World Bank [to 7 November 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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Statement by World Bank Group President on Declaration of End of Ebola Transmission in Sierra Leone
WASHINGTON, November 7, 2015 –World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim issued the following statement on today’s announcement declaring the end of Ebola transmission in Sierra Leone.

“My colleagues and I at the World Bank Group congratulate the government and people of Sierra Leone for their tireless efforts to reach this critical milestone in the long fight against Ebola.

“Still, we are also mindful of the staggering human and economic costs of the Ebola epidemic, as well as the need for continued vigilance as some cases remain in the region. We remember the nearly 4,000 people – including more than 220 heroic health workers – in Sierra Leone who lost their lives, those who lost their loved ones, and the many survivors still in need of support.

“The World Bank Group remains committed to supporting Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea as they work to bring this deadly epidemic to a final end, to recover and rebound. We will do everything we can to help these countries and the world prevent another deadly pandemic.”

About the World Bank Group Response to Ebola
The World Bank Group has mobilized US$1.62 billion in financing for Ebola response and recovery efforts. This total includes US$1.17 billion from IDA, the World Bank Group’s fund for the poorest countries and at least US$450 million from IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, to enable trade, investment and employment. In Sierra Leone, the WBG’s IDA financing totaling US$318 million includes support for more than 9,000 Ebola survivors.

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15,000 Liberian Youth to Gain Access to Income Generation
World Bank funded project targets extremely poor and Ebola-affected households WASHINGTON, November 6, 2015 – The World Bank Board of Executive Directors today approved a new US$10 million International…
Date: November 6, 2015 Type: Press Release

Opportunities for All: Improving Reproductive Health and Education for Women and Girls in the Sahel Region
Official Launch of the Regional Project« Sahel Women Empowerment and Demographic Dividend
Date: November 4, 2015 Type: Press Release

World Bank Supports Climate Resilience in Central Asia
Improved regional cooperation, knowledge sharing and physical investments to support climate change mitigation and adaptation in Central Asia
Date: November 3, 2015 Type: Press Release

International Criminal Court (ICC) [to 7 November 2015]
http://www.icc-cpi.int/en_menus/icc/Pages/default.aspx

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Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, regarding the worsening security situation in Burundi
06/11/2015
It is with grave concern that I note the increasing risk of violence in Burundi, as well as the reported use of inflammatory language by political leaders and other actors in the country.

ICC President addresses United Nations General Assembly, calls for continued cooperation and support
06/11/2015
On 5 November 2015, Judge Silvia Fernández de Gurmendi addressed the United Nations (UN) General Assembly for the first time in her capacity as President of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and delivered the Court’s 11th annual report to the UN.

Georgia ratifies Amendments to Article 8 of the Rome Statute on war crimes
06/11/2015
The President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, H.E. Mr. Sidiki Kaba, welcomed the deposit by Georgia, on 3 November 2015, of the instrument of ratification of the amendments to the Rome Statute on war crimes. Georgia thus becomes the twenty-sixth State to have ratified the amendments on war crimes.

Statement to the United Nations Security Council on the Situation in Libya, pursuant to UNSCR 1970 (2011)
05/11/2015

CARE International [to 7 November 2015]
http://www.care-international.org/news/press-releases.aspx

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Afghan Families Receiving Assistance After Earthquake
AFGHANISTAN
4 NOVEMBER 2015
Following joint assessments to identify the worst hit areas by the 7.5 magnitude earthquake on October 26th, CARE started delivering emergency relief assistance yesterday to affected families. As of November 3rd, an estimated 9,703 houses were damaged and 5,612 houses were destroyed by the earthquake (OCHA).

Two Years After Super Typhoon Haiyan, Philippine Communities Better Prepared for Disasters
PHILIPPINES
3 NOVEMBER 2015
Most people have regained access to markets and basic services, children are back in school, industries have resumed operations and plantations are rehabilitated. Even though there is more rebuilding still to be done, people are already better prepared for future natural calamities.

