UNICEF [to 2 January 2016]
http://www.unicef.org/media/media_78364.html
Selected press releases

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UNICEF welcomes declaration of the end of Ebola outbreak in Guinea
CONAKRY, 29 December 2015 – Almost two years to the day when a toddler became the first victim of Ebola in West Africa, UNICEF welcomed the declaration that the outbreak has ended in Guinea, but cautioned that the thousands of children orphaned by the disease, as well as those who survived infection, will need continued support.

Nigeria conflict forces more than 1 million children from school
DAKAR/NEW YORK, 22 December 2015 – Violence and attacks against civilian populations in northeastern Nigeria and its neighboring countries have forced more than 1 million children out of school, UNICEF said today.

IOM – International Organization for Migration [to 2 January 2016]
http://www.iom.int/press-room/press-releases
Selected Press Releases

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Over 3,770 Migrants Have Died Trying to Cross the Mediterranean to Europe in 2015
12/31/15
Geneva – With over 3,770 estimated deaths, 2015 has been the deadliest year on record for migrants and refugees crossing the Mediterranean, trying to reach Europe. In comparison, approximately 3,270 deaths were recorded in the Mediterranean in 2014. Globally, IOM estimates that over 5,350 migrants died in 2015.
The deadliest month in 2015 was April when nearly 1,250 migrants died, mainly due to the worst tragedy on record involving migrants crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa, in which an estimated 800 migrants died when their overcrowded vessel capsized off the coast of Libya. Only 28 survivors were rescued and brought to Italy.

Irregular Migrant, Refugee Arrivals in Europe Top One Million in 2015: IOM
12/22/15
Greece – IOM confirmed yesterday (21/12) that over a million irregular migrants and refugees arrived in Europe in 2015, mostly from Syria, Africa and South Asia.

South Korea Welcomes First Refugees for Resettlement
12/22/15
Republic of Korea – For the first time in its history, the Republic of Korea will tomorrow (23/12) welcome its first group of 22 refugees from Myanmar for resettlement.

IOM Facilitates Resettlement of Refugees from Sudan to Germany
12/22/15
Sudan – An IOM charter flight has flown 179 Eritrean, Ethiopian and Syrian refugees (42 families) from the Sudanese capital Khartoum to Kassel in Germany for resettlement.

IOM Delivers Aid to Inaccessible Earthquake-Affected Areas in Afghanistan
12/22/15
Afghanistan – IOM has distributed relief items to 507 earthquake-affected families in Badakhshan province’s Wardoj and Baharak districts, where humanitarian access has limited in the past months.

Dominican Migration in Argentina: IOM Study
12/22/15
Argentina – IOM Argentina and the Argentine Commission for Refugees and Migrants (CAREF) have launched a new study: “Dominican Migration in Argentina. Pathways in the New Century (2000-2015).”

WHO & Regionals [to 2 January 2016]
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Ethical principles for protecting health workers during armed conflict and other emergencies
December 2015 — More than 600 health workers were killed and 958 injured in 32 countries during 2014. WHO has welcomed a statement of ethical principles for health workers that aims to ensure the impartiality and protection of medical personnel during armed conflicts and other emergencies.

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Research and development blueprint
December 2015 — WHO has convened a broad global coalition of experts to develop the blueprint and a platform for accelerated research and development to strengthen the emergency response. The blueprint will be presented to Member States at the next World Health Assembly in May 2016.

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Disease Outbreak News (DONs)
:: 22 December 2015 – Zika virus infection – Panama
:: 21 December 2015 – Zika virus infection – Honduras
:: 21 December 2015 – Zika virus infection – Cape Verde

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:: WHO Regional Offices
WHO African Region AFRO
:: End of Ebola transmission in Guinea
Geneva, 29 December 2015 – Today the World Health Organization (WHO) declares the end of Ebola virus transmission in the Republic of Guinea. Forty-two days have passed since the last person confirmed to have Ebola virus disease tested negative for the second time. Guinea now enters a 90-day period of heightened surveillance to ensure that any new cases are identified quickly before they can spread to other people.
:: Six World Health Organization staff in Sierra Leone honoured – 18 December 2015

WHO Region of the Americas PAHO
No new digest content identified.

