News
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January 2012
World Interfaith Harmony Week kicks off on 1st February – 29 January 2012
The World Interfaith Harmony Week is a week-long celebration of the common principle that is shared among all faith traditions. Read more on the events to be held here.
UAE Aid to Somalia and Yemen totals $4.5 million – 26 January 2012
Find out more about UAE donors' contributions to the humanitarian crises in Somalia and Yemen.
Call for Papers: Arab Women & the Arab Spring – 25 January 2012
The Journal of International Women's Studies calls for article submissions on Arab women and their role in the current revolutions sweeping the Arab World. Find out more here.
A growing phenomenon: Corporate Engagement in Natural Disaster Response – 19 January 2012
In the last decade, corporate engagement in natural disaster response has grown beyond standards of corporate social responsibility, becoming a central component of the international response machinery. Read the report here.
The rising cost of catastrophes – 18 January 2012
There is little evidence that natural disasters occur any more often nowadays than a century ago, but they do extract a far higher price. How to limit the damage they do?
More than 15,000 participants have already joined the "Springeneration" dialogue for a new Arab-Europe partnership – 17 January 2012
Read the Centre for European Studies (CES)'s latest press release here.
ASIA: Natural disasters becoming costlier than ever – 11 January 2012
From earthquakes in New Zealand and Japan, to heavy flooding in Australia and Asia, economic losses in the first nine months of 2011 came to $259 billion.
December 2011
Latest OCFA newsleter is online - January issue – 29 December 2011
Find the latest vesion of Musa'adat, the UAE Office for the Coordination of Foreign Aid's newletter here.
Season's Greetings from The Humanitarian Forum! – 23 December 2011
Adam Leach, Trustee, at the 4th UN Alliance of Civilisations Global Forum in Doha – 22 December 2011
The Forum of the UNAOC now brings together 2,500 participants and has taken place in several global locations including Madrid, Istanbul, and Rio de Janeiro with plans to move on to Vienna and Jakarta. In Doha, discussions about ranging from sport, creative industry, and tourism to education, migration, and youth pondered questions about how cultural diversity matters to development, how promoting trust and tolerance can advance development goals, and new strategies for intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation.
UN, OIC and The Humanitarian Forum hold high-level meeting for Syria and Yemen in Cairo – 21 December 2011
(Cairo, 20 December 2011) A meeting to improve coordination of humanitarian efforts in countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region including Syria and Yemen was held in Cairo on 17 December under the auspices of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Humanitarian Forum (HF).
System failure? The problems of timely response in the Horn of Africa – 21 December 2011
Humanitarian response in the Horn of Africa has consistently been late, and therefore unsuccessful to prevent the destruction of livelihoods. Read more and download the Humanitarian Network paper here.
Aid Policy: Spotlight on New Deal for fragile states – 20 December 2011
The recognition that fragile states need a different approach to aid has turned into a concrete action plan, as the 4th global Aid Effectiveness Forum held last November in Busan agreed a "New Deal" on fragile states.
Philippines: Major emergency operation following Tropical Storm Washi – 19 December 2011
Devastating Tropical Storms swept across the Philippines causing massive flooding, flash floods and landslides from 16 to 18 december. Read OCHA's situation report here.
New 'Pick and Mix' Early Warnings Service Launched by WFP – 16 December 2011
Take a look at WFP's new Early Warnings Service and download the Seasonal and Hazards calendar here.
East Africa: 5.6 million displaced, according to OCHA – 15 December 2011
The number of refugees across the region increased by 13% in the last 6 monrhs, according to OCHA Eastern Africa's last Displaced Populations Report. Read the report here.
UAE relief efforts totalized US $29.2 million – 15 December 2011
Aid efforts were directed to tackling the food crisis in the Horn of Africa and cooperating for the emergencies in Libya, Pakistan and Turkey. Read the report in English and Arabic here.
Exclusive: Our 2011 Annual Review is fresh off the press! – 12 December 2011
The milestones, the challenges and the outcomes of the year in brief. Read more to find out how to get your own copy.
Yemen: medical teams struggle to save lives amidst increasing violence – 10 December 2011
People continue to die in Yemen, despite the agreement between the government and opposition. Escalating violence in Taiz and elsewhere is hitting medical and other essential services. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Yemen Red Crescent are doing their utmost to save lives.
Migration: Misperceptions of migration fuel tensions – 8 December 2011
"Accurately informing about migration may be the single most important policy tool in all societies faced with increasing diversity", says IOM's World Migration Report 2011, released on 6 December. Read more on IOM's last report here.
In Brief: New reports on climate change impact in 10 developing countries – 8 December 2011
As UN Climate Change Conference proceeds in Durban, a series of reports examining the impact of climate change in 23 countries has been launched. Read more on the reports here.
SUDAN: Security “volcano” ready to blow in the east – 8 December 2011
Five years after a peace deal was signed to end a rebellion in eastern Sudan, popular discontent in the area could lead to a new wave of violence within a few months, according to a UNDP official. Read more here.
