ICRC [to 13 February 2016]
https://www.icrc.org/en/whats-new

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13-02-2016 | News release
Philippines: Red Cross extends assistance to people affected by Typhoon Melor
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has scaled up its humanitarian assistance to tens of thousands of families who have lost their homes and livelihoods after the onslaught of Typhoon Melor (local name: Nona).

Yemen: Desperately needed medical supplies reach Taiz
Sana’a/Geneva – A team from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has managed to enter the city of Taiz, one of the worst-affected places in Yemen’s fighting, and deliver life-saving medical supplies.
13-02-2016 | News release

Yemen: Staggering crisis, insufficient response
Dominik Stillhart, director of operations at the ICRC has just concluded a three-day visit to war-torn Yemen. “I am appalled by what Yemenis are having to endure,” said Mr Stillhart.
11-02-2016 | News release

Our humanitarian action in Colombia
While the peace talks between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP) are making headway, there is no respite from the everyday armed violence in Colombia.
11-02-2016 | Article

Syria: Aid stepped up amidst heavy fighting in Aleppo province
As the humanitarian situation deteriorates in northern Syria, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has said it is increasing the amount of aid for people caught up in the latest round of violence.
10-02-2016 | News release

Georgia/South Ossetia: Ninth meeting held in Ergneti to seek answers on fate of missing persons from conflicts of 1990s and 2008
ICRC – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has chaired the ninth meeting of the coordination mechanism for clarifying the fate and whereabouts of people who have been missing since the conflicts of the 1990s and August 2008 and their
10-02-2016 | News release

Liberia: Armed Forces of Liberia receive international humanitarian law manual
The ICRC has donated 480 copies of a new training manual on the law of armed conflict to the Armed Forces of Liberia.
09-02-2016 | News release

IRCT [to 13 February 2016]
http://www.irct.org/

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News
Two decades of fostering social and mental wellbeing in Sri Lanka
11 February 2016

News
IRCT submits forensic evidence to the ECOWAS Court of Justice
09 February 2016

Statements & declarations
Turkey must respect the right to health and life of civilians in the Southeast – Open letter to Prime Minister Davutoğlu and the Turkish government
09 February 2016

News
20 years of EMPATHY in Georgia
09 February 2016

Islamic Relief [to 13 February 2016]
http://www.islamic-relief.org/category/news/
February 12, 2016
Empowerment through sports and education
Sports and education have played a part in empowering people who feel stigmatized by disability.
In Chechnya, Islamic Relief has been working with the Chechen Union of Visually Handicapped to set up a learning centre for people who are blind or have severe problems with their eyesight…

[Undated]
Increasing aid to displaced Syrians after need escalates
More than 70,000 people are living in desperate conditions on the Turkish border with Syria after military action newly displaced tens of thousands of people.
Around 40,000 of these have come from Aleppo city, in north-west Syria, following the escalating government assault earlier this year.
Islamic Relief is providing emergency aid to those who are now living on the Turkish border with no shelter and little food…

MSF/Médecins Sans Frontières [to 13 February 2016]
http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/news-stories/press/press-releases

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Press Release
NATO’s Response to Migration is Dangerously Myopic
February 11, 2016
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) issued the following statement today from Aurelie Ponthieu, MSF humanitarian affairs advisor on displacement, after NATO announced its response to migration in the Aegean Sea:

Press release
Pharma Company Attempt to Secure Patents for Key HIV Drugs Opposed in India
February 10, 2016
Delhi/New York—A patient living with HIV in India has filed an application to try to block ViiV Healthcare from being granted patents on two new critical HIV drugs, the medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) announced today.

Press release
Syria: Escalation of Conflict in Azaz District Could Have Dire Consequences
February 10, 2016
Medical services disrupted in many areas and basic aid lacking for 30,000 newly displaced people.

Field News
Syria: Thousands Newly Displaced Amid Violence
February 09, 2016
In Aleppo governorate, Syria, thousands of people have fled north toward Azaz town and the border with Turkey in recent days. Approximately 23,000 new arrivals are in urgent need of emergency shelter and support near the Bab el Salamah border crossing, in addition to tens of thousands of displaced people already in areas near the border.

Field news
MSF-Supported Hospital Hit by Airstrikes in Southern Syria
February 09, 2016
Airstrikes hit a Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)-supported hospital in Dara’a Governorate in southern Syria, killing three people and wounding at least six, including a nurse, says MSF.