WHO South-East Asia Region SEARO
No new digest content identified.

WHO European Region EURO
No new digest content identified.

WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region EMRO
:: WHO delivers medical aid for 1.2 million people in Taiz, Yemen, during ceasefire
24 December 2015, Sana’a, Yemen — The World Health Organization (WHO) has delivered more than 100 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies for more than one million beneficiaries in 8 districts of the Taiz governorate, where more than 3 million people, including 392 000 internally displaced persons, are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. The health supplies, which were delivered following the announcement of the ceasefire, consist of urgently needed oxygen cylinders, medicines and medical devices, including surgical supplies and equipment for the management of trauma cases.

WHO Western Pacific Region
No new digest content identified.

UNDP United Nations Development Programme [to 2 January 2016]
http://www.undp.org/content./undp/en/home/presscenter.html
Selected Press Releases

Japan grants US$2 million to support host communities and displaced Syrians in Lebanon
Dec 23, 2015
The Japanese government has provided an emergency grant of US$ 2 million to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in response to the needs of host communities and Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

Using SMS texts to provide weather forecasts for small farmers in West Africa
Dec 22, 2015
Ignitia, a high-tech social enterprise, has joined the Business Call to Action (BCtA) with a commitment to deliver reliable, targeted, low-cost tropical weather forecasts via text messages to 1.2 million small-scale farmers in West Africa by the end of 2017. BCtA is a global initiative that encourages companies to fight poverty through inclusive business models. It is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other international organizations.

UNDP achieves climate neutrality in its global operations
Dec 22, 2015
As the international community has adopted a historic new climate agreement, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) has achieved institution-wide climate neutrality through a combination of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and offsetting

UN Division for Sustainable Development [to 2 January 2016]
http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/

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Synthesis and Inputs to Questionnaire for Secretary-General report on global follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda
Paragraph 90 of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda requested the Secretary General, in consultation with Member States, to prepare a report for consideration at the current 70th session of the General Assembly in preparation for the 2016 meeting of the HLPF which outlines critical milestones towards coherent, efficient and inclusive follow-up and review at the global level.
Syntheses
:: Member States Synthesis
:: UN System Synthesis
:: Major Groups and other Stakeholders Synthesis

UNESCO [to 2 January 2016]
http://en.unesco.org/news
Selected Press Releases

Director-General condemns destruction of vestiges in the Ancient City of Bosra, a Syrian World Heritage
24 December 2015

UNESCO Urges Partners to Strengthen Pastoralists Livelihood and Resilience
21 December 2015

UN-HABITAT United Nations Human Settlements Programme [to 2 January 2016]
http://unhabitat.org/media-centre/news/
[Selected Announcements]

Cairo Declaration on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development in the Arab Region Adopted
Cairo, 23 December 2015 – The Cairo Declaration on Housing, and Sustainable Urban Development in the Arab region was adopted on the last day of the first Arab Ministerial Forum for Housing and Urban Development…

…The Cairo Declaration on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development calls upon the Arab countries to formulate national plans in order to contribute to achieving the goals of sustainable development. In addition, it promotes the establishment of a national committee to follow up on all the relevant issues to sustainable urban development, gathering all government agencies concerned with urban development, the private sector and other stakeholders. The Cairo Declaration also confirms the interest and commitment in the Arab region towards the New Urban Agenda as the outcome of Habitat III, putting human beings at the centre. UN-Habitat was invited to support the efforts of AMFHUD. The declaration recognises UN-Habitat as a regional leading body entrusted to technically support the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes at the Arab regional level…

FAO Food & Agriculture Organization [to 2 January 2016]
http://www.fao.org/news/archive/news-by-date/2015/en/
[Selected Announcements]

Speed bumps and fast lanes on the road to Zero Hunger
With the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda adopted, the world has its eyes fixed firmly on the goal of Zero Hunger. Here are ten facts about our food systems, agriculture and rural development, pro-poor investment needs, and sustainable natural resource management to reflect on.
28-12-2015

