African Union [to 12 September 2015]
http://www.au.int/en/
[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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The African Union and HelpAge urge member states to promote the rights of older people in Africa
JOINT PRESS RELEASE
Addis Ababa,10 September 2015:The African Union Commission (AUC) and HelpAge International have urged African Union Member States to develop and implement policies that protect the rights of older people in Africa.This was during a roundtable meeting on the Role of older persons in achieving Africa’s agenda 2063which took placetoday 10 September 2015 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with the members of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) and other key stakeholders.
The Chairperson of the PRC, H.E Albert Ranganai Chimbindi, reiterated the willingness of the African Union to guarantee that the developmental approach of the Africa’s Agenda 2063 is inclusive. He recognised that older people are the custodians of the African culture and therefore, deserve that Africa creates conditions for their contribution to the achievement of the objectives of Agenda 2063. He also highlighted that to address the issue of older people in Africa is also a window of opportunity for the continent to better plan the future of the younger generation.
The Director of Social Affairs of the African Union Commission Ambassador Olawale Maiyegun informed member states that the population of older people in Africa is increasing drastically and therefore there is an urgent need to ensure that specific measures are in place to address the needs of older people…..
… The call to African governments in Addis Ababa follows the release of Global AgeWatch Index 2015 report by HelpAge International whose main aim is to raise visibility of ageing at regional and national levels as well as provide a framework for governments and institutions to respond to ageing population and the UN Secretary General call for Data Revolution…

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Sep.09.2015 – Decision Makers in Africa Address Climate Change through Sustainable Forest Management

The African Development Bank Group [to 12 September 2015]
http://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/press-releases/
[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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AfDB approves US $22-million grant to break “triangle of thirst” in West Kordofan, Sudan
10/09/2015 – The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) on Wednesday, September 9 committed a grant of US $22-million to finance water and sanitation facilities in the West Kordofan State of Sudan and a country-wide Institutional Capacity Development Program.

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AfDB and Japan sign bilateral agreement for sixth Private Sector Assistance Loan
09/09/2015 – On September 8, 2015, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Government of Japan signed the sixth private sector assistance loan under the joint initiative titled Enhanced Private Sector Assistance (EPSA) for Africa. The loan, worth JPY 35.88 billion, equivalent to USD 300 million, is intended to support private sector operations in Africa.

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AfDB SME Program: Enhancing inclusive growth and job creation in Rwanda
09/09/2015 – The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Access Bank Rwanda Ltd. signed a loan agreement for the equivalent of US $6 million under the Africa SME Program on September 3, 2015 to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Rwanda.

ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations [to 12 September 2015]
http://www.asean.org/news
[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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One ASEAN, One Response: ASEAN Responding to Disasters as One
BANGKOK, 9 September 2015 –Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention & Mitigation (DDPM) together with the ASEAN Secretariat and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) will conduct “One ASEAN, One Response Roadshow and ASEAN Resilience Symposium” on 10 – 11 September 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand.

European Union [to 12 September 2015]
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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European Commission supports better access to medicines in poorest countries
Press release European Commission Brussels, 10 September 2015
The Commission agreed to support the least developed countries’ call for easier access to cheaper medicines by means of an indefinite exemption from World Trade Organization (WTO) intellectual property rules for pharmaceuticals.

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EU Trust Fund kicks off its actions to address educational and food security needs of Syrian refugees in Turkey
European Commission – Press release Brussels, 9 September 2015
Syrian refugee crisis: Today, the recently established EU Regional Trust Fund in response to the Syrian crisis launched its first actions in support of Syrian refugees.

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Refugee Crisis: European Commission takes decisive action
European Commission – Press release Strasbourg, 9 September 2015
Delivering on the European Agenda on Migration from May, the European Commission is today putting forward a comprehensive package of proposals which will help address the refugee crisis.

