Oxford Review of Economic Policy
Spring 2016
Reorienting health aid to meet post-2015 global health challenges: a case study of Sweden as a donor
Gavin Yamey, Jesper Sundewall, Helen Saxenian, Robert Hecht, Keely Jordan, Marco Schäferhoff, Christina Schrade, Cécile Deleye, Milan Thomas, Nathan Blanchet, Lawrence Summers, and Dean Jamison
Abstract
The international development community is transitioning from the era of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), ending in 2015, to the era of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which have a 2030 target. Global development assistance for health (DAH) increased substantially in the MDGs era, from US $10.8 billion in 2001 to $28.1 billion by 2012 (in 2010 US dollars), and it played a crucial role in tackling global challenges such as HIV/AIDS and malaria. In this paper, we describe the likely health challenges of the SDGs era and the types of international assistance that will be required to help tackle these challenges. We propose a new way of classifying DAH based on considering the functions that it will need to serve in order to address these post-2015 challenges. We apply this new classification to the current health aid spending of one donor, Sweden, as a case study. Based on our findings, we suggest ways in which Sweden’s DAH could be reoriented towards meeting the health challenges of the next two decades.

PLoS Biology
Published: March 2, 2016
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002376
Honing the Priorities and Making the Investment Case for Global Health
Trevor Mundel
Abstract
In the aftermath of the Ebola crisis, the global health community has a unique opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned and apply them to prepare the world for the next crisis. Part of that preparation will entail knowing, with greater precision, what the scale and scope of our specific global health challenges are and what resources are needed to address them. However, how can we know the magnitude of the challenge, and what resources are needed without knowing the current status of the world through accurate primary data? Once we know the current status, how can we decide on an intervention today with a predicted impact decades out if we cannot project into that future? Making a case for more investments will require not just better data generation and sharing but a whole new level of sophistication in our analytical capability—a fundamental shift in our thinking to set expectations to match the reality. In this current status of a distributed world, being transparent with our assumptions and specific with the case for investing in global health is a powerful approach to finding solutions to the problems that have plagued us for centuries.

The Sentinel

Human Rights Action :: Humanitarian Response :: Health ::
Holistic Development :: Sustainable Resilience
__________________________________________________
Week ending 27 February 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 27 February 2016

blog edition: comprised of the 35+ entries  posted below on 29 February through 3 March 2016

Editor’s Note:
The cessation of hostilities agreement in Syria and announcements involving the refugee crisis the conflict has spawned lead our Week in Review section. We include the full text of the Security Council resolution below.

Syria
Syrian Arab Republic: Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien – Statement to the Security Council on Syria, New York, 24 February 2016
Initial text
Mr. President,
Next month, we will mark a grim anniversary: the brutal conflict will have torn Syria apart for five long years. It has been a relentless period of violence and destruction. The Syrian people have seen their country reduced to rubble, loved ones killed or injured, and millions of people displaced, either inside the country or in the region and beyond. They have suffered far too much and for far too long. The international community watched on as Syria became one of the largest and most destructive crises of our times, with the majority of the population – some 13.5 million people – in dire need of protection and humanitarian assistance.

The announcement by the chairs of the International Syria Support Group, the United States and the Russian Federation, of a nationwide cessation of hostilities scheduled to come into effect this weekend is a welcome development and a long-awaited signal of hope to the Syrian people. I echo the call of the Secretary-General for the parties to abide by the terms of the agreement to bring about an immediate reduction in violence as a first step towards a more durable ceasefire and to create the conditions necessary for an increase in humanitarian aid…

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Security Council Unanimously Endorses Syria Cessation of Hostilities Accord, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2268 (2016)
26 February 2016
SC/12261
7634thy Meeting (PM)
An hour before it was due to go into effect, the Security Council today unanimously endorsed the cessation of hostilities agreement aimed at ending five years of bloodshed in Syria.

The 15-member Council approved resolution 2268 (2016), endorsing the deal announced in the Joint Statement by the United States and the Russian Federation, Co-chairs of the International Syria Support Group. The resolution demanded that all parties to the agreement live up to its terms, and urged all Member States to use their influence to ensure that parties to the conflict fulfil their commitments and create the conditions for a durable and lasting ceasefire.

Briefing the Council before the vote, Staffan de Mistura, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Syria, said the cessation of hostilities was the result of lengthy and detailed discussions and the outcome of intense negotiations at the highest level. Speaking via videoconference from Geneva, he added that it was a “major achievement”.

