LEBANON: UNFPA and other UN Agencies Draft a National Youth Policy Document
Multiple media outlets reported on 30 November on UNFPA’s role in preparing the National Youth Policy Document since 2007in partnership with the ministry of Youth and Sports as well as UN agencies in Lebanon (UNDP, ILO, UNESCO and UNICEF) and with a number of civil society organizations, namely MASAR, a local NGO specialized in youth issues. The "National Youth Policy" aims at empowering youth and enhancing their participation in society and in public life in Lebanon. Read in Arabic: Lebanon Files, Al Markazia, National News Agency, AlMustaqbal.
LEBANON: Launching a “Guide for Working in Women Prisons in Lebanon”
Multiple media outlets reported on 29-30 November on the launching of the “Guide for Working in Women Prisons in Lebanon” planned. Authored by the Institute for Women’s Studies in the Arab World (IWSAW) at the Lebanese American University with the support and advise of UNFPA Lebanon, the guide consists of two major sections. The first section includes information on international conventions on the rights of prisoners; criminal prosecution, criminal law, and rights of women prisoners in Lebanon; the Lebanese prison law, as well as a survey of the reality of prisons and prisoners in the Arab countries, and findings of two studies undertaken by IWSAW to shed light on conditions of women’s prisons in all 4 women prisons in Lebanon. The second section of the guide includes practical guidelines and tips to work in women's prisons in Lebanon, particularly: the stages of preparation for the implementation of a project; best practices to address the needs of inmates at the social, psychological, health, and legal levels; as well as tips to reach the best possible outcomes when it comes to helping inmates to learn and/or develop income generating skills and achieve social integration once they are acquitted. The guide will benefit to a wide array of parties, mainly: local civil society (especially social workers) and international bodies dealing with the affairs of prisons in Lebanon; religious institutions; officials in charge of prison management; decision-makers regarding prisons. Read in English: Daily Star. Read in Arabic: National News Agency, Al Mustaqbal, As Safir, Al Balad (page 9), An Nahar.
BURKINA FASO: The Contribution of Youth in Development
Sidwaya on 30 November published an article about the workshop on the contribution of the adolescents and young people in the development. This workshop organized by the technical and financial support of UNFPA/Burkina. African Network for Youth Health and Development (RAJS/BF) product a document which study the adolescents and young people needs about sexual and reproductive health. It is be a guide to decision-makers and development partners to choose actions for promoting the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents and young people. In his interview, M. Siaka Traoré, National Program Officer in Charge of Communication, said that this study is very important for our country decisions-makers. Read in French: Sidwaya
MEXICO: Low incidence of AIDS in Mexico and other countries in the world
Uniradioinforma reported on 30 November that on the occasion of the 2011 World AIDS Day, Mr. Diego Palacios Jaramillo, UNFPA Representative and Chairman of the UNAIDS Theme Group, indicated that there are positive news to report, particularly related to an estimated reduction of number HIV cases and also a drop of deaths caused by the epidemic globally. Referring to Mexico, Mr. Palacios emphasized the need to expand prevention strategies aimed at the most vulnerable groups (MSM, sex workers, IDUs, young people and women) to address HIV/AIDS challenges. Palacios said that “Mexico needs to reinforce universal coverage of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment and engage young people at the center of the response in order to unleash their leadership, initiative and energy to expand positive changes in the national response. Read in Spanish: Uniradioinforma
MEXICO: Public policies must take into account population dynamics
