UNCTAD [to 17 October 2015]
http://unctad.org/en/Pages/AllPressRelease.aspx

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Press Releases
14 Oct 2015 –
The world’s commercial shipping fleet grew at lowest rate in 10 years in 2014 – new UNCTAD data

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14 Oct 2015 –
Developing countries’ share in the volume of global seaborne imports exceeded share of seaborne exports for the first time in 2014

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14 Oct 2015 –
At 11.4 per cent of the value of imports, African countries paid more for international transport than any other region in 2005–2014

14 Oct 2015 –
Maritime transport and climate policy at a critical juncture, UNCTAD Report says
UNCTAD/PRESS/IN/2015/008
Geneva, Switzerland, (14 October 2015)
Maritime transport is at a critical juncture as the global community commits to the new Sustainable Development Goals and gears up for a new international climate policy agreement. The UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 20151 highlights the role of freight transport, including maritime transport, in addressing the global sustainability and resilience agenda.
Download Report: Review of Maritime Transport 2015

World Trade Organisation [to 17 October 2015]
http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news_e.htm
[We generally limit coverage to regional and global level initiatives, recognizing that a number of country-level announcements are added each week]

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New consultation process established on Nairobi outcome document
At a meeting of all WTO members in Geneva today (12 October 2015), Director-General Roberto Azevêdo outlined an initial process for developing an outcome document for the WTO’s 10th Ministerial Conference, which will be held in Nairobi this December.

Some Members not ready to start discussions on increased transparency in services
Several WTO members, citing different concerns, said at a meeting of the Working Party on Domestic Regulation on 15 October that they were not prepared to start discussing what some consider a potential outcome for the Nairobi Ministerial Conference: to increase transparency in the services sector, in particular in “Domestic Regulation”. Chairman Eog-Weon LEE from Korea will consult with delegations on a potential way forward.

IMF [to 17 October 2015]
http://www.imf.org/external/news/default.aspx

Press Release: The IMF’s Regional Technical Assistance Center South Supports Strengthening the Administration of Large Taxpayers in the Southern Africa Region
October 13, 2015

World Bank [to 17 October 2015]
http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/all
[We generally limit coverage to regional and global level initiatives, recognizing that a number of country-level announcements are added each week]

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Africa Gains in Health, Education, but Numbers of Poor Grow
Ahead of End Poverty Day, new World Bank Group report highlights progress and challenges, calls for ambitious efforts to collect data ACCRA, Ghana, October 16, 2015 – Africa’s strong economic…
Date: October 16, 2015 Type: Press Release

Speech by World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim at the Global Launch of “Poverty In A Rising Africa” Report
President Mahama, Prime Minister Matata, President Adesina, dignitaries, Your Majesty Paramount Chief of Jamestown, good people of Jamestown and Accra, and all of Ghana! I greet you all. I’m so happy to…
Date: October 16, 2015 Type: Speeches and Transcripts

South Asia Extreme Poverty Falls, but Challenges Remain
WASHINGTON, October 15, 2015 – The number of people living in extreme poverty in the South Asia Region is likely to have fallen to 13.5 percent of the region’s population in 2015, according to new World…
Date: October 15, 2015 Type: Press Release

World Bank’s New End-Poverty Tool: Surveys in Poorest Countries
Working with countries and partners, plan will ensure household surveys every three years in 78 countries
Date: October 15, 2015 Type: Press Release

Addressing the Youth Employment Crisis Needs Urgent Global Action
In the coming decades, global growth will depend on today’s young people. Combatting the persistent youth employment crisis requires a global effort and proactive action: report
Date: October 13, 2015 Type: Press Release

World Bank Group, SVRI to Fund Innovations to Prevent Gender-Based Violence
WASHINGTON, October 13, 2015—The World Bank Group and nonprofit Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) today announced an open call for funding proposals for work aimed at preventing gender-based violence in low- and middle-income countries.
SVRI and the World Bank Group will provide grants of up to US$150,000 for innovations to prevent gender-based violence (GBV)—a severe and neglected problem affecting more than one in three women worldwide and a major challenge for global development.
Applications must be submitted online here by December 9, 2015.
Date: October 13, 2015 Type: Press Release

IPU Inter-Parliamentary Union [to 17 October 2015]
http://www.ipu.org/english/news.htm

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Strengthening parliamentary action on terrorism
16 OCTOBER 2015
With terrorism remaining a priority concern for the global parliamentary community, MPs from across the world will be focusing on what actions national parliaments can take or are taking to meet international commitments to counter it when they meet at the 133rd IPU Assembly in Geneva.