Mercy Corps [to 13 February 2016]
http://www.mercycorps.org/press-room/releases

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Press releases
Syria: Mercy Corps on Syria Cease-fire: Why Wait One Week?
February 11, 2016 Portland, Oregon – We are encouraged by the apparent breakthrough in negotiations on Syria and hopeful that it will pave the way to a permanent cease-fire and, eventually, a lasting peace. A cessation of hostilities by all parties to the conflict will allow for humanitarian access to the millions of innocent Syrian civilians trying to survive a seemingly endless war.

Mercy Corps Urges Passage of Legislation to Advance Global Food Security
February 8, 2016 Washington, DC — The global organization Mercy Corps urges U.S. lawmakers to pass the Global Food Security Act (GFSA) (HR 1567/S 1252), which will create a comprehensive strategy to address hunger and promote lasting food security around the world. With 795 million people going to bed hungry every night, it is vital that Congress support efforts to help vulnerable families grow and obtain nutritious food that will help them become stronger and more resilient.

OXFAM [to 13 February 2016]
http://www.oxfam.org/en/pressroom/pressreleases

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11 February 2016
Central African Republic’s new president must prioritize the issue of civilian protection – with the support of the international community
Voters in Central African Republic will this Sunday vote in a new president whose first task must be to end the violence which continues to devastate the country, and to provide better protection for its exhausted population.

Norwegian Refugee Council [to 13 February 2016]
http://www.nrc.no/

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Iraq
Thousands of civilians flee Anbar
(12.02.2016)
As operations to retake opposition-held areas in Ramadi and Fallujah continue, thousands of civilians are forced to flee their homes. “Aid agencies are struggling to provide assistance due to the sudden increase in newly displaced families from towns inside Anbar governorate,” NRC’s Area Manager in Baghdad, Anja Riiser says…

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South Sudan
The struggle for peace
(12.02.2016)
If the security situation does not improve soon, we will miss our opportunity to move supplies and effectively prepare for the overwhelming humanitarian needs before rainy season arrives, writes Melody Knight, NRC’s Conflict and Policy Analyst in South Sudan.

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Turkey
Syrians freeze at the Turkish border
(11.02.2016)
NRC is concerned for the thousands of civilians at the border of Turkey, as the humanitarian situation worsens. We are currently working around the clock to provide internally displaced Syrian families with tents and emergency aid.

Pact [to 13 February 2016]
http://www.pactworld.org/news

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February 11, 2016
Plummeting commodity prices increase risk of ‘conflict minerals’ in consumer electronic devices
Washington, D.C.
A steep fall in worldwide mineral prices is jeopardizing the operational traceability system designed to both stem ‘conflict minerals’ and protect vulnerable artisanal miners in Africa’s Great Lakes region.

At risk are rollbacks, suspensions and even closure of the iTSCi traceability and due diligence system that Pact has helped governments to implement in more than 800 mines, ensuring the livelihoods of more than 60,000 artisanal miners in Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi.

Prices for tin, tungsten, and tantalum – 3T minerals that are used in all smartphones, computers, and airliners – have plummeted over the past year. While miners all over the world face the same price squeeze, the impact is magnified in central Africa where producers have to meet exceptionally strict requirements for due diligence if they are to trade on the international market. Central African miners and traders are at a commercial disadvantage and have to cut their own cost, including levies that self-fund the system during normal market conditions…

Partners In Health [to 13 February 2016]
http://www.pih.org/blog

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Feb 12, 2016
Meet a Leader Transforming Nursing in Haiti
Posted on February 12, 2016
Chief Nursing Officer Beatrice Romela supports nurses in all of PIH’s health facilities in Haiti.

PATH [to 13 February 2016]
http://www.path.org/news/index.php

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Press release | February 12, 2016
PATH and Siemens Foundation partner to launch Ingenuity Fellowships
A global health opportunity for university students in science, technology, engineering, and math

Announcement | February 08, 2016
PATH partners with Health Affairs to highlight importance of accelerated action on global immunization goals
Theme issue and policy discussion mark the midpoint of the Decade of Vaccines

Save The Children [to 13 February 2016]
http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.9357111/k.C14B/Press_Releases_2016/apps/nl/newsletter2.asp

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February 10, 2016
President Budget Request Mixed Picture: Raises Concern for Continued Progress for Mothers and Children Worldwide

American Households Not Prepared for Disasters, Not Confident That Children’s Needs Will be Met
February 9, 2016

