GLOBAL: COVERAGE ON RELEASE OF UNFPA’S STATE OF WORLD POPULATION 2010 REPORT

IRIN reported on 22 October that modern war is often not about soldier against soldier, but a struggle to "break the will of civilians — women, girls, men and boys" by whatever means possible - including rape – according to the UNFPA State of World Population 2010 report published on 20 October. The term “gender-based violence” is often used to refer to violence against women, but, as the UN Guidelines for Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Settings state, "it is important to note. . .  men and boys may also be victims of gender-based violence, especially sexual violence.” Read: IRIN

UN Radio reported on 21 October Safiye Çagar from UNFPA says it's crucial to recognize the role women play in rebuilding broken societies. Discrimination against women and the perpetuation of crimes, such as rape, is a major hindrance to peace, security and development in countries emerging from conflict, according to the State of World Population 2010 report. The report by UNFPA says when women have the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient to conflict and disaster. "Renewal means creating new opportunities and rectifying entrenched inequalities. Renewals requires empowerment of all members of society who are vulnerable.” Read: UN Radio

IPS reported and published an interview on 20 October with UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid on the State of World Population 2010 report. “The new trend we are trying to bring into the discussion about women is the three R's – Resilience, Renewal, and Redefining roles. Women are always seen as victims. We are saying women are not victims. Women have the resilience, they keep the families together. And with renewal, when we are rebuilding after a crisis, we should not rebuild society as it was before, with all the inequalities and inequities in it, but on a new human rights paradigm that will bring equality.” Read: IPS and IPS

UN News reported on 20 October on the release of The World’s Women 2010: Trends and Statistics, published by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the State of World Population 2010, which found that discrimination against women not only exposes them to the worst effects of disaster and war, but also deprives their countries of a prime engine for recovery. “This year’s report is about the three Rs: resilience, renewal and redefining roles between boys and girls and men and women,” UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said at the official launch in London of the report, which uses stories of individuals affected by conflict or catastrophe in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Haiti, Iraq, Jordan, Liberia, the occupied Palestinian territory, Timor-Leste and Uganda to bring home its message. Read: UN News

AFRICA: PANA reported on 20 and 22 October that UNFPA said "when women have access to the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient to conflict and disaster and can lead reconstruction and renewal efforts in their societies. UNFPA made the statement in a report entitled, State of World Population 2010, which was released 20 October at the UN headquarters in New York. The release of the report coincided with the tenth anniversary of the UN Security Council’s landmark resolution 1325, which aimed to put a stop to sexual violence against women and girls in armed conflict. Read: PANA and in French: PANA

Afrol News reported on 20 October that the East African region is slowly developing into one of the world's new population blocks, with the region surpassing all of North America in few years and all of Europe by the 2040s. A new, major power may be building up. New data by UNFPA, presented in London, reveal a major global population shift, where the Eastern African region is emerging as one of the world's largest blocks in the coming decades. Read: Afrol News

Jeune Afrique reported on 20 October on the release of the State of World Population 2010 report. Read in French: Jeune Afrique

LATIN AMERICA: EFE reported on 20 October on the release of the State of World Population 2010 report. Women and children remain the principle victims of conflicts and, when they are over, can achieve peace. According to the report, the traumas that are suffered by people because of war do not disappear when peace agreements are made, and the impact of conflict is felt differently by everyone in a society. Read in Spanish: EFE

AUSTRALIA / AFGHANISTAN: The Sydney Morning Herald reported on 20 October that it's important for Australia to see through the Afghanistan mission to prevent it again becoming a terrorist haven and also to achieve a better deal for Afghan women. Speaking following the launch of UNFPA’s State of World Population 2010 report, Minister for the Status of Women Kate Ellis said the Taliban banned girls from school, locked away women and allowed them few rights. "It is really important that we see it through so that we can prevent Afghanistan from becoming a haven for terrorists again; and also that we can empower those women and make sure they are considered as a part of a lasting peace, and we have educated women with rights and responsibilities to play a full role within the civil life of Afghanistan," she said. Read: Sydney Morning Herald

AUSTRALIA: ABC and Radio Australia reported on 20-21 October on Deputy Regional Director Najib Assifi’s radio interview with Louise Maher and Linda Lopresti about UNFPA’s report on the State of World Population. Read: ABC and Radio Australia

AUSTRIA: Multiple media outlets reported on 20 October on the release of UNFPA’s State of World Population 2010 report and quoted Petra Bayr, the Austrian Parliamentarian who launched the report in Vienna together with ÖGF. The articles say that women often are not responsible for starting war but often have to suffer the most from war. Read in German: Nachrichten, Die Standard, OTS, Wiener Zeitung