El Niño lowers early production outlook in Southern Africa
Crop and livestock production prospects in Southern Africa have been weakened by the El Niño weather phenomenon that has depressed rains and increased temperatures. A reduced agricultural output would build on last year’s disappointing season, which has already contributed to higher food prices and “could acutely impact the food security situation in 2016,” according to a special GIEWS alert.
22-12-2015

WTO trade ministers move to eliminate agriculture export subsidies, but differences remain on other measures
While welcoming the Nairobi agreement, FAO Director General José Graziano da Silva stressed the need for a global trade framework in which countries can balance their pursuit of their national food security and development objectives without harming their trading partners.
21-12-2015

New DFID-FAO agreement paves way for stronger, easier collaboration
The Department for International Development of the United Kingdom (DFID) and FAO are deepening their partnership with a new agreement that will benefit ongoing and future collaborations in areas such as hunger reduction, land rights, forest governance, and community resilience to crises.
21-12-2015

ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization [to 2 January 2016]
http://www.icao.int/Newsroom/Pages/pressrelease.aspx

Continuing Traffic Growth and Record Airline Profits Highlight 2015 Air Transport Results
22/12/15

UNWTO World Tourism Organization [to 2 January 2016]
http://media.unwto.org/news

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World Tourism Organization presents Global Report on Cultural Routes and Itineraries
21 December 2015
Developed in cooperation with the Tourism Agency of the Balearic Islands (ATB), the Global Report on Cultural Routes and Itineraries of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) provides key information about current trends and presents case studies in the field of the development of cultural routes, with an emphasis on the importance of protecting, preserving and conserving these itineraries.

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UNWTO’s Ulysses Prize awarded to Doctor Richard Butler
21 December 2015
The 12th UNWTO Ulysses Prize for Excellence in the Creation and Dissemination of Knowledge in Tourism has been awarded to Dr Richard Butler, Emeritus Scholar of the Strathclyde Business School, in Glasgow, United Kingdom. The Prize recognizes the invaluable work of Dr Butler in areas of capacity building and sustainability in the tourism sector.

ECHO [to 2 January 2016]
http://ec.europa.eu/echo/en/news

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EU provides urgent humanitarian assistance worth €12 million to Afghanistan
22/12/2015
The intensifying conflict in Afghanistan is taking a toll on civilians in both urban and rural areas and the country is again facing an acute humanitarian crisis. The European Commission is therefore providing additional €12 million in humanitarian assistance…

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EU increases humanitarian aid to South Sudan by €20 million
21/12/2015
As the situation in South Sudan worsens and aid delivery is increasingly challenging, the European Commission has released €20 million in new humanitarian assistance for the country. Food insecurity is at emergency levels…

Asian Development Bank [to 2 January 2016]
http://www.adb.org/news

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China’s slowdown and Asia’s growth – Shang-Jin Wei
Op-Ed / Opinion | 29 December 2015

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ADB in 2015: the Year in Review
Article | 29 December 2015
ADB had a busy, proficient year in 2015, embarking on critical reforms that will raise its total annual lending and grant approvals to as high as $20 billion, 50% more than the current level. It also provided immediate assistance to Nepal to “build back better”after the devastating April 25 earthquake. ADB agreed to double its annual climate financing in 2015 from the current $3 billion to $6 billion by 2020 to help countries in Asia reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. We look back at some of the most significant milestones of the year.

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Asian Economic Integration Report 2015: How Can Special Economic Zones Catalyze Economic Development?
Publication | December 2015
Economic zones have played a key role in economic development in many Asian economies.

Special economic zones (SEZs) can play a catalytic role in economic development, provided the right business environment and policies are put in place. In Asia, SEZs can facilitate trade, investment, and policy reform at a time the region is experiencing a slowdown in trade and economic growth.

The Asian Economic Integration Report is an annual review of Asia’s regional economic cooperation and integration. It covers the 48 regional members of the Asian Development Bank. This issue includes Special Chapter: How Can Special Economic Zones Catalyze Economic Development?