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EU Children of Peace initiative: €1 million to assist children affected by Ebola
European Commission – Press release Brussels, 7 September 2015
Children orphaned and affected by Ebola will receive education and psychosocial support via humanitarian projects implemented by UNICEF and Save the Children in Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) [to 12 September 2015]
http://www.oic-oci.org/oicv2/news/

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Selected Press Releases
OIC Welcomes Decision to Raise Palestinian Flag over UN
The Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Iyad Ameen Madani, welcomed the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the resolution to raise the flag of Palestine, as an observer state, over the headquarters of the UN. He considered this step as an international support to the expectations and rights of the Palestinian people…
11/09/2015

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OIC Convenes an Emergency Meeting to Mobilize Efforts to Address Syrian Refugee Crisis
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will be holding a meeting on Sunday, 13 September 2015, at its General Secretariat headquarters in Jeddah, to discuss the ramifications of the Syrian refugee crisis and mobilize efforts to address it. …
10/09/2015

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OIC Welcomes Including its Member States in the International Quartet Meeting in New York
The Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Mr. Iyad Amin Madani, welcomed the invitations addressed to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Republic of Egypt to attend the meeting of the International Quartet due to be held on the 30th of the current month of September on the margin of the UN General Assembly’s annual meeting in New York. He viewed that step as important and in line with the OIC stands which call for the invigoration of the Quartet’s role and the reshaping of its structure and work processes in such a way as to bolster efforts in favor of achieving peace based on the Two-State solution…
10/09/2015

IMF [to 12 September 2015]
http://www.imf.org/external/news/default.aspx
[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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Press Release: Statement by IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde at the Conclusion of Visit to Liberia
September 11, 2015

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“Liberia: Overcoming Challenges–Past, Present, and Future,” Speech by Christine Lagarde, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund
September 11, 2015

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“Delivering on the Promise of 2025,” Keynote Address by Christine Lagarde, Managing Director, IMF
Keynote Address by Christine Lagarde
Managing Director, International Monetary Fund
W-20 Summit
September 6, 2015, Ankara, Turkey
I am delighted to be here for this inaugural gathering of the Women’s 20—the W-20.

Today’s launch is timely. At their summit meeting last November, the G-20 pledged to reduce the gap in women’s labor force participation by 25 percent by the year 2025—which would have the benefit of creating an estimated 100 million new jobs for the global economy.

That was The Promise of 2025. Today, I want to focus on how to deliver on that promise.

Certainly, it represents a major challenge. But with so much attention focused on gender equity—by the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals this year, and by the G-20’s pledge from last year—we clearly have a unique moment of opportunity.

We must seize it…

World Bank [to 12 September 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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World Bank: Quality Education, Social Protection Critical to Stemming Inequality in Asia and the Pacific
CEBU, Philippines, September 11, 2015 – Investing in quality education and providing social protection for the poor stand out among the key policies to address rising inequality in the Asia-Pacific region…
Date: September 11, 2015 Type: Press Release

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World Bank Meets African Caucus in Advance of Fresh Round of Talks on Safeguards Amidst Record Lending for the Continent
WASHINGTON, September 10, 2015–World Bank officials met with the African Caucus in Luanda, Angola, August 27 and 28, to present an update on the work to revise policies for protecting the poor and the…
Date: September 10, 2015 Type: Press Release

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Discriminating Against Women Keeps Countries Poorer
Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of the World Bank.
In 100 countries around the world, women are barred from doing certain work solely because they are women. Over 150 countries have at least one law that is discriminatory towards women. And only 18 countries are free of any law disadvantaging women.
This is just the tip of the iceberg of legal barriers for women to achieve their full economic potential. New World Bank Group research in the Women, Business and the Law 2016 report shows that in 32 countries women cannot apply for passports in the same way as men and in 18 countries they cannot get a job if their husbands feel it is not in the family’s interest. Jordan and Iran are among them. In 59 countries, there are no laws against sexual harassment at work. Myanmar, Uzbekistan and Armenia are among 46 countries where there is no legal protection against domestic violence. In a nutshell, the research makes for depressing reading when you care about inclusion and ending poverty.
Date: September 10, 2015 Type: Opinion

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Middle East and North Africa Makes Progress on Gender Equality, But Severe Barriers Persist, says WBG Report
WASHINGTON, September 9, 2015 – Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Lebanon have enacted reforms to advance women’s economic advancement, although women in the Middle East and North Africa region face the most hurdles…
Date: September 9, 2015 Type: Press Release

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New Report Examines Payment Aspects of Financial Inclusion
The Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures (CPMI) and the World Bank Group today issued a consultative report on Payment aspects of financial inclusion. The report examines demand and supply-side factors affecting financial inclusion in the context of payment systems and services, and suggests measures to address these issues.
Date: September 9, 2015 Type: Press Release

IPU Inter-Parliamentary Union [to 12 September 2015]
http://www.ipu.org/english/news.htm