BANGLADESH: Daily Star reported on 22 October that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is unaware of the statistics of the country's new population figure revealed by UNFPA in Dhaka on 20 October, highly placed sources said yesterday. Neither Health Minister AFM Ruhal Haque nor Secretary Humayun Kabir knew anything about the UN report that claimed Bangladesh's total population rose to 16.44 crore in 2010, from 12.43 crore in 2001. "I have no knowledge about UNFPA claim and I was not consulted before revealing such a report on Bangladesh," said Ruhal Haque in response to a journalist’s request for comments on UNFPA’s report, State of World Population 2010. Read: Daily Star

Financial Express published an editorial on 22 October arguing, “There is no parallel of a small country of about 55,000 square miles only crammed already with a population of 164.4 million which is the size of the Bangladesh population today according to the latest report of UNFPA that was released at a function at a city hotel last 20 October. The occasion was aimed to alert policy-makers in this country to the runway population growth which has already suffered the burden of overpopulation for a long time. UNFPA assessment also showed up the lack of credibility of erstwhile available official figure of the current population size of the country at 140 million. Thus, there are more than 24 million more people whom the earlier official headcount bypassed and who remain outside planned activities on its part. This is a glaring omission in the sphere of population control activities among other vital indicators of slipping performance in what should be a centre point of concern for Bangladesh.” Read: Financial Express

Daily Star, New Nation and Sify reported on 20 and 21 October that Bangladesh's population is now 164.4 million, up from 156 million a decade back. The boom is a matter of concern as it threatens food security, warned Food and Disaster Management Minister Abdur Razzaque who unveiled the State of World Population 2010 report. The UNFPA report also predicted that the population of the country would hit 222.5 million by 2050. Read: Daily Star (21 October), Daily Star (20 October) New Nation and Sify

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: Multiple media outlets reported on 20 October and 21 October on the UNFPA’s exhibition "S.O.S. Sound of Silence" at the BiH National Galery. At the Exhibition’s opening evening the visitors watched the premiere screening of the UN Documentary Film 21st Century - Bosnia: Rape, Legacy of War presented by producer Andi Gitow. The event also served to publicly launch the annual UNFPA State of the World Population Report for 2010. Read in Bosnian: BH Dani, Radio Sarajevo, Ljiljan, MOJ Portal

BOTSWANA: Daily News reported on 22 October that women rarely wage war, but they suffer the worst of its consequences, UNFPA Representative Aisha Camara-Drammeh, has said. Officiating at the launching ceremony of a report on the State of World Population themed, "From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of Change,"  Ms. Camara-Drammeh said women participation in peacebuilding was a prerequisite to its success.

BRAZIL: Multiple media outlets reported on 20 October that rape has become a widespread weapon of war used in many countries during conflicts, according to a new report released by UNFPA. UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Obaid stressed that while conflicts and disasters intensify gender inequities, recovery represents a unique opportunity to correct such inequalities, ensure proper legal protection and create room for positive change. Read in Portuguese: Terra Portal/EFE Brasil, Deutsche Welle-Brasil and Agencia Brasil

Folha de S.Paulo, UOL and BOL reported on 21 October that only 10 per cent of the world’s countries protect women during conflict and disaster situations, according to UNFPA’s State of World Population 2010 Report. The article recalls that ten years after the UN Security Council's approval of resolution 1325, the first of its kind addressing women’s issues in armed conflict, only 18 out of 192 nations have implemented measures to follow its guidelines. UNFPA Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Marcela Suazo, is quoted saying that one should not forget that there are other countries following guidelines from UN conferences on women. She also pointed out that despite the fact Brazil has not yet taken action to implement resolution 1325, the country has shown progress in fighting violence against women, but an overall social consciousness that such violence should not be tolerated is still needed. Read in Portuguese: Folha de S. Paulo and BOL

CANADA: Toronto Star reported on 19 October that the 1990s were brutal years for women in war-torn territories. In Bosnia and Kosovo, they were rounded up and systematically assaulted in rape centres. In Rwanda, they were raped, mutilated and slaughtered. In Liberia and Uganda they were tortured and forced into sexual slavery. And in East Timor they were kidnapped and raped as their husbands were executed. Ten years ago, widespread atrocities led to a ground-breaking United Nations Security Council resolution demanding that warring factions protect women and girls from gender-based violence and include them in peace negotiations. UNFPA published a report on the progress made since the resolution was passed. It says there is a growing network of grassroots organizations working with governments and communities to help conflict victims — including men and boys. The UN is marking the anniversary of the resolution with a Global Open Day on Women, Peace and Security highlighting recommendations from women peace advocates from war-affected countries. “What began as a call on governments a decade ago to deal with abuses or neglect of women and girls has steadily grown into a broader movement that encompasses all members of society,” said the population fund’s report. Read: Toronto Star

