Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) [to 18 June 2016]
http://www.oic-oci.org/oicv3/news/?lan=en
[Selected Press Releases, Announcements]

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15/06/2016
OIC Implements Ramadan Activities in some Member States in Partnership with Humanitarian Organizations
In the framework of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s efforts in the holy month each year, its humanitarian offices carried out at the beginning of Ramadan humanitarian activities in a number of Member States, in partnership with several humanitarian organizations, especially in Palestine, Somalia and Central Africa and (for the Syrian refugees) in Turkey. These activities and projects are aimed at helping the neediest families in an attempt to provide the basic necessities and to alleviate their suffering during the month of Ramadan, in light of the bitter situation experienced by several countries in the Muslim world.

IPU Inter-Parliamentary Union [to 18 June 2016]
http://www.ipu.org/english/news.htm

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13 June 2016
World MPs highlight unique parliamentary role in AIDS fight
IPU’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations, Paddy Torsney, has stressed to the UN’s High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS the essential role of MPs and national parliaments in combating the disease. Presenting the conclusions of IPU’s parliamentary meeting, she said MPs had emphasized their critical role linking national strategies, communities and individuals. Ms Torsney said the MPs had highlighted the persistence of stigma and legal discrimination some 35 years after the epidemic started, continuing to form an immense barrier to voluntary testing and treatment. MPs had stressed their role in fighting stigma and discrimination at the national policy level as well as in their constituencies, she said…

World Bank [to 18 June 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 from World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim on the Murder of UK MP Jo Cox
WASHINGTON, June 17, 2016— World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim issued the following statement today on the murder of UK MP Jo Cox: “I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the violent death of…
Date: June 17, 2016 Type: Press Release

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Joint Declaration on a Framework for European Commission-World Bank Group Collaboration in Situations Affected by Fragility, Conflict and Violence
The European Commission and the World Bank Group, hereby envisage to define a framework for collaboration in situations affected by fragility, conflict and violence (FCV). We believe that in FCV situations,…
Date: June 14, 2016 Type: Press Release
[See Week in Review above for more detail]

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European Commission and World Bank Group to Accelerate Joint Action to Tackle Fragility, Conflict and Violence
Brussels, June 14, 2016 — The European Commission (EC) and the World Bank Group (WBG) today announced their commitment to strengthen joint action on sustaining peace and increase development impact in…
Date: June 14, 2016 Type: Press Release

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Global Private Infrastructure Investment Remains Steady at $111.6 billion; Turkey Takes the Lead with Two Megadeals
WASHINGTON, June 13, 2016—Global private infrastructure investment in 2015 mostly remained steady at $111.6 billion when compared to the previous year, according to new data from the World Bank Group’s…
Date: June 14, 2016 Type: Press Release

IMF [to 18 June 2016]
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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June 16, 2016
Press Release: IMF and Partners Launch New Phases of the Managing Natural Resource Wealth and Revenue Mobilization Trust Funds
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and its development partners launched new phases of the Managing Natural Resource Wealth (MNRW-TF) and the Revenue Mobilization (RM-TF) trust funds during the annual steering committee meetings held in Washington from June 14–15, 2016. Subject to contributions from development partners, the MNRW-TF and RM-TF are expected to provide about US$30 million and US$60 million, respectively, over six years for technical assistance and training to help low- and lower middle-income countries strengthen tax capacity and mobilize natural resource wealth…

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Growth expected to rebound after a difficult year, but risk of slowdown in remittances is more pronounced
KATHMANDU, June 15, 2016 – Following two massive shocks which have resulted in two years of disappointing growth, economic activity is expected to rebound modestly, growing by 4.7 percent in FY2017, a…
Date: June 15, 2016 Type: Press Release

Asian Development Bank [to 18 June 2016]
http://www.adb.org/news/releases
[We generally limit coverage to regional or Asia-wide initiatives, recognizing that a number of country-level announcements are added each week]

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13 June 2016
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank appoints General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer
BEIJING – The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (the Bank) today announced the following senior staff appointments:
:: Mr. Gerard Sanders to the position of General Counsel; and
:: Mr. Thierry de Longuemar to the position of Chief Financial Officer…

IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development [to 18 June 2016]
https://www.ifad.org/newsroom/press_release/list/tags/y2016

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15 June 2016
Remittances bring economic stability to families and countries, says IFAD president on International Day
Rome – On the International Day of Family Remittances, 16 June, Kanayo F. Nwanze, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), calls for greater recognition of the vital financial contribution migrants make to the economic stability of their families and countries.