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Strengthening parliamentary action against weapons of mass destruction
9 SEPTEMBER 2015
IPU is strengthening its collaboration with the UN on the elimination and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) as part of the Organization’s work to promote peace and security in the world. Addressing the UN 1540 Committee, set up to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1540 on WMD, IPU Secretary General, Martin Chungong, outlined how parliaments and MPs could be mobilized on the issue and ensure greater coherence between IPU and the UN Committee in their work…

Amref Health Africa [to 12 September 2015]
http://amref.org/news/news/

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New Partnership for Hygiene Reaping Benefits in Kibera
Published: 08 September 2015 Marie Kinyanjui
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in July this year, Amref Health Africa CEO Dr Githinji Gitahi and Unilever Africa President Mr Bruno Witvoet visited the Kibera Community Health Centre to see…

BRAC [to 12 September 2015]
http://www.brac.net/#news

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10 September 2015
Finding the freedom through arguments
On September 12, 2015 Saturday at 11.00 am, A national debate competition is going to be held in Bangla Academy Auditorium, Dhaka. Bitarka Bikash Grand Final, Debate competition is organised by BRAC, ATN Bangla and Debate for Democracy. ATN Bangla will telecast it live.

The main objective of this programme is to provide the students of rural secondary schools an opportunity to progress their presentation skill, communication skill and speaking ability as well as improve their logical thinking and self-confidence…

CARE International [to 12 September 2015]
http://www.care-international.org/news/press-releases.aspx

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CARE Calls on the EU to Turn Meetings Into Action
JORDAN/BELGIUM
11 SEPTEMBER 2015
Ahead of Monday’s Extraordinary Council meeting of European Interior Ministers, CARE International calls on the European Union to provide a safe haven for asylum seekers while stepping up its support for humanitarian aid in the Syria region.

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UN Climate Talks Lag Behind As Paris Deadline Approaches
GLOBAL
7 SEPTEMBER 2015
Governments negotiating for a universal climate change agreement, due to be signed in Paris in December, are lagging far behind from what is needed, says CARE International, as the second to last round of UN climate talks before the Paris deadline conclude in Bonn, Germany.

Danish Refugee Council [to 12 September 2015]
http://drc.dk/news/archive/

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Deteriorating quality of asylum in Middle East must be on global agenda
(10.09.15)
The critical need to respond to Syrian refugees entering Europe and their efforts to find protection for their families, must coincide with addressing the root causes affecting refugees to leave…

HelpAge International [to 12 September 2015]
http://www.helpage.org/newsroom/press-room/press-releases/

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Switzerland tops Global AgeWatch Index 2015
Wednesday 9 September 2015
HelpAge International is launching the Global AgeWatch Index 2015, ranking 96 countries according to the social and economic wellbeing of older people. The Index represents 91 per cent of people aged 60 and over, some 901 million people, measuring the wellbeing of older people in four key areas: income security, health, personal capability and an enabling environment.

IRC International Rescue Committee [to 12 September 2015]
http://www.rescue.org/press-release-index

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The International Rescue Committee expresses dismay at 10,000 number for Syrian refugee resettlement
10 Sep 2015 – **Update** September 11, 2015: The IRC supports Refugee Council USA call for 100,000 Syrian refugees to be resettled to the US in 2016. Numbers below are updated from 65,000 to 100,000 to reflect that support.
:: Calls on US Government to resettle 100,000 Syrian refugees in 2016;
:: David Miliband: This offer is “cold comfort” to victims of Syria’s conflict;
:: The international response to refugee resettlement wholly inadequate. United States must lead at this critical moment.

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Refugee crisis: The IRC’s recommendations for Europe
Posted by The IRC on September 10, 2015
More than 381,000 people have fled to Europe by sea this year — the vast majority are refugees seeking safety from harm. In a policy brief issued today, the IRC recommends ways the European Union and its member states can do more to help refugees…

ICRC [to 12 September 2015]
https://www.icrc.org/en/whats-new

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South Sudan: Facts and figures September 2015 – Volatile environment and humanitarian needs on the rise in Unity and Upper Nile states
A summary of the ICRC’s activities in South Sudan since the beginning of the emergency in mid-December 2013 to the end of August 2015. This month’s focus: Volatile environment and humanitarian needs on the rise in Unity and Upper Nile states
11-09-2015 | Article

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Refugees and migrants have the right to respect and protection
Some flee from the violence and conflict zones in their countries, others seek to escape oppressive poverty.
11-09-2015 | Article

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World First Aid Day: Empowering communities to save lives
When a crisis or emergency occurs, first aid can save lives.
10-09-2015 | Article

