A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.
Guatemala
All Guatemalan Regions Improve Illiteracy Rates - Prensa-Latina, Mar 4, 2010
A Cuban literacy program is working towards eradicating illiteracy in all Guatemalan provinces.
India
Indian upper house approves women's quota bill - BBC.co.uk, Mar 9, 2010
Parliament approved a bill to reserve a third of all seats in the national parliament and state legislatures for women. Currently women occupy about 10% of seats.
Mexico
Battle to Preserve Baja's Whale Nursery Celebrated, but Threats Remain - OneEarth.org, Mar 8, 2010
A historic victory 10 years ago gave the whale population a chance to remain steady. Corporations, like Mitsubishi, are still interested in developing the area.
Nepal
Murders and death threats to silence Nepali media - Speroforum.com, Mar 06, 2010
The government recently acknowledged that police are concerned about media investigations into illegal police activities; this concern has led to the muder of prominent media figures.
South Africa
Zuma Wraps Up UK Visit - AllAfrica.com, Mar 5, 2010
President Jacob Zuma was in Britain attending a business seminar. The seminar will discuss climate change, the global economy, and international trade.
Zimbabwe
Government Revising Empowerment Rules - Chris Muronzi, AllAfrica.com, Mar 5, 2010
A business regulation designed to "broaden the ownership structures… as to also involve our own citizens" by suggesting 51% of shares to be sold to blacks.
Guatemala
World Coffee Conference in Guatemala - Barbara Schieber, Guatemala Times, Feb 15, 2010
This year’s conference theme is "Coffee for the future: Towards a sustainable coffee sector." Topics will include environmental and social sustainability.
India
What an Eggplant Uproar Says About India's Economy - Madhur Singh, Time.com, Feb 15, 2010
The GMO debate continues. There are arguments over safety, cost, regulations and the government's motive.
Mexico
Celebrating Indigenous Culture, Zapotec Autonomy and Uncontaminated Corn - Ramor Ryan, Upside Down World - Feb 15, 2010
A small village celebrates their heritage and defends their right to live with uncontaminated crops. Communities recall and celebrate prior victories at this fourth annual international gathering.
Nepal
UN human rights office condemns threats to journalists after killing - UN, Feb 15, 2010
United Nations officials are concerned over threats being made to journalists who are following the story of Jamim Shah's murder. Mr. Shah is a media entrepreneur who was shot on February 7th.
South Africa
Joy as siblings go to school for first time - IOL, Feb 16, 2010
An educational organization is on the lookout for children who are not enrolled in school. Parents are encouraged to enroll their children even if they lack the necessary documents.
Zimbabwe
EU imposes another year of sanctions - IRIN News, Feb 16, 2010
The European Union first imposed sanctions, such as freezing bank accounts and banning travel, in 2002. The EU will continue to extend their sanctions in Zimbabwe as long as they feel there is no progress in areas such as human rights and democratic elections.
Guatemala
Justice groups monitor election of Attorney General and Controller General of Guatemala - Barbara Schieber, Guatemala Time, Feb 3, 2010
The May election is deemed critical for strengthening of the nation's justice system. Watch groups have already criticized the lack of transparency and are on alert for signs of more political manipulation.
India
India puts on hold first GM food crop on safety grounds - BBC News, Feb 9, 2010
Though the government approved the use of genetically modified aubergine (eggplant) seeds in India, public outcry has halted the process. India is the world's largest producer of aubergine.
Mexico
Fewer unauthorized immigrants in U.S. in 2009, government says - CNN.com, Feb 10, 2010
The decrease of illegal immigrants in the US is linked to the economic downturn. An estimated two out of three immigrants is from Mexico; the dangers and costs associated with crossing the border is not worth the risk anymore.
Nepal
Waits as 2 Armies, Former Foes, Become One - Jim Yardley NY Times, Feb 3, 2010
The integration of Nepal's two rival armies is seen as an important first step in the peace process. There is mistrust and skepticism on both sides as former rebels join the nation's security forces.
South Africa
Arms export controls in meltdown - IRIN News, Feb 2, 2010
There is a major lack of control regarding the type and quantity of weapons being imported into the country.
Zimbabwe
HIV-Positive People Want Constitutional Rights - IRIN News via AllAfrica.com, Feb 4 2010
AIDS activists are lobbying hard for AIDS/HIV sufferers to be included in the revised constitution due this year. They are asking for "provisions on non-discrimination and equal protection before the law."
Guatemala
The Best-Kept Secrets - the Military's - Danilo Valladares, IPS News, Feb 2, 2010
Government records regarding the more than 20,000 victims of the civil war will be declassified. The civil war was instigated by the CIA-organized dictatorship that began in 1954.
India
Social security system in India: an international comparative analysis - R.K. Jha & S. Bhattacharyya, Eldis,Munich Personal RePEc Archive, 2010
The comparison highlights how India's unique make-up leaves the country lacking when it comes to social security.
Mexico
Calderon Says Mexico Violence Stoked by U.S. Weapons - Patrick Harrington, Bloomberg News, Feb 2, 2010
Mexico is known for its violence and drug trafficking. President Calderon comments that Mexico is "right next to the biggest drug consumer in the world."
Nepal
Communities Take Up Cudgels for Forest Conservation - Damakant Jayshi, IPS News, Feb 2, 2010
Community forestry is taking an important role in halting deforestation. There are about 15,000 such groups in Nepal. They set aside what can be used and what should be conserved, and their efforts are showing results.
South Africa
Lack of staff to blame for beach pollution - Anel Lewis, IOL, Feb 2 2010
Raw sewage is being released into rivers. Who's to blame? An estimated 80 posts are vacant at the utilities office, which is especially surprising in a place where there's such a lack of jobs.
Zimbabwe
One Million Casualties of Land Reform - Ann Hellman, IPS News, Jan 25, 2010
Many farm workers originally supported the reform, having been assured that the land would be returned to the people. This has yet to happen, and in the meantime they're unemployed.
Guatemala
Former Guatemalan President Alfonso Portillo Arrested - BBC News, Jan 26, 2010
The Guatemalan authorities have captured former President Alfonso Portillo, who is wanted in the US on money-laundering charges.
India
Fund crunch hits midday meal plan in Prakasam - Deccan Chronicle, Jan 25, 2010
Seven years ago the government started a meal plan for school children. The funding, however, isn't enough to cover the costs and the program has been running on credit. The cooking agencies have been promised an infusion of funds.
Mexico
Wal-Mart Unveils Largest PV Installation in Latin America - Jan 20, 2009
More than 1000 panels will provide 20% of the energy used.
Nepal
Why are so many women killing themselves? - IRIN News, Jan 21, 2010
Suicide has slowly crept up the charts to become the number one cause of death amongst women. The complex issues surrounding this phenomenon have not been explored, and there seems to be no interest in funding such a study. Accidents are the second leading cause of death.
South Africa
A day in the life of a sex worker - IRIN News, Jan 22, 2010
Though illegal and dangerous, many women turn to prostitution because of lack of options. The women deal with rape, HIV and police taking their money. There is optimism about increased business during the World Cup, and worry about more competition.
Zimbabwe
Hope and crops scorched again - IRIN News, Jan 26, 2010
Continuing droughts are threatening the supply of one of Zimbabwe’s staple foods. It is estimated that about half of the maize will be lost this season. Relief agencies believe millions of Zimbabweans will require food aid once more.
Guatemala
Assassinations Continue in Guatemala - by International Trade Union Confederation, Jan 19, 2010
Evelinda Ramírez Reyes, leader of the resistance front, was assassinated on January 13th while heading home after meeting with government officials regarding the restoration of Constitutional guarantees. The International Trade Union Confederation condemns the impunity and frequency with which social and trade union leaders are assassinated.
India
Lokayukta slams mining in Karnataka's forests - India Together, Jan 17 2010
The Karnataka Lokayukta was established in 1984 specifically for investigating questionable administrative actions. Their report denounces the illegal practices still in effect even when miners receive government approval. Over 1000 hectares of forests have been illegally lost to "encroachment."
Mexico
Journalist kidnapped in Sinaloa state was tortured and shot - Jan 6, 2010
The body of José Luis Romero was found two weeks after his kidnapping. Officials say it appears to be an organized crime killing. The Reporters Without Borders press freedom index ranks Mexico as 137th out of 175 countries.
Nepal
Despite fragility of Nepal's peace process, UN envoy voices cautious optimism - UN, Jan 15, 2010
Recent progress in Nepal's ongoing peace talks have people feeling optimistic, but the real test will be whether all parties follow through. Overall there is still a prevailing feeling of tension and mistrust amongst the three major parties.
South Africa
2010: South Africa's upside down world - Dale T. McKinley, Jan 14, 2010
An article questioning "the amount of work, money, media coverage and public propaganda expended in the last few years" over the upcoming World Cup. It critiques the government spending billions to cater to tourists while the country struggles along without adequate schools, food or shelter.
Zimbabwe
Talks Delayed Again As Zanu PF Negotiators Fail to Pitch - Tichaona Sibanda, Jan 18, 2010
The failure of Zimbabwe's three political parties to meet for discussions has the people restless. There is talk of a new election to resolve the apparent stalemate
Guatemala
Angels in Guatemala: Confronting a Legacy of Official Terror - by Susan Fitzpatrick-Behrens, Upside Down World, Jan 6, 2010
Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom publicly accepts a UN report that was originally rejected in 1999. The UN's Commission for Historical Clarification (CEH) condemned the genocide perpetrated against the Maya people. The President apologized during a "Day of Dignity for the Victims of the Internal Armed Conflict."
India
DISPLACED BY THE DAM: A lifetime's harvest - India Together, Jan 5, 2010
After a lifelong struggle to slowly accumulate and farm his piece of land, Sitaram Paditar will lose it all to a proposed 455-foot dam. He still doesn't understand why he will not receive compensation from the government, and has been fighting the proposal for decades.
Mexico
A Tough Year Ahead - by Emilio Godoy, IPS News, Jan 5, 2010
In an attempt to close the 23 billion dollar deficit, the government started the year off by increasing the cost of basic goods like sugar, bread, beans and fuel. The year 2009 is described as "disastrous," and 2010 is also expected to be rough on the Mexican people.
Nepal
Rehabilitation challenge for child soldiers - IRIN News, Jan 12, 2010
As part of the ongoing peace process in Nepal as many as 3,000 young soldiers have been discharged from the Maoist army. They have been offered four different rehabilitation options, including schooling and small business training.
South Africa
Parents rush to register children for school - by Latoya Newman, IOL News, Jan 12, 2010
The great school-year rush had many children wait listed. Officials are scrambling to make sure schools will be ready to run smoothly from the first day.
Zimbabwe
AfriForum fights for Zimbabwe farmers - IOL News, Jan 12, 2010
AfriForum, a civil rights movement, has launched the first legal step to try to stop the Zimbabwe government from the land grab that is chasing white farmers off the lands and homes. Farm invaders have continued to assault and prosecute farmers who resist giving up their land.
Guatemala
World Energy Research To Build Three Hydroelectric Projects - 11/06/09, Hydro World
The World Energy Research (WER) has made agreements with Guatemala for three hydroelectric projects. Guatemala has a large untapped energy resource base; only 7 percent of the country’s hydroelectric capacity has been tapped. The new projects will substantially increase that percentage. WER seek out energy projects with high returns and low environmental impacts: clean oil and natural gas, solar energy, wind energy and ocean turbines.
India
India Not Ready For Carbon Emission Targets - 11/06/09, Hindustan Times
One month before the Copenhagen climate change summit, India made clear that it is not ready to quantify its carbon emission targets but will explore that possibility. Developing countries, led by India, have consistently said that the money to tackle global warming must come from industrialized countries that have put all the extra greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Nepal
Meeting To Discuss the Threat From Global Warming - 11/02/09, Associated Press
Nepal’s Cabinet will hold a meeting to highlight the threat from global warming. Global warming is causing glaciers to melt in the Himalayas. Glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, creating lakes whose walls could burst and flood villages. Melting ice and snow also make the routes for mountaineers less stable and more difficult to follow.
Mexico
Indigenous Farmers Take Over UN Office - 10/31/09, AFP
In the southern state of Chiapas, about 150 indigenous farmers took over a UN office to demand the release of 3 jailed leaders; they also sought refuge as internally displaced persons. The group, Emiliano Zapata Farmers’ Organization (OCEZ) is a land rights group inspired by the Mexican revolutionary Zapata. The 3 group leaders were charged with having ties with the Sinaloa drug cartel. The farmers accuse the government of Chiapas of seeking to criminalize their social struggle.
South Africa
Fight Against HIV To Be Intensified - 11/06/09, IOL
The Health Minister has urged people living with HIV and AIDS to work with the government to intensify the fight against the disease. The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) together with the government are committed to cut the rate of infections by 50 percent by year 2011 and ensure that 80 percent of people who need treatment will have access to it.
Zimbabwe
Harare Water Supply Faces Challenges - 11/06/09, All Africa News
A year after Harare mayor Masunda took office in 2008, the water crisis in the capital is still yet to be resolved. The water crisis was supposed to be one of the mayor’s priority tasks. Many areas of Harare still do not have a reliable supply of water. Harare requires 1,000 megaliters of water per day, but its combined output is 600 megaliters. Unfortunately, 40 percent of the water is lost to leaks.
Guatemala
Ongoing Femicide - 10/22/09, Upside Down World
Despite the end of the war in Guatemala, the killing, raping and torturing continues. In 2009 there were 8,000 homicide; approximately 10 percent are women and girls. Between 2002 and 2009, there were 197,538 acts of domestic violence, 13,895 rapes and 4,428 women were murdered.
India
Drought hurts India's Rice Production - 10/29/09, Bloomberg
India experienced the weakest monsoon this year since 1972, causing a drop in production. India’s wet season harvest, which accounts for 80 percent of total output, may slump as much as 24 percent. India, the world’s second-largest rice grower, may become a rice importer for the first time in 21 years.
Nepal
Food Stocks Endangered by Floods - 10/22/09, IRIN
The flooding and landslides earlier this month has increased food insecurities for thousands of families in Nepal. As a result of the rains, more than 600 people were killed and 4,000 were displaced. About 25,000 families have lost their food stocks. The affected regions are the most chronically food insecure areas- where people grow their crops largely for subsistence.
Mexico
Genetically Modified Corn Protested - 10/20/09, CNN
Mexico experienced its first public protests last weekend over the government’s decision to allow cultivation of the first genetically modified corn. Corn is grown on about one-third of the country’s land. Environmentalists say that this could ruin the nation’s 55 varieties of native corn. Studies show that transgenic corn has already contaminated some Mexican cornfields.
South Africa
Farmers Sign Land Deal With Congo - 10/21/09, IOL
South Africa signed a deal with the Republic of Congo that will give South African Farmers access to 10 million hectares of farmland. Congo’s plan to improve food security will allow South African farmers to lease land for maize, soy beans, poultry and dairy cattle among other produce. South Africa has one of the most developed agriculture sectors in Africa and is looking to expand into other countries.
Zimbabwe
Food Crisis Worsens as Farmers Continue To Be Attacked - 10/30/09, IRIN SW Radio Africa News
The food crisis is set to worsen as commercial farmers continue to come under both physical and legal attack. The ongoing aggression against farmers is having a huge impact on the current summer cropping program. More than two million people are facing hunger. In the upcoming months, 1.4 million metric tons of cereal will be available but more than 2 million tons are needed to meet Zimbabwe’s basic food needs.
Guatemala
Action Alert: Community Leader Murdered by Private Security Guards - October 7, 2009, Upside Down World.org
Revisiting last week’s story on the indigenous community members shot and killed by private security guards from the Guatemalan Nickel Company (a subsidiary of the Canadian company HudBay). Continued violence marks a breakdown in negotiations as the private mining company continues to violently and illegally evict community members from the property. "The attack resulted in the death of community leader Adolfo Ich Xaman and a number of gun-related injuries suffered by other community members." The historical context of this dispute goes back to the 1970s and 1980s where the then military regimes granted access to the private nickel-mining companies. Conflicts between the companies and the communities have recently become more aggressive and upside down world is asking its readers to take action and sign a letter directed to the Guatemalan government officials.