Pulso Red, Grupo Formula and El Sol de Mexico reported on 30 November on a press conference organized to by National Population Council (CONAPO) to launch the study about the socio-demographic situation of Mexico in 2011. Mr. Diego Palacios Jaramillo, UNFPA Mexico Representative, was invited to comment on the report. Mr. Palacios stressed the need to ensure that public policies, particularly those at state level, take into account population dynamics. He pointed out that strengthening the coordination and technical guidance to the state level population councils (COESPOS) is a strategic initiative. Mr. Felix Velez, General Secretary of CONAPO, highlighted that because of a fast demographic transition, Mexico will experience in the following decades a very rapid growth of the 60 years and over population creating strong pressures over the pension system. This needs to be addressed urgently. Another population challenge mentioned by CONAPO is the high proportion of young people which demand jobs and quality sexual and reproductive health services. Read in Spanish: Pulso Red, Grupo Formula and El Sol de Mexico
PARAGUAY: Youth Talk About Sexual and Reproductive Rights
Radio Fe y Alegría reported on 30 November on the first national youth camp on sexual and reproductive rights, to be held on 3 and 4 December, with the slogan "The Leading Role, Rights, Sexuality" with the participation of over 15 organizations from different cities. This activity is development for the ONG BECA and has the support of UNFPA. Read in Spanish: Radio Fe y Alegría
BELARUS: Protective Order Against Domestic Violence
AiF in Belarus reported on 30 November that according to the sociological study of the UN Population Fund in Belarus 60% of women had experienced throughout their lives, any kind of violence. Today Belarus is invited to enter a protective order against domestic violence. According to the Head Deputy of Prevention of Ministry of Internal Affairs Oleg Karazey, the aim of making the protective order is to protect victims of domestic violence against undue influence, the impact of the rapist. Failure to comply with the provisions of this protective order will be considered as a basis for bringing the family aggressor to administrative liability. Read in Russian: AiF
UZBEKISTAN: Uniting Efforts Against AIDS
UzReport, UzDaily and other outlets reported on 30 November on an organization of events dedicated to World AIDS Day. UNFPA, along with UNAIDS, UNDP, Social Initiatives Support Fund and Fund Forum organized joint events at Youth Creativity Palace aimed at raising young people’s awareness on HIV/AIDS and HIV-related stigma and discrimination. Read in Russian: Uz Report and Uz Daily Read in English: Uz Daily
CAMEROON: Round Table Discussion on Mother to Child HIV Transmission
Cameroon Radio and Television (CRTV) reported on 30 November, a round table discussion on the issues and perspectives of mother-to-child HIV transmission and the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality. Alain Sibenaler, UNFPA Representative, was a member of the discussion panel with SYNERGIE AFRICAINES, ONUSIDA and renowned health specialists.
CAMEROON: African Youth Sensitized on Condom Use
Cameroon Tribune reported on 30 November on the orientation workshop on reproductive health commodity security (RHCS). The article says that the workshop is organized by UNFPA with the aim of introducing the concept of RHCS amongst youth and its strategic role in supporting all sexual and health-related programmes. UNFPA Africa Regional Director, Bunmi Makinwa said young people need more condoms and other contraceptive to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
TUNISIA: CARMMA Launch
Baya reported on 29 November that CARMMA was launching in Tunisia for the first time in North Africa. Mr Hafedh Chekir, UNFPA ASRO Director, recalled the need to strengthen collaboration with development partners to achieve MDG 5. Read in French: Baya
YEMEN: 16 day of activism to end violence against women
Multiple media outlets reported 25-29 November on the launching of the 16 days of activism to end violence against women.
Sana’a Radio aired on 25 November a two-hour live program in which UNFPA Assistant Rep was the guest. The live program discussed different kinds of violence that Yemeni women are subjected to. The program also highlighted the role of UN and UNFPA in promoting a violence-free environment for Yemeni women. The program was aired on all local radio stations nationwide. The discussion was quite frank and open.