Ticking Clock on Ethiopia Drought: Foreign Donors Must Pledge $245m in Next Three Weeks to Avoid Break in Food Aid Pipeline by End of April
February 10, 2016

Tostan [to 13 February 2016]
http://www.tostan.org/latest-news

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February 9, 2016
International Day for the Abandonment of FGC: A Photo Essay
On this year’s International Day for the Abandonment of female genital cutting (FGC), Tostan partnered with the Senegalese government, UNFPA and UNICEF…

Women for Women International [to 13 February 2016]
http://www.womenforwomen.org/press-releases

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February 12, 2016 | Digital Journal
Abdoulaye Toure: A life dedicated to women’s empowerment
Sharing his experiences confronting gender inequality during his childhood, WfWI-DRC Country Director Abdoulaye Toure discusses how it inspired his lifelong passion to work for women’s empowerment. In the most insecure regions of the DRC, Toure and his team are working to provide social and economic empowerment training opportunities for women, and engage men to support women’s equality.

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How Do People Live and Cope in the Midst of Violent Conflict?
February 11, 2016 | NPR’s TED Radio Hour
WfWI Founder Zainab Salbi discusses what it means to endure through violent conflict and the lessons she learned from her own life growing up in Iraq in the midst of war and from women survivors in WfWI’s programs. Sharing stories and anecdotes, Salbi explains how the women she has met find their own resistance to conflict, and the resilience and strength to help their families and children move forward.

The Elders [to 13 February 2016]
http://theelders.org/news-media

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Press release 11 February 2016
Lesley-Anne Knight retires as CEO of The Elders
The Chair of the Elders, Kofi Annan, today announced the retirement effective 18 March 2016 of Ms Lesley-Anne Knight, the Chief Executive Officer of The Elders

Gavi [to 13 February 2016]
http://www.gavialliance.org/library/news/press-releases/

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11 February 2016
Japan commits US$ 18.5 million to support immunisation in Ebola-affected region
Pledge from G7 President will help revitalise immunisation services and strengthen health systems.

TOKYO, 10 February 2016 – The Government of Japan has committed US$ 18.5 million to help Gavi restore immunisation services in Ebola-affected countries. The contribution, which is for 2016 and is Japan’s largest to Gavi to date, will also support the strengthening of health systems in 13 countries, including Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, where thousands of children missed out on routine vaccinations during the Ebola outbreak.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Seiji Kihara, made the announcement ahead of a meeting in Tokyo last Thursday with new Gavi Board Chair Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Japan’s commitment means that all members of the G7, which will be chaired this year by Japan, have now made pledges to Gavi to support childhood immunisation for the 2016 to 2020 period.

Japan’s contribution will help Gavi support work to trace children who missed out on immunisation in the Ebola-hit countries and ensure they are reached through catch-up programmes. The new funding will also help strengthen health systems in the Ebola-affected West Africa region, including purchasing new cold chain equipment to ensure vaccines are stored at the correct temperatures…

Global Fund [to 13 February 2016]
http://www.theglobalfund.org/en/news/
11 February 2016
Global Fund Congratulates India on Launch of Malaria Elimination Framework
NEW DELHI – The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria praised India’s leadership and vision for launching an ambitious national framework to eliminate malaria by 2030, and called the country’s significant progress against the disease an example in global health.

With the support of many partners, India has seen a dramatic decline in malaria rates and malaria deaths. Through combined interventions that include rapid diagnostic tests, artemisinin-based combination therapy, long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying, India is projected to achieve a fall in case incidence of 50-75 percent between 2000 and 2015.

“India is showing others that with commitment, partnership and innovative strategies we can eliminate malaria,” Mark Dybul, Executive Director of the Global Fund, said during the presentation of the National Framework for Malaria Elimination in India 2016-2030 and the Operational Guidelines for Malaria Elimination in India. “This framework is a hugely important step that gets us closer towards that goal.”

J.P. Nadda, Minister of Health and Family Welfare of India, stressed his country’s engagement to eliminate the disease. “I can only assure you that the Government of India fully stands committed to the malaria elimination program, with the support of all stakeholders,” said Nadda.

During a two-day meeting that brought together the Government of India, WHO, academics and the Indian and global public health sector, partners discussed strategies and implementation of the framework, innovation and research, health system strengthening, and shared experiences for malaria elimination.

