Help our local partners realise their vision of hope for their communities
21 October 2016
Burma
- Amnesty International has called on Burma to immediately lift all restrictions on humanitarian aid. These restrictions are currently preventing vital access to aid in Rakhine and Kachin States.
- Aung San Suu Kyi has defended herself against claims she has ignored the plight of the Rohingya Muslim population. More than 1 million Rohingyas live in Burma, but they have long been denied basic rights and are typically considered stateless.
India
- A principal in India has been suspended after a Dalit student was assaulted by his classmate. The student was allegedly attacked for performing well at school.
Nigeria
- Fierce clashes have been reported between Nigeria’s military and Boko Haram near Malam Fatori. The area has changed hands numerous times in the seven years of Boko Haram’s insurgency.
- It has emerged that more than 100 of the remaining Chibok girls appear unwilling to return home, according to the chairman of the Chibok Development association. This is believed to be caused either by their radicalisation or shame at their experience.
Uganda
- A new sweet potato is being developed in Uganda in order to tackle malnutrition. This particular sweet potato is not native to Africa, but scientists in Uganda are at the forefront of a technique called bio fortification to increase their availability.
- 250 children have been held over skipping school. The operation in Masaka follows rampant cases of absenteeism in schools.
Sudan
- Allegations continue that Sudan may be using chemical weapons in the Darfur and Nuba Mountains. Potential cases of aerial chemical weapon attacks may have occurred in South Kordofan and the Nuba Mountains.
South Sudan
- South Sudan’s Government has ordered all Sudanese rebel forces to leave. In spite of the country’s obligations under international law and repeated agreements with Sudan to end such support, there are credible reports that South Sudan is still supporting these insurgents.
- South Sudan has been criticised for spending its budget on fighting as people continue to starve. Around 60% of the world’s newest country faces hunger at levels described as “crisis” by the UN.