CHINA: People’s Daily Online reported on 21 October that discrimination against women not only exposes them to the worst effects of disaster and war, including rape, but also deprives their countries of a prime engine for recovery, according to a new United Nations report launched on 20 October. UNFPA State of World Population 2010 report, “From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of Change” coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Security Council's landmark Resolution 1325, which aimed to end sexual violence against women and girls in armed conflict and to encourage greater participation by them in peace building initiatives. "This year's report is about the three Rs: resilience, renewal and redefining roles between boys and girls and men and women," UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said on 20 October  at the official launch in London of the report, which uses stories of individuals affected by conflict or catastrophe in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Haiti, Iraq, Jordan, Liberia, the occupied Palestinian territory, Timor-Leste and Uganda to bring home its message. Read: People’s Daily Online

People’s Daily Online reported on 20 October that the world's population is expected to reach 9.15 billion in 2050 from the current 6.908 billion. According to the State of World Population 2010 report, India will have a population of 1.6138 billion by that time and would become the world's most populous country, replacing China whose population will reach 1.417 billion in 2050. The theme of this year's report was "From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of Change,” UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Mari Simonen said. She said this year's report coincided with the tenth anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which recognizes the vulnerability of women and girls to violence during and after armed conflict and the absence of women representation in efforts to prevent war. Read: People’s Daily Online

COLOMBIA: Multiple media outlets reported on 22-25 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report by UNFPA representative Tania Patriota. Ms. Patriota called on Colombia to recognize the fact that sexual violence is a weapon of war, and that much remains to be done, as many cases of sexual and gender-based violence continue to go unreported and un-prosecuted. Read in Spanish: El Colombiano, El Nuevo Siglo, El Tiempo, MSN Colombia, Caracol

CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): Les Depeches de Brazzaville and Congo-site reported on 22 October on the launch by UNFPA of the State of World Population report. The report was presented by UNFPA Representative David Lawson who called on the international community to take unprecedented measures to prevent sexual violence against women in armed conflict and humanitarian situations. In her address on the occasion, Social Affairs and Humanitarian Action Minister Emilienne Raoul praised UNFPA for its role in development and humanitarian action and called upon it to support the documentation of the role of the civil wars' consequences on Congolese Women and their role in peacebuilding. On an official visit to Congo, UNFPA Africa Regional Director addressed young people and entertained an innovative and interactive dialogue with them on the themes of the report. He said, "young people are the future of the world and actors of conflict prevention and peace building reconstruction. It is essential that Governments invest in youth now." The event was broadly attended by government officials, ambassadors, UN Representatives, and civil society actors. Read in French: Les Depeches de Brazzaville and Congo-site

COSTA RICA: Teletica reported on 22 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report. Watch in Spanish: Teletica

CUBA: Granma reported on 21 October and Prensa Latina reported on 20 October on the release of UNFPA’s State of World Population 2010 report. UNFPA Regional Director Marcela Suazo explained that the report brings to light the experiences of women in countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Haiti, Jordan, Timor-Leste and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Read in Spanish: Granma and Prensa Latina

DENMARK: U-landsnyt reported on 21 October on UNFPA’s State of World Population 2010 report. It stated that women are central actors in peacekeeping and in rebuilding societies. Read in Danish: U-landsnyt

ECUADOR: El Tiempo reported on 20 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report in Ecuador, highlighting the fact that half of the 52,000 Colombian citizens with refugee status in Ecuador are women and 70 per cent of the world’s refugees are women. Read in Spanish: El Tiempo

EL SALVADOR: EFE reported on 21 October on the release of the State of World Population report. UNFPA Representative Elena Zúñiga discussed gender-based violence in El Salvador, urging the government to develop a plan to address violence against women in the country. Read in Spanish: EFE

Diario Co Latino reported on 20 October that according to a report issued every year by UNFPA, in the 1980’s and 1990’s, armed conflict in many countries affected women in particular, given the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.