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Ethiopia: Facts and figures January to June 2015
A summary of the ICRC’s activities in Ethiopia between January and June 2015.
10-09-2015 | Article

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Lebanon: ICRC carries out largest food distribution to Syrian refugees since crisis began
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has distributed 90 tons of food to around 10 thousand Syrian refugees in northern Lebanon. The distribution was supported by the Lebanese Red Cross.
10-09-2015 | News release

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Philippines: 2,700 evacuees in Surigao del Sur receive aid
Around 2,700 people fled their homes in Surigao del Sur, Eastern Mindanao, in the aftermath of armed violence last week.
10-09-2015 | News release

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Jordan: Boosting first aid skills in emergencies
In an effort to boost first aid skills in emergencies, the ICRC in Jordan provides practical and hands-on first aid training, including to Jordanians, Syrians, the civil defence and the Jordan Red Crescent Society (JRCS).
09-09-2015 | Article

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Migrants and Refugees: How the Red Cross Red Crescent is responding
The extreme hardship endured by millions of people inside Syria – and by the scores of refugees who have fled the country – continues to grow by the day.
08-09-2015 | Article

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Lebanon: How the ICRC helps weapon-wounded people
Weapon wounds are some of the most complex injuries to treat and operate, particularly in Lebanon, where millions have fled because of violence in neighbouring countries and where internal disputes often leave people with severe injuries caused by we
08-09-2015 | Video

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Australia: Making the world a safer place for journalists
The Australian Red Cross released the first edition of its International Humanitarian Law magazine for 2015, with a focus on journalism and the laws of war.
08-09-2015 | Article

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Nepal: ICRC continues to rebuild lives of families of the missing
Since the conflict in Nepal ended 9 years ago, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Kathmandu has been supporting the families of those who disappeared.
08-09-2015 | Article

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Afghanistan: Facts and figures – January to June 2015
A summary of activities carried out by the ICRC in Afghanistan during the first six months of 2015.
08-09-2015 | Article

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Cambodia: Locally-run factory helps restore the mobility of thousands
Set up 25 years ago by the ICRC in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Mosvy Orthopaedic Component Centre in Cambodia produces around 18,000 limbs and devices every year – benefiting nearly 28,000 people.
08-09-2015 | Video

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First Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions
First Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, Dubrovnik, Croatia, 7-11 September 2015 Address by Christine Beerli, vice-president of the ICRC.
07-09-2015 | Statement

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Myanmar: Recovery work begins to support flood-affected communities
One month after cyclone Komen and heavy seasonal rains caused floods and landslides in Myanmar, recovery work has started.
07-09-2015 | Article

IRCT [to 12 September 2015]
http://www.irct.org/

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News
Great Lakes Project Report launched at Final Seminar
11 September 2015
Over four years, the IRCT Great Lakes Project supported the collaboration between six rehabilitation centres in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda that have seen thousands of torture victims heal their wounds, overcome their trauma and rebuild their lives.

The project demonstrated the power of holistic and community-based rehabilitation and how this approach can empower victims of torture to become pro-active and engaged actors in the social, economic and political development of their communities. The results of the Project are shared in a new IRCT report.
The Great Lakes Report will be launched today at the Project’s Final Seminar in Kigali, Rwanda. The event marks the end of four years of activities, which have touched the lives of thousands of men, women and children living in Burundi, the DRC and Rwanda.

The European Union-funded project was initiated in April 2011 and supported six rehabilitation centres in the region in providing holistic and community-based services to victims of torture and sexual violence, survivors of genocide and other forms of political violence.

The report provides an overview of the rehabilitation approaches taken within the Project and captures the achievements and the stories of the beneficiaries who have been involved in the four key activities: The medical referral system, restoring dignity through livelihoods, supporting victims in the fight against impunity and changing lives through community-based social counselling…

Islamic Relief [to 12 September 2015]
http://www.islamic-relief.org/category/news/

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EU action on refugees needed now
[undated]
The Head of Islamic Relief’s Humanitarian Department has expressed his ‘huge relief’ following the evacuation of 25,000 refugees to the Greek mainland from appalling conditions on the island of Lesvos, but called for concerted action by the European Union and member states to tackle the continuing Mediterranean refugee crisis.

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“There is no ‘them’ and ‘us’”
[undated]
From Lesvos, where Islamic Relief is assisting refugees, Musab Bora reports on the dramatic change on the Greek island and reflects on the deep-seated human need to connect.

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Welcome for new leaders
September 9, 2015
Islamic Relief has officially welcomed new trustee leadership to the organisation.