India
240 Die in India as Monsoons Follow Drought - October 5, 2009, New York Times
In addition to 240 deaths, hundreds of thousands have been left homeless due to heavy rainfall lasting 4 days. Drought, which occurred prior the heavy rains, has combined with the floods leaving Indian villages in turmoil. In addition to the 240 deaths, crops have been ruined, cattle have died and hundreds of thousands of homes have been destroyed. There have been a total of 1,184 total deaths across India's 127 districts year-to-date.
Nepal
Nepal's Tibetans Squeezed as China Flexes Muscles - October 7, 2009, Associated Press
As Beijing's 60th anniversary took place, dozens of Tibetan exiles, "who were suspected of planning anti-China protests," in Nepal were gathered and arrested. The preemptive arrests are part of the government’s response to pressure from Beijing. Regular patrols and interrogations are making life difficult for Tibetan exiles living in Nepal. As Maoist influence has grown in Nepal, the ties with China have strengthened. "Nepal only survives on the goodwill of China and India, and China's condition is that the government should impose restrictions on Tibetans living here," said an anonymous Tibetan community leader.
South Africa
We Have Land Rights but no Water Rights-Farmers - October 5, 2009, Inter Press News Agency
The lack of available water comes as no surprise to black farmers in Limpopo as distribution of water remains a contentious issue in South Africa. Smallholder black farmers (many of whom were involved in land reform) acknowledge that "water rights are not linked to land rights." Despite the launch of the government-project, "Water for Growth and Development Framework"(which will attempt to attain water security by 2030), little has changed and there are no available legal mechanisms that can protect the small farmer. The diminishing quantity and quality of water poses additional challenges to farmers as the sustainability of their farms is questioned.
Abahlali baseMjondolo Supported all Over the World - October 7, 2009, Pambazuka.org,
In response to the armed takeover of Kennedy Road by the African National Congress, Abahlali baseMjondolo is now receiving support from around the world. This link allows you to follow the movement, check out the most recent articles, blogs, press statements, photos and videos and join the movement in solidarity.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Media "still not free" - October 8, 2009, BBC News
As the supposed ban on foreign reporters has been lifted, reporters are still weary about government-placed restrictions. Private newspapers in Zimbabwe remain unable to publish the news without approval from the government’s media watchdog organization-the Zimbabwe Media Commission. However, this organization does not yet exist. Zimbabwe’s two current newspapers are controlled by the state and it appears as if there is no intention to allow alternative views into publication as everyone waits for the Media Commission to materialize.
Women's Empowerment
Strategies for Policy Makers: Bringing Women into Governments, 2009, eldis.org
Authors Whitman and Gomez from the Institute for Inclusive Security have created a report focusing on strategies for bringing women into government positions. The authors argue that the "involvement of women in post-conflict governments have tended to build governance systems which are stable and transparent." Whitman and Gomez offer a number of possible suggestions that would help to foster the increased integration of women's roles in government as well as "success stories" from Rwanda, Cambodia and Afghanistan.
Climate Change
Local Voices, global choices: for successful disaster risk reduction (DRR). A Collection of case studies about community-centre partnerships for DRR - 2009, eldis.org
This report is an interesting look at community-based participation and the effects of climate change. The report focuses on the ways that local communities can make a lasting difference when their "local voices are respected and different actors come together to form strategic partnerships to work collaboratively to reduce disaster risks." The case studies range from formulation of community action plans in Malawi to building community resilience in Nepal. This report looks at how partnerships with local communities help mitigate the negative effects of climate change on rural communities.
UN Climate Talks Split on Treaty - October 9, 2009, BBC News
The UN climate talks in Bangkok’s latest round have come to a three way split. Developing countries are seeking an extension of the Kyoto Protocol while developed countries are seeking a totally new agreement. The third possibility would include a series of decisions to be made at the Copenhagen Talks. Developing countries and environmental groups are charging that developed countries are "dragging their feet" on the issue. Moreover, developing countries want the Kyoto Protocol extended because of existing obligations held by developed nations.
Guatemala
What Price for Good Coffee? - Time Magazine, 09/25/09
Fair Trade model has been heralded as the defining success story in market-based economic solutions to poverty. Today, even the coffee retailer mega-giant Starbucks is on board with this trendy new concept. Although a fine concept, the current prices for fair trade today are still not enough to lift Guatemalan farmers across the poverty line.
India
India Lawsuits Used to Shrink India’s Maternal Deaths Today – Women’s ENews, 09/25/09
India currently has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the world at 300 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births. According to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, India had pledged to reduce maternal mortality down to 200 by 2007, and 109 by 2015, but such numbers are unrealistic. In an effort to combat maternal mortality from new angles, some Indian NGO’s are trying to file law suits if the state does not meet it’s promises articulated in the government’s National Rural Health Mission.
Mexico
Mexico's Slim, Grameen Bank Launch Microfinance Venture - Wall Street Journal, 9/25/09
The success of microfinance in Bangladesh and around the world has led Mexico billionaire Carlos Slim to adapt the idea in partnership with Muhammad Yunnus in Mexico. Mr. Slim is launching a microfinance company, and hopes to make more than 100,000 loans in the company’s first five years.
Nepal
World Bank announces $130 Million for Education in Nepal – AllHeadlineNews.com, 9/24/09
Nepal's School Sector Reform Program has just been approved this Wednesday, and is the main vehicle for the implementation of the Nepal government's National Program of Action. This program will cost roughly 2.6 billion dollars to implement over the next five years, and World Bank has just approved partly funding it with a grant of $130 million.
South Africa
South African Children push for better schools – NY Times, 9/24/09
In a march that mirrored yesterday’s University of California protest against fee hikes and staff layoffs, young South Africans came out in droves to demand better educational infrastructure. Currently, many schools are tattered, with few libraries. This is what the South African youth wish to change, and are protesting at the halls of government to make it happen.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe to import 350,000 tonnes of wheat – Reuters, 09/15/09
The Zimbabwean Government must import huge quantities of cereals in order to provide grains to its public. Cereal plantings in Zimbabwe have been on a downward trend due to financial shortfalls and fertilizer shortages. The government has launched a $200 million program to help farmers secure more seed and fertilizer.
Hunger and Nutritional Crisis,9/09/09, BBC News
Guatemala has declared a “state of public calamity” over a dire hunger and nutritional crisis. In a national address, Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom said Guatemala has suffered from climate change and the global economic meltdown. According to UNICEF, almost half of Guatemala’s children suffer from extreme malnutrition. At least 25 children died this year from malnutrition. An estimated 54,000 families are suffering food shortages due to a failure of their corn and beans crops.
India
Women Enjoy the Absence of Men on Trains, 9/15/09, New York
The absence of men on commuter trains has given women peace. Some men pinch, grope, and stare at women on trains, or shout insults and catcalls. Over the last decade, millions of women have integrated into the work force. The women’s commute to work have not been pleasant. The persistent problems of taunting and harassment have led the government to remove men from trains. Eight women-only commuter trains have been introduced in India’s four largest cities.
Mexico
Worst Drought in Six Decades, 9/12/09, New York Times
This year, the first three months of the rainy season were dry. Mexico’s rainy season typically begins in June and lasts for four months. The severe drought has affected forty percent of the farmland, causing shortages in the harvests of corn, beans, wheat and sorghum. Now that the rainy season finally started, the daily downpours of rain have flooded parts of Mexico City.
Nepal
Protests Escalating, 9/17/09, The Economist
Political protests have been escalating and threatening the fragile peace that has prevailed since the end of the Maoists ten-year insurgency in 2006. The Prime Minister, who is a Maoist leader, recently resigned. His resignation led the protest to escalate. The former Prime Minister took his Maoist party into opposition and hope to lead the government again.
South Africa
Socio-Economic Development Focused on Elites, 9/17/09, Pambazuka
The models for socio-economic development in Southern Africa are elite oriented. This elite focused model in inadequate and a new approach is needed if the interests of the mass are to be served. A development model that is people-centered is a component to policy making.
Reemergence of Traditional Protesting, 9/06/09 New York Times
The protests in South Africa most often call for the burning of tires, the barricading of streets and the throwing of rocks. The forceful protests are a reaction to the dissatisfaction of South Africa’s new president, Jacob Zuma. Water, electricity and unemployment are areas that have not seen any improvement.
Zimbabwe
Last White Farmers Face Invasion, 9/17/09, The Economist
President Robert Mugabe is still set on chasing out the last white farmers. Over the past decade, 4,000 white owners of the most productive farms have been forced out along with their 320,000 black workers. Two-thirds of the seized land has been given to 140,000 black families, but the rest has gone to Mugabe’s family and friends. This has caused agriculture output to slump. Zimbabwe used to be one of Africa’s biggest food exporters, now it one of the main food aid recipients.
Agriculture mission in Guatemala wins international acclaim - July 26, 2009, The China Post
An agricultural mission in Guatemala led by Taiwan has "won acclaim" for improving farming technology and developing small farm projects. The venture has received a lot of attention in the field of major agricultural research. Representatives from Spain and 12 Latin American countries have visited the cooperative. Taiwan's agricultural mission teaches local farmers how to plant crops and process food. In addition, "the cooperative offers courses on how to cultivate bamboo (which is used as a key material in building classrooms and low-cost housing units)."
India
India to import food amid drought - August 21, 2009, BBC News
To make up for food shortages caused by drought, India will import food into the country. According to the Finance Minister, over 700 million people have been affected by the drought and food prices have been raised by 10%. With almost 70% of the Indian population dependent on farm incomes, the drought has affected nearly half of the districts in India.
Mexico
Politician's slaying highlights depth of Mexico's violence - August 21, 2009, CNN
The brutal killing of Guerrero state congressman, Armando Chavarria Barrera, is yet another demonstration of the continued violence in Mexico as a response to the country's War on Drugs campaign. Calderon compared the murder rate in Mexico to that of other countries and according to the report, "President Calderon told Mexicans to quit bad mouthing their country". Nonetheless, citizens remain terrified of the violence.
Mexico City bans stores from distributing plastic bags - August 19, 2009, CNN
Mexico City has become the second large metropolitan area (San Francisco was the first) that has banned retailers from using plastic bags. Leading environmentalists are calling for a global ban on plastic bags, as they are a threat to marine life and are the "second-most-common form of litter." Some of the worst air pollution is found in Mexico City. In addition to the bag ban, officials are seeking to improve the city's environment in other ways.
Nepal
Trade treaty likely - August 20, 2009, The Kathmandu Post
Nepalese Prime Minister, Madhav Kumar Nepal, has suggested that it is likely that India and Nepal will sign an amended trade treaty, which is said to be based on equality between the two countries. India’s Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, restated a commitment to "implement bilateral projects," including construction of a link road in the Tarai, extension of transmission lines, and additional support from India the Naumure hydro-project.
South Africa
Sexist leaders damage women's rights agenda - August 6, 2009, Pambazuka News
Writer, William Gumede, expresses his concern over what he calls "a deep gulf between the call for women's equality in South Africa's model constitution and society's predominantly archaic public attitudes toward women." He claims that the patriarchal society in South Africa continues to preserve inequalities between women and men and although the 2007 resolution dictates 50% female representation of the ANC, Gumede argues it has yet to be put into practice. Moreover, he maintains that women will bear a greater burden from the impacts of the current global economic crisis.
Zimbabwe
Cholera may return to Zimbabwe - August 19, 2009, BBC News
Last year's failure to deal with the causes of Cholera have put Zimbabwe at risk for another outbreak. Medicins Sans Frontiers (MSF) and the UN are warning of a potential new outbreak although Zimbabwean officials have declared the epidemic over. Over 4,000 people have died from the disease since last August and limited access to clean water is a major contributor to another possible outbreak.
Mines Bring no Benefit to Local People - July 24, 2009, Upside Down World
A new draft law concerning mining in Guatemala continues to favor foreign mining companies despite the nation’s adoption of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 169 in Indigenous and Tribal Peoples. The draft law provides tax breaks to mining companies and does not outline regulatory protections on the use of water or against adverse effects on the environment. Local outrage and demonstrations have risen against the draft law and local organizations call for stricter regulations although Congress lacks political interest in discussing the mining issue.
Forced Displacement of Local Populations - July 8, 2009, Grassroots International
The National Peasant and Indigenous Coordination (CONIC) created this video to illustrate the increases in forced displacement due to the expansion of agr0-fuel plantations in Guatemala. The numbers of evictions in Guatemala has grown at alarming rates.
India
Teachers Against 377, July 19, 2009, Posted by: *Nivedita Menon
University teachers, researches and academics are showing their support of a Delhi High Court judgment which aims to "decriminalize consensual sex among adults" as well as "challenge the legitimacy of 'religious leaders' to speak for the whole of society." More than 180 signatories issued a statement that the criminalization of sexual preference is a violation of their right to freedom of discrimination.
Nepal
Nepal to Save Royal Massacre Home - July 23, 2009, BBC News
The Nepalese Government is planning to restore the house where King Birendra and his family were shot and killed by Prince Dipendra in 2005. It is believed that massacre was a significant event in Nepalese history that lead to Gyanendra giving himself absolute power.
South Africa
Zuma vows help for South African Townships - July 24, 2009, BBC News
Amidst the worst recession in 17 years, President Zuma promises to provide better basic services, such as water and electricity, in an attempt to end township protests. More than 200 people have been arrested in the recent protests. Zuma, who maintains that he values the peoples constitutional right to freedom of assembly argues that there is no justification for violence. However, increasing job losses (in the middle of winter) finds many unable to pay their bills and nowhere to turn.
South Africa Council Workers Strike Threatens Basic Services, July 24, 2009, Reuters
And:
South Africa’s Economy Faces Wave of Wage Strikes
A series of potential and actual strikes throughout South Africa’s major industrial sectors are expected to "threaten" public services. The sectors affected by the strikes are the nation’s most prominent industries and many are necessary for providing basic services including: gold, platinum, coal, municipal workers, chemical, pharmaceutical, rail, communications, doctors, petroleum and more. The Johannesburg council will attempt to minimize the disruption of services but strikes and protests may become more widespread.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Children Turn to Sex Trade - July 24, 2009, BBC News
A video produced by the BBC provides a shocking look into the lives of children in Zimbabwe who turn to prostitution in order to survive. As the number of orphaned children increases they must learn to look after themselves in addition to the surviving members of the family.
Women's Empowerment
DAC guiding Principles for Aid Effectiveness, July 2009, Eldis.org
The Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness cites that development goals "will not be possible without progress on gender equality and women's empowerment". Good practice principles and frameworks are provided to promote gender equality as a "priority development issue".
Guatemala Miners Protests - 7/17/09, Inside Costa Rica
The Guatemalan government has a 90-day deadline to deal with the demands of the mining protesters starting Wednesday 7/16/09. The protesters’ main demand is to avoid the private construction of a mine for mineral extraction and the operation of a plant to produce cement.
India
Clinton Arrives in India to Improve Partnership - 7/17/09, VOA News
Secretary of State Clinton arrived in India for talks intended to improve US-Indian relations. The U.S. and India are in the progress of finalizing two agreements. One agreement will allow U.S. companies to build nuclear power plants at two sites in India and the other will ensure U.S. arms technology sold to India is not leaked to other countries.
Mexico
Anti Drug Forces Increases - 7/17/09, BBC News
Mexico’s head of state is sending 5,500 police and military personnel to Michoacan to fight the drug violence. Since December 2006, more than 11,000 people have been killed in drug related violence. Most recently were twenty police officers and troops in a revenge attack after arresting a drug cartel boss.
Nepal
Child Soldiers Being Freed in Nepal - 7/17/09, BBC News
The process of freeing thousands of child soldiers from camps holding former Maoist rebel fighters has begun. The released soldiers were briefed about their transfer to rehabilitation programs. The freeing of child soldiers is a key part of Nepal's peace process.