ETHIOPIA: Walta Information Centre reported on 22 October on the Global Open Day on Women and Peace and Security held at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The article noted that UNFPA launched a new report that found that discrimination against women not only exposes them to the worst effects of disaster and war, including rape, but also deprives their countries of a prime engine for recovery. The State of World Population 2010 “is about the three Rs: resilience, renewal and redefining roles between boys and girls and men and women,” Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said at the official launch in London of the report, which uses stories of individuals affected by conflict or catastrophe in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Haiti, Iraq, Jordan, Liberia, the occupied Palestinian territory, Timor-Leste and Uganda to bring home its message. Read: Walta Information Centre

FINLAND: Global reported on the State of World Population 2010 report, stating that gender roles are turned upside down in conflicts, putting emphasis on women’s vulnerability during war and crisis. Read in Finnish: Global

FRANCE: AFP reported on 20 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report. Sexual violence as a weapon of war and as an outcome of turmoil and disaster is inflicting a terrifying toll on women, the United Nations said on 20 October. "Women rarely wage war, but they too often suffer the worst of its consequences," UNFPA said in its annual snapshot of the state of the world's population. "Gender-based violence, including rape, is a repugnant and increasingly familiar weapon of war. The immediate toll it takes extends far beyond its direct victims, insidiously tearing apart families and shattering societies for generations to come." Read: AFP and in French: AFP

Radio France Internationale, United Nations Radio, TV5 world service and AITV featured interviews on 20 October with the Chief of UNFPA's Gender, Human Rights and Culture Branch on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report.

La Croix and RFI reported on 20 October that rape and other gender-based violence is increasing and the way to fight it is to empower women, according to a UN report. The State of World Population 2010, produced by UNFPA, has been issued in the run-up to the tenth anniversary of a Security Council resolution which condemns violence against women and girls. Read: RFI and La Croix

GERMANY: Deutsche Press-Agentur reported on 20 October that discrimination against women and girls makes them more vulnerable to the devastating effects of war and natural disasters, according to a new United Nations report. Recovering from catastrophe is also hampered if one gender is denied the chance for equal opportunity. “If we're serious about preventing conflicts, recovering from war and natural disaster and building lasting peace, we need to empower women, as well as the young and the elderly, to become agents of positive change,” said Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, the head of UNFPA. Read: DPA

GEORGIA: The Messenger reported on 22 October that UNFPA published The State of World Population 2010. According to the report, when women have access to the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient to conflict and disaster and can lead reconstruction and renewal efforts in their societies. The report’s release coincides with the tenth anniversary of the United Nations Security Council’s landmark resolution 1325, which aimed to put a stop to sexual violence against women and girls in armed conflict and to encourage greater participation by women in peacebuilding initiatives. “When women and girls suffer deep discrimination, they are more vulnerable to the worst effects of disaster or war, including rape, and less likely to contribute to peacebuilding, which threatens long-term recovery,” said UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid at the launch of the report.

GUATEMALA: Cerigua reported on 23 October that armed conflicts and natural disasters cause physical and psychological trauma that has a particularly strong impact on women, boys and girls, according to Noemí Espinosa, a UNFPA expert. Ms. Espinosa spoke at the release of the State of World Population 2010 report. Read in Spanish: Cerigua

Prensa Libre reported on 23 October on the release of UNFPA’s State of World Population 2010 report. The report found that life expectancy in Guatemala is 67.3 years for men and 74.4 years for women. Read in Spanish: Prensa Libre

GUINEA-CONAKRY: Radio Soleil, Djigui FM and Espace FM reported on 20 October on UNFPA´s launch of the State of Population 2010 report. UNFPA Representative Marcelle Chevallier, discussed the important role women play in the restoration of peace and the need to use effective ways to protect them.

HAITI: AlterPresse, Expreso Ecuador (Ecuador), The Jamaica Gleaner (Jamaica) and Nation News (Jamaica and Barbados) reported on 18-22 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report, highlighting comments by Igor Bosc, UNFPA Haiti Representative. Mr. Bosc underscored the fact that the earthquake destroyed the vast majority of the health facilities in Port-au-Prince which has caused great concern to his organization as the country’s fertility rate has tripled. "This is why it is troubling for us. We are trying to call attention to the international community and the national players to respond to this crisis," Bosc said. He told journalists that there has been an increase in violence against women. "Only 12 per cent of the population use condoms and the prevalence of HIV is likely to increase," he said. Read: Jamaica Gleaner, Nation News (22 October) and Nation News (18 October), in Spanish: Expreso Ecuador and in French: AlterPresse

