PAKISTAN: Public Backs Army?s Push Against Taliban, Poll Finds
WASHINGTON, Jul 1 (IPS) - Pakistani public opinion remains supportive of the
military?s fight against the Pakistani Taliban, said a new poll
released Wednesday. However, Pakistanis roundly reject the U.S.
military campaign in the region.
PAKISTAN: U.S. Urged to Boost Emergency Aid to Displaced
WASHINGTON, Jun 29 (IPS) - Newly released research from experts and refugee
advocates paints a clearer and perhaps surprising picture of the
plight of Pakistan?s rapidly growing population of internally
displaced persons (IDPs).
MIDEAST: Elderly Receiving Better Care
DOHA, Jun 29 (IPS) - In a region where indigenous human resources are
scarce, the oil-rich Gulf
countries are not only mindful of
population growth, but are quickly learning to
address the
concerns of the elderly.
MALAYSIA: Blacklisted For Not Enforcing Trafficking Laws
KUALA LUMPUR, Jun 24 (IPS) - After years of lobbying by rights activists and the
international community,
Malaysia passed an effective and
comprehensive law in 2007 against human
trafficking with
provisions for protection, shelter and return of trafficked
person
to their home countries.
MOROCCO: African Refugees Targeted
RABAT, Jun 23 (IPS) - More than 300 African refugees are gathered at the
gates of the Moroccan
United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR),
asking to be moved to another country
because their rights are
not respected in Morocco. Several refugees say they
have been
beaten up by Moroccan UN personnel.
GREECE: New Laws Being Rushed in Against Migrants
ATHENS, Jun 23 (IPS) - Following a big defeat in the European parliament
elections, the right-wing New
Democracy (ND) government is
cracking down on irregular migration to counter
the far right.
POPULATION: The Worst Places to Be a Refugee
WASHINGTON, Jun 17 (IPS) - Gaza, South Africa and Thailand are among the
world's worst places to be a refugee, according to the
latest annual World Refugee Survey released here Wednesday by the
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI).
MIGRATION: Pakistan Refugee Crisis Worst in a Decade, U.N. Says
WASHINGTON, Jun 16 (IPS) - Forty-two million people were forcibly uprooted by
conflict and persecution worldwide in 2008, said a new report by
the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
released Tuesday.
RIGHTS: Sexual Violence in War Hauled Out of the Shadows
WASHINGTON, Jun 16 (IPS) - On Jun. 19, 2008, the U.N. Security Council passed
Resolution 1820, expressly addressing the problems of sexual
violence in conflict situations. One year later, three experts in
the field gathered to speak at the United States Institute of
Peace to evaluate the implementation of 1820 and consider how it
might better prevent this widespread crime.
DEVELOPMENT: Global Campaign to Salvage U.N.'s Health Goals
UNITED NATIONS, Jun 15 (IPS) - The global economic crisis, which has pushed
millions more into extreme poverty, is threatening to have a
devastating impact on the health of women and children.
DEVELOPMENT-AFRICA: Focus on Housing the Urban Poor
NAIROBI, Jun 11 (IPS) - Millions of people move to Africa?s cities every
year, swelling the numbers of urban poor. "We cannot chase
people away from slums," says Kelvin Mmangisa, chief
executive of the Lilongwe City Assembly. "But we can improve
the conditions there to make their lives better."
ARGENTINA: Drumming Up Black Awareness
BUENOS AIRES, Jun 11 (IPS) - Argentina?s small black community, ignored by
historical constructions that have traditionally focused on the
influence of European immigration, is now fighting for
recognition of its contribution to culture in the Argentine
capital.
LATIN AMERICA: "Sexuality Is an Essential Part of Humanity"
BUENOS AIRES, Jun 10 (IPS) - In an effort to promote the free enjoyment of human
sexuality, separate from reproduction, the International Planned
Parenthood Federation (IPPF) launched the world's first
declaration of sexual rights in the Argentine capital on
Wednesday.
Q&A: South-South Cooperation Key to Tackling Ageing Populations
DOHA, Jun 7 (IPS) - While explaining the reasons for rapid economic
growth during the last decade
and showcasing their potential for
future development, many developing
countries in Asia and Latin
America highlight the strength of their youth
population. But,
they are also increasingly becoming aware of their aging
populations - which could be converted into a source of strength
rather than a
liability.
INDIA-AUSTRALIA: 'Curry Bashing' in Oz Sours Bilateral Ties
NEW DELHI, Jun 4 (IPS) - A series of bloody attacks on Indian students in
Australia, that many are convinced have racial undertones,
threaten to undermine efforts to build relations between the two
Asia Pacific countries.