IRC International Rescue Committee [to 7 November 2015]
http://www.rescue.org/press-release-index

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Press Releases
07 Nov 2015
The International Rescue Committee celebrates an Ebola-free Sierra Leone but Cautions that Now is Not the Time to Let Down our Guard

04 Nov 2015
Urgent Humanitarian Action Needed on European Refugee Crisis – International Rescue Committee Briefing
Europe’s response to the refugee crisis within its borders is shamefully inadequate. Basic elements of the humanitarian response are failing in frontline countries which refugees are moving through, leaving thousands of people without adequate shelter, food or safety. Experienced International Rescue Committee (IRC) workers on the ground – who have responded to major conflicts and disasters around the globe – report that conditions in Europe are amongst the worst they have ever witnessed. With winter approaching, the number of refugees fleeing to Europe is increasing, rather than decreasing. As a matter of the utmost urgency, the EU and its member states must act now in 5 key areas to ensure there is a co-ordinated, well-funded humanitarian response that provides safe reception for refugees. If this does not happen, many more people will die…

Action is needed in 5 areas to secure an effective humanitarian response in the frontline countries of Europe:
:: Refugees must be properly received when they arrive in Europe
:: Conditions in camps are terrible and must be improved
:: Specialist protection is needed for the most vulnerable groups
:: Clarity is needed over who is coordinating the humanitarian response
:: Not enough funding is available to meet needs – at least €500 million is required…

ICRC [to 7 November 2015]
https://www.icrc.org/en/whats-new

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Peacekeeping operations: ICRC statement to the United Nations, 2015
General debate on the Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects. United Nations, General Assembly, 70th session, Fourth Committee, item 56 of the agenda, statement by the ICRC, New York, November 2015
06-11-2015 | Statement

Refugees, returnees and displaced persons: ICRC statement to the United Nations, 2015
United Nations, General Assembly, 70th session, Third Committee, item 65 of the agenda, statement by the ICRC, New York, November 2015. General discussion on the Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, questions relating to refu
06-11-2015 | Statement

Central African Republic: ICRC calls for respect for human life and dignity
Geneva / Bangui – The ICRC is deeply concerned by intensifying violence in the Central African Republic.
06-11-2015 | News release

Falklands / Malvinas: ICRC pursues dialogue on the issue of identification of mortal remains of unknown soldiers
The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Peter Maurer, met today with Daniel Filmus, Secretary for Malvinas Affairs of the Argentine Foreign Ministry, and Ambassador Alberto D’Alotto, Permanent Representative of Argentina
05-11-2015 | Statement

Much more resource and commitment needed to properly take care of dead migrants
As the number of migrants who lose their lives trying to reach Europe continues to rise, experts say work to identify and manage the bodies of the dead is falling far behind and call for an urgent increase in resources and political support.
05-11-2015 | Article

Philippines: Clean water for 4,000 people in Zamboanga
Manila (ICRC) – A community-based water-supply system providing potable water to over 4,000 people, including displaced families, was officially inaugurated today in Barangay Taluksangay, Zamboanga City. The project, supported by the International C
05-11-2015 | News release

Stop the violence. Protect health care.
In the last few months, a number of attacks against health-care workers, medical transports and facilities have taken place in several countries, like Afghanistan, Syria and Yemen to mention a few.
03-11-2015 | Statement

Detention in non-international armed conflict: The ICRC’s work on strengthening legal protection
In comparison to international armed conflict (IAC), treaty law regarding deprivation of liberty of persons in relation to non-international armed conflict (NIAC) is very limited.
03-11-2015 | Article

Strengthening compliance with international humanitarian law: The work of the ICRC and the Swiss government.
Insufficient respect for applicable rules is the principal cause of suffering during armed conflicts.
03-11-2015 | Article

Strengthening international humanitarian law
Between 2012 and 2015, the ICRC undertook a major consultation process on how to strengthen legal protection for victims of armed conflict.
03-11-2015 | Article

Iran: Giving disabled people a chance to lead a normal life
Joint statement International Committee of the Red Cross, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Iran Red Crescent Society, Tehran. Tehran (ICRC) – Today the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Red Crescent
02-11-2015 | News release

Islamic Relief [to 7 November 2015]
http://www.islamic-relief.org/category/news/

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Humanity as a warm greeting
November 6, 2015
Thousands of refugees have fled to Europe from Syria. Many undertook perilous journeys across the sea to the island of Lesvos in Greece. Michael Williams, humanitarian officer at Islamic Relief, has been based there for two months and talks about the tide of emotions that comes with the currents.