IRAN: Hamshahri, Isna and IRNA reported on 20-25 October that the State of World Population 2010 report, published by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, was released. The report’s release coincides with the tenth anniversary of the United Nations Security Council’s landmark resolution 1325, which aimed to put a stop to sexual violence against women and girls in armed conflict and to encourage greater participation by women in peacebuilding initiatives. “When women and girls suffer deep discrimination, they are more vulnerable to the worst effects of disaster or war, including rape, and less likely to contribute to peacebuilding, which threatens long-term recovery,” said UNFPA’s Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid at the launch of the report. Read: IRNA and in Farsi: ISNA

IRELAND: The Irish Times reported on 21 October that governments should seize opportunities arising out of post-conflict or disaster recovery to address gender inequalities, according to UNFPA. The recommendation is made in UNFPA ’s annual State of World Population report, which was launched yesterday. This year’s report examines how “conflict and protracted humanitarian emergencies affect women and girls – and men and boys.” Speaking at the Dublin launch, Seán Hand of UNFPA said that while conflict and disaster can deepen inequalities between men and women, the recovery process presents a “unique opportunity” to “rectify inequalities, ensure equal protection under the law, and create space for positive change.” The Dublin launch was hosted by the Irish Family Planning Association, UNFPA’s partner in Ireland. The event was one of more than 140 such events taking place in as many countries worldwide to mark the report’s release. Read: The Irish Times

ITALY: Multiple media outlets reported on 20-24 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report by Marina Mancielli. Watch in Italian: Radio Radicale and ASCA

JAMAICA: The Jamaica Gleaner reported on 22 October on the release of the State of World Population 2010 report in London. “This year's report calls attention to the devastating and unacceptable sexual violence in countries affected by conflict. As an international community, we have not been able to prevent this crime and human-rights violation. This report calls for urgent and concerted action to protect women, prevent sexual violence, stop impunity and injustice," said UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid. Jamaica Gleaner

JORDAN: The Jordan Times reported on 21 October that public agencies and NGOs have played a key role in assisting the nearly half-a-million displaced Iraqis estimated to reside in the Kingdom, according to a UN report released on 20 October.

UNFPA launched its annual State of World Population report 2010 titled “From Conflict and Crises to Renewal: Generations of Change,” which drew upon the experiences of women and girls, men and boys, living in the wake of conflict and other “catastrophic disruptions.” Read: The Jordan Times

KENYA: Capital FM reported on 21 October that this year's United Nations report on State of World Population 2010 shows that women and children suffer most in conflict and disaster situations which make them most vulnerable to gender-based violence. Speaking during the launch of the report, UNFPA Representative Fidelis Zama Chi asked governments to pay attention to sexual violence especially in countries affected by conflict. "We are also aware of how the African region is torn by conflict.  Even if the country is not in a state of crisis, it still has a role to play and the role will be… what can we do to help those in this situation?" he said. Read: Capital FM

Daily Nation reported on 21 October that fresh investigations are needed to expose police officers and militiamen who raped women in the 2007 post-election violence. Key speakers at the function to launch the State of World Population 2010 report expressed fears that ongoing investigations meant to trace key masterminds of the violence may spare people who executed sexual offences, including youths and neighbors. They called for an independent local arrangement, parallel to the International Criminal Court procedures, to deal with culprits of rape and put in place mechanisms of dealing with such vice. UNFPA assistant country representative Cecilia Kimemia called on the government to implement the Waki report on post-election violence’s recommendations on rape. She suggested that the troubled Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission expose men who raped women during the post-election violence and propose a healing process. ‘‘We hope the report’s recommendations will not be ignored,” she said. Read: Daily Nation

REPUBLIC OF KOREA: Korea Times, Chosunilbo and Dong-A Ilbo reported on 21 October that South Korea has the 26th largest population in the world this year. The latest report from UNFPA showed its population hitting 48.5 million this year, up 200,000 from the previous year. But despite the gain in the total number of people, South Korea's average fertility rate covering the past five years is the third lowest among 186 countries surveyed. According to the report, the country’s fertility rate is 1.24, just behind Hong Kong’s 1.01 and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 1.21. Read: Korea Times, Chosun Ilbo and Dong-A Ilbo

KYRGYZSTAN: Baldar and 24 news agency reported on 21 October on the launch of the SWOP report. Read in Russian: Baldar and 24

LIBERIA: The Inquirer reported on 20 October that President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has shown gratitude for UNFPA for what she calls its past and present support to the country, especially in the direction of highlighting the Liberian state of affairs in its 2010 report on conflict and women issues. Gender Minister Varbah Gayflor, who represented President Sirleaf at the first celebrations of World Statistics Day which was concomitantly observed yesterday between the Liberia Institute for Statistics and Geo Information Services (LISGIS) and UNFPA, as part of the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report, said, “Uion from brutal civil crisis to national renewal is featured in this report.” Read: The Inquirer

MADAGASCAR: La Verite reported on 21 October that the report on the State of World Population 2010 has been presented by UNFPA Representative, Mr. Cheikh Cissé at a press conference.