National TV, radio and newspapers on 29 November reported on the UNFPA meeting with journalists, which aimed to have a media lobby to fight against violence against women. The meeting came within the 16 days of activism to end gender-based violence that UNFPA is undertaking these days and which will last until 10 December. Read in English: Yemen Times and Yemen Observer Read in Arabic: Althawranew, Althawranew, Almasdar Online, News Yemen, Saba News, Al-Tagheer, Akhbaralyom and Sahafah
CHINA: Reaching Out to Migrant Community
China Women’s Daily, the People’s Political Consultative Daily (CPPCC News), and Sohu.com on 29 November reported that UNFPA, together with UNICEF and UNAIDS, participated in a World AIDS Day event "Care for Love Care for AIDS" co-organized by Sohu and Global Business Coalition (GBC) on 27 Nov. The event was to raise awareness on HIV prevention and anti-stigma among migrant workers. The event took place in New Workers' Theatre in a migrant workers area in Jinzhan Township, Beijing. UNFPA representative Mr. Arie Hoekman was quoted on migration, health risks of migrants and limited access to health services of migrants. Mr. Arie Hoekman said at the event that almost a half of China's population now live in urban areas. In 2010, more than 200 million people migrated, representing an increase of more than 80% from the 2000 figure. Migrants face increasing health risks, including reproductive health risks and risks of HIV infection. Read in Chinese: China Women Daily, China CPPCC News and Sohu.com
BURKINA FASO: Programme of Cooperation
Sidwaya on 29 November and L’Observateur Paalga on 28 November published articles on the conclusion of the 6th 2006-2010 programme of cooperation workshop between the government of Burkina and UNFPA. This workshop was an opportunity to make an assessment of activities of 2006 to 2010. UNFPA mobilized 18 billions 97 millions francs CFA to promote population activities. The workshop was followed by the first annual review of the programme of cooperation 2011-2015.
CUBA: Country Will Have Oldest Population in Region
News agencies on 28 November tackled the publication of UNFPA World Population Prospects. Review of 2010, which predicts that Cuba will be the oldest population in the region in 2050 and it will rank eighth in the world in terms of increased reliance on older people in working age segment. Read in Spanish: Xinhua
GUATEMALA: Festival to Celebrate Life
Reportaje de on 28 November reported that government officials, the United Nations system, civil society organizations and the Tigo Fundation, invited, people to attend the Festival to end violence against women. Leonor Calderón, Representative for UNFPA in Guatemala, invited people to attend this festival, that will be held in the Plaza of the Constitution on 30 November. The festival will feature the international artist Olga Tañon, and national artists.
BOLIVIA: UNFPA Awards News Stories
Opinion and La Razon on 28 November refered to 4 news reports recognized as national winners of the contest "Sexual and Reproductive Rights, the most human of all rights." UNFPA contributes to the competition with 4 awards of $ 4,000 each. Read in Spanish: Opinion and La Razon
TANZANIA: TAMWA to Train 25 CSOs
Mwananchi on 28 November reported that the Tanzania Women Media Association (TAMWA) in collaboration with UNFPA organized a one day training for 25 Civil Society Organization (CSOs) to commemorate 16 Days of Activism. The training aims to orient the CSOs on gender-based violence (GBV) issues in the society so that they can help advocate against the cruel acts. According to TAMWA, GBV acts in the country are on the increase by 39% and many of the cases are not reported and, if reported, no action is being taken. Emergency action needs to be taken now, commented Ananilea Nkya, TAMWA Chairperson.
TANZANIA: Media Training on Gender-Based Violence
The Guardian on 28 November reported that a unique media training programme involving 25 civil society organizations (CSOs) from Tanzania Mainland dealing with gender-based violence (GBV) took place in Dar es Salaam as scheduled. The training programme is meant to empower CSOs on how to collaborate with the media to make their campaigns effective for social change so that different stakeholders including the grassroots, government leaders, private and public institutions and individuals men and women take action to prevent violence against women, girls and children.
COMOROS: Peace-Building Ranks First
Al Balad on 28 November reported on a meeting of island peace mediators who were ready to employ their influence to ensure peace in the country. UNFPA Communications Officer Djamaliddine Mohamed said that the peace-building project is ranked first among the twelve UNFPA-funded projects.
GABON: African Youth Day Celebrated
L'Union reported on 28 November on the adoption of the Youth Charter on youth participation in elections during the jointly organized Youth Ministry and UNFPA meeting that gathered 1,000 young people. According to Youth Director-General Dieudonne Mayombo Mounanga, "youth must be at the center of public policies and they must participate as the largest segment of the population to national development."