Since 1996, IPU members have adopted 12 resolutions related to terrorism, the most recent at the Hanoi Assembly in March 2015, and have also committed to backing the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and all relevant UN resolutions which underscore the important role of parliaments in ensuring States comply with international law in efforts to combat the crime.

To make progress on these commitments, better understand how the Global Strategy is being implemented and identify legislative gaps on countering terrorism, MPs will engage in various discussions with key experts during the Assembly…

International Criminal Court (ICC)  [to 17 October 2015]
http://www.icc-cpi.int/en_menus/icc/Pages/default.aspx

14/10/2015
Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Mrs Fatou Bensouda, following growing tensions reported in Guinea
As part of its ongoing preliminary examination, my Office has been closely following developments in the situation in Guinea, including as they relate to the risk of possible violence leading to crimes falling under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”).

13/10/2015
The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, requests judges for authorisation to open an investigation into the Situation in Georgia
Today, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”), Fatou Bensouda, requested authorisation from the Court’s Judges to initiate an investigation into the alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in relation to the August 2008 armed conflict in Georgia. For this purpose, the Prosecutor requested to proceed with an investigation into the Situation in Georgia for the period from 1 July to 10 October 2008.

13/10/2015
UN USG for Safety and Security meets ICC Registrar and highlights the importance of strengthened field operations, including outreach
On 12 October 2015, United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary General for Safety and Security, Mr Peter Thomas Drennan visited the International Criminal Court (ICC) and met Registrar Herman von Hebel. They discussed cooperation between the United Nations and the ICC in the area of safety and security, particularly in regions where both the UN and the ICC operate.

BRAC [to 17 October 2015]
http://www.brac.net/#news

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16 October 2015
Sir Fazle Hasan Abed has been honoured as the 2015 World Food Prize Laureate
Founder of BRAC received this prestigious prize for giving nearly 150 million people worldwide the opportunity for enhanced food security and a pathway out of poverty.

RAC founder and chairperson Sir Fazle Hasan Abed has been honoured as the 2015 World Food Prize Laureate, on 16 October 2015 at 06:30am (Bangladesh time) at a ceremony held at the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines, Iowa, USA. This highly prestigious prize was conferred to him for his outstanding contribution to enhancing the world’s production and distribution of food to those most in need…

Watch Sir Fazle’s speech at the ceremony

CARE International [to 17 October 2015]
http://www.care-international.org/news/press-releases.aspx

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Food Injustice in a Changing Climate: Hundreds of Millions at Risk of Hunger
GLOBAL
12 OCTOBER 2015
Climate change threatens to put hundreds of millions people – mostly women and children – at risk of hunger unless inequalities in the food system are tackled simultaneously with climate change.

Danish Refugee Council [to 17 October 2015]
http://drc.dk/news/archive/

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DRC statement to the WHS Global Consultations (16.10.15)
Read the full written statement submitted by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), at the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) Global Consultations,14-16 October 2015 in Geneva. the DRC.

“People need to recognise Ebola and isolate it” (15.10.15)
Liberia is Ebola-free, and for the first time since the outbreak was declared in March 2014, no new Ebola cases were recorded in Sierra Leone and Guinea for a full week. The end of the outbreak seems…

International effort for refugees and internally displaced people in regions of origin (13.10.15)
Many people are talking about assistance in regions of origin. The Danish Refugee Council does it because, we are there. Therefore we also have positions on this. Read more about the Danish Refugee…

Six months into the Yemen crisis, DRC helps over 243,000 persons (12.10.15)
An estimated 21.1 million people remain in need of immediate humanitarian assistance in Yemen, six months after the conflict began in mid-March 2015.