Under the framework, India aims to eliminate malaria (zero indigenous cases) throughout the entire country by 2030, and maintain malaria-free status in areas where malaria transmission has been interrupted and prevent re-introduction of malaria. Elimination will be undertaken in a phased manner, with states with low incidence rates first, followed by the high-incidence ones.
The framework is in line with the Asia Pacific Leaders’ Malaria Alliance Malaria Elimination Roadmap for 2030…

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09 February 2016
U.S. Demonstrates Strong Commitment to Global Health
GENEVA – The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria expressed deep appreciation for President Barack Obama’s request for US$1.35 billion for the Global Fund in his 2017 budget proposal, calling it a demonstration of great commitment to global health.

“We are privileged to call the United States our partner in efforts to end HIV, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics,” said Mark Dybul, Executive Director of the Global Fund. “The U.S. has shown extremely strong leadership and continues to rally support from countries and partners worldwide to reach our common goals.”

The United States is the largest supporter of the Global Fund, contributing nearly one-third of overall funding, and connecting it to other U.S.-led efforts on global health. Ground-breaking work by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) includes the launch of DREAMS, an ambitious partnership to reduce HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women in 10 African countries. The Global Fund also works closely with the President’s Malaria Initiative and with USAID on tuberculosis, to leverage and expand joint efforts…

CHS Alliance [to 13 February 2016]
http://chsalliance.org/news-events/news

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11/02/2016
Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) launches in Bangla
The Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) has been launched in Bangla at a seminar in Dhaka, after its development during a year-long participatory process that included field testing. CHS Alliance Executive Director, Judith Greenwood joined the panel discussion on Accountability and Quality Management in Humanitarian Actions: Bangladesh Perspective.

10/02/2016
Save the date: Protection from Sexual Exploitation & Abuse (PSEA) conference 2016, Bangkok
We are pleased to announce that the CHS Alliance will organise a conference on PSEA on 5 September 2016 in Bangkok, Thailand, focusing on good practices in investigations of allegation of SEA by aid workers.

08/02/2016
CHS Guidance Notes and Indicators now available in Arabic, English, French and Spanish
Following the launch of the CHS Guidance Notes and Indicators in English and French, this document is now available in Arabic and Spanish.

Global Humanitarian Assistance (GHA) [to 13 February 2016]
http://www.globalhumanitarianassistance.org/

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Report Synopsis
Uganda – influx of refugees from South Sudan
Date: 2016/02/09
On 8 February 2016 we responded to a funding alert in response to the influx of South Sudanese refugees into Uganda.

Since the outbreak of hostilities at the end of 2013, the number of South Sudanese refugees in Uganda has steadily increased, reaching an estimated 170,000 by the end of 2015. However, there has been a sharp rise in the number of new refugees in January 2016: according to UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), 9,519 South Sudanese refugees arrived between 1 and 24 January 2016.

According to the United Nation’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA)’s Financial Tracking Service (FTS), donors have not yet committed/contributed any funding in 2016 for the South Sudan Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP). Outside of the appeal, the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department (ECHO), Denmark and Sweden have committed/contributed US$5.8 million to Uganda.

Read our full analysis of the current funding situation.

The Sphere Project [to 13 February 2016]
http://www.sphereproject.org/news/

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12 February 2016 | Sphere Project
What applying humanitarian principles and standards looks like in real life
From dilemmas in applying humanitarian principles at field level to organisational obstacles that hinder collective accountability and governmental reluctance to abide by humanitarian standards, a range of concrete challenges were candidly discussed during a side event to the latest Sphere Board meeting.

ODI [to 13 February 2016]
http://www.odi.org/media

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Research Reports
Journeys to Europe: the role of policy in migrant decision-making
Research reports and studies | February 2016 | Jessica Hagen-Zanker and Richard Mallett
New research on journeys migrants take and the capacity of national migration policies to influence peoples’ decisions.

Banking on resilience: building capacities through financial services inclusion
Briefing papers,Research reports and studies | February 2016 | Anna Haworth, Camille Frandon-Martinez, Virginie Fayolle and Emily Wilkinson
Financial inclusion has the potential to help vulnerable groups in developing countries become more resilient to climate extremes and global warming.

Who is being left behind in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America?
Research reports and studies | February 2016 | Alainna Lynch, Tom Berliner, Chiara Mariotti, Tanvi Bhatkal and Laura Rodriguez Takeuchi
These papers set out the first step towards implementing the ‘leave no one behind’ agenda: identifying marginalised communities