COMOROS: Improving Socioeconomic Status of Women
Al Balad on 28 November reported that two hundred women will benefit from trainings in bovine animal husbandry and yogurt and curdled milk production and marketing to improve their socioeconomic status. Seventy-five women have already received such training with support from UNFPA.
CAMEROON: Integrating Population Dynamics in Development Strategy
The Post reported on 28 November on the advocacy workshop, organized with UNFPA support, on the need to integrate population dynamics in development strategy. The purpose of the workshop was to ensure different ministries take population issues into consideration in their developmental strategies. The Representative of UNFPA in Cameroon, Alain Sibenaler, said it will be necessary for government to take into account the education, health and employment situation of its growing population which should have access to employment.
TUNISIA: Tunis Declaration Adopted
La Presse de Tunisie, All Africa, TixUp, Tunisia Live, African Manager, Medical News, Turess, Santé TN, Tunisie Focus, Binaa News, Attounissia, L’Expert and Assabah reported from 21 to 28 November on the "Maternal Mortality ... for How long?" conference. Tunisia is the first North African country to launch CARMMA (Campaign for Accelerating, the Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa) which aims to share the country’s experience in reducing maternal mortality with other countries in Africa. The regional conference is an important step to build a consensus around approaches and mechanisms of effective and comprehensive South-South cooperation in the area of reproductive health and maternal mortality programs with more than 150 participants from 17 countries and international and regional organizations present at the conference. The closing ceremony lead to the proclamation and adoption of the “Tunis Declaration” which recognizes maternal, newborn and child health as key indicators of a functional health system, social justice and overall quality of life and reaffirms the commitments of African Union Commission, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and all relevant organizations and partners to ensure the follow up and implementation of these recommendations especially those on South-South cooperation, taking advantage of the ICPD+20 process and the review of the MDGs to accelerate the achievement of these objectives. Read in French: La Presse de Tunisie, All Africa, Tunisia Live, African Manager, Medical News, Turess, TixUp, Santé TN and Tunisie Focus Read in Arabic: Binaa News, Attounissia, Attounissia and Assabah
URUGUAY: Racism Against Afrodescendents
El Observador published on 27 November a report on racism in Uruguay. Last week Uruguayan soccer player Luis Suárez, called player Patrice Evra a “negro” during a English League match. Among different experts, the article mentions Magdalena Furtado, UNFPA’s national programme officer. 39,6% of Uruguayan afrodescendents live in poor households and poverty rates are 20 percent higher than the rest of population. For children, this rate rises to 55%. Regarding employment, afrodescendents on average work more years, but their salary per hour is 29% lower than the rest of population. In addition, gaps in education levels persist among different generations. Read more in Spanish: El Observador
MALDIVES: Campaign Against Domestic Violence Launched
Minivan News reported on 27 November that President Mohammad Nasheed said eliminating gender inequality is essential for development. The article also mentioned that the Thinakun Ekeh gender advocacy group organised events in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to launch a 16-day campaign against domestic violence with programmes to disseminate information of its incidence and raise public awareness. Read in English: Minivan News
GLOBAL: CONTINUING COVERAGE ON WORLD OF 7 BILLION
CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE): La Semaine de Brazzaville reported on 22 November on the visit of UNFPA Representative David Lawson to the main hospital of the economic capital of Congo, Pointe-Noire, on the occasion of the celebration of a World at 7 billion. Mr. Lawson donated kits to three babies born on 31 October. Read in French: La Semaine de Brazzaville
LEBANON: As Safir reported on 25 November a column on the 7 Billion population milestone. The article provides global UNFPA statistics on a number of issues such as fertility rates, life-expectancy, maternal health and poverty. It wonders about the population growth landmarks and projections in light of past and present population policies and ideologies. Read in Arabic: As Safir