Nepal Widows Dismiss Marriage Incentive - 7/17/09, BBC News
Widows in Nepal are protesting the government’s decision of offering a cash incentive to men for marrying them. Early last week the incentive was announced in the government’s annual budget of $641. The country has a large number of widows because of the bloody conflict, high rates of HIV and other diseases.
South Africa
Landmark Ruling Allows Apartheid Victims to Sue MNCs - 7/17/09, Pambazuka
Victims of apartheid are now able to sue multinational corporations that openly aided and assisted the regime. The legal ruling is called a progress in international human rights law. A US judge found that MNCs engaged in aiding and assisting apartheid, torture, extrajudicial killings, denationalization and other crimes. The legal ruling will have immense implications for Africa and the rest of the world. The lawsuits were previously dismissed because the suit could have serious consequences for US foreign relations and US commercial trade.
Zimbabwe
Cholera Epidemic Over, but Still in State of Alert - 7/17/09, VOA News
Zimbabwe’s cholera epidemic that hit last year is officially over. There are warnings of another outbreak when the rainy season starts later this year. More than 4,250 people died from cholera and more than 98,000 people were infected during the last rainy season; it was the worst in Africa in 15 years.
Disputed Property Sale in Guatemala Results in Death Threats, Charges 7/5/09, The Dominion
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights received an urgent request this month that precautionary measures be taken to protect Guatemalan families as Goldcorp, a Canadian gold mining company that owns the controversial Marlin mine in San Miguel Ixtahuacan, expands its operations in the mostly-Indigenous western Highlands.
Guatemalan Democracy: Hanging on by its Fingernails 7/1/09, Council on Hemispheric Affairs
In light of the recent sharp protests that erupted in the aftermath the release of a video of prominent Guatemalan lawyer, Rodrigo Rosenberg, the political divides of Guatemala’s economically and culturally conflicted society are even more obvious now than before the garish Rosenberg murder.
India
New Delhi Court De-criminalizes Consensual Homosexual Acts in a Ground-breaking and Controversial Ruling in the Conservative Indian Capital 7/30/09, ILGA
In a ruling Thursday, the Delhi High Court overturned a 148-year-old colonial law criminalizing consensual homosexual acts saying that it was a violation of fundamental human rights protected under India’s Constitution.
Men in uniform may face stiffer rap for rape 7/5/09, The Times of India
In keeping with increasing instances of sexual misconduct by men in uniform and in positions of authority, the National Commission
for Women (NCW) is pushing for a radical overhaul of laws on crimes against women, including the anti-rape law, to make punishment more stringent.
Mexico
Wives Left behind in Mexico by Migrants Suffer 'Poorer Mental Health' 7/3/09, Los Angeles Times
A Brigham Young University study, called "Effects of Husbands' Migration on Mental Health and Gender Role Ideology of Rural Mexican Women," found that women left behind by husbands who migrate to the United States in search of work generally have a poorer state of mental health than a comparison group.
Fitch Says Mexico Outlook Not Rising Anytime Soon 7/5/09, Reuters
Fitch Ratings does not see Mexico's credit rating outlook improving from negative anytime soon and expects the Mexican government to have a more difficult time negotiating with Congress following mid-term elections.
Nepal
Nepal Prime Minister Urged to Commit to Combating Enforced Disappearances 7/3/09, Amnesty International
Amnesty International representatives visited Nepal's Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal on Wednesday and called on him to ratify a human rights treaty aimed at combating enforced disappearances.
Late Monsoon Brings Fear of Food Shortage in Nepal 7/5/09, AFP
Nepal's long-delayed monsoon finally arrived in the Kathmandu Valley on Monday, allowing local farmers to begin transplanting their seedlings to the waterlogged rice paddies after weeks of anxious waiting. But there are fears the delay could prove devastating for this year's rice crop, and experts say the increasing unpredictability of the weather is causing huge problems for farmers in one of the world's poorest countries.
South Africa
Young, Educated, and Unemployed 7/30/09, IPS
Unemployment among young South Africans is hovering at 30%, shooting up to over 60% for youths in their late teens and early twenties. But tertiary education and skills development seem not to be making much of a dent in what is now regarded as a crisis.
S. Africa Human Rights Bodies Slam Arrest of Homeless Zimbabweans 7/4/09, AFP
South African human rights organizations on Saturday condemned the arrest of about 300 destitute Zimbabwean nationals. Police spokesman Wayne Minnaar said more than 300 people were arrested between Friday night and early hours of Saturday.
Zimbabwe
MDC May Quit over New Powers for Mugabe 6/30/09, The Independent
Members of Mr Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) boycotted a cabinet meeting led by Robert Mugabe yesterday, but sources in the former opposition group said they were not yet ready to disengage.
Civil Society constitutional convention reject use of Kariba draft 7/3/09, SW Radio Africa News
The co-chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on constitutional reform, Douglas Mwonzora, on Friday said comments made by Robert Mugabe that the new constitution must be anchored on the Kariba Draft, were just a reflection of Mugabe's personal view point.
Stakeholders Call for Official Audit of External Debt 7/3/08, Pambazuka News
Stakeholders met on July 1 in Harare to discuss Zimbabwe’s external debt, which threatens the welfare of its citizens who have been ravaged by a deep social, economic and political crisis.
Some 1,000 Rohingyas evicted from makeshift huts 6/29, IRIN
Over the past two months the local authorities in Cox’s Bazaar District, southeastern Bangladesh, have torn down scores of makeshift huts belonging to an estimated 1,000 Rohingya refugees.
Acid Violence in Bangladesh 6/30, The New Nation
Acid throwing on women and girls are on the rise in Bangladesh. Acids are used to disfigure and sometimes kill women and girls. Recently a housewife sustained severe burns as her husband and mother-in-law allegedly hurled acid at her following a dowry dispute at Narayanpur in Trishal upazila.
Guatemala
Guatemalan fears a tweet will make him a jailbird 6/26, AP
Jean Anleu was so fed up with corruption in his country that he decided to vent on the Internet, sending a 96-character message on the social-networking site Twitter. That message has now earned him a potential five-year prison sentence.
Guatemala reports first death from A/H1N1 virus 6/26, Xinhua
The Guatemalan Health Ministry reported on Thursday the first death from A/H1N1 flu in the country. Currently, Guatemala is on an orange alert level and all elementary schools in the country are temporarily closed.
India
Ancient India didn’t think homosexuality was against nature 6/27, The Times of India
On a petition seeking to decriminalize homosexuality, the government said that there were "no convincing reports to indicate that homosexuality or other offences against the order of nature mentioned in Section 377 IPC were acceptable in the Indian society prior to colonial rule." But India distanced itself from that provision when Sweden questioned its record in ensuring equality irrespective of a person's sexual orientation.
Indian Women Protest Sex-Selective Abortions 6/26, NTDTV.com
Thousands of women hold a massive rally in India protesting against an increasing number of abortions. In some areas of India an estimated 2,000 unborn girls are illegally aborted every day, according to the United Nations.
Mexico
Mexico sends additional troops to Juarez 6/22, Press TV
Mexico sends 1,500 additional soldiers to its northern borders to contain rising drug violence after initial troop deployment failed to effectively address the problem.
Swine Flu Cases Spike in Two Mexican States 6/26, AP
Mexican health officials say swine flu cases have spiked in the southern states of Yucatan and Chiapas prompting authorities to start the summer break weeks early.
Nepal
Nepal Coalition Looks Shaky 6/29, Financial Times
Nepal's ruling coalition was struggling for stability at the weekend. Disputes over the allocation of cabinet portfolios underscored the uneasy balance Madhav Kumar Nepal, prime minister, must strike in guiding the 22-party alliance.
Record 68 per cent students pass matric exams in Nepal 6/29, indopia.in
A record 68.47 percent of regular students passed this year's School Leaving Certificate (SLC) examinations conducted by the Office of the Controller of Examinations (OCE), according to officials. This is the highest percentage of students passing the SLC exams in the history of Nepal.
South Africa
Time to Rethink Testing 6/26, Plus News
It has become a given – test more people for HIV and you'll get more people on treatment earlier, plus cut down on risky sex. But recent research on the behavior of people who test HIV negative, has led some doctors to question the testing gospel.
Research puts rural gays under spotlight 6/24, Behind the Mask
The University of South Africa (UNISA) together with Gay Umbrella, a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) organization in the North West Province, have joined forces in a two year systematic research project that will provide important insights into the rural perspective of gays and lesbians.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Denies Diamond Killings 6/24, Association of Zimbabwe Journalists
A Zimbabwean minister on Wednesday denied any killings in the eastern Marange diamond fields, where rights groups have sounded the alarm over the forcible evictions of small-scale miners.
State concedes Mukoko’s abduction was illegal 6/25 SW Radio Africa News
A state prosecutor on Thursday conceded that the way human rights campaigner Jestina Mukoko was abducted by state security agents, was illegal. The 53 year-old former news reader has taken her case to the Supreme Court, seeking a permanent stay of her prosecution.
Bumper crop, but Zimbabwe hungry 6/25, BBC
Some three million people face hunger in Zimbabwe, despite a significant rise in food production, the UN says. Good rainfall over the past year has boosted production of the staple crop, maize, by 130% to 1.1m tonnes, but about 2.8m people will still face food shortages this year
Global
The World Financial Meltdown: What now for African women? 6/25, Pambazuka News
It is feared that the current crisis will result in reversal in achievements made under the Millennium Developments Goals (MDGs) and human rights in Africa. This is particularly true for African women who for a long time have been the face of poverty in Africa.
Global Finance Ignores World's Poor 6/24, Al Jazeera English
As government officials from around the world descend on New York this week for a UN conference on the economic crisis and its impact on development, the main issue up for debate is how the poorest countries can influence the way the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank operate.
Bangladesh Announce over $16 Billion Budget to Reduce Poverty 6-11-09, All Headline News
Bangladesh on Thursday announced a $16.49 billion national budget for the fiscal year 2009-10 aiming to reduce poverty by creating jobs across the country.
Does Bangladesh Use Foreign Aid Wisely? 6-14-09, BBC
Bangladesh receives about $2bn in foreign aid each year, but it does not always reach the people it is intended to help.
Police Arrested in Jessore for Having Hand in Human Trafficking 6-15-09, The New Nation
Human trafficking through different border points of Jessore district has reached an alarming level and administrative personnel are being involved in the trade.
Guatemala
Guatemalan Remittances Down Almost 10% 6-11-09, Latin American Herald Tribune
The sending of remittances to family members by Guatemalans living abroad fell 9.5% in the first five months of 2009, the country's central bank said Thursday.
One Woman's Fear in the Fight Against Corruption in Guatemala 6-10-09, CNN
After 22 years of speaking out against corruption, first as a lawyer and then as a congresswoman, Anabella De León says she remains fearful given the legacy of violence and instability in Guatemala.
India
'Sodomy' Laws Perpetuate Colonial Prejudices 6-14-09, Human Rights Watch
As the High Court in Delhi prepares to rule on whether adult, consensual homosexual conduct should continue to be illegal in India, the nation's new government should drop its opposition to law reform, Human Rights Watch said today.
India's HIV Victims Find Solace in Marriage 6-14-09, AFP
Taking medicines on time is a big part of a successful marriage for Ravi and Nima -- an HIV-positive couple who met as a direct result of the enduring stigma attached to AIDS in India.
Mexico
Human Rights Watch: Mexican military abuse rising 6-12-09, AP
Abuses by the Mexican military have surged since the government deployed troops to fight drug cartels more than two years ago, and too little is done to investigate allegations of rapes, killing and torture, a rights group said Thursday.
Mexico to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions 6-8-09, Environmental Leader
Mexico's President announced that Mexico will voluntarily cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 50 million tons a year by 2012 through the use of more efficient cars and power plants as well as reductions in gas leaks and flaring by the oil industry.
Nepal
OHCHR May Get Term Extended 6-15-09, My República
The government is likely to review its decision to extend the tenure of Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nepal (OHCHR-Nepal) only by three months against the OHCHR-Nepal's proposal to extend the tenure by three years.
Women's Health in Nepal 6-9-09, Public Radio International
Dr. Sangeeta Mishra is a gynecologist from Nepal, and a Fulbright Scholar at Johns Hopkins University. She discussed how women's health issues are addressed in Nepal in an interview with PRI.
Political Violence Threatens Peace in Nepal:UN 6-12-09, AFP
A recent rise in violence by political parties and their affiliates in Nepal could threaten a three-year-old peace process, the UN human rights representative in the country has warned.
South Africa
Charities report sharp rise in number of abandoned South Africa babies 14-6-09, The Guardian
Children's charities have reported a sharp rise in the number of babies abandoned by mothers driven to poverty and desperation in recession-hit South Africa.
South Africa's HIV Epidemic Has Stabilized 14-6-09, HealthNews Track
South Africa's HIV epidemic has leveled off at a prevalence of 10.9% for people aged two years and older, with 5.2 million people estimated to be living with HIV in 2008.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe girls trade sex for food 6-12-09, BBC
Growing numbers of children in Zimbabwe are turning to prostitution to survive. Increasing poverty is leading girls as young as 12 to sell their bodies for as little as a packet of biscuits.
Tsvangirai Urges US to Support Inclusive Gov't 10-6-09, Association of Zimbabwe Journalists
Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is urging the United States to support his government despite abuses by his coalition partner, President Robert Mugabe.
General
African states seek own solution in world crisis 6-7-09, Reuters
Africa must seek to solve its own problems as the global economic crisis limits the ability of more developed countries to follow through on aid pledges, African ministers told a conference in Cairo.
Financial crisis could force more girls into work 6-12-09, IRIN
The financial crisis could force more girls into work as financially squeezed families withdraw their daughters from school to seek jobs, warns the International Labour Organization.
Making the Case for Climate as a Migration Driver 6-14-09, New York Times
A new report on human migration and climate change, gave an overview of where the changing environment is driving decision-making on the ground and which areas are likely to be hit hardest if things get worse.
Mother Caned in Bangladesh for Talking to Muslim Man 06-06-09, AFP
A Muslim mother has been caned for talking to a Hindu man in Bangladesh, police said Saturday, prompting fresh concerns about a rise in cases of harsh treatment of women under strict Islamic law.
Migrants return to Bangladesh 06-04-09, BBC
Thousands of Bangladeshi migrant workers are returning home as a result of the global recession. There are more than six million Bangladeshis working abroad and the remittances that they send home are the country's largest source of foreign exchange.
Guatemala
Drug Violence Spilling into Guatemala 06-04-09, LA Times
As Mexican President Felipe Calderon presses an anti-narcotics offensive in Mexico, the war has spilled south into Guatemala, where proximity, weak law enforcement and deeply rooted corruption provide fertile ground for Mexico's gangs.
TV Reporter Gunned Down in Guatemala 06-08-09, Latin American Herald Tribune
A reporter for the Tele Diario news show of Guatemala's Channel 3 television was gunned down in the eastern city of Chiquimula, police said on Sunday.
India
Police Fire on Protesters in Indian Kashmir 06-08-09, AP
Security forces opened fire on protesters in Indian Kashmir on Monday, wounding at least seven people, including two critically, in the worst clash since unrest broke out last week over the deaths of two young women.
Domestic Abuse Plagues India's Upper-Crust 06-08-09 Reuters
Millions of Indian women, from all classes, are abused by their husbands. A recent government survey said one in three Indian women were victims of domestic violence.
Mexico
Mexico drug arrests leave prisons crowded, violent 06-02-09, Reuters
The rounding up of thousands of suspects in Mexico's drug war has left the already unruly prison system overwhelmed with jailbreaks and struggling to contain deadly riots between inmates from rival gangs.
Mexican Women Clash over Abortion 06-06-09, Ohmy News
There is a fierce ongoing battle over the abortion issue in Mexico. Two years ago, the country's capital caused controversy when it became the first state to authorized legal abortions up to the first trimester.
