27 September 2012: The conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has worsened to such an extent that Congolese staff working for the independent medical organisation Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in North Kivu province now fear for their safety. Most of the Congolese health workers and support staff employed by MSF in Pinga, a town about 100km from Goma, have fled after active fighting between armed groups in the area. Only five of MSF’s 42 national staff members remain in Pinga while the rest have fled. Ministry of Health personnel have also fled together with around two-thirds of the town’s population. Many are now hiding in... Continue Reading
South Africa has made significant progress in regard to gender equity since 1994. The draft Gender Equality Bill published on 29 August is intended to accelerate this process. “Promoting gender equality is an important part of this country’s commitment to transformation,” says Sandra Burmeister, CEO of the Landelahni Recruitment Group. “The question is whether we have the resources to meet the proposed 50% targets.” The draft Gender Equality Bill aims to empower women and prohibit unfair discrimination. It proposes 50/50 gender equality and is applicable to organisations of all sizes in the public and private sectors. “Equity targets can assist in increasing representation of women... Continue Reading
LOME, (IRIN) – Togo’s 12 prisons – many of them dilapidated – hold more than twice their designed capacity. The congestion, as well as inadequate food, medical care and poor hygiene have led to diseases and deaths. Drawn-out court cases and procedures, arbitrary arrests as well as the detention of petty offenders without the option of bail are among the factors causing prison congestion, according the Togolese Human Rights League (LTDH). “The prison overpopulation is very alarming. The consequences are dire, indeed fatal for the detainees,” LTDH president Raphaël Kpandé-Adjaré told IRIN. Of the 3,844 prisoners in Togo, only 1,347... Continue Reading
London, 2 August 2012 – New epidemiological data from two refugee camps in South Sudan show mortality and malnutrition rates soaring above emergency thresholds, announced Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) today. More than 170,000 refugees have made the harrowing journey across the border to escape conflict and food insecurity in Sudan’s Blue Nile and South Kordofan States. Many had to walk for weeks and have arrived in four refugee camps in an extremely weak and vulnerable condition. In two of the camps in particular appalling living conditions are resulting in devastating health consequences. Since June, an average of five children are dying each day in Yida camp and one in three... Continue Reading
KINSHASA, 13 July 2012 (IRIN) – Officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have assured leaders of the Tutsi community they are working to protect Tutsis across the country amid rising resentment sparked by a mutiny led mainly by Tutsi soldiers in the east. Minister of Security and Internal Affairs Charles Muyej said he had given instructions to this effect to governors across the vast country. “I think we have to realize that we are one people with many components. This diversity is an asset for our country. We insist that this is not the time to discriminate because... Continue Reading