Much work for the implementation of the agreement lay ahead, he continued, stressing that Saturday would be a critical day and warning that there would be no shortage of attempts to undermine the process under way. The international community must work fast to address any incidents that may arise, while all parties must demonstrate restraint. He announced that, provided the cessation of hostilities held and humanitarian access was kept open, he intended to reconvene formal Syria peace talks in Geneva on Monday, 7 March…

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[Editor’s text bolding]
Resolution
The full text of resolution 2268 (2016) reads as follows:
“The Security Council,
“Recalling its resolutions 2042 (2012), 2043 (2012), 2118 (2013), 2139 (2014), 2165 (2014), 2170 (2014), 2175 (2014), 2178 (2014), 2191 (2014), 2199 (2015), 2235 (2015), 2249 (2015), 2253 (2015), 2254 (2015) and 2258 (2015), and Presidential Statements of 3 August 2011 (S/PRST/2011/16), 21 March 2012 (S/PRST/2012/6), 5 April 2012 (S/PRST/2012/10), 2 October 2013 (S/PRST/2013/15), 24 April 2015 (S/PRST/2015/10) and 17 August 2015 (S/PRST/2015/15),

“Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic, and to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations,

“Recognizing the efforts of the Secretary-General in implementing resolution 2254 (2015) and noting, through his good offices and by his Special Envoy for Syria, the launch of the formal negotiations on a political transition process, consistent with paragraph 2 of resolution 2254 (2015), on 29 January 2016,

“Commending the commitment of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) to ensure a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition based on the Geneva communiqué of 30 June 2012 in its entirety and to immediately facilitate the full implementation of resolution 2254 (2015), and emphasizing the urgency for all parties in Syria to work diligently and constructively towards this goal,

“Welcoming the ISSG statement of 11 February 2016, including the establishment of an ISSG humanitarian task force and an ISSG ceasefire task force,

“1. Endorses in full the Joint Statement of the United States and the Russian Federation, as Co-Chairs of the ISSG, on Cessation of Hostilities in Syria of 22 February 2016 and the Terms for the Cessation of Hostilities in Syria (hereafter referred to as ‘the Annex’) attached to the Statement, and demands the cessation of hostilities to begin at 00:00 (Damascus time) on 27 February 2016;

“2. Demands the full and immediate implementation of resolution 2254 (2015) to facilitate a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political transition, in accordance with the Geneva communiqué as set forth in the ISSG Statements, in order to end the conflict in Syria, and stresses again that the Syrian people will decide the future of Syria;

“3. Demands that all parties to whom the cessation of hostilities applies as set forth in the Annex (hereafter referred to as the “parties to the cessation of hostilities”) fulfil their commitments laid out in the Annex, and urges all Member States, especially ISSG members, to use their influence with the parties to the cessation of hostilities to ensure fulfilment of those commitments and to support efforts to create conditions for a durable and lasting ceasefire; “

4. Recognizes the efforts of the Russian Federation and the United States to reach understanding on the Terms of the Cessation of Hostilities, and acknowledges and welcomes that the forces of the Syrian Government and those supporting it, as communicated to the Russian Federation, and the Syrian armed opposition groups, as communicated to the Russian Federation or the United States, have accepted and committed to abide by the Terms of the Cessation of Hostilities, and as such are now parties to it;

“5. Reiterates its call on the parties to immediately allow humanitarian agencies rapid, safe and unhindered access throughout Syria by most direct routes, allow immediate, humanitarian assistance to reach all people in need, in particular in all besieged and hard-to-reach areas, and immediately comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law as applicable;

“6. Expresses support for the ISSG initiative, coordinated through the ISSG humanitarian working group, to accelerate the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid, with the view towards the full, sustained, and unimpeded access throughout the country, including to Deir ez Zor, Foah, Kafraya, Az-Zabadani, Madaya/Bqin, Darayya, Madamiyet Elsham, Duma, East Harasta, Arbin, Zamalka, Kafr Batna, Ein Terma, Hammuria, Jisrein, Saqba, Zabadin, Yarmuk, eastern and western rural Aleppo, Azaz, Afrin, At Tall, Rastan, Talbiseh, Al Houle, Tier Malah/Al Gantho/Der Kabira, Al Waer, Yalda, Babila and Beit Saham;

“7. Reaffirms its support for a Syrian-led political process facilitated by the United Nations, requests the Secretary-General, through his good offices and the efforts of his Special Envoy for Syria, to resume the formal negotiations between the representatives of the Syrian government and the opposition, under the auspices of the United Nations, as soon as possible, and urges the representatives of the Syrian Government and the Syrian opposition to engage in good faith in these negotiations;