Nepal
Strike Shuts Schools, Shops in Nepal 06-08-09, AFP
A strike called by Maoist sympathizers on Monday paralyzed large swathes of Nepal. The one-day general strike in western Nepal came a week after protests by another group of Maoist supporters, and appeared to be part of a campaign to bring chaos to the Himalayan nation.
Nepal's MJF withdraws from government 06-06-09, Press TV
Just after 11 days in power, Nepal's new communist-led ruling coalition receives its first jolt with its regional ally, the MJF, withdrawing support.
South Africa
Visa Waver 'Encumbering' Zimbabwean Trade 6-5-09, Terra Viva
The government's removal of visa requirements for Zimbabweans in April was aimed at easing entry. But, for Alice Kakwindi, Grace Chimhosva and other cross-border traders, entering South Africa has subsequently turned into a nightmare.
TB Vaccine Trials for Babies 6-4-09, PlusNews
A new trial to test the efficacy of a tuberculosis (TB) booster shot for babies is about to start in South Africa, but when your subjects are too young to eat solids, the challenge rises to a new level.
Rape of Gay Man Sparks Provincial Protest 6-3-09, BTM
Trial for a rape case of a gay man known only as Luanda will be heard on 22 June this year following its postponement on Friday 29 May as two of the three accused did not pitch up.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe to use SA Rand Permanently 06-04-09, AfricaNews
Zimbabwe's minister of finance, Tendai Biti, has announced that the fragile government of that country is considering the idea of using the South African rand as it's permanent official currency. "We are looking at various avenues and the adoption of the rand is likelihood," he said.
COMESA Mulls Rescue Package for Zimbabwe 06-04-09, AFP
Africa's COMESA trade bloc is preparing a financial rescue package for Zimbabwe to help the southern African nation to rebuild its shattered economy, a senior official said Thursday.
General
IMF Doubles Lending to Africa 6-4-09, afrol News
As a response to the global crisis and an increased capital basis, the International Monetary Fund has already more than doubled its lending to Africa this year compared to the record year of 2008.
Bangladesh, Burma Work to Resolve Rohingya Repatriation 6-1-09, Irrawaddy
The influx of Rohingya refuges into Bangladesh will not stop until there is a change in Arakan State and Burmese officials agree to repatriation, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said at a press conference on Friday.
JS Body to Decide on Tipaimukh 5-31-09, bdnews24.com
An all-party parliamentary committee will take a decision on whether to send a team of experts to the site of the proposed Indian Tipaimukh dam and hydropower project over the cross-boundary river Barak, the water resources minister said Sunday.
Guatemala
Taiwan President Visits Guatemala 5-30-09, AFP
Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou on Friday arrived in Guatemala for a three-day visit in a bid to boost relations in a region where support for Taiwan has reduced in recent years.
Guatemalan murder mystery threatens government 5-27-09, AP
A slain lawyer's taped accusations that the president wanted him dead threaten to topple Guatemala's first leftist government in more than 50 years and have sharpened the political divide between rich and poor.
India
Indian Rights Activist, Freed on Bail, Vows to Continue Work 1-6-09, The Wall Street Journal
Doctor and human-rights activist Binayak Sen, released on bail last week had been held on charges of aiding Maoist insurgents, said he will continue treating patients from Indian tribal areas and fighting for their rights, despite weak health and threats to his life.
Expectations increasing from Indian Corporates on CSR 6-1-09, India PR Wire
A greater need for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India has brought companies who initiate and participate in CSR activities into the limelight and increased public expectations of them.
Mexico
Indigenous rape victims fight military impunity 6-1-09, IPS
Inés Fernández and Valentina Rosendo, both 23, have suffered death threats and have been stigmatized as rape victims. This month Fernández managed to take her case to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and Rosendo may achieve the same in the near future.
Mexico Heads World Violence on Journalists 5-31-09, Prensa Latina
Mexico is heading a world list regarding the attacks against journalists, the most vulnerable in the exercise of their profession, the director of the Center of Human Rights reported Sunday.
Mexico offers $380,000 reward in journalist murder 5-28-09, AP
Mexico's top prosecutor on Thursday offered a $380,000 reward for information in the kidnapping and murder of a newspaper reporter who was found beaten and dead in an irrigation canal in northern Mexico this week.
Nepal
PM Nepal finds OHCHR insignificant 5-27-09, eKantipur
Newly elected Prime Minister Madhav Kumar opined that the role of Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Nepal is insignificant. He accused the UN rights body of “paying attention to political events and neglecting major incidents of human rights violation” and said renewing its tenure is unnecessary.
Sons of Soil Shut Down Kathmandu Valley 6-1-09, IANS
A community that has been residing in the Kathmandu Valley shut down the capital and 10 more districts, demanding an autonomous state for themselves and the scrapping of a reviled urban development plan. Nearly two dozen people were injured.
South Africa
Rush Job on NHI? 29-5-09, Health-e.org.za
An ANC task team is trying to convince the ANC and government to hastily implement a National Health Insurance (NHI) plan that many believe spells disaster for the buckling public health system.
HIV-Prevention Policy Not Working in South Africa 6-1-09, BusinessDay
A visiting US congressman has expressed concern about SA’s inability to significantly reduce the level of new HIV infections despite education and prevention campaigns.
Decriminalizing Sex Work Only Half the Battle 6-1-09, BuaNews
Proposals to decriminalize sex work in South Africa have been moved back to the front burner after a provincial premier remarked that the issue should be addressed "objectively and with an open mind".
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean Journalists and Lawyers Brought before the Courts 28-5-09, SW Radio Africa
Two editors from the Zimbabwe Independent newspaper will stand trial on June 16th. The two are accused of writing a story that would undermine public confidence in law enforcement agents.
EU not ready to resume ties with Zimbabwe: letter 28-5-09, AFP
The European Union is not yet ready to establish normal ties with Zimbabwe or resume aid despite a "positive evolution" in politics there, according to a letter made public Thursday.
General
Large-scale foreign land acquisitions could harm local people, says UN-backed report 26-5-09, UN News Service
A United Nations-commissioned study shows that land acquisitions are on the increase in the developing world, raising the risk that poor people will lose access to land, water, and other resources.
Africa’s Growth to fall to 2% in 2009 28-5-09, Africa News
African growth will fall to 2% in 2009 from 5.1% in 2008 and agriculture will prove the continent's best chance of pulling itself from poverty. Most African economies had been growing steadily but the global economic crisis has caused aid flows to fall, slashed demand and prices for its agricultural exports.
HC asks government to stop river encroachment 5-25-09, The Daily Star
The High Court (HC) yesterday directed the government to take appropriate steps to stop encroachment, earth-filling, and construction of illegal structures on the Buriganga, Turag, Balu, and Shitalakkhya rivers.
Bangladesh mutiny deaths probed 5-21-09, BBC
Bangladesh has ordered an inquiry into the deaths of 21 border guards who were held in custody after a mutiny in February that killed nearly 100 people.
Guatemala
Guatemala Murder Scandal Could Threaten the Presidency 5-20-09, Christian Science Monitor
The scandal surrounding accusations that Guatemala's president orchestrated the murder of a prominent lawyer is deepening divisions in the country. It is also handing the country its greatest threat to democracy since the civil war ended.
Poverty reduction programs under fire 5-21-09, Latin America Press
The Social Cohesion Council, a government body dealing with social development, announced a Strategic Plan to Reduce Chronic Malnutrition which will distribute about US$12 a month to the beneficiaries of the conditioned cash transfer program Mi Familia Progresa, in four Mayan Chortí municipalities of Chiquimula.
India
In Punjab, Crowding Onto The Cancer Train 5-11-09, NPR
Train No. 339 routinely carries at least 60 cancer patients for treatment at the government's regional cancer center. Researchers caution that the findings do not prove that pesticides are causing cancer. But are the modern farming methods brought by the so-called Green Revolution of the 1960s and '70s making people sick?
Indian Rights Activist to be Freed on Bail 5-25-09, AP
India's top court on Monday ordered that a human rights activist facing trial in eastern India for allegedly aiding the region's communist rebels be released on bail.
Mexico
Crisis Drives Up Poverty Rate 5-23-09, IPS
Between 1994 and 1996, the poverty rate in Mexico climbed from 52 to 69 percent due to a deep but short-lived global economic recession that broke out in this country. Now this country is experiencing another depression, which originated in its northern neighbor, and that will last at least until 2010.
Avalanche of anti-abortion laws 5-22-09, IPS
In the last 13 months, 12 of Mexico's 32 states have approved amendments to their state constitutions defining a fertilized human egg as a person with a right to legal protection, and seven other state parliaments are taking steps in the same direction.
Nepal
Senior UN official lauds Supreme Court reforms 5-19-09, UN News Service
The top United Nations human rights official in Nepal today welcomed Supreme Court reforms initiated by the fledgling democracy’s newly appointed Chief Justice. The measures are aimed at enhancing transparency in its system of jurisprudence.
Successive governments have ignored agriculture 5-25-09, eKantipur
According to a recent report from the Ministry of Agriculture, 40 percent of the people in the hills and mountains, barring the eastern region are suffering from a serious food deficit of 133,000 tons. Jagannath Adhikari, a geographer by training, has undertaken extensive research in Nepal's rural areas, studying, among other things, remittances, migration and food security.
Constitution-drafting process finally begins after a year 5-25-09, eKantipur
Only a year after its first meeting was convened, the Constituent Assembly (CA) has finally entered the constitution-drafting process. The CA’s National Interest Preservation Committee (NIPC) among its 11 committees presented its concept paper on the constitution.
South Africa
The Grass Beneath the Fighting Elephants 5-22-09, Pambazuka
There is an African saying that when elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. In South Africa lately, the elephants have been the two biggest winners in the April elections-the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA). The grass is democracy and women's rights.
South Africa goes into recession 5-25-09, BBC
The South African economy has gone into recession for the first time since 1992, following a sharp slowdown in the manufacturing and mining sectors. Africa's biggest economy contracted at an annualized rate of 6.4% between January and March.
South Africa gets anti-crime boss 5-21-09, BBC
South Africa has appointed a relatively unknown police officer to head its new serious crimes agency that replaced the elite Scorpions unit. He will head the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation when it launches in July.
Zimbabwe
No Movement on Media Reform Despite Government Pledges 5-21-09, SW Radio Africa News
Repeated promises to reform the repressive media environment in Zimbabwe are proving hollow. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Thursday said there have been "significant improvements," but improvements are not translating into action.
Long Road to Water Sustainability 5-22-09, IPS
As Zimbabwe's national unity government approaches 100 days in office, Finance Minister Tendai Biti has said it will take some time for the country to return to 1996 standards, before what was once southern Africa’s second largest economy went into a tailspin.
General
2009 Report on State-Sponsored Homophobia
ILGA, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association published the third edition of its report and map on State Sponsored Homophobia, a collection of legislation criminalizing consensual sexual acts between persons of the same sex in private over the age of consent.
African Finance Ministers to Discuss Impact of Economic Crisis 5-21-09, Afrique en ligne
African ministers have scheduled a meeting to discuss measures required to deal with the global economic crisis. The meeting will explore ways of dealing with the crisis through enhanced fiscal planning and ways of raising funds internally within Africa.
To mark Earth Day (today, April 22) we'd like to share some more details from IDEX Communications Director, Gillian's trip to Udaipur, India last fall. Where she visited IDEX partner Sahyog Sansthan to learn how rural communities are adapting to climate change and mitigating its impact.
Give a little green this Earth Day and have your donation to Sahyog matched on GlobalGiving.com.
Heera Lal Sharma, the founder and Executive Director of Sahyog was my guide. Heera Lal knows the area around Udaipur well; he was raised here, and understands the importance of sustainable agriculture methods.
Sahyog encourages vermiculture, a composting method using earthworms to create rich, organic soil. Sahyog has started a number of vermiculture projects and provides training and funds to initiate vermiculture. The soil produced enriches the land, fertilizes crops, and improves the soil’s ability to retain moisture. Even during drought years, crops grown with soil from vermiculture produce greater yields.
I met with 3 Self-Help Groups. In each case I saw how fulfilling water needs was the priority. Sahyog does this in two ways; they renovate wells and they build bunds or berms to control the flow of water and irrigate crops.
During the monsoon, soil becomes waterlogged, collapsing the walls of the well rendering it useless. Sahyog works with SHGs to renovate wells. They insist that the SHG contribute at least 25% of the costs, plus labor. Sahyog and the local government fund the rest. Sahyog’s goal is to build relationships between communities and government and ensure everyone is a stakeholder in the renovation.
To improve crop irrigation Sahyog analyzes the terrain and identifies the best location to build bunds. Bunds are dams, usually foot-high mounds of earth and small rock that run the width and length of fields. They are multi-purpose and slow the flow of the rainwater and minimize erosion by containing the topsoil. But the dams are carefully constructed to allow water to seep through the rocks, and onto other communities. This method of water harvesting ensures nothing is wasted.
With your support IDEX has funded a number of such projects. At Bharave Village, I was shown the newly renovated well and bridge across the fields. The bridge also operates as a levee during the monsoon. Women and children pointed happily at the well and told me they could now drink fresh water.
I was really impressed by everything Heera Lal showed me. Then we went to the community of Kundai, which completely blew me away. At Kundai there are no incremental changes. This community has completely adopted sustainable agriculture and managed biodiversity without looking back.
Since climate change has begun to take effect, rain has become more irregular. Farmers used to rely on local weather patterns to know when to plant their crops. But climate change renders this knowledge useless. At Kundai they have learned simple, yet effective meteorological practices. They monitor and collect data on rainfall, temperatures and wind and share this with both their local community and the Indian government.
I was introduced to Deepak who lives in Kundai; he showed off the benefits of the program, such as the renovated well, the irrigation channels strategically placed around fields and the diversity of the crops. Kundai farmers are growing plump eggplants, bright chilies, leafy greens, wheat, barley and much more. Close to the well, bamboo and sugar cane were growing. The crops are enough to feed families in Kundai while the bamboo and sugar cane help pay for their children’s schooling.
Kundai is in year 3 of a 5-year project. This was the first year the community had been able to plant their crops. Despite the monsoon in 2008 bringing just half of the expected rainfall, crops were flourishing Deepak was very happy at what they had accomplished so far. It meant he did not have to leave the family and migrate to Udaipur or Delhi to look for work. The family could stay together. His daughter clung to his hand, clearly delighted to know her father was not going anywhere.
Migration is a growing problem. As crops fail, people must move to look for work to feed their families. It was clear to me that sustainable agriculture is not just good for the planet, but also for families and communities who practice it.
Like many IDEX partners, Sahyog works to improve the livelihoods of rural communities. A focus on resource management and sustainable agriculture has helped people better prepare and surmount the growing threats of food and water crises. Water harvesting, vermiculture, and organic agriculture offer viable ways for communities to adapt to, and mitigate, the impact of climate change.
Guatemala
All Guatemalan Regions Improve Illiteracy Rates - Prensa-Latina, Mar 4, 2010
A Cuban literacy program is working towards eradicating illiteracy in all Guatemalan provinces.
India
Indian upper house approves women's quota bill - BBC.co.uk, Mar 9, 2010
Parliament approved a bill to reserve a third of all seats in the national parliament and state legislatures for women. Currently women occupy about 10% of seats.
Mexico
Battle to Preserve Baja's Whale Nursery Celebrated, but Threats Remain - OneEarth.org, Mar 8, 2010
A historic victory 10 years ago gave the whale population a chance to remain steady. Corporations, like Mitsubishi, are still interested in developing the area.
Nepal
Murders and death threats to silence Nepali media - Speroforum.com, Mar 06, 2010
The government recently acknowledged that police are concerned about media investigations into illegal police activities; this concern has led to the muder of prominent media figures.
South Africa
Zuma Wraps Up UK Visit - AllAfrica.com, Mar 5, 2010
President Jacob Zuma was in Britain attending a business seminar. The seminar will discuss climate change, the global economy, and international trade.
Zimbabwe
Government Revising Empowerment Rules - Chris Muronzi, AllAfrica.com, Mar 5, 2010
A business regulation designed to "broaden the ownership structures… as to also involve our own citizens" by suggesting 51% of shares to be sold to blacks.