MSF/Médecins Sans Frontières [to 12 September 2015]
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/news-stories/press/press-releases

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The 2015 Lasker-Bloomberg Public Service Award:
Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) for Sustained and Effective Frontline Responses to the Recent Ebola Outbreak in Africa
The 2015 Lasker~Bloomberg Public Service Award honors Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), established in 1971, for bold leadership in responding to the recent Ebola outbreak in Africa, and for sustained and effective frontline responses to health emergencies.

Since the beginning of the most recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa in March 2014, more than 11,000 people lost their lives, including hundreds of health workers. MSF leaders realized quickly the devastating magnitude of the outbreak and sprang into action. The organization sent experts, built hospitals, imported necessary supplies, and set up systems to receive and treat patients. For many months, MSF was alone in its work. When other international organizations later began stepping up, MSF provided guidelines and trained many of their personnel.

Throughout the Ebola crisis, MSF led a call for governments and international organizations to provide trained medical personnel and set up a system for disaster response. In May, the World Health Organization and its constituent countries announced that it would create a $100M fund that will support an international rapid response system for future outbreaks.

Since its inception, MSF has tackled the world’s most overwhelming disasters that affect our planet’s most marginalized people, and its activities during the last 18 months have demonstrated its exceptional perseverance and effectiveness.

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Press release
Syria: Daily Bombings Made August One of the Bloodiest Months in East Ghouta
September 11, 2015
Makeshift hospitals near Damascus overwhelmed by mass casualities; 2 million people now under siege

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Press release
Jordan: Reconstructive Surgery Hospital for War Victims Opens in Amman
September 08, 2015
AMMAN, JORDAN—Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) officially opened a newly upgraded reconstructive surgery hospital today in Amman to provide improved treatment to war-wounded patients from across the region.

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Press release
Global Health Community Walks Away from Snakebite Crisis as Antivenom Runs Out
September 07, 2015
BASEL—Tens of thousands of people will continue to die of snakebite unnecessarily unless the global health community takes action to ensure treatment and antivenom is made available, said the international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) ahead of a symposium on this issue in Basel, Switzerland, this week.

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Field news
MSF Assists Hundreds of Refugees in Roszke, Hungary
September 11, 2015
Thousands of refugees, mostly from Syria, are arriving to Roszke, on the Serbia-Hungary border. They are both physically and psychologically exhausted after a long and dangerous journey by sea and road across several countries, says Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières. Some 2,000 people are crossing over the border daily.

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Field news
Greece: Closure of Captain Elias Camp Leaves Refugees Even More Vulnerable
September 11, 2015
Yesterday, September 10, saw the immediate closure of the Captain Elias camp on Kos Island, a makeshift building where authorities have been directing refugees to stay while awaiting their registration papers.

OXFAM [to 12 September 2015]
http://www.oxfam.org/en/pressroom/pressreleases

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Increasing inequality plunging millions more Europeans into poverty
9 September 2015
Poverty and inequality in Europe have reached shocking levels, according to a new Oxfam report.

Between 2009 and 2013, the number of Europeans living without enough money to heat their homes or cope with unforeseen expenses, known as “severe material deprivation”, rose by 7.5 million to 50 million people. These are among the 123 million people(1) – almost a quarter of the EU’s population – at risk of living in poverty, while the continent is home to 342 billionaires. ‘A Europe for the Many, Not the Few’ report findings confirm and add to research done by the IMF and others on how rising inequality is making the fight against poverty harder to win. As part of its global campaign against inequality, Oxfam works on tackling poverty across Europe.

The Oxfam report, which reveals the extent of inequality across the continent by analyzing data on poverty and wealth, is accompanied by a league table. Both are being published ahead of an informal meeting of European Finance Ministers on 11 and 12 September…

Norwegian Refugee Council [to 12 September 2015]
http://www.nrc.no/

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Press release
“Unworthy refugee response in Greece”
11. September 2015
“Today we are too often prevented from providing effective assistance to refugees arriving in Greece. All European countries have the responsibility to treat refugees according to international standards, and national political challenges are no excuse. Faced with the urgent humanitarian challenge, international humanitarian actors must be allowed to provide assistance” says Benedicte Giæver, Director of the Emergency Deployment Department of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

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Refugee crisis: NRC’s response
07. september 2015
An increasing number of desperate refugees are seeking safety in Europe – many of them fleeing the brutal war in Syria. NRC is working to assist refugees in Europe, as well as in Syria and the neighbouring countries