Tents: a dry place to sleep for now
November 3, 2015
Following the earthquake on Monday, October 26, Islamic Relief is distributing tents, plastic sheets, kits to help people stay warm in winter, and food. Haseeb Khalid reports from Churan Ovir, Chitral, in Pakistan.

MSF/Médecins Sans Frontières [to 7 November 2015]
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/news-stories/press/press-releases

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Statement by MSF on the Official Release of the Full Text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade Agreement
November 05, 2015
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a trade agreement negotiated between the U.S. and eleven other Pacific Rim nations: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. After more than five years of negotiations conducted in secret without the opportunity for public review, the agreed text, which will now be submitted to national processes for final signature and ratification, has been officially and publicly released.
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) remains extremely concerned about the inclusion of dangerous provisions that would dismantle public health safeguards enshrined in international law and restrict access to price-lowering generic medicines for millions of people….

Press release
MSF Releases Internal Review of Kunduz Hospital Attack
November 05, 2015
KABUL/BRUSSELS/NEW YORK—The international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) today released an internal document reviewing the October 3 airstrikes by US forces on its hospital in northern Afghanistan. The chronological review of the events leading up to, during, and immediately following the airstrikes reveal no reason why the hospital should have come under attack. There were no armed combatants or fighting within or from the hospital grounds.

Field News
Ebola: “Science Should Be at the Service of Survivors”
November 06, 2015
The Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone was declared over on November 7, 2015, but in neighboring Guinea, people are still being infected by the disease, which has claimed more than 11,000 lives in West Africa. Despite the unprecedented scale of the epidemic, there is still much that is unknown about Ebola. How long does the virus survive? Could Ebola become endemic in the region? What medical challenges do survivors face?

Mercy Corps [to 7 November 2015]
http://www.mercycorps.org/press-room/releases

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Conflict-Management Skills Lead to Resilience During Climate and Economic Crises, says Mercy Corps
November 5, 2015
New Mercy Corps report shows greater resilience among local leaders who work together
Horn of Africa – By building trust and learning how to manage conflict, community members can build networks that offer critical support in times of severe stress and food insecurity, says a new report by the global organization Mercy Corps.

The report illuminates some of the most effective strategies for cultivating resilience in places that frequently experience economic and climate crisis.

“Though building resilience has become a primary development goal in areas facing recurrent humanitarian crises, much of this work to date has focused on predicting and preparing for climate shocks,” says Sean Granville-Ross, Mercy Corps Country Director for Uganda. “This study shows that the ability to manage conflict is a significant factor when considering a community’s overall vulnerability.” …

Norwegian Refugee Council [to 7 November 2015]
http://www.nrc.no/

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Latest News
NRC starting relief operations in Nigeria
05. november 2015
NRC has started relief operations to help internally displaced people in Borno state in north-eastern Nigeria, where more than 1.6 million people are displaced.

Syrian refugee finds safety in Norway (05.11.2015)

NRC responding after explosion in Luhansk (05.11.2015)

Plan International [to 7 November 2015]
http://plan-international.org/about-plan/resources/media-centre

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Publications & research
Two years after the typhoon according to the survivors
Two years after the typhoon according to the survivors: How children and their communities perceive their lives now 2 years after Typhoon Haiyan devastated Eastern Visayas
For 2 years now, Plan International has worked with children and their families affected by Typhoon Haiyan, which hit the Philippines on 8 November 2013 – claiming 6,300 lives and displacing millions of people.

In October 2015, Plan International talked with 339 affected girls, boys, women and men from 8 municipalities and one city across Eastern Visayas to learn more about their current situation and prevailing needs.