Labels: Guatemala, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.Guatemala
World Coffee Conference in Guatemala - Barbara Schieber, Guatemala Times, Feb 15, 2010
This year’s conference theme is "Coffee for the future: Towards a sustainable coffee sector." Topics will include environmental and social sustainability.
India
What an Eggplant Uproar Says About India's Economy - Madhur Singh, Time.com, Feb 15, 2010
The GMO debate continues. There are arguments over safety, cost, regulations and the government's motive.
Mexico
Celebrating Indigenous Culture, Zapotec Autonomy and Uncontaminated Corn - Ramor Ryan, Upside Down World - Feb 15, 2010
A small village celebrates their heritage and defends their right to live with uncontaminated crops. Communities recall and celebrate prior victories at this fourth annual international gathering.
Nepal
UN human rights office condemns threats to journalists after killing - UN, Feb 15, 2010
United Nations officials are concerned over threats being made to journalists who are following the story of Jamim Shah's murder. Mr. Shah is a media entrepreneur who was shot on February 7th.
South Africa
Joy as siblings go to school for first time - IOL, Feb 16, 2010
An educational organization is on the lookout for children who are not enrolled in school. Parents are encouraged to enroll their children even if they lack the necessary documents.
Zimbabwe
EU imposes another year of sanctions - IRIN News, Feb 16, 2010
The European Union first imposed sanctions, such as freezing bank accounts and banning travel, in 2002. The EU will continue to extend their sanctions in Zimbabwe as long as they feel there is no progress in areas such as human rights and democratic elections.
Labels: Guatemala, India, Mexico, Nepal, Newsflash, South Africa, South Africa Zimbabwe
A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.Guatemala
Justice groups monitor election of Attorney General and Controller General of Guatemala - Barbara Schieber, Guatemala Time, Feb 3, 2010
The May election is deemed critical for strengthening of the nation's justice system. Watch groups have already criticized the lack of transparency and are on alert for signs of more political manipulation.
India
India puts on hold first GM food crop on safety grounds - BBC News, Feb 9, 2010
Though the government approved the use of genetically modified aubergine (eggplant) seeds in India, public outcry has halted the process. India is the world's largest producer of aubergine.
Mexico
Fewer unauthorized immigrants in U.S. in 2009, government says - CNN.com, Feb 10, 2010
The decrease of illegal immigrants in the US is linked to the economic downturn. An estimated two out of three immigrants is from Mexico; the dangers and costs associated with crossing the border is not worth the risk anymore.
Nepal
Waits as 2 Armies, Former Foes, Become One - Jim Yardley NY Times, Feb 3, 2010
The integration of Nepal's two rival armies is seen as an important first step in the peace process. There is mistrust and skepticism on both sides as former rebels join the nation's security forces.
South Africa
Arms export controls in meltdown - IRIN News, Feb 2, 2010
There is a major lack of control regarding the type and quantity of weapons being imported into the country.
Zimbabwe
HIV-Positive People Want Constitutional Rights - IRIN News via AllAfrica.com, Feb 4 2010
AIDS activists are lobbying hard for AIDS/HIV sufferers to be included in the revised constitution due this year. They are asking for "provisions on non-discrimination and equal protection before the law."
Labels: Guatemala, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.Guatemala
The Best-Kept Secrets - the Military's - Danilo Valladares, IPS News, Feb 2, 2010
Government records regarding the more than 20,000 victims of the civil war will be declassified. The civil war was instigated by the CIA-organized dictatorship that began in 1954.
India
Social security system in India: an international comparative analysis - R.K. Jha & S. Bhattacharyya, Eldis,Munich Personal RePEc Archive, 2010
The comparison highlights how India's unique make-up leaves the country lacking when it comes to social security.
Mexico
Calderon Says Mexico Violence Stoked by U.S. Weapons - Patrick Harrington, Bloomberg News, Feb 2, 2010
Mexico is known for its violence and drug trafficking. President Calderon comments that Mexico is "right next to the biggest drug consumer in the world."
Nepal
Communities Take Up Cudgels for Forest Conservation - Damakant Jayshi, IPS News, Feb 2, 2010
Community forestry is taking an important role in halting deforestation. There are about 15,000 such groups in Nepal. They set aside what can be used and what should be conserved, and their efforts are showing results.
South Africa
Lack of staff to blame for beach pollution - Anel Lewis, IOL, Feb 2 2010
Raw sewage is being released into rivers. Who's to blame? An estimated 80 posts are vacant at the utilities office, which is especially surprising in a place where there's such a lack of jobs.
Zimbabwe
One Million Casualties of Land Reform - Ann Hellman, IPS News, Jan 25, 2010
Many farm workers originally supported the reform, having been assured that the land would be returned to the people. This has yet to happen, and in the meantime they're unemployed.
Labels: Guatemala, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.Guatemala
Former Guatemalan President Alfonso Portillo Arrested - BBC News, Jan 26, 2010
The Guatemalan authorities have captured former President Alfonso Portillo, who is wanted in the US on money-laundering charges.
India
Fund crunch hits midday meal plan in Prakasam - Deccan Chronicle, Jan 25, 2010
Seven years ago the government started a meal plan for school children. The funding, however, isn't enough to cover the costs and the program has been running on credit. The cooking agencies have been promised an infusion of funds.
Mexico
Wal-Mart Unveils Largest PV Installation in Latin America - Jan 20, 2009
More than 1000 panels will provide 20% of the energy used.
Nepal
Why are so many women killing themselves? - IRIN News, Jan 21, 2010
Suicide has slowly crept up the charts to become the number one cause of death amongst women. The complex issues surrounding this phenomenon have not been explored, and there seems to be no interest in funding such a study. Accidents are the second leading cause of death.
South Africa
A day in the life of a sex worker - IRIN News, Jan 22, 2010
Though illegal and dangerous, many women turn to prostitution because of lack of options. The women deal with rape, HIV and police taking their money. There is optimism about increased business during the World Cup, and worry about more competition.
Zimbabwe
Hope and crops scorched again - IRIN News, Jan 26, 2010
Continuing droughts are threatening the supply of one of Zimbabwe’s staple foods. It is estimated that about half of the maize will be lost this season. Relief agencies believe millions of Zimbabweans will require food aid once more.
Labels: Guatemala, IDEX NewsFlash, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.Guatemala
Assassinations Continue in Guatemala - by International Trade Union Confederation, Jan 19, 2010
Evelinda Ramírez Reyes, leader of the resistance front, was assassinated on January 13th while heading home after meeting with government officials regarding the restoration of Constitutional guarantees. The International Trade Union Confederation condemns the impunity and frequency with which social and trade union leaders are assassinated.
India
Lokayukta slams mining in Karnataka's forests - India Together, Jan 17 2010
The Karnataka Lokayukta was established in 1984 specifically for investigating questionable administrative actions. Their report denounces the illegal practices still in effect even when miners receive government approval. Over 1000 hectares of forests have been illegally lost to "encroachment."
Mexico
Journalist kidnapped in Sinaloa state was tortured and shot - Jan 6, 2010
The body of José Luis Romero was found two weeks after his kidnapping. Officials say it appears to be an organized crime killing. The Reporters Without Borders press freedom index ranks Mexico as 137th out of 175 countries.
Nepal
Despite fragility of Nepal's peace process, UN envoy voices cautious optimism - UN, Jan 15, 2010
Recent progress in Nepal's ongoing peace talks have people feeling optimistic, but the real test will be whether all parties follow through. Overall there is still a prevailing feeling of tension and mistrust amongst the three major parties.
South Africa
2010: South Africa's upside down world - Dale T. McKinley, Jan 14, 2010
An article questioning "the amount of work, money, media coverage and public propaganda expended in the last few years" over the upcoming World Cup. It critiques the government spending billions to cater to tourists while the country struggles along without adequate schools, food or shelter.
Zimbabwe
Talks Delayed Again As Zanu PF Negotiators Fail to Pitch - Tichaona Sibanda, Jan 18, 2010
The failure of Zimbabwe's three political parties to meet for discussions has the people restless. There is talk of a new election to resolve the apparent stalemate
Labels: Guatemala, IDEX NewsFlash, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.Guatemala
Angels in Guatemala: Confronting a Legacy of Official Terror - by Susan Fitzpatrick-Behrens, Upside Down World, Jan 6, 2010
Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom publicly accepts a UN report that was originally rejected in 1999. The UN's Commission for Historical Clarification (CEH) condemned the genocide perpetrated against the Maya people. The President apologized during a "Day of Dignity for the Victims of the Internal Armed Conflict."
India
DISPLACED BY THE DAM: A lifetime's harvest - India Together, Jan 5, 2010
After a lifelong struggle to slowly accumulate and farm his piece of land, Sitaram Paditar will lose it all to a proposed 455-foot dam. He still doesn't understand why he will not receive compensation from the government, and has been fighting the proposal for decades.
Mexico
A Tough Year Ahead - by Emilio Godoy, IPS News, Jan 5, 2010
In an attempt to close the 23 billion dollar deficit, the government started the year off by increasing the cost of basic goods like sugar, bread, beans and fuel. The year 2009 is described as "disastrous," and 2010 is also expected to be rough on the Mexican people.
Nepal
Rehabilitation challenge for child soldiers - IRIN News, Jan 12, 2010
As part of the ongoing peace process in Nepal as many as 3,000 young soldiers have been discharged from the Maoist army. They have been offered four different rehabilitation options, including schooling and small business training.
South Africa
Parents rush to register children for school - by Latoya Newman, IOL News, Jan 12, 2010
The great school-year rush had many children wait listed. Officials are scrambling to make sure schools will be ready to run smoothly from the first day.
Zimbabwe
AfriForum fights for Zimbabwe farmers - IOL News, Jan 12, 2010
AfriForum, a civil rights movement, has launched the first legal step to try to stop the Zimbabwe government from the land grab that is chasing white farmers off the lands and homes. Farm invaders have continued to assault and prosecute farmers who resist giving up their land.
Labels: Guatemala, India, Mexico, Nepal, Newsflash, South Africa, Zimbabwe
A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.Guatemala
World Energy Research To Build Three Hydroelectric Projects - 11/06/09, Hydro World
The World Energy Research (WER) has made agreements with Guatemala for three hydroelectric projects. Guatemala has a large untapped energy resource base; only 7 percent of the country’s hydroelectric capacity has been tapped. The new projects will substantially increase that percentage. WER seek out energy projects with high returns and low environmental impacts: clean oil and natural gas, solar energy, wind energy and ocean turbines.
India
India Not Ready For Carbon Emission Targets - 11/06/09, Hindustan Times
One month before the Copenhagen climate change summit, India made clear that it is not ready to quantify its carbon emission targets but will explore that possibility. Developing countries, led by India, have consistently said that the money to tackle global warming must come from industrialized countries that have put all the extra greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Nepal
Meeting To Discuss the Threat From Global Warming - 11/02/09, Associated Press
Nepal’s Cabinet will hold a meeting to highlight the threat from global warming. Global warming is causing glaciers to melt in the Himalayas. Glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, creating lakes whose walls could burst and flood villages. Melting ice and snow also make the routes for mountaineers less stable and more difficult to follow.
Mexico
Indigenous Farmers Take Over UN Office - 10/31/09, AFP
In the southern state of Chiapas, about 150 indigenous farmers took over a UN office to demand the release of 3 jailed leaders; they also sought refuge as internally displaced persons. The group, Emiliano Zapata Farmers’ Organization (OCEZ) is a land rights group inspired by the Mexican revolutionary Zapata. The 3 group leaders were charged with having ties with the Sinaloa drug cartel. The farmers accuse the government of Chiapas of seeking to criminalize their social struggle.
South Africa
Fight Against HIV To Be Intensified - 11/06/09, IOL
The Health Minister has urged people living with HIV and AIDS to work with the government to intensify the fight against the disease. The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) together with the government are committed to cut the rate of infections by 50 percent by year 2011 and ensure that 80 percent of people who need treatment will have access to it.
Zimbabwe
Harare Water Supply Faces Challenges - 11/06/09, All Africa News
A year after Harare mayor Masunda took office in 2008, the water crisis in the capital is still yet to be resolved. The water crisis was supposed to be one of the mayor’s priority tasks. Many areas of Harare still do not have a reliable supply of water. Harare requires 1,000 megaliters of water per day, but its combined output is 600 megaliters. Unfortunately, 40 percent of the water is lost to leaks.
Labels: Guatemala, IDEX NewsFlash, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.Guatemala
Ongoing Femicide - 10/22/09, Upside Down World
Despite the end of the war in Guatemala, the killing, raping and torturing continues. In 2009 there were 8,000 homicide; approximately 10 percent are women and girls. Between 2002 and 2009, there were 197,538 acts of domestic violence, 13,895 rapes and 4,428 women were murdered.
India
Drought hurts India's Rice Production - 10/29/09, Bloomberg
India experienced the weakest monsoon this year since 1972, causing a drop in production. India’s wet season harvest, which accounts for 80 percent of total output, may slump as much as 24 percent. India, the world’s second-largest rice grower, may become a rice importer for the first time in 21 years.
Nepal
Food Stocks Endangered by Floods - 10/22/09, IRIN
The flooding and landslides earlier this month has increased food insecurities for thousands of families in Nepal. As a result of the rains, more than 600 people were killed and 4,000 were displaced. About 25,000 families have lost their food stocks. The affected regions are the most chronically food insecure areas- where people grow their crops largely for subsistence.
Mexico
Genetically Modified Corn Protested - 10/20/09, CNN
Mexico experienced its first public protests last weekend over the government’s decision to allow cultivation of the first genetically modified corn. Corn is grown on about one-third of the country’s land. Environmentalists say that this could ruin the nation’s 55 varieties of native corn. Studies show that transgenic corn has already contaminated some Mexican cornfields.
South Africa
Farmers Sign Land Deal With Congo - 10/21/09, IOL
South Africa signed a deal with the Republic of Congo that will give South African Farmers access to 10 million hectares of farmland. Congo’s plan to improve food security will allow South African farmers to lease land for maize, soy beans, poultry and dairy cattle among other produce. South Africa has one of the most developed agriculture sectors in Africa and is looking to expand into other countries.
Zimbabwe
Food Crisis Worsens as Farmers Continue To Be Attacked - 10/30/09, IRIN SW Radio Africa News
The food crisis is set to worsen as commercial farmers continue to come under both physical and legal attack. The ongoing aggression against farmers is having a huge impact on the current summer cropping program. More than two million people are facing hunger. In the upcoming months, 1.4 million metric tons of cereal will be available but more than 2 million tons are needed to meet Zimbabwe’s basic food needs.
Labels: Guatemala, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
A collection of breaking news stories about the countries where IDEX works, and the issues we address.Guatemala
Action Alert: Community Leader Murdered by Private Security Guards - October 7, 2009, Upside Down World.org
Revisiting last week’s story on the indigenous community members shot and killed by private security guards from the Guatemalan Nickel Company (a subsidiary of the Canadian company HudBay). Continued violence marks a breakdown in negotiations as the private mining company continues to violently and illegally evict community members from the property. "The attack resulted in the death of community leader Adolfo Ich Xaman and a number of gun-related injuries suffered by other community members." The historical context of this dispute goes back to the 1970s and 1980s where the then military regimes granted access to the private nickel-mining companies. Conflicts between the companies and the communities have recently become more aggressive and upside down world is asking its readers to take action and sign a letter directed to the Guatemalan government officials.
India
240 Die in India as Monsoons Follow Drought - October 5, 2009, New York Times
In addition to 240 deaths, hundreds of thousands have been left homeless due to heavy rainfall lasting 4 days. Drought, which occurred prior the heavy rains, has combined with the floods leaving Indian villages in turmoil. In addition to the 240 deaths, crops have been ruined, cattle have died and hundreds of thousands of homes have been destroyed. There have been a total of 1,184 total deaths across India's 127 districts year-to-date.