“The remittances sent back to relatives provide a lifeline, particularly to tens of millions of families living in fragile or post-conflict societies,” Nwanze said. “Remittances can help rebuild the fabric of societies, spark economic development, and bring the stability necessary for a hopeful future.”

In 2015, some 250 million migrants living outside their countries of origin sent nearly US$450 billion back home in remittances. Over the same period, 60 million people were forcibly displaced due to violent conflict and political upheaval, including 20 million refugees who fled across international borders…

Amref Health Africa [to 18 June 2016]
http://amref.org/news/news/

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16 June 2016
Let’s eliminate conflict to improve the lives of children
The Day of the African Child has been celebrated on June 16 every year since 1991, when it was first initiated by the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union. This year, 2016, the day will be marked under the theme “Conflict and Crisis in Africa: Protecting all Children’s Rights”.

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Amref launches mobile health information platform in Bungoma County
Published: 13 June 2016 Carolyne Khamala
Amref Health Africa in Kenya has launched M-JALI, a mobile-enabled platform for community health information management, in Kabuchai sub-county in Bungoma County through its Maternal and New-born health Improvement (MANI) programme on Thursday, June 9, 2016.

CARE International [to 18 June 2016]
http://www.care-international.org/news/press-releases

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17th Jun 2016
Europe’s largest car rally drive home a reminder to tackling climate change and the 1.5 degree target
Cars form giant ‘1.5’ to support the goal of the 2015 United Nations Paris Agreement to pursue efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Emissions avoided by each rally car highlights need for market incentives to price carbon and promote more low-emissions electric mobility.

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Niger Faces ‘Humanitarian Catastrophe’ Unless Action Taken Now
14th Jun 2016 Niger
Several recent attacks by Nigerian militants across the border into the area of Bosso in southeastern Niger have forced refugees to flee further into the region of Diffa. The long forced walks towards safety without food and water – especially taxing on women and children – have caused several deaths …

Handicap International [to 18 June 2016]
http://www.handicap-international.us/press_releases

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Posted on June 16, 2016 7:09 AM
Dozens of American banks still investing in cluster munitions
Silver Spring, MD—Handicap International is alarmed by the findings in the latest report by Dutch non-governmental organization, PAX, which calls out 158 financial institutions, 74 of which are in the U.S., for providing $28 billion in loans and financial services to seven cluster munition producers. Among the seven weapons makers are U.S.-based Orbital ATK, and Textron.

This 7th report, “Worldwide Investments in Cluster Munitions: A Shared Responsibility,” studied how institutions worldwide were financing the production of these banned weapons between 2012 and 2016. The report’s Hall of Shame lists the institutions that still invest in companies making cluster munitions. American financial institutions topping the investments list include T Rowe Price, Vanguard, and JP Morgan Chase. The Hall of Shame is also dominated by financial institutions in China (29) and South Korea (26).

Financing the production of these weapons is a serious violation of the spirit of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (Oslo Treaty), which bans the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of cluster munitions. Twenty of the financial institutions come from States Parties to the Cluster Munition Convention: Germany, Canada, Spain, France, Japan, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. Only ten States parties have adopted legislation that prohibits investments in cluster munitions, including Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The U.S. has yet to join the Convention.

“It is too easy for producers of cluster munitions to access loans and financial services,” explains Marion Libertucci, head of advocacy at Handicap International. “Allowing financial institutions to finance the production of cluster munitions is a violation of the spirit of the Oslo Treaty.”…

Heifer International [to 18 June 2016]
http://www.heifer.org/about-heifer/press/press-releases.html

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June 14, 2016
Hilton Prize Coalition Releases Film Highlighting Role of Development Organizations in Response to Nepal Earthquake
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Heifer International is one of six development organizations featured in the Hilton Prize Coalition documentary, “On Shifting Ground.” The film highlights disaster relief efforts following the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal in April 2015. The earthquake and aftershocks killed more than 8,000 people and injured nearly 21,000.