European Union [to 2 January 2016]
http://europa.eu/rapid/search-result.htm?query=18&locale=en&page=1
[We generally limit coverage to regional and global level initiatives]

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State of Play: Measures to Address the Refugee Crisis
Date: 23/12/2015
European Commission – Press release Brussels, 23 December 2015 State of Play: Measures to Address the Refugee Crisis Updated on 23 December The European Agenda on Migration adopted by the Commission in May 2015 set out the need for a comprehensive approach to migration management.

EU provides €6.6 million support for Libyan population
Date: 23/12/2015
European Commission – Fact Sheet Brussels, 23 December 2015 This support is financed under the European Neighbourhood Instrument in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy. The European Commission has finalised a new assistance package for Libya worth a total of €6.6 million.

EU provides €12 million in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan
Date: 22/12/2015
European Commission – Press release Brussels, 22 December 2015 The intensifying conflict in Afghanistan is taking a toll on civilians in both urban and rural areas and the country is again facing a critical humanitarian crisis.

EU increases humanitarian aid to South Sudan by €20 million
Date: 21/12/2015
European Commission – Press release Brussels, 21 December 2015 With nearly 4 million people estimated unable to meet their food needs, South Sudan is on the brink of famine As the situation in South Sudan worsens and aid delivery is increasingly challenging, the European Commission has released €20 million in…

EU mobilises additional €40 million in support of Syrian population
Date: 21/12/2015
European Commission – Fact Sheet Brussels, 21 December 2015 The European Commission has adopted a package worth €40 million to tackle the longer-term development needs of the civilian population inside Syria, including Palestine refugees. This support is financed under the European Neighbourhood Instrument.

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) [to 2 January 2016]
http://www.oic-oci.org/oicv2/news/

OIC Welcomes Greek Parliament Vote for Recognizing Palestinian State
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed its appreciation for the Greek Parliament’s unanimous resolution to recognize the State of Palestine. It indicated that this significant move is consistent with the UN resolutions to end the Israeli occupation and enable the Palestinian people to exercise their legitimate rights, including the establishment of the independent State of Palestine on the Palestinian territory occupied since June 4, 1967 with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital….
23/12/2015

World Trade Organisation [to 2 January 2016]
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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19 December 2015
MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE, 10TH, NAIROBI
WTO members secure “historic” Nairobi Package for Africa and the world
WTO members concluded their Tenth Ministerial Conference in Nairobi on 19 December by securing an historic agreement on a series of trade initiatives. The “Nairobi Package” pays fitting tribute to the Conference host, Kenya, by delivering commitments that will benefit in particular the organization’s poorest members…

World Bank [to 2 January 2016]
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 Guinea
WASHINGTON, December 29, 2015—World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim issued the following statement on today’s announcement declaring the end of Ebola transmission in Guinea. “My colleagues and…
Date: December 29, 2015 Type: Press Release

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Development Banks Working Together to Optimize Balance Sheets
WASHINGTON, December 22, 2015 – The African Development Bank (AfDB), the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) have approved an innovative framework agreement for an exchange of sovereign exposures that will collectively optimize their balance sheets for greater development effectiveness.

The sovereign exposure exchange agreement is a risk management tool collaboratively developed by the major Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). This initiative was launched in October 2013 by the World Bank Group’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and endorsed by the MDB heads following a meeting of the G8 Ministers of Finance.

Unlike commercial financial institutions, which diversify their loan portfolio across thousands, and sometimes millions, of borrowers, the MDBs lend to their sovereign shareholders. The resulting asset concentration reflects the strength of the relationship between MDBs and their borrowers, but it also requires MDBs to hold additional capital.

Exchanging exposures between MDBs greatly enhances their flexibility and efficiency in capital management. In the past, MDBs have managed their capital concentration risks mainly through reducing or limiting exposure in countries where lending volumes were especially high…

International Criminal Court (ICC) [to 2 January 2016]
http://www.icc-cpi.int/en_menus/icc/Pages/default.aspx

Thomas Lubanga Dyilo and Germain Katanga transferred to the DRC to serve their sentences of imprisonment
9/12/2015
On 19 December 2015, Thomas Lubanga Dyilo and Germain Katanga were transferred to a prison facility in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (“DRC”) to serve their respective sentences of imprisonment. This constitutes the first time that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has designated a State for the enforcement of imprisonment’s sentences.