Nepal
Nepal's Tibetans Squeezed as China Flexes Muscles - October 7, 2009, Associated Press
As Beijing's 60th anniversary took place, dozens of Tibetan exiles, "who were suspected of planning anti-China protests," in Nepal were gathered and arrested. The preemptive arrests are part of the government’s response to pressure from Beijing. Regular patrols and interrogations are making life difficult for Tibetan exiles living in Nepal. As Maoist influence has grown in Nepal, the ties with China have strengthened. "Nepal only survives on the goodwill of China and India, and China's condition is that the government should impose restrictions on Tibetans living here," said an anonymous Tibetan community leader.
South Africa
We Have Land Rights but no Water Rights-Farmers - October 5, 2009, Inter Press News Agency
The lack of available water comes as no surprise to black farmers in Limpopo as distribution of water remains a contentious issue in South Africa. Smallholder black farmers (many of whom were involved in land reform) acknowledge that "water rights are not linked to land rights." Despite the launch of the government-project, "Water for Growth and Development Framework"(which will attempt to attain water security by 2030), little has changed and there are no available legal mechanisms that can protect the small farmer. The diminishing quantity and quality of water poses additional challenges to farmers as the sustainability of their farms is questioned.
Abahlali baseMjondolo Supported all Over the World - October 7, 2009, Pambazuka.org,
In response to the armed takeover of Kennedy Road by the African National Congress, Abahlali baseMjondolo is now receiving support from around the world. This link allows you to follow the movement, check out the most recent articles, blogs, press statements, photos and videos and join the movement in solidarity.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Media "still not free" - October 8, 2009, BBC News
As the supposed ban on foreign reporters has been lifted, reporters are still weary about government-placed restrictions. Private newspapers in Zimbabwe remain unable to publish the news without approval from the government’s media watchdog organization-the Zimbabwe Media Commission. However, this organization does not yet exist. Zimbabwe’s two current newspapers are controlled by the state and it appears as if there is no intention to allow alternative views into publication as everyone waits for the Media Commission to materialize.
Women's Empowerment
Strategies for Policy Makers: Bringing Women into Governments, 2009, eldis.org
Authors Whitman and Gomez from the Institute for Inclusive Security have created a report focusing on strategies for bringing women into government positions. The authors argue that the "involvement of women in post-conflict governments have tended to build governance systems which are stable and transparent." Whitman and Gomez offer a number of possible suggestions that would help to foster the increased integration of women's roles in government as well as "success stories" from Rwanda, Cambodia and Afghanistan.
Climate Change
Local Voices, global choices: for successful disaster risk reduction (DRR). A Collection of case studies about community-centre partnerships for DRR - 2009, eldis.org
This report is an interesting look at community-based participation and the effects of climate change. The report focuses on the ways that local communities can make a lasting difference when their "local voices are respected and different actors come together to form strategic partnerships to work collaboratively to reduce disaster risks." The case studies range from formulation of community action plans in Malawi to building community resilience in Nepal. This report looks at how partnerships with local communities help mitigate the negative effects of climate change on rural communities.
UN Climate Talks Split on Treaty - October 9, 2009, BBC News
The UN climate talks in Bangkok’s latest round have come to a three way split. Developing countries are seeking an extension of the Kyoto Protocol while developed countries are seeking a totally new agreement. The third possibility would include a series of decisions to be made at the Copenhagen Talks. Developing countries and environmental groups are charging that developed countries are "dragging their feet" on the issue. Moreover, developing countries want the Kyoto Protocol extended because of existing obligations held by developed nations.
Labels: Climate Change, Guatemala, India, Nepal, South Africa, South Africa Zimbabwe, Women's Empowerment
A weekly summary of breaking news from countries IDEX works in: Guatemala, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa and Zimbabwe.Guatemala
What Price for Good Coffee? - Time Magazine, 09/25/09
Fair Trade model has been heralded as the defining success story in market-based economic solutions to poverty. Today, even the coffee retailer mega-giant Starbucks is on board with this trendy new concept. Although a fine concept, the current prices for fair trade today are still not enough to lift Guatemalan farmers across the poverty line.
India
India Lawsuits Used to Shrink India’s Maternal Deaths Today – Women’s ENews, 09/25/09
India currently has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the world at 300 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births. According to the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, India had pledged to reduce maternal mortality down to 200 by 2007, and 109 by 2015, but such numbers are unrealistic. In an effort to combat maternal mortality from new angles, some Indian NGO’s are trying to file law suits if the state does not meet it’s promises articulated in the government’s National Rural Health Mission.
Mexico
Mexico's Slim, Grameen Bank Launch Microfinance Venture - Wall Street Journal, 9/25/09
The success of microfinance in Bangladesh and around the world has led Mexico billionaire Carlos Slim to adapt the idea in partnership with Muhammad Yunnus in Mexico. Mr. Slim is launching a microfinance company, and hopes to make more than 100,000 loans in the company’s first five years.
Nepal
World Bank announces $130 Million for Education in Nepal – AllHeadlineNews.com, 9/24/09
Nepal's School Sector Reform Program has just been approved this Wednesday, and is the main vehicle for the implementation of the Nepal government's National Program of Action. This program will cost roughly 2.6 billion dollars to implement over the next five years, and World Bank has just approved partly funding it with a grant of $130 million.
South Africa
South African Children push for better schools – NY Times, 9/24/09
In a march that mirrored yesterday’s University of California protest against fee hikes and staff layoffs, young South Africans came out in droves to demand better educational infrastructure. Currently, many schools are tattered, with few libraries. This is what the South African youth wish to change, and are protesting at the halls of government to make it happen.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe to import 350,000 tonnes of wheat – Reuters, 09/15/09
The Zimbabwean Government must import huge quantities of cereals in order to provide grains to its public. Cereal plantings in Zimbabwe have been on a downward trend due to financial shortfalls and fertilizer shortages. The government has launched a $200 million program to help farmers secure more seed and fertilizer.
Labels: Guatemala, IDEX NewsFlash, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
GuatemalaHunger and Nutritional Crisis,9/09/09, BBC News
Guatemala has declared a “state of public calamity” over a dire hunger and nutritional crisis. In a national address, Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom said Guatemala has suffered from climate change and the global economic meltdown. According to UNICEF, almost half of Guatemala’s children suffer from extreme malnutrition. At least 25 children died this year from malnutrition. An estimated 54,000 families are suffering food shortages due to a failure of their corn and beans crops.
India
Women Enjoy the Absence of Men on Trains, 9/15/09, New York
The absence of men on commuter trains has given women peace. Some men pinch, grope, and stare at women on trains, or shout insults and catcalls. Over the last decade, millions of women have integrated into the work force. The women’s commute to work have not been pleasant. The persistent problems of taunting and harassment have led the government to remove men from trains. Eight women-only commuter trains have been introduced in India’s four largest cities.
Mexico
Worst Drought in Six Decades, 9/12/09, New York Times
This year, the first three months of the rainy season were dry. Mexico’s rainy season typically begins in June and lasts for four months. The severe drought has affected forty percent of the farmland, causing shortages in the harvests of corn, beans, wheat and sorghum. Now that the rainy season finally started, the daily downpours of rain have flooded parts of Mexico City.
Nepal
Protests Escalating, 9/17/09, The Economist
Political protests have been escalating and threatening the fragile peace that has prevailed since the end of the Maoists ten-year insurgency in 2006. The Prime Minister, who is a Maoist leader, recently resigned. His resignation led the protest to escalate. The former Prime Minister took his Maoist party into opposition and hope to lead the government again.
South Africa
Socio-Economic Development Focused on Elites, 9/17/09, Pambazuka
The models for socio-economic development in Southern Africa are elite oriented. This elite focused model in inadequate and a new approach is needed if the interests of the mass are to be served. A development model that is people-centered is a component to policy making.
Reemergence of Traditional Protesting, 9/06/09 New York Times
The protests in South Africa most often call for the burning of tires, the barricading of streets and the throwing of rocks. The forceful protests are a reaction to the dissatisfaction of South Africa’s new president, Jacob Zuma. Water, electricity and unemployment are areas that have not seen any improvement.
Zimbabwe
Last White Farmers Face Invasion, 9/17/09, The Economist
President Robert Mugabe is still set on chasing out the last white farmers. Over the past decade, 4,000 white owners of the most productive farms have been forced out along with their 320,000 black workers. Two-thirds of the seized land has been given to 140,000 black families, but the rest has gone to Mugabe’s family and friends. This has caused agriculture output to slump. Zimbabwe used to be one of Africa’s biggest food exporters, now it one of the main food aid recipients.
Labels: Guatemala, IDEX NewsFlash, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
GuatemalaAgriculture mission in Guatemala wins international acclaim - July 26, 2009, The China Post
An agricultural mission in Guatemala led by Taiwan has "won acclaim" for improving farming technology and developing small farm projects. The venture has received a lot of attention in the field of major agricultural research. Representatives from Spain and 12 Latin American countries have visited the cooperative. Taiwan's agricultural mission teaches local farmers how to plant crops and process food. In addition, "the cooperative offers courses on how to cultivate bamboo (which is used as a key material in building classrooms and low-cost housing units)."
India
India to import food amid drought - August 21, 2009, BBC News
To make up for food shortages caused by drought, India will import food into the country. According to the Finance Minister, over 700 million people have been affected by the drought and food prices have been raised by 10%. With almost 70% of the Indian population dependent on farm incomes, the drought has affected nearly half of the districts in India.
Mexico
Politician's slaying highlights depth of Mexico's violence - August 21, 2009, CNN
The brutal killing of Guerrero state congressman, Armando Chavarria Barrera, is yet another demonstration of the continued violence in Mexico as a response to the country's War on Drugs campaign. Calderon compared the murder rate in Mexico to that of other countries and according to the report, "President Calderon told Mexicans to quit bad mouthing their country". Nonetheless, citizens remain terrified of the violence.
Mexico City bans stores from distributing plastic bags - August 19, 2009, CNN
Mexico City has become the second large metropolitan area (San Francisco was the first) that has banned retailers from using plastic bags. Leading environmentalists are calling for a global ban on plastic bags, as they are a threat to marine life and are the "second-most-common form of litter." Some of the worst air pollution is found in Mexico City. In addition to the bag ban, officials are seeking to improve the city's environment in other ways.
Nepal
Trade treaty likely - August 20, 2009, The Kathmandu Post
Nepalese Prime Minister, Madhav Kumar Nepal, has suggested that it is likely that India and Nepal will sign an amended trade treaty, which is said to be based on equality between the two countries. India’s Finance Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, restated a commitment to "implement bilateral projects," including construction of a link road in the Tarai, extension of transmission lines, and additional support from India the Naumure hydro-project.
South Africa
Sexist leaders damage women's rights agenda - August 6, 2009, Pambazuka News
Writer, William Gumede, expresses his concern over what he calls "a deep gulf between the call for women's equality in South Africa's model constitution and society's predominantly archaic public attitudes toward women." He claims that the patriarchal society in South Africa continues to preserve inequalities between women and men and although the 2007 resolution dictates 50% female representation of the ANC, Gumede argues it has yet to be put into practice. Moreover, he maintains that women will bear a greater burden from the impacts of the current global economic crisis.
Zimbabwe
Cholera may return to Zimbabwe - August 19, 2009, BBC News
Last year's failure to deal with the causes of Cholera have put Zimbabwe at risk for another outbreak. Medicins Sans Frontiers (MSF) and the UN are warning of a potential new outbreak although Zimbabwean officials have declared the epidemic over. Over 4,000 people have died from the disease since last August and limited access to clean water is a major contributor to another possible outbreak.
Labels: Guatemala, India, Mexico, Nepal, Newsflash, South Africa, Zimbabwe
GuatemalaMines Bring no Benefit to Local People - July 24, 2009, Upside Down World
A new draft law concerning mining in Guatemala continues to favor foreign mining companies despite the nation’s adoption of the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 169 in Indigenous and Tribal Peoples. The draft law provides tax breaks to mining companies and does not outline regulatory protections on the use of water or against adverse effects on the environment. Local outrage and demonstrations have risen against the draft law and local organizations call for stricter regulations although Congress lacks political interest in discussing the mining issue.
Forced Displacement of Local Populations - July 8, 2009, Grassroots International
The National Peasant and Indigenous Coordination (CONIC) created this video to illustrate the increases in forced displacement due to the expansion of agr0-fuel plantations in Guatemala. The numbers of evictions in Guatemala has grown at alarming rates.
India
Teachers Against 377, July 19, 2009, Posted by: *Nivedita Menon
University teachers, researches and academics are showing their support of a Delhi High Court judgment which aims to "decriminalize consensual sex among adults" as well as "challenge the legitimacy of 'religious leaders' to speak for the whole of society." More than 180 signatories issued a statement that the criminalization of sexual preference is a violation of their right to freedom of discrimination.
Nepal
Nepal to Save Royal Massacre Home - July 23, 2009, BBC News
The Nepalese Government is planning to restore the house where King Birendra and his family were shot and killed by Prince Dipendra in 2005. It is believed that massacre was a significant event in Nepalese history that lead to Gyanendra giving himself absolute power.
South Africa
Zuma vows help for South African Townships - July 24, 2009, BBC News
Amidst the worst recession in 17 years, President Zuma promises to provide better basic services, such as water and electricity, in an attempt to end township protests. More than 200 people have been arrested in the recent protests. Zuma, who maintains that he values the peoples constitutional right to freedom of assembly argues that there is no justification for violence. However, increasing job losses (in the middle of winter) finds many unable to pay their bills and nowhere to turn.
South Africa Council Workers Strike Threatens Basic Services, July 24, 2009, Reuters
And:
South Africa’s Economy Faces Wave of Wage Strikes
A series of potential and actual strikes throughout South Africa’s major industrial sectors are expected to "threaten" public services. The sectors affected by the strikes are the nation’s most prominent industries and many are necessary for providing basic services including: gold, platinum, coal, municipal workers, chemical, pharmaceutical, rail, communications, doctors, petroleum and more. The Johannesburg council will attempt to minimize the disruption of services but strikes and protests may become more widespread.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Children Turn to Sex Trade - July 24, 2009, BBC News
A video produced by the BBC provides a shocking look into the lives of children in Zimbabwe who turn to prostitution in order to survive. As the number of orphaned children increases they must learn to look after themselves in addition to the surviving members of the family.
Women's Empowerment
DAC guiding Principles for Aid Effectiveness, July 2009, Eldis.org
The Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness cites that development goals "will not be possible without progress on gender equality and women's empowerment". Good practice principles and frameworks are provided to promote gender equality as a "priority development issue".
Labels: Guatemala, IDEX NewsFlash, India, Nepal, South Africa, South Africa Zimbabwe, Women's Empowerment
GuatemalaGuatemala Miners Protests - 7/17/09, Inside Costa Rica
The Guatemalan government has a 90-day deadline to deal with the demands of the mining protesters starting Wednesday 7/16/09. The protesters’ main demand is to avoid the private construction of a mine for mineral extraction and the operation of a plant to produce cement.
India
Clinton Arrives in India to Improve Partnership - 7/17/09, VOA News
Secretary of State Clinton arrived in India for talks intended to improve US-Indian relations. The U.S. and India are in the progress of finalizing two agreements. One agreement will allow U.S. companies to build nuclear power plants at two sites in India and the other will ensure U.S. arms technology sold to India is not leaked to other countries.
Mexico
Anti Drug Forces Increases - 7/17/09, BBC News
Mexico’s head of state is sending 5,500 police and military personnel to Michoacan to fight the drug violence. Since December 2006, more than 11,000 people have been killed in drug related violence. Most recently were twenty police officers and troops in a revenge attack after arresting a drug cartel boss.
Nepal
Child Soldiers Being Freed in Nepal - 7/17/09, BBC News
The process of freeing thousands of child soldiers from camps holding former Maoist rebel fighters has begun. The released soldiers were briefed about their transfer to rehabilitation programs. The freeing of child soldiers is a key part of Nepal's peace process.