“8. Welcomes the cessation of hostilities as a step towards a lasting ceasefire and reaffirms the close linkage between a ceasefire and a parallel political process, pursuant to the 2012 Geneva communiqué, and that both initiatives should move ahead expeditiously as expressed in resolution 2254 (2015);

“9. Calls on all states to use their influence with the Government of Syria and the Syrian opposition to advance the peace process, confidence-building measures, including the early release of any arbitrarily detained persons, particularly women and children, and implementation of the cessation of hostilities;

“10. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council on the implementation of this resolution, including by drawing on information provided by the ISSG ceasefire taskforce, and on resolution 2254 (2015), within 15 days of the adoption of this resolution and every 30 days thereafter;

“11. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.”

UNHCR, UNICEF launch Blue Dot hubs to boost protection for children and families on the move across Europe
Joint UNHCR, UNICEF Press Release
26 February 2016
As part of a joint endeavour to step up protection for the growing numbers of children and others with specific needs arriving in Europe, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and UNICEF are setting up special support centres for children and families along the most frequently used migration routes in Europe.

Twenty Child and Family Support Hubs, to be known as “Blue Dots,” will provide a safe space for children and their families, vital services, play, protection and counselling in a single location. The hubs aim to support vulnerable families on the move, especially the many unaccompanied or separated children at risk of sickness, trauma, violence, exploitation and trafficking.

While the situation continues to evolve, at present the first hubs are now operational or about to open in Greece, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia. All 20 will be operational within the next three months.

The “Blue Dot” hubs come at a time when women and children account for two thirds of those crossing to Europe: In February, women and children made up nearly 60 per cent of sea arrivals compared to 27 per cent in September 2015. They will also aim to identify and protect children and adolescents travelling alone, and reunite them with family wherever possible, depending on their best interests.

“We are concerned about the welfare of unaccompanied boys and girls on the move and unprotected across Europe, many of whom have experienced war and hardship in making these journeys alone,” said UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection Volker Türk. “The hubs will play a key role in identifying these children and providing the protection they need in an unfamiliar environment, where they may be at risk,” he added…

Europe/migration: Five-country police agreement exacerbates crisis and puts vulnerable migrants at risk — Zeid
GENEVA (25 February 2016) – The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on Thursday expressed serious concern at security measures adopted at a recent meeting of the heads of police of five European countries*, which are already having a negative impact on the human rights of refugees and migrants in southern and central Europe, and are compounding the already exceptionally difficult situation in Greece.

“In the wake of the adoption of these measures last week, the treatment of refugees and migrants moving through some of these countries already appears to have changed, with seriously negative implications for their human rights,” Zeid said. “Latest reports suggest chain deportations are now taking place all the way down the Balkan land route, which includes Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, towards Greece. In addition, hundreds of Afghans were reportedly stranded in abject conditions for over five days on the border between The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia, and many other Afghans have been blocked from entering The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia from Greece, apparently solely on the basis of their nationality.”

The High Commissioner also regretted certain authorities’ reported refusal of entry to any people arriving at their borders, if they were unable to produce the documents specified in the agreement.

“Whether or not someone possesses a particular document has no bearing whatsoever on whether or not they are a refugee,” Zeid said. “There any number of reasons why a refugee may have to flee her or his country without valid travel documents. The lack of a valid document should never be a reason for refusing entry into an asylum procedure.”

“I understand the challenge facing the authorities in some European countries who are trying to cope with large numbers of migrants arriving on, or transiting, their territory, and efforts to improve the management of the situation would be very welcome indeed.” Zeid said. “However, this extraordinary agreement by police chiefs establishes a policy across five states that includes measures which seem to be incompatible with the human rights obligations of the countries concerned, all of which are bound by international human rights and refugee law.”

“I am particularly troubled that the agreement appears to enable the collective expulsion of non-nationals, acts explicitly prohibited under international law,” Zeid said.

The prohibition against collective expulsion entitles every non-national to an individualized examination of all the arguments used against his or her removal. It represents an important due process guarantee to prevent arbitrary expulsions of non-nationals. An integral element of the right to protection from collective expulsion and the right of access to an effective remedy is that an expulsion is stayed until its compliance with international human rights law has been finally determined.