URUGUAY: 180.com reported on 26 November that at the end of October the world “celebrated” the arrival of inhabitant 7 billion. This celebration brings some question on the sustainability of the world population, which is expected to reach 9 billion in 2050, and poses some challenges both for the world and Uruguay. Life expectancy has increased by 20 years since 1950, with important differences among regions and countries. If in 1950, there were 12 persons of working age for every person older than 65 years, today there are only 7 and it is probable that in 2050 will be only 3. Read more in Spanish: 180
TUNISIA: Challenges to Reaching MDG 5
Télévision Nationale Tunisienne I, Hannibal TV and Nessma TV reported on 24, 25 and 26 November on the CARMMA launching in Tunisia. Mr. Hafedh Chekir, UNFPA ASRO Director, highlighted the reduction of maternal mortality challenges in the Arab states to achieve MDG 5 by 2015 and the need to strengthen collaboration with development partners towards the implementation of concrete actions aimed at reducing MNCH morbidity and mortality. Mr. Mohammed Salah Ben Ammar, General Director of Public Health of the Tunisian Republic, indicated that challenges facing Tunisia are related to regional inequalities and access to RH services. H.E. Bience Gawanas, African Union Commission of Social Affairs, recalled that maternal and newborn mortality rates are sensitive indicators of overall health care system performance and can be used to monitor general health gains in the population. However, these deaths pose one of the most serious challenges to achieve the MDG 5 by 2015, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where 1 out of 13 women is at risk of dying from obstetrical causes compared to 1 woman out of 4,000 in high income countries. The UNFPA Assistant Representative in Tunisia, Dr. Leila Joudane, recalled that the Tunisian republic is committed to reduce its maternal mortality ratio (MMR), which is now at 44.8/100,000 to 18.6/100.000 in order to reach the MDG 5 target for MMR. Watch in Arabic: Nessma TV and Hannibal TV
TUNISIA: Sharing Experiences Can Engineer Change
La Presse de Tunisie and Le Temps reported on their respective front pages on 25 and 26 November on the launch of the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA) highlighting that maternal and newborn mortality rates are sensitive indicators of overall health care system performance and can be used to monitor general health gains in the population. However, these deaths pose one of the most serious challenges to achieve MDG 5 by 2015, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where 1 out of 13 women is at risk of dying from obstetrical causes compared to 1 woman out of 4,000 in high-income countries.
Tunisia is the first North African country to launch CARMMA with the aim of sharing the country’s experience in reducing maternal mortality with other countries in Africa. This regional conference is an opportunity to build a consensus around approaches and mechanisms of effective and comprehensive South-to-South cooperation in the area of reproductive health and maternal heath programmes. More than 150 participants from 17 countries and international and regional organisations attended the event and the discussions focused on the experiences, challenges and the learned lessons in this field as well as the possibilities provided by the South-South cooperation to respond collectively to the constraints; Mr. Hafedh Chekir, UNFPA ASRO Director, emphasizes that the African resources should be used and developed in the framework of South-to-South cooperation and that it’s only with sharing experiences that a global change can be done. Mr. Mohammed Salah Ben Ammar, General Director of Public Health of the Tunisian Republic, highlighted that Tunisia will learn from African countries and share with them its best practices. Read in French La Presse de Tunisie and Le Temps
BANGLADESH: Concert Organized on Prevention of Violence Against Women
Multiple media outlets reported on 26 November on a mega concert organized in Chittagong with the Bangladesh Musical Band Association (BAMBA) with 13 Bands. All the bands performed their popular songs to their youth crowds with the messages on the prevention of violence against women (VAW). All TV, radio, on-line and print medias promoted the theme song, talk shows and interviews with UNFPA officials and band performers on VAW issues and how musical associations are appealing to the young generations for eliminating VAW from Bangladesh. It was the second concert in the country with the slogan: "Say no to violence against women: Be a real man" organised jointly by UNFPA and BAMBA. Listen to the theme song on: YouTube