Nepal Widows Dismiss Marriage Incentive - 7/17/09, BBC News
Widows in Nepal are protesting the government’s decision of offering a cash incentive to men for marrying them. Early last week the incentive was announced in the government’s annual budget of $641. The country has a large number of widows because of the bloody conflict, high rates of HIV and other diseases.
South Africa
Landmark Ruling Allows Apartheid Victims to Sue MNCs - 7/17/09, Pambazuka
Victims of apartheid are now able to sue multinational corporations that openly aided and assisted the regime. The legal ruling is called a progress in international human rights law. A US judge found that MNCs engaged in aiding and assisting apartheid, torture, extrajudicial killings, denationalization and other crimes. The legal ruling will have immense implications for Africa and the rest of the world. The lawsuits were previously dismissed because the suit could have serious consequences for US foreign relations and US commercial trade.
Zimbabwe
Cholera Epidemic Over, but Still in State of Alert - 7/17/09, VOA News
Zimbabwe’s cholera epidemic that hit last year is officially over. There are warnings of another outbreak when the rainy season starts later this year. More than 4,250 people died from cholera and more than 98,000 people were infected during the last rainy season; it was the worst in Africa in 15 years.
Labels: Guatemala, IDEX NewsFlash, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
GuatemalaDisputed Property Sale in Guatemala Results in Death Threats, Charges 7/5/09, The Dominion
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights received an urgent request this month that precautionary measures be taken to protect Guatemalan families as Goldcorp, a Canadian gold mining company that owns the controversial Marlin mine in San Miguel Ixtahuacan, expands its operations in the mostly-Indigenous western Highlands.
Guatemalan Democracy: Hanging on by its Fingernails 7/1/09, Council on Hemispheric Affairs
In light of the recent sharp protests that erupted in the aftermath the release of a video of prominent Guatemalan lawyer, Rodrigo Rosenberg, the political divides of Guatemala’s economically and culturally conflicted society are even more obvious now than before the garish Rosenberg murder.
India
New Delhi Court De-criminalizes Consensual Homosexual Acts in a Ground-breaking and Controversial Ruling in the Conservative Indian Capital 7/30/09, ILGA
In a ruling Thursday, the Delhi High Court overturned a 148-year-old colonial law criminalizing consensual homosexual acts saying that it was a violation of fundamental human rights protected under India’s Constitution.
Men in uniform may face stiffer rap for rape 7/5/09, The Times of India
In keeping with increasing instances of sexual misconduct by men in uniform and in positions of authority, the National Commission
for Women (NCW) is pushing for a radical overhaul of laws on crimes against women, including the anti-rape law, to make punishment more stringent.
Mexico
Wives Left behind in Mexico by Migrants Suffer 'Poorer Mental Health' 7/3/09, Los Angeles Times
A Brigham Young University study, called "Effects of Husbands' Migration on Mental Health and Gender Role Ideology of Rural Mexican Women," found that women left behind by husbands who migrate to the United States in search of work generally have a poorer state of mental health than a comparison group.
Fitch Says Mexico Outlook Not Rising Anytime Soon 7/5/09, Reuters
Fitch Ratings does not see Mexico's credit rating outlook improving from negative anytime soon and expects the Mexican government to have a more difficult time negotiating with Congress following mid-term elections.
Nepal
Nepal Prime Minister Urged to Commit to Combating Enforced Disappearances 7/3/09, Amnesty International
Amnesty International representatives visited Nepal's Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal on Wednesday and called on him to ratify a human rights treaty aimed at combating enforced disappearances.
Late Monsoon Brings Fear of Food Shortage in Nepal 7/5/09, AFP
Nepal's long-delayed monsoon finally arrived in the Kathmandu Valley on Monday, allowing local farmers to begin transplanting their seedlings to the waterlogged rice paddies after weeks of anxious waiting. But there are fears the delay could prove devastating for this year's rice crop, and experts say the increasing unpredictability of the weather is causing huge problems for farmers in one of the world's poorest countries.
South Africa
Young, Educated, and Unemployed 7/30/09, IPS
Unemployment among young South Africans is hovering at 30%, shooting up to over 60% for youths in their late teens and early twenties. But tertiary education and skills development seem not to be making much of a dent in what is now regarded as a crisis.
S. Africa Human Rights Bodies Slam Arrest of Homeless Zimbabweans 7/4/09, AFP
South African human rights organizations on Saturday condemned the arrest of about 300 destitute Zimbabwean nationals. Police spokesman Wayne Minnaar said more than 300 people were arrested between Friday night and early hours of Saturday.
Zimbabwe
MDC May Quit over New Powers for Mugabe 6/30/09, The Independent
Members of Mr Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) boycotted a cabinet meeting led by Robert Mugabe yesterday, but sources in the former opposition group said they were not yet ready to disengage.
Civil Society constitutional convention reject use of Kariba draft 7/3/09, SW Radio Africa News
The co-chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on constitutional reform, Douglas Mwonzora, on Friday said comments made by Robert Mugabe that the new constitution must be anchored on the Kariba Draft, were just a reflection of Mugabe's personal view point.
Stakeholders Call for Official Audit of External Debt 7/3/08, Pambazuka News
Stakeholders met on July 1 in Harare to discuss Zimbabwe’s external debt, which threatens the welfare of its citizens who have been ravaged by a deep social, economic and political crisis.
Labels: Guatemala, IDEX NewsFlash, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimababwe
BangladeshSome 1,000 Rohingyas evicted from makeshift huts 6/29, IRIN
Over the past two months the local authorities in Cox’s Bazaar District, southeastern Bangladesh, have torn down scores of makeshift huts belonging to an estimated 1,000 Rohingya refugees.
Acid Violence in Bangladesh 6/30, The New Nation
Acid throwing on women and girls are on the rise in Bangladesh. Acids are used to disfigure and sometimes kill women and girls. Recently a housewife sustained severe burns as her husband and mother-in-law allegedly hurled acid at her following a dowry dispute at Narayanpur in Trishal upazila.
Guatemala
Guatemalan fears a tweet will make him a jailbird 6/26, AP
Jean Anleu was so fed up with corruption in his country that he decided to vent on the Internet, sending a 96-character message on the social-networking site Twitter. That message has now earned him a potential five-year prison sentence.
Guatemala reports first death from A/H1N1 virus 6/26, Xinhua
The Guatemalan Health Ministry reported on Thursday the first death from A/H1N1 flu in the country. Currently, Guatemala is on an orange alert level and all elementary schools in the country are temporarily closed.
India
Ancient India didn’t think homosexuality was against nature 6/27, The Times of India
On a petition seeking to decriminalize homosexuality, the government said that there were "no convincing reports to indicate that homosexuality or other offences against the order of nature mentioned in Section 377 IPC were acceptable in the Indian society prior to colonial rule." But India distanced itself from that provision when Sweden questioned its record in ensuring equality irrespective of a person's sexual orientation.
Indian Women Protest Sex-Selective Abortions 6/26, NTDTV.com
Thousands of women hold a massive rally in India protesting against an increasing number of abortions. In some areas of India an estimated 2,000 unborn girls are illegally aborted every day, according to the United Nations.
Mexico
Mexico sends additional troops to Juarez 6/22, Press TV
Mexico sends 1,500 additional soldiers to its northern borders to contain rising drug violence after initial troop deployment failed to effectively address the problem.
Swine Flu Cases Spike in Two Mexican States 6/26, AP
Mexican health officials say swine flu cases have spiked in the southern states of Yucatan and Chiapas prompting authorities to start the summer break weeks early.
Nepal
Nepal Coalition Looks Shaky 6/29, Financial Times
Nepal's ruling coalition was struggling for stability at the weekend. Disputes over the allocation of cabinet portfolios underscored the uneasy balance Madhav Kumar Nepal, prime minister, must strike in guiding the 22-party alliance.
Record 68 per cent students pass matric exams in Nepal 6/29, indopia.in
A record 68.47 percent of regular students passed this year's School Leaving Certificate (SLC) examinations conducted by the Office of the Controller of Examinations (OCE), according to officials. This is the highest percentage of students passing the SLC exams in the history of Nepal.
South Africa
Time to Rethink Testing 6/26, Plus News
It has become a given – test more people for HIV and you'll get more people on treatment earlier, plus cut down on risky sex. But recent research on the behavior of people who test HIV negative, has led some doctors to question the testing gospel.
Research puts rural gays under spotlight 6/24, Behind the Mask
The University of South Africa (UNISA) together with Gay Umbrella, a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) organization in the North West Province, have joined forces in a two year systematic research project that will provide important insights into the rural perspective of gays and lesbians.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Denies Diamond Killings 6/24, Association of Zimbabwe Journalists
A Zimbabwean minister on Wednesday denied any killings in the eastern Marange diamond fields, where rights groups have sounded the alarm over the forcible evictions of small-scale miners.
State concedes Mukoko’s abduction was illegal 6/25 SW Radio Africa News
A state prosecutor on Thursday conceded that the way human rights campaigner Jestina Mukoko was abducted by state security agents, was illegal. The 53 year-old former news reader has taken her case to the Supreme Court, seeking a permanent stay of her prosecution.
Bumper crop, but Zimbabwe hungry 6/25, BBC
Some three million people face hunger in Zimbabwe, despite a significant rise in food production, the UN says. Good rainfall over the past year has boosted production of the staple crop, maize, by 130% to 1.1m tonnes, but about 2.8m people will still face food shortages this year
Global
The World Financial Meltdown: What now for African women? 6/25, Pambazuka News
It is feared that the current crisis will result in reversal in achievements made under the Millennium Developments Goals (MDGs) and human rights in Africa. This is particularly true for African women who for a long time have been the face of poverty in Africa.
Global Finance Ignores World's Poor 6/24, Al Jazeera English
As government officials from around the world descend on New York this week for a UN conference on the economic crisis and its impact on development, the main issue up for debate is how the poorest countries can influence the way the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank operate.
Labels: Bangladesh, Guatemala, India, Mexico, Nepal, Newsflash, South Africa Zimbabwe
BangladeshBangladesh Announce over $16 Billion Budget to Reduce Poverty 6-11-09, All Headline News
Bangladesh on Thursday announced a $16.49 billion national budget for the fiscal year 2009-10 aiming to reduce poverty by creating jobs across the country.
Does Bangladesh Use Foreign Aid Wisely? 6-14-09, BBC
Bangladesh receives about $2bn in foreign aid each year, but it does not always reach the people it is intended to help.
Police Arrested in Jessore for Having Hand in Human Trafficking 6-15-09, The New Nation
Human trafficking through different border points of Jessore district has reached an alarming level and administrative personnel are being involved in the trade.
Guatemala
Guatemalan Remittances Down Almost 10% 6-11-09, Latin American Herald Tribune
The sending of remittances to family members by Guatemalans living abroad fell 9.5% in the first five months of 2009, the country's central bank said Thursday.
One Woman's Fear in the Fight Against Corruption in Guatemala 6-10-09, CNN
After 22 years of speaking out against corruption, first as a lawyer and then as a congresswoman, Anabella De León says she remains fearful given the legacy of violence and instability in Guatemala.
India
'Sodomy' Laws Perpetuate Colonial Prejudices 6-14-09, Human Rights Watch
As the High Court in Delhi prepares to rule on whether adult, consensual homosexual conduct should continue to be illegal in India, the nation's new government should drop its opposition to law reform, Human Rights Watch said today.
India's HIV Victims Find Solace in Marriage 6-14-09, AFP
Taking medicines on time is a big part of a successful marriage for Ravi and Nima -- an HIV-positive couple who met as a direct result of the enduring stigma attached to AIDS in India.
Mexico
Human Rights Watch: Mexican military abuse rising 6-12-09, AP
Abuses by the Mexican military have surged since the government deployed troops to fight drug cartels more than two years ago, and too little is done to investigate allegations of rapes, killing and torture, a rights group said Thursday.
Mexico to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions 6-8-09, Environmental Leader
Mexico's President announced that Mexico will voluntarily cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 50 million tons a year by 2012 through the use of more efficient cars and power plants as well as reductions in gas leaks and flaring by the oil industry.
Nepal
OHCHR May Get Term Extended 6-15-09, My República
The government is likely to review its decision to extend the tenure of Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nepal (OHCHR-Nepal) only by three months against the OHCHR-Nepal's proposal to extend the tenure by three years.
Women's Health in Nepal 6-9-09, Public Radio International
Dr. Sangeeta Mishra is a gynecologist from Nepal, and a Fulbright Scholar at Johns Hopkins University. She discussed how women's health issues are addressed in Nepal in an interview with PRI.
Political Violence Threatens Peace in Nepal:UN 6-12-09, AFP
A recent rise in violence by political parties and their affiliates in Nepal could threaten a three-year-old peace process, the UN human rights representative in the country has warned.
South Africa
Charities report sharp rise in number of abandoned South Africa babies 14-6-09, The Guardian
Children's charities have reported a sharp rise in the number of babies abandoned by mothers driven to poverty and desperation in recession-hit South Africa.
South Africa's HIV Epidemic Has Stabilized 14-6-09, HealthNews Track
South Africa's HIV epidemic has leveled off at a prevalence of 10.9% for people aged two years and older, with 5.2 million people estimated to be living with HIV in 2008.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe girls trade sex for food 6-12-09, BBC
Growing numbers of children in Zimbabwe are turning to prostitution to survive. Increasing poverty is leading girls as young as 12 to sell their bodies for as little as a packet of biscuits.
Tsvangirai Urges US to Support Inclusive Gov't 10-6-09, Association of Zimbabwe Journalists
Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is urging the United States to support his government despite abuses by his coalition partner, President Robert Mugabe.
General
African states seek own solution in world crisis 6-7-09, Reuters
Africa must seek to solve its own problems as the global economic crisis limits the ability of more developed countries to follow through on aid pledges, African ministers told a conference in Cairo.
Financial crisis could force more girls into work 6-12-09, IRIN
The financial crisis could force more girls into work as financially squeezed families withdraw their daughters from school to seek jobs, warns the International Labour Organization.
Making the Case for Climate as a Migration Driver 6-14-09, New York Times
A new report on human migration and climate change, gave an overview of where the changing environment is driving decision-making on the ground and which areas are likely to be hit hardest if things get worse.
Labels: Bangladesh, Guatemala, IDEX NewsFlash, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
BangladeshMother Caned in Bangladesh for Talking to Muslim Man 06-06-09, AFP
A Muslim mother has been caned for talking to a Hindu man in Bangladesh, police said Saturday, prompting fresh concerns about a rise in cases of harsh treatment of women under strict Islamic law.
Migrants return to Bangladesh 06-04-09, BBC
Thousands of Bangladeshi migrant workers are returning home as a result of the global recession. There are more than six million Bangladeshis working abroad and the remittances that they send home are the country's largest source of foreign exchange.
Guatemala
Drug Violence Spilling into Guatemala 06-04-09, LA Times
As Mexican President Felipe Calderon presses an anti-narcotics offensive in Mexico, the war has spilled south into Guatemala, where proximity, weak law enforcement and deeply rooted corruption provide fertile ground for Mexico's gangs.
TV Reporter Gunned Down in Guatemala 06-08-09, Latin American Herald Tribune
A reporter for the Tele Diario news show of Guatemala's Channel 3 television was gunned down in the eastern city of Chiquimula, police said on Sunday.
India
Police Fire on Protesters in Indian Kashmir 06-08-09, AP
Security forces opened fire on protesters in Indian Kashmir on Monday, wounding at least seven people, including two critically, in the worst clash since unrest broke out last week over the deaths of two young women.
Domestic Abuse Plagues India's Upper-Crust 06-08-09 Reuters
Millions of Indian women, from all classes, are abused by their husbands. A recent government survey said one in three Indian women were victims of domestic violence.
Mexico
Mexico drug arrests leave prisons crowded, violent 06-02-09, Reuters
The rounding up of thousands of suspects in Mexico's drug war has left the already unruly prison system overwhelmed with jailbreaks and struggling to contain deadly riots between inmates from rival gangs.