Heifer International [to 17 October 2015]
http://www.heifer.org/about-heifer/press/press-releases.html

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Heifer International Weekly
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015
October 15, 2015

Heifer International Named 2015 LINGOS Member of the Year
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.
Congratulations to Heifer International, which has been named LINGOs’ 2015 Member of the Year! The annual award honors a LINGOs member organization that has demonstrated commitment to LINGOs’ mission: providing affordable, high-quality learning solutions to those working to improve lives in developing and vulnerable communities.

HelpAge International [to 17 October 2015]
http://www.helpage.org/newsroom/press-room/press-releases/

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HelpAge study included in top 20 most impressive examples of research contributing to development
Research exploring the effects of limited access to transport on older people’s health and livelihoods in Tanzania has been cited within a case study ranked by the UK Collaborative on Development Sciences (UKCDS) as one of the top 20 most impressive examples of UK research contributing to development.

The study, including research carried out by HelpAge International, Durham University, the Good Samaritan Social Services Trust and Research for Policy (REPOA), was selected from the 6,975 case studies submitted to the Research Excellence Framework 2014 – the system used to assess the research quality of all UK universities. It was picked by UKCDS, a group of 14 UK government departments and research funders working in international development, as one of their 20 favourite impact stories.
Posted: 14 October 2015

IRC International Rescue Committee [to 17 October 2015]
http://www.rescue.org/press-release-index

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Press Release
South Sudan: New Violence Prevents Aid from Reaching Vulnerable Populations
13 Oct 2015 – Norwegian Refugee Council & International Rescue Committee: For Immediate Release
:: Renewed violence in Unity State keeping humanitarian organizations from accessing most vulnerable
:: This is the second suspension of NRC and IRC activities in Koch and Leer Counties in the last five months. Clashes between armed factions in mid-May resulted in both agencies relocating their staff
:: All parties to South Sudan conflict should immediately cease hostilities

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World Handwashing Day: A village comes together to end cholera
Posted by The IRC on October 15, 2015
With the help of the IRC, a village in Ivory Coast has not seen a single case of cholera for more than a year after coming together to promote healthy practices that can prevent the spread of disease.

ICRC [to 17 October 2015]
https://www.icrc.org/en/whats-new

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Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory: Planned house demolitions are illegal
Jerusalem/Geneva (ICRC): The International Committee of the Red Cross urges the Israeli government to immediately halt plans for the punitive destruction of six private homes in the West Bank.
17-10-2015 | News release

What we do for detainees
Our aims – Every day people are detained and exposed to danger. They may lose contact with their families or be subjected to inhumane living conditions, including inadequate food, water and health services.
16-10-2015 | Article

Frequently asked questions on detainees, detention and the ICRC
What is the ICRC’s position on torture and ill treatment? What can the ICRC do when detainees go on hunger strike? What is the role of an ICRC doctor during a visit to detainees on hunger strike? What is the ICRC’s position on the forced feeding o
16-10-2015 | Article

How does the ICRC work in detention?
Under what conditions will the ICRC visit detainees? What does an ICRC visit look like? Who is in the visiting team? What does the ICRC do to improve the situation of detainees? Under what conditions will the ICRC visit detainees? ICRC visits
16-10-2015 | Article

Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory: An alarming cycle of violence to be addressed now!
The International Committee of the Red Cross is increasingly concerned by the deterioration in the situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
16-10-2015 | News release

Afghanistan: Reaching people and places in need
Widespread conflict continues to devastate the lives of thousands of people in cities and towns across Afghanistan. The ICRC is providing basic aid, such as clean water and medical care, to those most in need.
15-10-2015 | Article

South Sudan: Maridi hospital up and running – ICRC strengthens support
After the explosion of a fuel tanker in Maridi last month, the ICRC, in cooperation with the South Sudan Red Cross (SSRC), was the first responder.
15-10-2015 | Article