On 8 December 2015, the Presidency of the ICC designated the DRC as the State of enforcement for the sentences of imprisonment of Mr Lubanga and Mr Katanga, pursuant to article 103 of the Rome Statute. The Presidency emphasised that Mr Lubanga and Mr Katanga had each expressed a preference to serve their respective sentences of imprisonment in the DRC, their home country. The Presidency noted that the enforcement of the sentences of imprisonment shall be subject to the supervision of the Court and shall be consistent with widely accepted international standards governing the treatment of prisoners.

The transfer of Mr Lubanga and Mr Katanga to the DRC occurred with the close cooperation of the DRC authorities and the support of the Dutch and French authorities. On 24 November 2015, the ICC and the DRC finalised an ad hoc Agreement in respect of each sentenced person, expressing the willingness of the DRC to accept Mr Lubanga and Mr Katanga for the enforcement of their sentences of imprisonment and providing a framework to govern such enforcement…

The Sentinel

Human Rights Action :: Humanitarian Response :: Health ::
Holistic Development :: Sustainable Resilience
__________________________________________________
Two weeks ending 9 January 2016

This weekly digest is intended to aggregate and distill key content from a broad spectrum of practice domains and organization types including key agencies/IGOs, NGOs, governments, academic and research institutions, consortia and collaborations, foundations, and commercial organizations. We also monitor a spectrum of peer-reviewed journals and general media channels. The Sentinel’s geographic scope is global/regional but selected country-level content is included. We recognize that this spectrum/scope yields an indicative and not an exhaustive product. Comments and suggestions should be directed to:

David R. Curry
Editor &
Founding Managing Director
GE2P2 – Center for Governance, Evidence, Ethics, Policy, Practice
david.r.curry@ge2p2center.net

pdf version: The Sentinel_ week ending 9 January 2016

blog edition: comprised of the 35+ entries  posted below on 10 January 2016

Aravind Eye Care System [to 2 January 2016]
http://www.aravind.org/default/currentnewscontent

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Lending Support to Flood-hit Chennai
Madurai
[undated]
The recent floods that hit Chennai and surrounding areas is one of the worst disasters in the recent past in Tamil Nadu. The fury of nature has been devastating and deadly. Forceful floodwaters washed away everything that came its way – people, cattle, homes, apartment buildings, cars and all that was blocking nature. Millions were still stranded. Chennai and Cuddalore were inundated. In this moment of unspoken tragedy and human suffering, Aravind Eye Care System and Green Walk joined hands to be a catalyst in sending relief materials on behalf of the concerned citizens of Madurai. Almost all the centres of Aravind joined in the relief efforts provided aid to the flood hit areas and rehabilitating people. Relief materials distributed included blankets, dresses, towels, lungi, nighties, mats, sarees, sweaters, rice, grocery packages, milk powder, utensils, stoves, candles, emergency lights, torches, sanitary napkins, mosquito nets and medicines and medical care.

BRAC [to 2 January 2016]
http://www.brac.net/#news

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BRAC USA Newsletter – December 2015
…As you may know Susan Davis will be leaving BRAC USA on December 31, 2015. During the transition period, while we are searching for a new President and CEO, BRAC USA will be managed by an Interim Executive Management Committee (IEMC).
The IEMC will comprise Sharad Aggarwal, Vice President, who will be responsible for day-to-day management, along with Rod Dubitsky, Senior Advisor and Chief Knowledge Officer (based in London) and Jim Carlson, Board Member. We are grateful and excited to be working with such a passionate and talented team.

I wish Susan Davis all the best as she prepares for her departure on December 31st. Susan was the founding President and CEO of BRAC USA in 2006 and has built a truly impressive platform on which future leadership can build. BRAC USA and the BRAC family of organizations wish to thank her for her stewardship…

Dr. Lincoln Chen
BRAC USA Board Chair

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BRAC’s service in migration gets recognition from government
21 December 2015
The Government of Bangladesh has awarded BRAC Migration Programme for its outstanding contribution in migration sector in promoting migrants’ rights and raising awareness on safe migration in Bangladesh.