Mexican Women Clash over Abortion 06-06-09, Ohmy News
There is a fierce ongoing battle over the abortion issue in Mexico. Two years ago, the country's capital caused controversy when it became the first state to authorized legal abortions up to the first trimester.
Nepal
Strike Shuts Schools, Shops in Nepal 06-08-09, AFP
A strike called by Maoist sympathizers on Monday paralyzed large swathes of Nepal. The one-day general strike in western Nepal came a week after protests by another group of Maoist supporters, and appeared to be part of a campaign to bring chaos to the Himalayan nation.
Nepal's MJF withdraws from government 06-06-09, Press TV
Just after 11 days in power, Nepal's new communist-led ruling coalition receives its first jolt with its regional ally, the MJF, withdrawing support.
South Africa
Visa Waver 'Encumbering' Zimbabwean Trade 6-5-09, Terra Viva
The government's removal of visa requirements for Zimbabweans in April was aimed at easing entry. But, for Alice Kakwindi, Grace Chimhosva and other cross-border traders, entering South Africa has subsequently turned into a nightmare.
TB Vaccine Trials for Babies 6-4-09, PlusNews
A new trial to test the efficacy of a tuberculosis (TB) booster shot for babies is about to start in South Africa, but when your subjects are too young to eat solids, the challenge rises to a new level.
Rape of Gay Man Sparks Provincial Protest 6-3-09, BTM
Trial for a rape case of a gay man known only as Luanda will be heard on 22 June this year following its postponement on Friday 29 May as two of the three accused did not pitch up.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe to use SA Rand Permanently 06-04-09, AfricaNews
Zimbabwe's minister of finance, Tendai Biti, has announced that the fragile government of that country is considering the idea of using the South African rand as it's permanent official currency. "We are looking at various avenues and the adoption of the rand is likelihood," he said.
COMESA Mulls Rescue Package for Zimbabwe 06-04-09, AFP
Africa's COMESA trade bloc is preparing a financial rescue package for Zimbabwe to help the southern African nation to rebuild its shattered economy, a senior official said Thursday.
General
IMF Doubles Lending to Africa 6-4-09, afrol News
As a response to the global crisis and an increased capital basis, the International Monetary Fund has already more than doubled its lending to Africa this year compared to the record year of 2008.
Labels: Bangladesh, Guatemala, IDEX NewsFlash, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
BangladeshBangladesh, Burma Work to Resolve Rohingya Repatriation 6-1-09, Irrawaddy
The influx of Rohingya refuges into Bangladesh will not stop until there is a change in Arakan State and Burmese officials agree to repatriation, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said at a press conference on Friday.
JS Body to Decide on Tipaimukh 5-31-09, bdnews24.com
An all-party parliamentary committee will take a decision on whether to send a team of experts to the site of the proposed Indian Tipaimukh dam and hydropower project over the cross-boundary river Barak, the water resources minister said Sunday.
Guatemala
Taiwan President Visits Guatemala 5-30-09, AFP
Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou on Friday arrived in Guatemala for a three-day visit in a bid to boost relations in a region where support for Taiwan has reduced in recent years.
Guatemalan murder mystery threatens government 5-27-09, AP
A slain lawyer's taped accusations that the president wanted him dead threaten to topple Guatemala's first leftist government in more than 50 years and have sharpened the political divide between rich and poor.
India
Indian Rights Activist, Freed on Bail, Vows to Continue Work 1-6-09, The Wall Street Journal
Doctor and human-rights activist Binayak Sen, released on bail last week had been held on charges of aiding Maoist insurgents, said he will continue treating patients from Indian tribal areas and fighting for their rights, despite weak health and threats to his life.
Expectations increasing from Indian Corporates on CSR 6-1-09, India PR Wire
A greater need for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India has brought companies who initiate and participate in CSR activities into the limelight and increased public expectations of them.
Mexico
Indigenous rape victims fight military impunity 6-1-09, IPS
Inés Fernández and Valentina Rosendo, both 23, have suffered death threats and have been stigmatized as rape victims. This month Fernández managed to take her case to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and Rosendo may achieve the same in the near future.
Mexico Heads World Violence on Journalists 5-31-09, Prensa Latina
Mexico is heading a world list regarding the attacks against journalists, the most vulnerable in the exercise of their profession, the director of the Center of Human Rights reported Sunday.
Mexico offers $380,000 reward in journalist murder 5-28-09, AP
Mexico's top prosecutor on Thursday offered a $380,000 reward for information in the kidnapping and murder of a newspaper reporter who was found beaten and dead in an irrigation canal in northern Mexico this week.
Nepal
PM Nepal finds OHCHR insignificant 5-27-09, eKantipur
Newly elected Prime Minister Madhav Kumar opined that the role of Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Nepal is insignificant. He accused the UN rights body of “paying attention to political events and neglecting major incidents of human rights violation” and said renewing its tenure is unnecessary.
Sons of Soil Shut Down Kathmandu Valley 6-1-09, IANS
A community that has been residing in the Kathmandu Valley shut down the capital and 10 more districts, demanding an autonomous state for themselves and the scrapping of a reviled urban development plan. Nearly two dozen people were injured.
South Africa
Rush Job on NHI? 29-5-09, Health-e.org.za
An ANC task team is trying to convince the ANC and government to hastily implement a National Health Insurance (NHI) plan that many believe spells disaster for the buckling public health system.
HIV-Prevention Policy Not Working in South Africa 6-1-09, BusinessDay
A visiting US congressman has expressed concern about SA’s inability to significantly reduce the level of new HIV infections despite education and prevention campaigns.
Decriminalizing Sex Work Only Half the Battle 6-1-09, BuaNews
Proposals to decriminalize sex work in South Africa have been moved back to the front burner after a provincial premier remarked that the issue should be addressed "objectively and with an open mind".
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwean Journalists and Lawyers Brought before the Courts 28-5-09, SW Radio Africa
Two editors from the Zimbabwe Independent newspaper will stand trial on June 16th. The two are accused of writing a story that would undermine public confidence in law enforcement agents.
EU not ready to resume ties with Zimbabwe: letter 28-5-09, AFP
The European Union is not yet ready to establish normal ties with Zimbabwe or resume aid despite a "positive evolution" in politics there, according to a letter made public Thursday.
General
Large-scale foreign land acquisitions could harm local people, says UN-backed report 26-5-09, UN News Service
A United Nations-commissioned study shows that land acquisitions are on the increase in the developing world, raising the risk that poor people will lose access to land, water, and other resources.
Africa’s Growth to fall to 2% in 2009 28-5-09, Africa News
African growth will fall to 2% in 2009 from 5.1% in 2008 and agriculture will prove the continent's best chance of pulling itself from poverty. Most African economies had been growing steadily but the global economic crisis has caused aid flows to fall, slashed demand and prices for its agricultural exports.
Labels: Bangladesh, Guatemala, IDEX NewsFlash, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
BangladeshHC asks government to stop river encroachment 5-25-09, The Daily Star
The High Court (HC) yesterday directed the government to take appropriate steps to stop encroachment, earth-filling, and construction of illegal structures on the Buriganga, Turag, Balu, and Shitalakkhya rivers.
Bangladesh mutiny deaths probed 5-21-09, BBC
Bangladesh has ordered an inquiry into the deaths of 21 border guards who were held in custody after a mutiny in February that killed nearly 100 people.
Guatemala
Guatemala Murder Scandal Could Threaten the Presidency 5-20-09, Christian Science Monitor
The scandal surrounding accusations that Guatemala's president orchestrated the murder of a prominent lawyer is deepening divisions in the country. It is also handing the country its greatest threat to democracy since the civil war ended.
Poverty reduction programs under fire 5-21-09, Latin America Press
The Social Cohesion Council, a government body dealing with social development, announced a Strategic Plan to Reduce Chronic Malnutrition which will distribute about US$12 a month to the beneficiaries of the conditioned cash transfer program Mi Familia Progresa, in four Mayan Chortí municipalities of Chiquimula.
India
In Punjab, Crowding Onto The Cancer Train 5-11-09, NPR
Train No. 339 routinely carries at least 60 cancer patients for treatment at the government's regional cancer center. Researchers caution that the findings do not prove that pesticides are causing cancer. But are the modern farming methods brought by the so-called Green Revolution of the 1960s and '70s making people sick?
Indian Rights Activist to be Freed on Bail 5-25-09, AP
India's top court on Monday ordered that a human rights activist facing trial in eastern India for allegedly aiding the region's communist rebels be released on bail.
Mexico
Crisis Drives Up Poverty Rate 5-23-09, IPS
Between 1994 and 1996, the poverty rate in Mexico climbed from 52 to 69 percent due to a deep but short-lived global economic recession that broke out in this country. Now this country is experiencing another depression, which originated in its northern neighbor, and that will last at least until 2010.
Avalanche of anti-abortion laws 5-22-09, IPS
In the last 13 months, 12 of Mexico's 32 states have approved amendments to their state constitutions defining a fertilized human egg as a person with a right to legal protection, and seven other state parliaments are taking steps in the same direction.
Nepal
Senior UN official lauds Supreme Court reforms 5-19-09, UN News Service
The top United Nations human rights official in Nepal today welcomed Supreme Court reforms initiated by the fledgling democracy’s newly appointed Chief Justice. The measures are aimed at enhancing transparency in its system of jurisprudence.
Successive governments have ignored agriculture 5-25-09, eKantipur
According to a recent report from the Ministry of Agriculture, 40 percent of the people in the hills and mountains, barring the eastern region are suffering from a serious food deficit of 133,000 tons. Jagannath Adhikari, a geographer by training, has undertaken extensive research in Nepal's rural areas, studying, among other things, remittances, migration and food security.
Constitution-drafting process finally begins after a year 5-25-09, eKantipur
Only a year after its first meeting was convened, the Constituent Assembly (CA) has finally entered the constitution-drafting process. The CA’s National Interest Preservation Committee (NIPC) among its 11 committees presented its concept paper on the constitution.
South Africa
The Grass Beneath the Fighting Elephants 5-22-09, Pambazuka
There is an African saying that when elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. In South Africa lately, the elephants have been the two biggest winners in the April elections-the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA). The grass is democracy and women's rights.
South Africa goes into recession 5-25-09, BBC
The South African economy has gone into recession for the first time since 1992, following a sharp slowdown in the manufacturing and mining sectors. Africa's biggest economy contracted at an annualized rate of 6.4% between January and March.
South Africa gets anti-crime boss 5-21-09, BBC
South Africa has appointed a relatively unknown police officer to head its new serious crimes agency that replaced the elite Scorpions unit. He will head the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation when it launches in July.
Zimbabwe
No Movement on Media Reform Despite Government Pledges 5-21-09, SW Radio Africa News
Repeated promises to reform the repressive media environment in Zimbabwe are proving hollow. Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Thursday said there have been "significant improvements," but improvements are not translating into action.
Long Road to Water Sustainability 5-22-09, IPS
As Zimbabwe's national unity government approaches 100 days in office, Finance Minister Tendai Biti has said it will take some time for the country to return to 1996 standards, before what was once southern Africa’s second largest economy went into a tailspin.
General
2009 Report on State-Sponsored Homophobia
ILGA, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association published the third edition of its report and map on State Sponsored Homophobia, a collection of legislation criminalizing consensual sexual acts between persons of the same sex in private over the age of consent.
African Finance Ministers to Discuss Impact of Economic Crisis 5-21-09, Afrique en ligne
African ministers have scheduled a meeting to discuss measures required to deal with the global economic crisis. The meeting will explore ways of dealing with the crisis through enhanced fiscal planning and ways of raising funds internally within Africa.
Labels: Bangladesh, Guatemala, IDEX NewsFlash, India, Mexico, Nepal, South Africa, Zimbabwe
To mark Earth Day (today, April 22) we'd like to share some more details from IDEX Communications Director, Gillian's trip to Udaipur, India last fall. Where she visited IDEX partner Sahyog Sansthan to learn how rural communities are adapting to climate change and mitigating its impact.Give a little green this Earth Day and have your donation to Sahyog matched on GlobalGiving.com.
Heera Lal Sharma, the founder and Executive Director of Sahyog was my guide. Heera Lal knows the area around Udaipur well; he was raised here, and understands the importance of sustainable agriculture methods.
Sahyog encourages vermiculture, a composting method using earthworms to create rich, organic soil. Sahyog has started a number of vermiculture projects and provides training and funds to initiate vermiculture. The soil produced enriches the land, fertilizes crops, and improves the soil’s ability to retain moisture. Even during drought years, crops grown with soil from vermiculture produce greater yields.
I met with 3 Self-Help Groups. In each case I saw how fulfilling water needs was the priority. Sahyog does this in two ways; they renovate wells and they build bunds or berms to control the flow of water and irrigate crops.
During the monsoon, soil becomes waterlogged, collapsing the walls of the well rendering it useless. Sahyog works with SHGs to renovate wells. They insist that the SHG contribute at least 25% of the costs, plus labor. Sahyog and the local government fund the rest. Sahyog’s goal is to build relationships between communities and government and ensure everyone is a stakeholder in the renovation.
To improve crop irrigation Sahyog analyzes the terrain and identifies the best location to build bunds. Bunds are dams, usually foot-high mounds of earth and small rock that run the width and length of fields. They are multi-purpose and slow the flow of the rainwater and minimize erosion by containing the topsoil. But the dams are carefully constructed to allow water to seep through the rocks, and onto other communities. This method of water harvesting ensures nothing is wasted.
With your support IDEX has funded a number of such projects. At Bharave Village, I was shown the newly renovated well and bridge across the fields. The bridge also operates as a levee during the monsoon. Women and children pointed happily at the well and told me they could now drink fresh water.
I was really impressed by everything Heera Lal showed me. Then we went to the community of Kundai, which completely blew me away. At Kundai there are no incremental changes. This community has completely adopted sustainable agriculture and managed biodiversity without looking back.
Since climate change has begun to take effect, rain has become more irregular. Farmers used to rely on local weather patterns to know when to plant their crops. But climate change renders this knowledge useless. At Kundai they have learned simple, yet effective meteorological practices. They monitor and collect data on rainfall, temperatures and wind and share this with both their local community and the Indian government.
I was introduced to Deepak who lives in Kundai; he showed off the benefits of the program, such as the renovated well, the irrigation channels strategically placed around fields and the diversity of the crops. Kundai farmers are growing plump eggplants, bright chilies, leafy greens, wheat, barley and much more. Close to the well, bamboo and sugar cane were growing. The crops are enough to feed families in Kundai while the bamboo and sugar cane help pay for their children’s schooling.
Kundai is in year 3 of a 5-year project. This was the first year the community had been able to plant their crops. Despite the monsoon in 2008 bringing just half of the expected rainfall, crops were flourishing Deepak was very happy at what they had accomplished so far. It meant he did not have to leave the family and migrate to Udaipur or Delhi to look for work. The family could stay together. His daughter clung to his hand, clearly delighted to know her father was not going anywhere.
Migration is a growing problem. As crops fail, people must move to look for work to feed their families. It was clear to me that sustainable agriculture is not just good for the planet, but also for families and communities who practice it.
Like many IDEX partners, Sahyog works to improve the livelihoods of rural communities. A focus on resource management and sustainable agriculture has helped people better prepare and surmount the growing threats of food and water crises. Water harvesting, vermiculture, and organic agriculture offer viable ways for communities to adapt to, and mitigate, the impact of climate change.
Labels: Climate Change, India, Sahyog Sansthan, Sustainable Agriculture
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Blogs We Like
- America’s Mexico Blog
- Change.org – Global Health
- Change.org – Social Entrepreneurship
- Change.org – Women’s Rights
- Change.org – Global Warming
- Change.org – Sustainable Food
- Civil Eats Food Access
- GlobalGiving
- Good Magazine
- Guatemala Solidarity Network
- Mexico Today
- Mimundo.org
- Need Humanitarian Magazine
- Our World 2.0
- Raj Patel’s Blog
- Sokanwele Zimbabwe
- Women’s Net Blog – South Africa
- Zimbabwe Women’s Voices