South Sudan: Countering the spread of preventable disease
15 October 2015, Juba – Today marks Global Handwashing Day. Sadly, the challenges in South Sudan have gone beyond mere handwashing with a cholera outbreak that has had a devastating effect on many in the country.
15-10-2015 | News release

How does the ICRC help migrants?
This booklet explains how the ICRC helps vulnerable migrants and their families around the world. It details our approach and describes what we, together with National Societies, do to help protect and assist migrants along migration routes.
14-10-2015 | Publication

Nigeria: Facts and figures, September 2015
Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced by the armed conflict in north-east Nigeria.
14-10-2015 | Article

Australia: How is IHL relevant in modern humanitarian contexts?
On 29 September the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Australia hosted a symposium in Canberra to explore the relevance of international humanitarian law in modern humanitarian contexts.
14-10-2015 | Article

eBriefing: New technologies and the modern battlefield
In recent years, a wide array of new technologies have entered the modern battlefield, giving rise to new means and methods of warfare, such as cyber attacks, armed drones and robots, including autonomous weapons.
13-10-2015 | Article

Handbook on strategies to reduce overcrowding in prisons
Published by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime with contributions from the ICRC, the handbook provides holistic and practical guidance on how to avoid overcrowding, to address it where it already exists and to alleviate its consequences.
13-10-2015 | Publication

Islamic Relief [to 17 October 2015]
http://www.islamic-relief.org/category/news/

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International Day for Disaster Reduction
October 13, 2015
When the tsunami washed over parts of South East Asia, many people sought refuge in their local mosque.
Psychologically, mosques offered a sense of security and safety. They were a place to both give and receive comfort from other survivors. Many people believed disaster was the will of God and so wished to be closer to Him by attending mosques. Their column-like structures meant the water passed through the building; importantly, therefore, among flattened buildings and debris, the mosques remained standing.

The theme of International Day for Disaster Reduction 2015 is the value of traditional, indigenous and local knowledge in reducing a community’s exposure to disasters. This, UNESCO says, can be anything from local understanding of the cause of natural disasters, cultural belief systems, and survival and coping strategies such as migration to higher ground. Understanding the Muslim community’s reasons for amassing at a mosque has been instrumental in designing our disaster risk reduction programmes in West Sumatra and West Nuga Tenggara, in Indonesia…

MSF/Médecins Sans Frontières [to 17 October 2015]
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/news-stories/press/press-releases

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MSF Launches Petition Drive for Afghanistan Attack Investigation
October 15, 2015
U.S. Urged to Consent to International Inquiry Into Devastating Airstrikes on MSF Hospital in Kunduz
NEW YORK — The international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) today launched a petition urging citizens to call on President Obama and the United States to consent to an independent investigation into the bombing of MSF’s trauma hospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan, on October 3.

Press release
CAR: Thousands Flee Renewed Violence in Bangui
October 14, 2015
PARIS/BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (CAR) — On Sept. 26, violence broke out yet again in Bangui, capital of Central African Republic, forcing about 40,000 people to flee their neighborhoods to seek shelter and protection at sites including Mpoko camp near the city’s airport.

MSF Statement on October 15 Incident at Kunduz Hospital
October 16, 2015
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) confirms that an armored vehicle forced its way through the closed main gate of its hospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan yesterday, October 15, at 1:30 p.m. local time. The unannounced and forced entry damaged the gate to the property, potentially destroyed evidence, and caused stress and fear for the MSF team that had arrived earlier in the day to visit the hospital. Only after the armored vehicle forced its way into our compound was MSF informed that the intrusion was conducted by a delegation from the US/NATO/Afghan investigation team.

Field news
Nigeria: A New MSF Emergency Project in Maiduguri
October 13, 2015
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been working at Umaru Shehu Hospital in Maiduguri, the capital of Nigeria’s Borno State, since September 28. The hospital, which treats patients referred from smaller health facilities, also provides care to people wounded during attacks.
At the hospital, an MSF doctor and nurse provide support and relief to Ministry of Health teams working night and day in the 11-bed emergency room. Between September 28 and October 3, 134 patients were admitted to the department for emergency medical and surgical care.