This report records the insights and opinions of these children and communities on areas of their lives that have improved 2 years on since the disaster, as well as areas that have remained the same or become worse…

Women for Women International [to 7 November 2015]
http://www.womenforwomen.org/press-releases

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Women for Women International to Honor Dr. Denis Mukwege with 2015 Champion of Peace
Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Catherine Russell will join celebration to honor Dr. Mukwege at organization’s Annual Gala.
November 4, 2015, Washington, D.C. – Women for Women International will award Dr. Denis Mukwege with the 2015 Champion of Peace Award at its Annual Gala in New York City on November 10, 2015 at Cipriani 42nd Street. The evening will bring attention to inspiring stories that highlight the resilience of women working to rebuild their lives in conflict-impacted regions. The award to Dr. Mukwege will underscore Women for Women International’s commitment to engaging men as allies and partners to reduce gender-based violence and increase support for women’s empowerment…

Gavi [to 7 November 2015]
http://www.gavialliance.org/library/news/press-releases/

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Afghanistan ensures safe passage of life-saving vaccines
02 November 2015
Afghan health ministry shows commitment to immunisation by opening critical storage facility at central airport
Kabul, Afghanistan, 27 October 2015 – As humanitarian organisations responded to Afghanistan’s earthquake this week, the Government underlined its commitment to ensuring no interruptions in the flow of life-saving vaccines by inaugurating a special storage facility at Kabul airport.

The new facility, which guarantees safekeeping of vaccines before they are transported to a network of immunisation centres, represents a critical step in the Health Ministry’s plans to strengthen cold chain management across Afghanistan.

Kabul airport represents the main point of entry for the 10 types of vaccines that Afghanistan purchases overseas, but new consignments are often held up – either because of customs clearance or security issues at their final destination.

Equipped with standard cold equipment to keep vaccines at the right temperature and a back-up generator in case of power shortages, the new storage facility ensures two-three months supply of routine vaccines can remain in transit at the airport at any one time.

“This is a crucial first step for ensuring quality of vaccines once the vaccine shipments arrive in the country,” said Afghan Health Minister, Dr. Ferozudin Feroz, speaking at the facility’s inauguration…

Global Fund [to 7 November 2015]
http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/news/

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17. Million. Lives.
By Mark Dybul
in Voices on 21 September 2015
…Today, the Global Fund issued a Results Report, showing that health investments made through the Global Fund have saved 17 million lives, expanding opportunity and achieving greater social justice for families and communities worldwide. Even better, the report shows that advances in science and innovative solutions are accelerating progress at an ever faster-rate, getting us on track to reach 22 million lives saved by the end of next year.
But it’s no time to celebrate. We are only half way there….

CHS International Alliance [to 7 November 2015]
http://chsalliance.org/news-events/news

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06/11/2015
Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) Guidance Notes and Indicators launched
Following a global consultation during which numerous organisations and individuals tested the document in their work both in the field and at headquarter-level, the CHS Guidance Notes and Indicators have now been launched.

04/11/2015
Core Humanitarian Standard now available in Arabic
The Standard was translated into Arabic by a consortium of agencies working in the Middle East and produced by Islamic Relief Worldwide. The CHS is also available in Bahasa Indonesia, English, French, Korean, Spanish and Turkish.

EHLRA/R2HC [to 7 November 2015]
http://www.elrha.org/resource-hub/news/

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GBV: Call for Proposals
02.11.2015
The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) and World Bank Development Marketplace for innovation on GBV prevention (in Memory of Hannah Graham): The Sexual Violence Research Initiative and the World Bank…

ODI [to 7 November 2015]
http://www.odi.org/media

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Why subsidise the private sector? What donors are trying to achieve, and what success looks like
Research reports and studies | November 2015 | Paddy Carter
This paper argues that donors should subsidise private investment even if rigorous evidence of the impact on poverty is not always available.

Markets in crises: the conflict in Mali
Working and discussion papers | November 2015 | Veronique Barbelet with Marthe Diallo Goita
Looking at the impact of conflict on markets in northern Mali, this paper argues for a more sophisticated and holistic approach to humanitarian market analysis.

Addressing gender in impact evaluation – what should be considered?
Working and discussion papers | November 2015 | Gillian Fletcher; Anne Buffardi; Annermarie Reerink; Greet Peersman; Irene Guijt; Patricia Rogers; Sally Moyle
What does ‘addressing gender’ mean for development interventions – and how can we assess gender-related impact?

Humanitarian Exchange 65: the crisis in Iraq
Research reports and studies | November 2015 | Humanitarian Practice Network
This issue of Humanitarian Exchange focuses on the crisis in Iraq, where more than 8 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.