MEXICO: CIMAC reported on 20 October that when peace comes, the survivors of conflicts and natural disasters, face new realities, including an increase in violence against women, changes in gender roles and economic instability, according to the State of World Population 2010 report, published by UNFPA. Read in Spanish: CIMAC

Notimex reported on 20 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report by UNFPA. The report, which links peace, security and development with the rights and empowerment of women, presents stories of women affected by conflict and catastrophe in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Haiti, Iraq, Jordan and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, among other places. Read in Spanish: Notimex

Universia reported on 20 October that Mexico continues to record one of the highest illiteracy rates in Latin America. According to a report by UNFPA, 5.4 per cent of men and 8.5 per cent of women over 15 are illiterate. Read in Spanish: Universia

MOLDOVA: The Times reported on 22 October that the 2010 edition of the State of World Population report released globally on 20 October describes the situation of women and girls in emergencies, wars and natural disasters. UNFPA organized the launch of the event in Hincesti rayon, where, the same day, a three-day seminar for medical workers about medical care in emergencies with a focus on reproductive health started. Read in Romanian: The Times

NEPAL: Kathmandu Post reported on 24 October that Nepal’s total population will reach 40 million by 2050, according to a UNFPA report.  The estimate has been made on the basis of the country’s average growth rate of 1.8 per cent between 2005 and 2010.The report also shows that 19 per cent of Nepal’s population lives in urban areas.
Read: Kathmandu Post

NIGERIA: The Daily Independent reported on 23 October that when women have access to the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient to conflict and disaster and can lead reconstruction and renewal efforts in their societies, according to the newly launched State of World Population 2010 report, published by UNFPA. Read: The Daily Independent

APA reported on 21 October that Nigeria’s population is projected to reach 289 million by 2050 making it the fifth most populous country in the world, UNFPA says in a report. The country’s current population, according to the UN, is 158. 3 million. In its yearly report entitled: The State of the World Population 2010, UNFPA says the world's population currently stands at about 6.9 and is projected to increase to 9.1 billion in 2050. Read: APA

NORWAY: ABC Nyheter and Aftenposten reported on 21 October on the State of World Population report. ABC Nyheter stated that, according to the report, sexualized violence is used as a weapon in wars and the result of disasters have devastating consequences for women. Aftenposten covered the Liberian case from the report in an article stressing the need to prosecute sexual criminals, during and also after wartime. Read in Norwegian: ABC Nyheter and Aftenposten

PAKISTAN: Express Tribune reported on 21 October that UNFPA launched the State of World Population 2010 report in Islamabad, focusing on the role of women in dealing with humanitarian crisis and conflicts. The report claims that when women have access to the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient to conflict and disaster, and can lead reconstruction and renewal efforts. “Many women and young people have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and begun rebuilding their lives and laying the foundation for peace and renewal of their societies,” said Rabbi Royan, Technical Advisor on Population and Development of UNFPA. Read: Express Tribune

PAPUA NEW GUINEA/SOLOMON ISLANDS: Radio Australia (Australia) reported on 20 October that UNFPA has released its latest report on the State of World Population. It finds that while the past ten years has seen falling adolescent population and an increase in the use of contraception, overall progress has slowed on universal access to reproductive health. In the Pacific, geography can be a key obstacle, especially with countries like the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea where there's little improvement made. The report also conicides with the tenth anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325. Read: Radio Australia

PARAGUAY: Neike reported on 20 October that when women have the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient in the face of conflict and disaster and can lead reconstruction and renewal of societies, according to the 2010 State of the World Population, released on 20 October by UNFPA. Read in Spanish: Neike

THE PHILIPPINES: The Manila Bulletin reported on 21 October that the Aquino administration will be revealing the complete slate of the members of the peace panel for the revival of peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). Secretary Teresita Deles, Presidential Adviser on Peace Process, said the reconstituted peace panel sends a signal for the resumption of peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-NDF. “With the formation of a peace panel, we will be able to know how we can move forward for the peace negotiations,” Deles said during the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report in Makati. The peace adviser also noted that the government is geared towards the resumption of peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Read: The Manila Bulletin