The agreement, outlined in the “Joint Statement of Heads of Police Services” of the five countries, which was issued on 18 February, appears to authorize profiling people, and limiting “entry on humanitarian grounds,” solely on the basis of their nationality, and possession of identification documents, rather than on an individual assessment of whether or not they are in need of asylum or some other form of international protection of their human rights.

The agreement establishes extremely narrow criteria for allowing entry — “fleeing war” – with no mention of “persecution” which is the key criteria for recognizing refugees under the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol and related international law. This narrow focus also appears to invalidate a number of other legitimate grounds according to which a person may be permitted to enter another State’s territory (for example, depending on circumstances, family reunification), under international and European human rights law.

“Alarmingly, given the primary duty of the police to protect people, the agreement contains no measures aiming at protecting these extremely vulnerable women, children and men on the move – there is, for example, not even a mention of special measures to protect people who might be particularly at risk of human rights violations, including children, persons with disabilities, LGBT persons, older people, victims of torture or victims of gender-based violence or trafficking,” Zeid said. “Instead, the agreement appears to be solely concerned with applying stringent limitations of entry on people travelling along the so-called Balkan Land Route, and providing for the ‘controlled transfer of migrants,’ without sufficient safeguards.”

The adoption of the police measures followed the announcement by the Government of Austria of limitations both on the number of refugees to be accepted in 2016, and on the number of people who will be allowed to transit the country.

“These measures are exacerbating the chaos and misery all down the line, and especially in Greece, which is already overwhelmed. The up-stream border closures, are putting massive pressure on the country that is most in need of help. This could have unforeseen and devastating consequences on Greece and on the large number of people currently on its territory. I urge the five countries who signed last week’s agreement to carefully recalibrate the approach of their police forces and bring it fully in line with international law.”

The High Commissioner noted the repeated calls by the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, and by the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants Francois Crépeau, to the European Union to halt the continuous regression of the human rights of refugees and migrants.

Zeid urged EU and other European countries to “take steps to counter the myth-making, stereotyping, racism and xenophobia which have so distorted and politicized the migration debate, undermining efforts to govern the movements of refugees and migrants in rational ways that both protect their rights and ease the management challenges the whole of Europe is facing.”

Zika virus [to 27 February 2016]
Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)
http://www.who.int/emergencies/zika-virus/en/

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WHO: Zika Virus, Microcephaly and Guillain–Barré syndrome situation report
26 February 2016
Read the full situation report
Summary
:: Between 1 January 2007 and 25 February 2016, a total of 52 countries and territories have reported autochthonous (local) transmission of Zika virus, including those where the outbreak is now over and countries and territories that provided indirect evidence of local transmission. Among the 52 countries and territories, Marshall Islands, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago are the latest to report autochthonous transmission of Zika virus.

:: The geographical distribution of Zika virus has steadily widened since the virus was first detected in the Americas in 2015. Autochthonous Zika virus transmission has been reported in 31 countries and territories of this region. Zika virus is likely to be transmitted and detected in other countries within the geographical range of competent mosquito vectors, especially Aedes aegypti.

:: So far an increase in microcephaly cases and other neonatal malformations have only been reported in Brazil and French Polynesia, although two cases linked to a stay in Brazil were detected in two other countries.

:: During 2015 and 2016, eight countries and territories have reported an increased incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and/or laboratory confirmation of a Zika virus infection among GBS cases.

:: Evidence that neurological disorders, including microcephaly and GBS, are linked to Zika virus infection remains circumstantial, but a growing body of clinical and epidemiological data points towards a causal role for Zika virus.

:: The global prevention and control strategy launched by WHO as a Strategic Response Framework1 encompasses surveillance, response activities and research, and this situation report is organized under those headings. Following consultation with partners and taking changes in caseload into account, the framework will be updated at the end of March 2016 to reflect epidemiological evidence coming to light and the evolving division of roles and responsibilities for tackling this emergency.

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WHO releases new guidance for Zika virus and potential complications
25 February 2016 — WHO, today, releases guidance for health workers to assess microcephaly and identify and manage Guillain-Barré syndrome and other issues in relation to Zika virus and the current health emergency. Watch the video to learn how to prevent Zika virus by protecting yourself against mosquitoes.
:: Psychosocial support for pregnant women and for families with microcephaly and other neurological complications in the context of Zika virus  26 February 2016
:: Assessment of infants with microcephaly in the context of Zika virus  25 February 2016
:: Identification and management of Guillain-Barré syndrome in the context of Zika virus  25 February 2016
:: Breastfeeding in the context of Zika virus  25 February 2016

United Nations – Secretary General, Security Council, General Assembly [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.un.org/en/unpress/
Selected Press Releases/Meetings Coverage

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26 February 2016
SC/12261
Security Council Unanimously Endorses Syria Cessation of Hostilities Accord, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2268 (2016)
An hour before it was due to go into effect, the Security Council today unanimously endorsed the cessation of hostilities agreement aimed at ending five years of bloodshed in Syria.

