Archive for February 20th, 2016

20/02/2016

‘Bees Can Help Boost Food Security of Two Billion Small Farmers at No Cost’

Human Wrongs Watch

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on 19 February 2016 highlighted the publication of a new study that quantifies, for the first time, how much crop yields depend on the work of bees that unknowingly fertilize plants as they move from flower to flower.

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A new study suggest that poorly performing farms could significantly increase their crop yields by attracting more pollinators to their land. Photo: FAO/James Cane

In doing so, the agency says bees may have a key role to play in improving the production of some two billion smallholder farmers worldwide and ensuring the food security and nutrition of the world’s growing population.

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20/02/2016

(Liberated) Afghanistan Re-Commits to Ending Children Recruitment in Security Forces

Human Wrongs Watch

19 February 2016 – Following a mission to Afghanistan, the United Nations envoy dealing with children and armed conflict issues, has welcomed the Government’s recommitment to fully implementing its plan to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children in the national security forces.

Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Leila Zerrougui addressing a press conference in Kabul, Afghanistan. Photo: UNAMA/Fardin Waezi

“The political will and progress I have seen on the ground are encouraging. The Government’s commitment will be instrumental to turn the page on the recruitment and use of children in the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF),” stated Leila Zerrougui, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, in a press release.

20/02/2016

South Sudan ‘on Verge of Fragmenting’

Human Wrongs Watch

With senior United Nations officials warning of escalating inter-communal violence and rampant human rights violations in South Sudan, the Security Council on 19 February 2016 strongly condemned all attacks and provocations against civilians and the UN by armed actors, and called for calm on all sides.

12-18-2015Displacement

Women and children arrive in the Bentiu Protection of Civilians site for internally displaced people, in Unity State, South Sudan. Photo: UNICEF/Sebastian Rich

In a statement to the press, the Council condemned “in the strongest terms” violence committed by elements of the Shilluk and Dinka communities, which erupted in the protection of civilians site in Malakal managed by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), on February 17 and which continued into yesterday, resulting in more than 18 deaths and 50 injuries.

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