PORTUGAL: Multiple media outlets reported on 20 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report by Tania Patriota with the presence of Catarina Furtado, UNFPA Goodwill ambassador. Read in Portuguese: Tvi24, IOL, Sol, Bomdia.eu, Correio do Minho

SENEGAL: Agence de Presse Senegalaise reported on 20 October on UNFPA's State of World Population 2010 report. Read in French: Agence de Presse Senegalaise

SIERRA LEONE: Awoko reported on 26 October that the Minister of Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs, Dr. Soccoh Kabia has officially launched the State of World Population 2010 report on the theme, “From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of Change.” The ceremony was held at the Atlantic Hall of the National Stadium in Freetown. This year’s report focuses on issues that are critical to the development and well-being of human societies everywhere and also highlights the fundamental changes in societies who have staggered out of brutal wars and the new realities they face: changes in gender roles, new power relationships within families, unsettled village communities and traditional cultures influx. Furthermore, the release of the State of World Population report 2010, published by UNFPA, coincides with the tenth anniversary of Resolution 1325, the Security Council’s groundbreaking move against the abuse of women in conflict and the marginalization of them in peacebuilding. Read: Awoko

SPAIN: Multiple media outlets reported on 20 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report in Madrid. Read in Spanish: Ameco Press, Ecodiario, Expansion.com, Europa Press, Humanista.tv, El Mundo, Periodista Digital and SINC

SOUTH AFRICA: SAPA reported on 20 October that infant mortality rates, a measure of the number of babies that die in the first year of life, are lower in Botswana and Namibia than they are in South Africa. According to a table of indicators contained in UNFPA’s State of World Population 2010 report, infant mortality in South Africa is 43 per 1,000 live births. The 2010 report also contains a comparison, by country, of reproductive health indicators, including births per 1,000 woman aged 15-19, and contraceptive and HIV prevalence rates. It says that in sub-Saharan Africa, the Southern Africa region has by far the lowest adolescent birth rate - 61 per 1,000 girls - and the highest contraceptive prevalence, at 59% for all methods and 58% for so-called modern methods. Read: SAPA

SUDAN: Sudan Vision Daily and Al Sahafa published a UNFPA statement on 20 October on the State of World Population 2010 report. The “report reflects that while women rarely wage war, they suffer the worst of its consequences, and when they have access to the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient to conflict and disaster and can lead reconstruction and renewal efforts in their societies,” said UNFPA-Sudan. Read: Sudan Vision Daily and in Arabic: Al Sahafa

SWEDEN: Sveriges Radio and U-landsnyt reported on the Swedish launch held with the participation of Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson and UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Mari Simonen. Sveriges Radio featured an interview with Ms. Simonen and Gunilla Carlsson. Read in Swedish: Moderaterna and Sveriges Radio

Expressen published an op-ed on the UNFPA report on 24 October by Minister Gunilla Carlsson, stating that women’s participation in peace processes is crucial in order to obtain sustainable peace. Read in Swedish: Expressen

SWITZERLAND: Multiple media outlets reported on 20 October on the release of the State of World Population 2010 report, quoting UNFPA’s Thoraya Obaid, Bettina Maas and Renate Baehr, Director of the German Foundation for World Population, DSW. They focus on maternal mortality and family planning, saying that each year 80 million women are getting pregnant but don’t want to. The second part of the article is about gender and conflict and the roles that women play in reconstructing societies and that they should not be discriminated against but empowered. Read in German: Sonntag Zeitung and NZZ

TANZANIA: The Citizen reported on 21 October on new life expectancy estimates reported in UNFPA’s State of World Population 2010 report , noting that the country now leads sub-Saharan Africa in life expectancy. The State of World Population 2010 report says that while a Tanzanian woman is assured of living an average of 57 years and seven months, a man can live up to 56 years and one month. Read: The Citizen

The Guardian and Daily News reported on 21 and 22 October that United Nations Resident Coordinator Alberic Kacou commended the government for such an achievement in hosting refugees from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Burundi. Mr. Kacou, however, said that UNFPA and UNHCR were still assessing the refugee situation. A short film shown at the event which witnessed the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report, under the theme ‘From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of Change’ provided evidence on the decent life that refugees were living in Nyarugusu Camp in North West Kigoma Region. “To take this theme to the Tanzania context, UNFPA and UNHCR have come together, in a spirit of ‘delivering as one UN’, to focus on Tanzania’s landmark achievements in hosting refugees from neighbouring countries of DRC, Rwanda and Burundi,” he said. Read: The Guardian and Daily News