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June 14, 2016
Heifer International Board of Directors Names Tom Hadfield to Membership
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. In the professional marketplace, Hadfield is CEO of Message.io, a technology start-up headquartered in Austin, Texas. As a citizen of the world, he is keenly aware of complexities that accompany the global issues of hunger and poverty. To create a lasting impact himself, Hadfield has been instrumental in launching several social ventures to help better the lives of individuals in Africa and worldwide.

HelpAge International [to 18 June 2016]
http://www.helpage.org/newsroom/press-room/press-releases/
Posted: 14 June 2016
HelpAge calls for convention to protect rights of older people near end of life
Older people are campaigning for the right to be free from violence and abuse under international law on this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Wednesday 15 June…

…Government responses to elder abuse have been inadequate around the world. In 2014, a WHO, UNODC and UNDP Global Status Report on Violence Prevention reported that of the 133 countries surveyed only 17% reported any survey data on elder abuse and, of these, the majority were in high-income countries[2].

“The obligation of governments to protect older people from abuse is not clearly stated in existing international human rights law. As a result, national laws to protect older people from violence and abuse are inconsistent and patchy, with some older people having little or no legal protection, no access to support services or to justice,” said Sleap.

Despite the violence and abuse faced by many older people around the world, a lack of data exacerbates the problem.
“Elder abuse can be dangerously invisible as it is often a taboo subject and older people are often reluctant to report the abuse they are subjected to,” said Sleap.

“We are calling for better data on violence and abuse to tackle this,” she said.

Age Demands Action campaigners will be calling for their governments to attend the seventh session of the UN Open-ended Working Group on Ageing in December prepared to talk about what they would like to see in a new convention on older people’s rights…
…HelpAge International believes the time has come for an international convention on the rights of older people in order to ensure we live the end of lives and die with dignity.

ICRC [to 18 June 2016]
https://www.icrc.org/en/whats-new
Selected News Releases and Articles

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18-06-2016 | News release
South Sudan: ICRC airplanes evacuate 17 people wounded in clashes from Raja
Juba (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) today evacuated by air 17 people from the town of Raja following violent clashes there that left dozens of casualties. The fighting caused several hundred people to flee their homes i

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Explosive weapons in populated areas – Factsheet
Armed conflicts are increasingly fought in population centres, but often with weapon systems that were originally designed for use in open battlefields.
14-06-2016 | Article

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Speech by ICRC president at Human Rights Council
Speech given by Peter Maurer, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, at the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.
13-06-2016 | Article

IRC International Rescue Committee [to 18 June 2016]
http://www.rescue.org/press-release-index
Selected Press Releases

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16 Jun 2016
IRC Response: Victory for Refugee Resettlement in Texas
The United States District Court Northern District of Texas in Dallas today upheld the lawfulness of the refugee resettlement program in Texas. In response, Jennifer Sime, Senior Vice President of US Programs with the International Rescue Committee released the following statement:

“Today’s decision upholds and affirms America’s proud history in providing refuge for the world’s most vulnerable. Refugees are fleeing violence and persecution and want nothing more than to live a safe and peaceful life.
The court is unequivocal in validating the lawfulness of the refugee resettlement program and reaffirms Texas’ legacy in welcoming refugees.

The integrity and legacy of the refugee resettlement program will continue to be one of this country’s greatest strengths. We will continue to provide the services and support needed to make sure refugees, both in Texas and nationwide, have the support they need to rebuild their lives.”

IRCT [to 18 June 2016]
http://www.irct.org/

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News
Kenyan High Court allows forced anal examinations to detect homosexuality despite clear evidence that it constitutes torture and ill-treatment
17 June 2016

News
IFEG expert issues criticism of national investigation in the Al-Abdali Cell case
13 June 2016

Islamic Relief [to 18 June 2016]
http://www.islamic-relief.org/category/news/
June 17, 2016
World Refugee Day: Stand #WithRefugees
Islamic Relief supporters are urged to petition governments for refugee rights.
To mark World Refugee Day, on June 20, Islamic Relief is throwing its weight behind the #WithRefugees petition.

The number of refugees globally now exceeds 20 million – the highest figure for more than two decades.

Increasing political instability and violent conflict are pushing thousands of families to flee their homes every day, leaving everything behind in search of safety.