Yemen desperate for aid as economy crumbles – 7 December 2011
Experts say Yemen needs $5 billion in aid over one year, but violence and corruption could delay disbursements further,
Read more here.
Tufts University presents MA in Humanitarian Assistance – 6 December 2011
Read more on the one-year joint degree offered by the Friedman School and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University here.
Climate Change: More than just a word game – 2 December 2011
Various NGOs, agencies and research institutes are lobbying to get a word into the negotiating text of the COP17 Climate Change Conference 2011, taking place in Durban. Read more here.
November 2011
Latest OCFA's newsleter is online – 30 November 2011
Find the latest vesion of Musa'adat, the UAE Office for the Coordination of Foreign Aid's newletter, here.
Iran/Iraq: joint mission to clarify the fate of soldiers missing since 1980-1988 war – 29 November 2011
29 November 2011
How to: Build a flood-resilient city – 29 November 2011
29 November 2011
Climate Change: The mounting costs of bad weather – 29 November 2011
29 Novemberv 2011
Top UN Humanitarian Official warns of deepening humanitarian crisis after visit to Yemen – 29 November 2011
“We are seeing chronic deprivation made worse by continuing violence”, said the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Catherine Bragg!. Read more here.
It's time to Make Aid Transparent – 28 November 2011
CIVICUS, along with 98 organisations from all over the world, is calling on governments to publish more information about the aid they give. Read more.
Red Cross and Red Crescent meet States to strengthen humanitarian action – 28 November 2011
Read more on upcoming International Conference of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement taking place in Geneva from 28th November.
Libya: radio campaign warns of dangers of unexploded devices – 28 November 2011
Read more on the joint ICRC - Libyan Red Crescent radio campaign to warn people returning to Sirte and Bani Walid of the dangers of unexploded weapons.
Gender and Climate Change: Three Things You Should Know – 28 November 2011
Empower Women and Be Better Prepared for Climate Change, Says World Bank Study
Red Cross Red Crescent organizes worldwide TEDx event – 25 November 2011
Find out more details of a TEDx event - TEDxRC² - which will take place in Geneva this Sunday 27th November.
Horn of Africa: Latest key messages by top UN Official – 23 November 2011
Read the November issue of the Emergency Relief Coordinator's key messages on the Horn of Africa here.
Libya: aid for 10,000 people returning to Sirte – 18 November 2011
Read more details of ICRC operations in Libya concerning aid for civilians returning to Sirte here.
Iraq/Kuwait: stepping up efforts to account for missing persons – 17 November 2011
Read more details of an ICRC hosted meeting in Geneva with concerned governments regarding the finding of people missing as a result of the 1990-1991 Gulf War.
Training: Accounting and Compliance for Charities – 16 November 2011
In November 2011, Max Manzoor Wahid provided a session of capacity building for small charities in Central London. Find out more.
Call for papers: Gulf charities in the ‘Age of Terror’ and the ‘Arab Awakening’ – 8 November 2011
The Gulf Research Cambridge is organising the 3rd Gulf Research Meeting between 11th and 14th July 2012 and there is a call for papers under the theme "Gulf charities in the ‘Age of Terror’ and the ‘Arab Awakening’". Find out how you can contribute.
October 2011
Yemen: civilians pay the price of mounting violence – 27 October 2011
Read our partner ICRC's latest press release regarding the Yemen unrest.
Turkey: 7.2 magnitude Earthquake – 24 October 2011
The earthquake struck at 13:41 (10:41 GMT) on Sunday, 23 October 2011. It hit the Eastern part of Turkey with a magnitude of 7,2, at a depth of 20km (12 miles). Read on for more information from our member, IHH.
Libya: visits to 6,000 detainees in and around Tripoli – 21 October 2011
Read details of ICRC's visits to 6000 detainees in and around Tripoli in their press release.
Faith’s role yet to be fully realised in HIV battle – 20 October 2011
Read International HIV Fund's press release highlighting highlighted the contribution of faith-based organisations during a report launched by the UK Consortium on AIDS and International Development earlier this week.
ICRC names new president – 20 October 2011
Read more about ICRC's new president in their press release here.
Peace operations: what are the responsibilities of international organizations? – 20 October 2011
Read our member ICRC's latest press release regarding the responsibilities of organisations undertaking peace operations under international humanitarian law.
Counter-terrorism and humanitarian action – 20 October 2011
HPG's latest briefing paper deals with the impact counter-terrorism laws and other measures are having on humanitarian action. James Shaw-Hamilton, our Director, was involved in the creation of this document. Find out more.
Médecins Sans Frontières seeks swift release of two abducted staff without use of force and continues medical activities to assist Somali population – 19 October 2011
Read MSF's press release regarding the abduction of two of their colleagues in Kenya.
