The longer the political crisis in Libya goes on, the greater the risk to food security in North Africa because of the region’s dependency on cereal imports, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. “In Libya, the situation may lead to a sudden disruption of imports and the collapse of the internal distribution system,” said a UN official.
World Food Program (WFP) delivers food aid to Libya
Ships and trucks carrying food are arriving in rebel-controlled areas of Libya to help address supply shortfalls from fighting between the government and anti-Gadhafi forces, the World Food Program says. Wheat and date bars coming in as the first United Nations aid to reach the area since fighting erupted is expected to feed 100,000 people for a month.
Medecins Sans Frontieres looks to combat fistula
Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) is working to raise awareness of obstetric fistula, a largely preventable condition that affects an estimated 2 million women worldwide. The presence of skilled medical care during the delivery of a baby can prevent most cases of this condition.
Young Russians are not protesting, but emigrating
The young, talented and ambitious in Russia are not protesting the country’s authoritarian system, but simply emigrating in increasing numbers from the country. The departures are difficult to document, yet anecdotal evidence among young professionals and the independent press seems to point to a growing consensus that the system is seen as limiting one’s economic potential.
UNICEF seeks record donor contributions in 2011
UNICEF has launched an unprecedented $1.4 billion appeal to support 2011 humanitarian efforts for children in crisis in 32 countries. The largest portion of funding will be used to aid communities in Pakistan, Haiti and Sudan.
Humanitarian crisis builds around Libya unrest
More than 1 million people fleeing violence in Libya or still within the country need humanitarian assistance and Libyan authorities must do more to ensure access within the country, says Valerie Amos, United Nations aid coordinator. Tens of thousands of migrants from poor countries remain trapped inside Libya with no means of departure and economic prospects damaged by the ongoing turmoil.
China pledges to lift living standards of its poor
Over the next five years, the Chinese government has pledged to raise lagging income levels among the poor to coincide with the country’s general rate of economic growth. Wen Jiabao, China’s premier, said Sunday that the country hoped to “basically eradicate” poverty by 2020, partly in an effort to tamp down calls for popular revolt along the lines of that currently seen in the Middle East.