26 February 2016
SG/SM/17563-REF/1224
Greatly Concerned over Rise in Refugee Restrictions, Secretary-General Urges All States to Keep Borders Open, Expand Legal Asylum Paths, Share Responsibilities

26 February 2016
DSG/SM/943-GA/11765
As General Assembly Debates Second ‘Responsibility to Protect’ Decade, Deputy Secretary-General Calls for Stronger Peacebuilding Commitments

26 February 2016
GA/11764
‘Responsibility to Protect’ Remains Worthy, yet Elusive, Concept in Decade after World Leaders Pledge to End Atrocities, General Assembly Hears
A decade after world leaders agreed on the responsibility to protect at a Headquarters world summit, the principle remained a worthy yet elusive concept, with success seen in some places, but with Syria standing out as a glaring example of the international community’s failure to put it into practice, delegates said during a General Assembly thematic panel discussion today.

24 February 2016
SC/12258
Humanitarian Chief, Briefing Security Council, Welcomes Cessation of Hostilities Accord as ‘a Long-Awaited, Optimistic Sign’ for Millions Suffering in Syria
Welcoming the nationwide ceasefire agreement due to take effect in Syria on Saturday, the United Nations humanitarian chief described the development today as a long-awaited, optimistic sign for millions suffering in the war-torn country.

23 February 2016
SC/12253
Speakers in Security Council Stress Need for Better Coordination, More Reliable Funding in United Nations Peacebuilding Efforts
Member States and the United Nations must stop viewing peacebuilding solely as a post-conflict activity and focus more on coordinated programming and funding to prevent war and relapse into conflict, speakers in the Security Council said today.

UN OHCHR Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/media.aspx?IsMediaPage=true
Selected Press Releases

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Europe/migration: Five-country police agreement exacerbates crisis and puts vulnerable migrants at risk — Zeid
GENEVA (25 February 2016) – The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on Thursday expressed serious concern at security measures adopted at a recent meeting of the heads of police of five European countries*, which are already having a negative impact on the human rights of refugees and migrants in southern and central Europe, and are compounding the already exceptionally difficult situation in Greece…
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UN rights expert urges Russia not to implement the new extradition treaty with North Korea
GENEVA / SEOUL (26 February 2016) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Marzuki Darusman, urges the Government of the Russian Federation not to implement the extradition treaty signed with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) earlier this month.
According to reports, there are an estimated 10,000 North Korean regular labourers in Russia, some of whom stay in the country after their contracts have expired in order to seek asylum. Others fleeing the DPRK try to reach Russia through other countries.

“I am alarmed by the new extradition treaty signed between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Russian Federation on 2 February 2016. The treaty calls for transferring and readmitting individuals ‘who have illegally’ left their country and stay ‘illegally’ in another’s territory.

In November 2015, Russia signed a separate extradition treaty with the DPRK, calling for mutual assistance in criminal matters. I am concerned that the latest treaty is much broader in scope and may lead to forced repatriation to the DPRK of individuals at risk of human rights violations, in contravention of Russia’s international obligations.

Given the practice of the DPRK to send labourers to Russia, who often work in slave-like conditions, it is feared that such a treaty could also be used to capture and repatriate workers who attempt to seek asylum.

In fact the practice of sending workers abroad to be exploited may constitute state-sponsored enslavement of human beings, possibly amounting to a specific category of crime against humanity…

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UN report documents litany of violations and abuses amid chaos in Libya
GENEVA (25 February 2016) – A UN report* published on Thursday has documented widespread violations and abuses committed in Libya since the beginning of 2014. The report recommends urgent measures to fight against impunity and to strengthen and reform the justice sector.

“Despite the human rights situation in Libya, the country only sporadically makes the headlines. A multitude of actors – both State and non-State – are accused of very serious violations and abuses that may, in many cases, amount to war crimes,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein.

To access the shorter version of the report, please go to: http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Countries/LY/A_HRC_31_47_E.pdf
To access a more extensive version, with detailed findings of the investigation and a map, please go to: http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Countries/LY/A_HRC_31_CRP_3.pdf

UN OCHA [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.unocha.org/media-resources/press-releases.