This World Refugee Day we are standing #WithRefugees, asking governments to ensure:
:: every refugee child gets an education,
:: every refugee family has somewhere safe to live,
:: every refugee can work or learn new skills to make a positive contribution to their community…

Mercy Corps [to 18 June 2016]
http://www.mercycorps.org/press-room/releases

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Syria, June 15, 2016
Mercy Corps: Syria’s Aleppo Cut Off From Aid Deliveries
Ten-fold increase in airstrikes closes last remaining road into Aleppo City
Gaziantep, Turkey – A ten-fold increase in airstrikes and corresponding clashes on the ground have made routes into Aleppo City impassable, according to the global organization Mercy Corps. The organization urges the international community and the International Syria Support Group to recommit and expand the negotiated cessation of hostilities agreement. Central to this agreement are the necessary steps to ensure the safety of aid workers and civilians and allow unfettered and sustained humanitarian access to civilians in need.

“What we’re seeing is not by definition a siege, but we’ve been unable to bring new supplies into Aleppo city since mid-May,” says Xavier Tissier, North Syria Director. “Over the past six weeks, Mercy Corps has seen life become even more dangerous for both aid workers and civilians. This is the worst we’ve seen so far in Aleppo.”

Mercy Corps provides essential relief to approximately 570,000 people across Syria each month, including more than 75,000 people in Aleppo City alone…

Norwegian Refugee Council [to 18 June 2016]
http://www.nrc.no/
Selected News

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IT course empowering Syrian youth
16. June 2016
How NRC’s IT course is empowering young, Syrian refugees in Jordan: Nasser from Syria is one out of the 1000 young refugees who have completed the program and now holds an ICDL certificate.

Desperate situation for civilians fleeing Fallujah
16. June 2016
The situation for children, women and men fleeing Fallujah is desperate as humanitarian organisations are running out of food and water. “We have a humanitarian disaster inside Fallujah and another unfolding disaster in the camps,” said Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

Providing safe shelter in Myanmar
16. June 2016
More than 1 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Myanmar. NORCAP expert Jade Chakowa makes sure they have safe places to live and the basic services they need to survive.

Partners In Health [to 18 June 2016]
http://www.pih.org/blog

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Jun 16, 2016
First Patients Start EndTB Program in Peru
Through a groundbreaking program called endTB, PIH is partnering with international organizations to offer new treatments against the toughest strains of tuberculosis.

PATH [to 18 June 2016]
http://www.path.org/news/index.php

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Announcement | June 13, 2016
PATH launches campaign to highlight and advance the Innovation Effect
Events in Washington, DC and digital campaign focus on the vital role of innovation to tackle global health challenges, and aim to identify actions that power disruptive solutions.
Today, PATH is launching a new conversation and call-to-action to highlight and drive forward the Innovation Effect. The Innovation Effect happens when unique partnerships, disruptive technologies, transformed systems, and data-driven insights combine—in often unexpected ways—creating dramatic improvements in the health and well-being of people around the world.

The campaign will kick off with two events—held with partners from across public and private sectors—and a series of digital activities to drive engagement in Washington, DC, as well as online through #InnovationEffect…

Save The Children [to 18 June 2016]
http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.9357111/k.C14B/Press_Releases_2016/apps/nl/newsletter2.asp

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June 17, 2016
Dead Bodies Found on the Sahara Migration Route — Save the Children’s Response
Fairfield, Conn — Save the Children said: “Reports that 34 people, 20 of them children, have been found dead in the Sahara desert, is yet another tragic example of lives lost along the refugee and migrant route.”

“The majority of children who make it to Italy reported harrowing and severely abusive journeys when interviewed by Save the Children. At the mercy of people smugglers and traffickers, they continue to face grave risks on their way to reach safety. We have heard of the horrors children face; many suffer appalling torture, abuse and exploitation as they make their way through sub-Saharan Africa on to Libya.”

The criminals that transport desperate families will continue to flourish as long as there are no safe and legal alternatives.

“International leaders are pulling up the drawbridge and prioritizing border control over saving lives. We must not rip up the moral rule book. If they continue the current course of inaction, we will continue to see children dying of thirst in the summer heat in the desert or drowning at sea, as they try to seek a better life.”…