THAILAND/SRI LANKA: Reuters Alertnet featured an interview on 21 October with Sunila Abeysekera, who received the U.N. Human Rights Prize in 1988 and was named Human Rights Defender of the Year by Human Rights Watch in 2007. Ms. Abeysekera was interviewed at the Bangkok launch of the State of World Population 2010 report, which says rape is being used increasingly as a weapon of war and that the international community has failed to prevent it. Read: Alertnet

THE NETHERLANDS: Radio Netherlands Worldwide reported on 20 October that things are going better for women in former war and crisis regions. They are playing a greater role in the reconstruction of their country. Sexual violence remains a problem, although some good developments have been reported. In the Palestinian territories, for example, the United Nations has helped set up centres where women can access know-how, support and training courses. Jamilah Mahmood of UNFPA summarized the organization's annual report, the State of World Population 2010, which was published around the world on 20 October. The Netherlands is UNFPA's biggest donor. This year's report looks at countries attempting to rebuild after wars and the traumas which continue to affect them long after the war has ended. Read: Radio Netherlands Worldwide

TIMOR LESTE: Timor Post reported on 21 October on the launch of the State of World Population 2010 report. UNFPA Representative, Mr. Pornchai Suchitta remarked that cases from Timor-Leste were also submitted in the 2010 SWOP, with the theme “From conflict and crisis to renewal: generations of change,” as this country is one of the nations that have experienced post conflict and disaster and is now moving into unity recuperation.

Voxy (New Zealand) reported on 18 October that, with a press conference, the UNFPA Country Office in Timor-Leste will launch the State of World Population (SWOP) 2010 report. With the theme "From Conflict and Crisis to Renewal: Generations of Change," this year the SWOP, for the first time, includes Timor-Leste's case as part of the countries that have experienced conflict or disasters and are on the road to recovery. The release of the State of World Population 2010 coincides with the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325, the Security Council's groundbreaking move against the abuse of women in conflict and the marginalization of them in peace building. Read: Voxy

UGANDA: The Daily Monitor and The New Vision reported and NTV featured interviews with UNFPA staff on 21 October on the release of the State of World Population 2010 report. Speaking at the launch of the State of the World and Uganda Population reports, Janet Jackson said there is much at stake for societies when there is continued exclusion of women in the process of the post-conflict rebuilding and recovery of their communities. “Women’s participation is central to understanding post-conflict trauma as well as the determination and will to move on. It is critical for efforts to prevent war, build peace and restore devastated societies,” Ms. Jackson said. Read: The Daily Monitor and The New Vision

U.K.: The Guardian reported on 20 October that UNFPA's State of World Population 2010 report, released today, focuses on the effect of conflict and protracted humanitarian emergencies on women and girls, and shows why the development community should be talking, and talking seriously, about conflict. Timed to coincide with the 10-year anniversary of the UN security council resolution on women, peace and security, the report tries to answer the question: "Are women in war-torn countries faring any better today than they were a decade ago?" The conclusions are mixed, and the report criticises the over-simplified but well-circulated images of women in conflict. Read: The Guardian

UNITED STATES: The New York Times reported on 20 October on the release of UNDESA’s World’s Women 2010 report, which marked World Statistics Day and the release of the State of World Population 2010 report by UNFPA. The article noted that “Although the 255-page report shows that women have made progress in areas like health and education — elementary school enrollment is now the same for boys and girls — they still lag over all. ‘Much more needs to be done, in particular the need to close the gender gap in public life and to prevent many forms of violence against women,’ said Jomo Kwame Sundaram, the assistant secretary general who released the report in New York. A second hefty report by UNFPA, released the same day, digs deep into areas where positive news is much harder to find: the harm visited on women. It suggested that helping women and children recover from the sexual violence and other trauma they suffer in war or natural disasters is a key to moving countries forward on all fronts. Women savagely raped during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina still suffer from limited access to counseling 15 years after the peace treaty, the report noted.” Read: The New York Times

VIET NAM: Voice of Viet Nam reported on 21 October that when women have access to the same rights and opportunities as men, they are more resilient to conflict and disaster and can lead reconstruction and renewal efforts in their societies, according to the State of World Population 2010 report, published by UNFPA. When women and girls suffer deep discrimination, they are more vulnerable to the worst effects of disaster or war, including rape, and less likely to contribute to peacebuilding, which threatens long-term recovery. The report’s release coincides with the tenth anniversary of the United Nations Security Council’s landmark resolution 1325, which aimed to put a stop to sexual violence against women and girls in armed conflict and to encourage greater participation by women in peacebuilding initiatives. Read in Vietnamese: VOV