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26 Feb 2016
South Sudan: Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs calls for an end to the suffering of civilians in South Sudan

26 Feb 2016
Central African Republic: Central African Republic: The humanitarian community provides assistance to internally displaced people affected by recurrent accidental fires

25 Feb 2016
South Sudan: United Nations Emergency Fund Releases $21 Million to Assist People Affected by Conflict in South Sudan

24 Feb 2016
Syrian Arab Republic: Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien – Statement to the Security Council on Syria, New York, 24 February 2016

22 Feb 2016
Syrian Arab Republic: Statement by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Jordan [EN/AR]

UNICEF [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.unicef.org/media/media_89711.html
Selected Press Releases

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UNHCR, UNICEF launch Blue Dot hubs to boost protection for children and families on the move across Europe
GENEVA, 26 February, 2016 – As part of a joint endeavour to step up protection for the growing numbers of children and others with specific needs arriving in Europe, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and UNICEF are setting up special support centres for children and families along the most frequently used migration routes in Europe.
[see Week in Review above for more details]

Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake on the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in Syria
NEW YORK, 22 February, 2016 – For Syria’s children, today’s agreement on the terms of a cessation of hostilities is welcome news after five years of brutal conflict. UNICEF welcomes this diplomatic progress. Now it must be matched by action…

Children left injured and homeless after violence in Malakal, South Sudan
JUBA, South Sudan, 22 February 2016 – UNICEF is responding to the needs of children in the aftermath of the violence that occurred inside the Protection of Civilians (PoC) site in Malakal this week. At least 18 people were killed, with children injured, distressed and separated from their parents.

UNHCR Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/search?page=&comid=4a0950336&cid=49aea93a7d&scid=49aea93a40
Press Releases

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26 February 2016
UNHCR, UNICEF launch Blue Dot hubs to boost protection for children and families on the move across Europe

25 February 2016
First anniversary of the Abidjan Declaration on the eradication of statelessness

23 February 2016
UNHCR concerned by build up along borders and additional hardships for refugees and asylum seekers

IOM / International Organization for Migration [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.iom.int/press-room/press-releases

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02/26/16
Mediterranean Migrant, Refugee Arrivals in Europe Top 120,000
Greece – Migrant and refugee arrivals in Greece and Italy have exceeded 120,000 in 2016, having reached the 100,000 milestone earlier this week.

IOM Evacuates More Stranded Burkinabe Migrants from Libya
02/26/16
Libya – As the humanitarian situation in Libya continues to deteriorate, the number of migrants seeking IOM support to voluntarily return to their home countries is rising.

South Korea’s Entertainment Visas Pose Risk of Human Trafficking: Policy Forum
02/26/16
Republic of Korea – An IOM co-hosted policy forum in Seoul on Tuesday addressed the lack of legal protection for entertainment visa (E-6) holders in the Republic of Korea.

Resource Manuals Target Millions of Indonesian Overseas Workers
02/26/16
Indonesia – Efforts to reduce the vulnerability of Indonesia’s vast migrant labour force received a boost this week with the release of six new resource books for overseas workers produced by IOM and Indonesia’s national agency tasked with their wellbeing.

IOM, USAID Support Rehabilitation Services in Conflict-Affected Colombian Municipalities
02/26/16
Colombia – IOM and USAID are supporting the Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection to strengthen rehabilitation services in municipalities severely affected by armed conflict in Quibdó, Apartadó, Cartagena, and Popayán.

125 Afghan Nationals Voluntarily Return Home from Germany with IOM Support
02/24/16
Berlin, Kabul – Yesterday (23/02) 125 Afghan nationals departed voluntarily from Germany to Kabul with the help of an Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The group comprised 107 males and 18 females, of which 10 were children who traveled with members of their families. 13 families in total made the trip home.
They arrived safely in Kabul today (24/02), where they were welcomed by IOM staff.

UN Women [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.unwomen.org/news/stories

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Date: 26 February 2016
Women of Fiji look for support to rebuild their livelihoods
Thousands of women in Fiji rely on income gleaned from selling produce or handicrafts at local markets to pay for their children’s education and day-to-day living expenses. Tropical Cyclone Winston’s destruction of crops and market buildings not only takes away their source of income, it threatens the food security of entire communities, as well as having wider implications for their families’ health, nutrition and education.