Field news
Access to Affordable Generic Medicines for World’s Poorest Countries Under Threat
October 13, 2015
The United States, Australia, and Canada are trying to weaken trade rules that exempt least-developed countries (LDCs) from having to implement patents on medicines and vaccines. This exemption, which allows the least developed countries in the world to freely import affordable generic medicines and also to produce medicines locally, expires next year.
Bangladesh, on behalf of all LDCs, has asked for an exemption to be granted for as long as LDCs are classified as such. Starting October 15, World Trade Organization member states will consider this request.

Mercy Corps [to 17 October 2015]
http://www.mercycorps.org/press-room/releases

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Refugee Crisis in Europe: Choose Engagement over Isolation, says Mercy Corps
Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Syria, October 15, 2015
Arrival of Young Refugees is an Opportunity for Europe
Young refugees will continue to risk their lives to come to Europe until they are offered genuine alternatives for their future, says a new survey by the global organization Mercy Corps. The report shines a light on the importance of establishing policies that help refugees build happier, more productive lives and minimize the risk of isolation and conflict.

“While the refugee crisis poses an immense challenge for Europe, it is imperative that our policies are not driven by fear or ignorance, which can lead communities and politicians to focus on keeping refugees out or marginalizing them,” says Simon O’Connell, Executive Director, Mercy Corps Europe.

From 21 focus-group discussions with more than 100 refugees, Mercy Corps found that young people seeking safety in Europe are hopeful, positive and eager to contribute to their future host countries – and equally determined that they will not stay in war-torn countries or impoverished refugee camps…

OXFAM [to 17 October 2015]
http://www.oxfam.org/en/pressroom/pressreleases

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Oxfam welcomes European Parliament position towards COP21 Climate Summit
15 October 2015
Yesterday’s vote on the European Parliament’s position vis-à-vis the COP21 was welcomed by Oxfam for highlighting the importance of climate finance for developing countries.

“Male-dominated” governments paying lip service to landmark UN resolution on women’s role in peace processes
13 October 2015
A landmark United Nations resolution that 15 years ago promised to bolster the rights of women in peace efforts has brought some welcome progress – but far too little to be judged a success overall.

Plan International [to 17 October 2015]
http://plan-international.org/about-plan/resources/media-centre

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Celebrating Day of the Girl 2015
13 October 2015
A global movement to ensure all girls realise their rights has taken root, said Plan International’s CEO at celebrations across the world to mark the International Day of the Girl on 11 October.
This year’s IDG theme, ‘The power of the adolescent girl: vision for 2030’, highlighted the adoption of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), which make an historic commitment to address the pressing issues facing girls.
A week of activities culminated in an event at UNICEF in New York, where many civil society organisations came together to showcase the power of girls…

Women for Women International [to 17 October 2015]
http://www.womenforwomen.org/press-releases

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How to Celebrate International Day of the Girl in 5 Powerful and Feminist Ways
October 12, 2015 | Bustle
On International Day of the Girl, Women for Women International will be sharing inspiring stories of women around the world who are creating a better future for their daughters.

Global Fund [to 17 October 2015]
http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/news/

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News
Global Fund Hails Swaziland Partnership at Grant Signing
14 October 2015
MBABANE, Swaziland – Swaziland and the Global Fund deepened their partnership with the signing of three grants totaling more than US$66 million, to expand prevention and treatment for HIV and tuberculosis.

The financial resources provided through the Global Fund come from many sources and partners, represented at the signing ceremony today by the United States and the European Union, as well as technical partners from UNAIDS and WHO.

The new grants will go to government and civil society implementers selected through a vibrant country dialogue. The HIV grants will support treatment for people living with HIV as well prevention of new infections among key populations and vulnerable groups, including young women and girls.

The TB grant will accelerate the response toward TB/HIV co-infection and concentrate on treatment and prevention of key populations affected by tuberculosis. Swaziland is a high disease-burden country, with 26 percent HIV prevalence – one of the highest in the world, as well as a high TB burden…