...]
Ethiopia/Somalia refugees stranded in Yemen with ‘deplorable conditions’
April 18, 2013 by Leave a Comment
IMAGE: Somali refugees wait on Yemen's Red Sea coast for transport to Aden. Photo: UNHCR/R. Nuri April 2013 – Thousands of destitute migrants from Ethiopia and Somalia are stranded in northern Yemen in deplorable conditions, victims of gross physical abuse and severe economic and sexual exploitation, a United Nations humanitarian official warned today, calling for urgent action to address their plight. “The international community urgently needs to work with and support the Governments in … [Read more...]
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting – Tide is finally turning ‘against’ FGM
May 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment
For centuries, female genital mutilation or cutting has been practiced throughout much of Africa. But dealing as it does with a very intimate subject, FGM/C was often spoken of, if at all, only in whispers. Today the movement against it is open, public and highly visible. And FGM/C seems to be out in the open and on its way out. Farmers in remote villages in Mali are listening to radio talk shows debating the issue. Community groups in Senegal talk about it in terms of human rights. Islamic … [Read more...]
UNFPA 2011 Maternal Health Highlights
January 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment
MATERNAL HEALTH 2011 - HIGHLIGHTS It was a busy, successful year for UNFPA, UN Population Fund, as it continued to work in 2011 with partners to address universal access to reproductive health, including maternal health, treatment for obstetric fistula and family planning, and to improve the lives of women and young people around the world. A special emphasis was made on the important work of midwives and the crucial role they play in saving lives and bettering maternal … [Read more...]
FGM – Fight in Africa is succeeding, a milestone to Celebrate!
October 23, 2011 by 1 Comment
Fight against FGM in Africa succeeding The fight to end female genital mutilation or FGM in Africa is succeeding, despite deep-rooted cultural and social pressures, according to a new study by the UN Children's Fund, UNICEF. Woman holds scarf as symbol for campaign against FGM The report says the practice of FGM remains high in Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan. Marixie Mercado from UNICEF says that reversing the practice, which has endured for centuries, is … [Read more...]
