Amnesty cites torture in 111 countries
Individual governments are using their diplomatic power to cripple international justice efforts and helping to drive human-rights abuses around the world, Amnesty International charges its annual report released today. The group found torture used routinely in 111 countries and called on major powers such as the U.S., China and Russia to sign on to the International Criminal Court.
Men and women face HIV risk during pregnancy
Both women and men are more susceptible to HIV/AIDS infection during a woman’s pregnancy, with the risk to men doubling if their partner is pregnant, according to British researchers who conducted a study in seven African countries. Researchers believe changes in a pregnant woman’s immune system may contribute to the increased risk.
Ban’s report on child soldiers names violators
Countries and militia groups that continue to use child soldiers must face stricter punishments, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon argues in his new annual report on the issue to the Security Council. Ban drew particular attention to a list of violators appearing for the first time in the report of entities that have been repeatedly named for recruiting child soldiers over the past five years.
New measles outbreak may wipe out gains to date
The World Health Organization is reporting an explosive new outbreak in measles that may undermine recent gains reported against the disease. Though the number of deaths of children aged 5 and younger due to measles has fallen precipitously — from 733,000 in 2000 to 118,000 in 2008, according to UN figures — WHO expects outbreaks that could claim more than 500,000 deaths by 2012. In an assembly in Geneva, WHO’s 193 member states agreed to try to achieve a 90% vaccination rate among their populations by 2015.
Child mortality rates are dropping worldwide
The number of children under 5 who die is dropping by about 2% annually thanks to more effective public health strategies aimed at conditions such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and waterborne illnesses, according to a study published in the journal The Lancet. Over the past 20 years, the overall number of annual deaths within the age group has decreased from 11.9 million to 7.7 million.
