Archive for ‘Africa’

07/09/2023

Coasts and Seas Life Facing Major Threat Due to Massive Sand Removal: Six Billion Tons a Year

Human Wrongs Watch

(UN News)* — Startling findings from a new UN data platform reveal that the marine dredging industry is extracting a staggering six billion tons of sand and sediment annually.
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© UNEP/Arnaud Vander Velpen | Billions of tons of sand are extracted annually, adding pressure on marine life and coastal communities.

This is equivalent to over one million dump trucks every day – placing immense pressure on marine biodiversity and the well-being of coastal communities.

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06/09/2023

Internal Displacement in Sudan Nearly Doubles Since Onset of Conflict: More than 7 Millions

Human Wrongs Watch

Geneva, 5 September 2023 (IOM)*  – The number of people internally displaced has nearly doubled since the start of the conflict in Sudan according to the latest figures by the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM).

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People fleeing the ongoing fighting in Sudan arrive in Chad. Photo: IOM/F. Ada Affana

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06/09/2023

People of African Descent Facing ‘Immense Challenges’ in Public Square

Human Wrongs Watch

(UN News)* — Members of the African diaspora continue to face immense challenges participating in public life in many countries, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) said in a new report on Tuesday [].

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UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urged States to “accelerate action towards meaningful, inclusive and safe participation for people of African descent in every aspect of public affairs”.
Unsplash | UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urged States to “accelerate action towards meaningful, inclusive and safe participation for people of African descent in every aspect of public affairs”.

It details how systemic racism, marginalization and exclusion, rooted in the legacies of enslavement and colonialism, continue to have a negative effect on all aspects of life.

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05/09/2023

Urgent Appeal for $1 Billion to Support Millions Fleeing Sudan Conflict as Needs Soar

Human Wrongs Watch

(UN News)* — The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, and 64 humanitarian and national civil society organisations on Monday [] appealed for $1 billion to provide essential aid and protection to more than 1.8 million people fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan who are expected to arrive in five neighbouring countries by the end of 2023.
Food is distributed by WFP at Adre refugee camp in Chad.
© WFP/Julian Civiero | Food is distributed by WFP at Adre refugee camp in Chad.

Since the crisis began when rival military groups clashed in mid-April, projections of growing numbers of people trying to escape fighting have sharply spiked upwards.

“The crisis has triggered an urgent demand for humanitarian assistance, as those arriving in remote border areas find themselves in desperate circumstances due to inadequate services, poor infrastructure and limited access,” said Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR Regional Bureau Director for the East and Horn of Africa and Great Lakes, and Regional Refugee Coordinator for the Sudan Situation.

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04/09/2023

Philippines: Indigenous Knowledge Takes on Climate Crisis

Human Wrongs Watch

In the mountainous province of Bukidnon in the southern Philippines, local indigenous groups are being forced to adapt to the alarming impacts of climate change. With UN support, communities are making significant strides, using centuries-old knowledge to forge sustainable solutions.

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A cacao plantation in Bukidnon province, Philippines.
© Bukda Organization | A cacao plantation in Bukidnon province, Philippines.
04/09/2023

‘I am because you are’ – Climate Justice Through the Spirit of Ubuntu

Human Wrongs Watch

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Ameenah Gurib-Fakim argues that Innovative global development finance ecosystems are needed to unlock equitable international financing flows while preserving the fiscal sovereignty of developing countries to pursue development pathways unique to their circumstances and realities.

A view of an artificial installed at Mon Choisy Beach to combat soil erosion and create resilience. The installation will break up the waves before they reach the shore and will also act as a habitat for fish. Credit: Reuben Pillay/Climate Visuals Countdown

A view of an artificial installed at Mon Choisy Beach to combat soil erosion and create resilience. The installation will break up the waves before they reach the shore and will also act as a habitat for fish. Credit: Reuben Pillay/Climate Visuals Countdown

PORT LOUIS, Sep 4 2023 (IPS)* – The Africa Climate Summit 2023 is expected to start with renewed hope. In its 60+ years of post-independence history, Africa has contributed around 3% of Green House Emissions, accounts for approximately 2.6% of global trade, and less than 3% of the world’s GDP in 2021.

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03/09/2023

Six Reasons to Bring Millets to the Market!

By UN Food and Agriculture Organization*

Rich in heritage and full of potential, millets are a sustainable, nutritious and under-valued food source

They were one of the first domesticated plants, but millets have been overshadowed by other grains over the last decades. This year, FAO is celebrating the International Year of Millets to help everyone rediscover the multi-faceted reasons this crop should resurface in our markets and on our tables. ©FAO/Jeanette Van Acker

We may be small, but we are strong. We grow where others cannot. We nurture soils and ecosystems, and we provide nutrition for all.

What are we?

Millets!

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03/09/2023

“One in Five Water Boreholes We Dig Now Is Dry or Unfit for Humans to Drink” – Oxfam

Human Wrongs Watch

By OXFAM International*

Climate-induced water insecurity poses one of the biggest threats to humanity and will lead to more hunger, disease and displacement.

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Climate Change and Water Security. Oxfam‘s report “Water Dilemmas” highlights how a water security crisis, in large part driven by global heating from greenhouse gas emissions, will fuel hunger and disease and force more people to leave their homes. | Photo: Oxfamwash.org

Oxfam water engineers are having to drill deeper, more expensive and harder-to-maintain water boreholes used by some of the poorest communities around the world, more often now only to find dry, depleted or polluted reservoirs. | French Arabic

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03/09/2023

Climate Justice Delayed Is Justice Denied

Human Wrongs Watch

Climate justice is not just about survival but also about benefit sharing, reducing inequality and enabling a better society that thrives – Yamide Dagnet, Climate Justice Director at Open Society Foundations

A family shelter on the roof of their small house surrounded by floodwater in Jatrapur Union in Kurigram District, Bangladesh. Credit: Muhammad Amdad Hossain/Climate Visuals

A family shelter on the roof of their small house surrounded by floodwater in Jatrapur Union in Kurigram District, Bangladesh. Credit: Muhammad Amdad Hossain/Climate Visuals

BULAWAYO, ZIMBABWE, Aug 31 2023 (IPS)* – The failure to tackle the climate change crisis is an injustice to the millions who have lost lives and livelihoods through floods, extreme weather, and wildfires, pointing to the urgency of adaptation and mitigation finance, experts say.

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02/09/2023

Children in Africa among the Most at Risk from Climate Change But Woefully Deprived of Funding to Survive

Human Wrongs Watch

(UN News)* — Children in Africa are among the most at risk from climate change impacts but are being woefully deprived of the financing necessary to help them adapt, survive and respond to the crisis, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a new report on Friday []. 

Children in Africa are among the most at risk of the impacts of climate change.
© UNICEF/Raphael Pouget | Children in Africa are among the most at risk of the impacts of climate change.

It was released as leaders prepare to meet for the African Climate Summit, taking place next week in Nairobi, Kenya.

Children in 48 out of 49 African countries assessed were found to be at high or extremely high risk of the impacts of climate change, based on their exposure and vulnerability to cyclones, heatwaves and other climate and environmental shocks, and access to essential services.