News

'There's no military solution to problems of insurgency'

Anna Nath, OneWorld South Asia — 2009-11-07T06:11:39Z

Peace process should become a tool to achieve peace and not be seen as an instrument of delaying conflicts, says Suhas Chakma, Director, Asian Centre for Human Rights in an interview with OneWorld South Asia. It’s a misconception that human rights organisations in India do not condemn violence by armed insurgent groups, he adds.

Pakistan: Harsher punishment for crime against women

Raja Asghar — 2009-11-06T12:41:34Z

The National Assembly of Pakistan has unanimously passed a bill to provide for a higher punishment for sexual harassment. In a rare show of concern for women without a dissent, the lawmakers have expanded the definition of the crime to facilitate prosecution.

Women crusaders 'on the prowl' for timber mafia

2009-11-06T12:02:31Z

A group of tribal women in eastern India has helped restore the neighbourhood forests. Carrying traditional weapons and humming folk warnings, these women go on routine patrolling to track timber mafia engaged in illegal felling of trees.

Faith leaders join battle against global warming

2009-11-06T12:07:26Z

The world's religions have a crucial role to play in the fight against global climate change, UN chief said earlier this week characterising the battle against global warming as a "moral" issue. He was co-hosting an inter-faith gathering of religious and secular leaders in London.

Website to serve South Asian diaspora

P. S. Suryanarayana — 2009-11-06T10:16:22Z

The Institute of South Asian Studies has launched a new web link to reach out to the far-flung diaspora. Starting off with a newsletter and a database of South Asian communities across the world, the website will help address issues related to the region and its people.

No solution to Lankan ethnic issue before resettlement

Priscilla Jebaraj — 2009-11-06T06:46:15Z

Before the resettlement issue is resolved in Sri Lanka, it is not possible for the government to engage in any constructive dialogue to seek political solution for the ethnic problem, feels the Central Bank governor. About 1.5 lakh of the internally displaced are still in camps and the biggest hurdle in their resettlement is landmines, he asserts.

UN's Afghan mission may soon come to an end

2009-11-06T06:13:57Z

The UN is reportedly contemplating withdrawal of its staff from Afghanistan following a Taliban attack, which saw five of its personnel dead. During a surprise visit to Afghan capital, the UN chief requested President Hamid Karzai to beef up security.

Palestinian women suffer in Israeli occupied territories

Mel Frykberg — 2009-11-06T05:22:10Z

Palestinian women continue to be denied basic human rights by Israeli settlers and soldiers in the occupied territories. They are facing discriminatory treatment, sexual harassment and assault despite Israel being signatory to the UN Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

Building child protection systems

2009-11-05T11:42:12Z

Violence, exploitation and abuse of children can be brought to an end by creating a protective environment. UNICEF’s report Progress for Children: A Report Card on Child Protection document some improvements in bringing social change, and the challenges in building a safe world for children.

G77 takes on West on climate change

Nitin Sethi — 2009-11-05T12:26:13Z

Developing countries have taken on the developed nations for diverting the process of negotiations away from UNFCCC framework and Bali Action Plan. In the ongoing Barcelona talks, the G77 and China grouping launched a counter offensive against the attempt to hoist a GHG emission reduction regime on developing countries.

US aid to boost technology in Islamic countries

2009-11-05T12:23:29Z

The US-sponsored global technology and innovation fund will invest million of dollars in projects that will promote technological development and innovations in the Muslim-majority countries. Critics, however, say that the real intention is to get more access to the huge market in these countries.

'US intentions are not good for the climate'

Sunita Narain — 2009-11-05T07:17:14Z

As the clock ticks to climate change summit, the world is ill-prepared to bring climate-renegade US on board. Is a bad deal in Copenhagen better than no deal? asks Sunita Narain, Director of the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment.

Malaria vaccine in the offing

Susan Anyangu — 2009-11-05T06:49:38Z

Scientists have announced that they are on the threshold of inventing a malaria vaccine. Researchers, however, are skeptical of Africa’s readiness to make use of it, where most of malaria-related deaths happen.

Sri Lanka steps up release of non-combatant refugees

2009-11-05T05:37:12Z

The Sri Lankan government is said to have markedly stepped up the release of more than 300,000 displaced Tamils from camps in the north. Everyday between 2,000-3,000 people are now being freed from detention.

Harping on youth for sustainable future

Anna Nath, OneWorld South Asia — 2009-11-04T13:34:09Z

At an interactive discussion organised by TERI University in India’s national capital, panellists from different fields highlighted the need for youth to participate in the collective fight against climate change. With technology and knowledge capital at hand, youngsters can usher in a sustainable future for all.