MacArthur Foundation [to 7 November 2015]
http://www.macfound.org/

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Publication
Assessing Eligibility of the U.S. Immigrant Population to Nationalize
Published November 3, 2015
In 2013, 8.6 million U.S. residents were eligible to naturalize, according to a report from the Center for Migration Studies of New York. The report, which uses data collected in the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, provides detailed estimates of the eligible-to-naturalize in an effort to assist decision-makers in developing strategies to identify and assist immigrants to naturalize and to overcome barriers to naturalization eligibility. Mexican nationals constituted the largest naturalization-eligible population at 2.7 million.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation [to 7 November 2015]
http://www.rwjf.org/en/about-rwjf/newsroom/news-releases.html

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RWJF Announces National Program Centers for Major New Leadership Initiatives
Mon Nov 02 21:01:00 EST 2015
Four institutions selected to serve as National Leadership Program Centers for RWJF’s new leadership initiatives. Each institution will co-design and launch a program to train and network groups of leaders in communities across the country. Each institution is expected to receive an initial three-month planning grant of up to $750,000 to establish one of the four change leadership programs.
:: Diversity in Health Policy Research (DHPR): Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md.
:: Interdisciplinary Research Leaders (IRL): University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn.
:: Multisector Leaders for Health (MLH): National Collaborative for Health Equity, a project of New Venture Fund, Washington, D.C.
:: New Clinical Scholars (NCS): University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, N.C

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Unhealthy Snack Food Ads to Kids Increased Despite Industry Pledges
Mon Nov 02 11:00:00 EST 2015
Children saw substantially more television advertising for unhealthy snack foods in the past five years, according to a new study, Snack FACTS, by the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at the University of Connecticut.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmcpregnancychildbirth/content
(Accessed 7 November 2015)

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Research article
Losing women along the path to safe motherhood: why is there such a gap between women’s use of antenatal care and skilled birth attendance? A mixed methods study in northern Uganda
Erin Anastasi, Matthias Borchert, Oona Campbell, Egbert Sondorp, Felix Kaducu, Olivia Hill, Dennis Okeng, Vicki Odong, Isabelle Lange BMC Pregnancy and Child

BMC Public Health
http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmcpublichealth/content
(Accessed 7 November 2015)

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Research article
Counting the cost of child mortality in the World Health Organization African region
Joses Kirigia, Rosenabi Muthuri, Juliet Nabyonga-Orem, Doris Kirigia BMC Public Health 2015, 15:1103 (6 November 2015)

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Research article
Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards polio immunization among residents of two highly affected regions of Pakistan
Muhammad Khan, Akram Ahmad, Talieha Aqeel, Saad Salman, Qamer Ibrahim, Jawaria Idrees, Muhammad Khan BMC Public Health 2015, 15:1100 (5 November 2015)
Abstract
Background
Despite the efforts of national and international organizations, polio has not been eradicated from Pakistan. The prevalence of polio in Pakistan is exceptional in global context. Quetta and Peshawar divisions are amongst the most affected regions hit by polio in Pakistan. This study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards polio immunization among residents of Quetta and Peshawar divisions in Pakistan.
Methods
A descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 768 participants was conducted from August to December, 2014 in Quetta and Peshawar divisions in Pakistan. Multistage sampling technique was used to draw a sample of residents from each division. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data from eligible participants. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used to express the results.
Results
A total of 38.8 % participants exhibited good knowledge about polio. Mean knowledge score of the participants was 7.35 ± 2.54 (based on 15 knowledge questions). Older age (p < 0.001), low qualification (p < 0.05), rural locality (p < 0.05) and Quetta division (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with poor knowledge of polio. A large proportion of participants displayed negative attitudes towards polio immunization (84.8 %), with a mean score of 19.19 ± 2.39 (based on 8 attitude statements). Lack of education (p < 0.001) and rural residence (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the negative attitudes of participants towards polio immunization. False religious beliefs (39.06 %), lack of knowledge (33.7 %), fear of infertility by polio vaccines (32.16 %) and security issues (29.42 %) were reported by the participants as the main barriers towards polio immunization.
Conclusion
The findings of this study showed poor knowledge and negative attitudes of participants towards polio immunizations. Religious beliefs and lack of knowledge about polio immunization were reported as the major barriers towards polio immunization.