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Prime Minister of Pakistan: “There is no honour in honour killing”
Date: 23 February 2016
Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has re-affirmed the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to end discrimination and violence against women and girls, and the end the menace of honour killings prevalent in Pakistan.

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Gender Chart reveals how women fared in 2015 global progress
Date: 23 February 2016
The final edition of the Gender Chart details how women were faring in global progress in 2015 as the MDGs wrap up and the Sustainable Development Goals begin to take their place.

WHO & Regionals [to 27 February 2016]

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Commentary
Africa: Now is the time to reach every child with life-saving vaccines
Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa
Dr Ala Alwan, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean
22 February 2016
[Excerpts]
Africa has an incredible opportunity to provide a better life for each and every child – and we know exactly how to seize it: provide universal acces0s to immunization across the continent to protect them from vaccine preventable diseases. We have seen the transformative impact of efforts to reach more children with life-saving vaccines. Child deaths in Africa fell by half over the past generation, in large part due to the use of high impact interventions such as immunization…

Ministerial Conference on Immunization in Africa
To galvanize action, WHO’s offices for Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, in conjunction with the African Union and other partners, are hosting the first-ever Ministerial Conference on Immunization in Africa, in Addis Ababa from 24–25 February 2016.

This conference will represent a remarkable moment. For the first time ministers of health, finance and other sectors from across the continent will come together to declare their commitment to strengthening immunization services, and put universal access to immunization at the forefront of efforts to improve health and drive sustainable development. These leaders are taking action now because they know that vaccines are a smart investment and that their countries can and must do more.
:: website – Ministerial Conference on Immunization in Africa

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WHO “Highlights”
Updated guidance on the care of critically ill children
February 2016 — Children admitted to hospital often die within 24 hours of admission. Many of these deaths can be prevented if treatment is started immediately after their arrival. Updated guidance covers the most common emergency conditions in children arriving at a health facility.

Health Infographics
February 2016 — WHO launches an infographics page to display what effects your health in a clear and concise format. View, download, and share infographics and key messages on diverse health topics.

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:: WHO Regional Offices
WHO African Region AFRO ::
:: Ministers pledge to improve access to vaccines at first-ever Ministerial Conference on Immunization in Africa
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (25 February 2016)
:: Meningitis A nearly eliminated in Africa through vaccination, reaching more than 235 million people – 23 February 2016

WHO Region of the Americas PAHO
:: PAHO experts visit Colombia to support the response to Zika virus (02/23/2016)

WHO South-East Asia Region SEARO
:: Take concrete steps to fight antibiotic resistance, turn pledges into action: WHO
23 February 2016

WHO European Region EURO
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WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region EMRO
:: Health at your fingertips: Using mobiles to help diabetics in Egypt
24 February 2016
:: Africa: Now is the time to reach every child with life-saving vaccines
22 February 2016

WHO Western Pacific Region
:: WHO supports Fiji’s health needs caused by Tropical Cyclone Winston
SUVA, 26 February 2016 – In response to Fiji’s call for international assistance in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Winston, the World Health Organization (WHO) is providing emergency medical supplies and additional personnel to support Fiji as it organizes relief efforts for the survivors. Fiji has declared a State of Emergency.

UNAIDS [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/

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25 February 2016
Celebrate individuality and stand out on Zero Discrimination Day

23 February 2016
More investment needed in developing female-controlled HIV prevention options
Results from two recent studies of a monthly vaginal ring show modest protection from HIV infection for women
GENEVA, 23 February 2016—Results from two large-scale studies of a vaginal ring that releases the antiretroviral medicine dapivirine to prevent HIV among women have shown protection of around 30% against HIV. The results are encouraging and show the urgent need to expand investment in research and development for female-controlled methods of HIV prevention…

UNDP United Nations Development Programme [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/presscenter.html

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Feb 24, 2016
UNDP at 50: An investment in UN’s key role in development
As it marks 50 years at the frontlines of international development, UNDP should be seen as an investment in the UN’s critical role in helping to build a world free of poverty and inequality.

Helen Clark: Statement at ECOSOC on “Integration of development, humanitarian and peace pillars in the work of the UN system”
Feb 23, 2016
ECOSOC Chamber – New York, USA
The scale of today’s humanitarian crises, with their profound impacts on peoples’ lives and on the development trajectory of countries, calls for integrated responses from the international community, including from the United Nations.
Increasingly in the UN system we see new ways of working together across the traditional silos to help build resilience, reduce disaster risk, support recovery from crises of whatever kind, and to deliver together, even during protracted crises…

UNDP at 50: World must step up to beat poverty by 2030
Feb 23, 2016
Meeting the Sustainable Development Goals is only possible with a broad coalition of leaders from government, civil society, multilaterals and the private sector, said Helen Clark.

UNEP United Nations Environment Programme [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.unep.org/newscentre/?doctypeID=1

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27/02/2016
G20 Financial Leaders Commit to Exploring Green Finance Options

Pollinators Vital to Our Food Supply Under Threat
Assessment Details Options for Safeguarding Pollinators
26/02/2016

Op-Ed: Year of green finance nurturing economy
by Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director
26/02/2016

UNEP Executive Director Accepts Appointment to Lead Oxford Martin School
25/02/2016

Strengthened Integration Needed for Effective Action on Air Pollution, Sustainable Consumption, Green Economy
Gearing up for the 2nd UN Environment Assembly, countries define an integrated approach to implementing environmental dimension of Sustainable Development Goals
25/02/2016

UN Development Programme Celebrates 50 Years of Work to End Poverty
24/02/2016

UN DESA United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs [to 27 February 2016]
http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/news.html

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25 February 2016, New York
Getting ready to implement the 2030 Agenda
The 2016 ECOSOC operational activities for development segment took place on 22-24 February to examine longer-term positioning of the UN development in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The event also reviewed the progress in the implementation of General Assembly resolution on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review (QCPR), which is the mechanism through which coherence, effectiveness and funding of the United Nations 27 programmes, funds and specialized agencies for development is evaluated.

UNESCO [to 27 February 2016]
http://en.unesco.org/news
Selected Press Releases/News

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26 February 2016
UNESCO launches new Competency Framework
In April 2015 UNESCO launched a house-wide project with the participation of staff both at headquarters and in the field, to elaborate a new comprehensive competency framework for the Organization. This new framework seeks to clearly articulate the expected behavioral standards required of UNESCO staff and to provide renewed clarity on the core values that should permeate those behavioral standards. By incorporating both values and competencies in one single framework, a ‘common language’ will be adopted that will facilitate dialogue and link most of our Human Resources processes…

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26 February 2016
UNESCO presented findings of study on web-radios in Morocco
…This study, conducted by Sebastien Negre, a consultant specialized in community radios, is an in depth investigation of 19 of the web radios of the 68 identified in the country. This initiative is part of the Maghreb bureau effort to promote freedom of speech both on and offline as well as media diversity and pluralism.

More than 40 participants from the different Moroccan Web radios answered our invitation. Among the attendees: Radio Campus Marrakech, Radio Ajial in Agadir, Darblanca in Casablanca, Mothers on Line in Tangiers, Sawte in Ouarzazate, e-Joussour in Rabat and Women of the South in Agadir.

In Morocco, the current legal framework of the media sector does not allow the web radios to have a presence on the airwaves. According to Sebastien Negre “Internet is the only media that allows the associations to promote their actions and principles to a wider audience.” This study also analyzed the various economical and editorial characteristics of these online medias. As a community media, they mainly raise issues surrounding youths, sex, employment, equality and citizenship…

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25 February 2016
Repositioning literacy to meet the 2030 Education Agenda targets
Literacy and numeracy are key to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development yet estimates show that there are 757 million adults, including 115 million youth, who cannot read or write a simple sentence and two-thirds of them are women.

UNESCO and the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) is holding a consultation meeting at the Organization’s Headquarters in Paris on 25 February, 2016 to discuss the establishment of a Global Alliance for Literacy (GAL) within the framework of lifelong learning.

‘The Global Alliance for Literacy is an ambitious attempt to make the major stakeholders work together to pull in the same direction to better support countries to achieve better,’ said Arne Carlsen, Director UIL…

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25 February 2016
UNESCO calls for research proposals: Social media and youth radicalization in the digital age
UNESCO launches a call for research proposals to provide a global mapping of research into the assumed roles played by social media in radicalization processes in all regions. The research should also examine ongoing steps being taken to counter radicalization, and provide an in-depth analysis on their potential impact on online and offline freedoms. Building on these empirical findings, the study should also include recommendations for various actors including state actors, Internet companies, news media, civil society and researchers.

UNESCO, therefore, invites interested researchers, institutions, research consortiums and organizations to submit their proposals, according to the General Terms of Reference and Background note by email to internetstudy(at)unesco.org before noon (CET), 24 March 2016. Proposals should include a detailed description of the research methodology, research outline, timeline and the requested funding in US$ with a budget breakdown…