Spotlight: UN Special Rapporteur on IDPs – 19 October 2011
Here we take a look at the credentials of Dr. Chaloka Beyani, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, courtesy of OCHA.
Sex and age matter - humanitarian response in emergencies – 13 October 2011
Courtesy of the Feinstein International Center, a study funded by OCHA and CARE International shows that demographics are an important factor when aiming to improve humanitarian response in emergencies. Read more.
Latest Regional Humanitarian Update in the MENACA region – 12 October 2011
The October 2011 issue is fresh off the press now and it includes hot topics such as the unrest in Yemen and Syria.
Libya: wounded patients evacuated from Sirte hospital – 6 October 2011
ICRC's latest press release talks about the evacuation of wounded patients from Ibn Sina hospital in Sirte to a field hospital. Read more.
September 2011
From Relief to Recovery: A longer-term vision for Somalia – 27 September 2011
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and The Humanitarian Forum brought together 120 participants from 70 organisations, representing the UN, Red Cross/Crescent movement, Islamic and western international NGOs and Somali NGOs. In a lively and engaging discussion, the conference created greater understanding about coordination and discussed priorities for moving from relief to development. It brought humanitarian organisations from different cultures closer together and allowed more partnerships to be developed.
Libya: Safe access needed to Sirte and Bani Walid – 24 September 2011
Read our member ICRC's latest press release.
Tunisia: clean drinking water for 100,000 people in south of country – 23 September 2011
The ICRC is helping to meet the needs of people fleeing the conflict in Libya and of the local population.
Yemen: ICRC alarmed by unprecedented level of violence – 21 September 2011
Read ICRC's latest press release regarding the Yemen unrest.
Libya: taking action to help sub-Saharan Africans – 6 September 2011
Foreign nationals in Libya, in particular sub-Saharan Africans, need protection and assistance. The ICRC is helping these and other groups, and making more visits to detainees. It continues to assist the wounded and help identify the dead, and is ready to send aid to Sirte.
August 2011
12 million people still stateless – 31 August 2011
Fifty years after the adoption of the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness 12 million people remain without citizenship, most living in Asia, according to the UN Refugee Agency.
Libya: ICRC evacuates journalists from Rixos Hotel – 25 August 2011
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) helped journalists leave the Rixos Hotel in Tripoli today and led them to safety. The reporters had been unable to leave the hotel for several days.
UN to send emergency aid team to Somalia – 24 August 2011
The United Nations has deployed an emergency team to south-eastern Ethiopia where 18,000 new refugees fleeing drought, famine and conflict in Somalia have recently poured in, compounding a situation already fraught with high mortality from malnutrition and measles.
Libya: ICRC delivers emergency supplies to Tripoli hospitals – 22 August 2011
As Libya’s armed conflict continues, with fierce fighting in the capital's streets, the ICRC has started distributing medical and surgical kits to some of the city’s main hospitals.
Yemen: access to Abyan paves the way for aid distributions – 18 August 2011
Our member organisation, ICRC, is working in Southern Yemen, in the area of Abyan. Read their press release here.
In Brief: First-aid guide for mental health in a disaster – 17 August 2011
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the publication of a first-aid guide to help field workers deal with psychological issues during disasters, such as earthquakes, droughts and tsunamis.
World Humanitarian Day - 19th August – 17 August 2011
In London, some aid workers are taking a low profile approach, gathering to have a glass and a chat under the peaceful Plane trees of Green Park.
Sharing Water: Connections and Collaboration for the Horn of Africa – 16 August 2011
On 15th August, The Humanitarian Forum brought together 61 people from 13 countries to improve connections and collaboration, in partnership with the OIC.
SOMALIA: Coordinate aid and build for long term, agencies urged – 16 August 2011
Aid agencies operating in Somalia should improve cocordination among themselves and explore concrete measures beyond the drought and famine ravaging parts of the country to improve livlihoods and build the resilience of affected communities...
OCFA Humanitarian Flash : August 2011 Issue – 15 August 2011
The monthly report by the OCFA has been released in both English and Arabic, and details the issues faced by millions of people in the Horn of Africa.
SOMALIA: Cholera hits crowded Mogadishu camps – 15 August 2011
Fears are mounting that a cholera epidemic could spread rapidly among the hundreds of thousands of people living in often unsanitary conditions in Mogadishu after fleeing drought, famine and insecurity.
EXCLUSIVE! A HOPE no. 5 preview – 12 August 2011
You can find exclusively on our website a sneak preview of our latest newsletter, covering topics such as the Libyan unrest, our conferences and civil society training workshops for Libya and our projects for Yemen. Find out more here.
ICRC creates new 4 year campaign – 12 August 2011
The International Committee of the Red Cross has launched this week a four year campaign and project into health care provision in situations of armed conflict and violence.
Yemen – the forgotten crisis – 11 August 2011
The famine in Somalia has grabbed the collective attention. Without detracting from this issue, we would like to bring the plight of Yemen under the spotlight.
The UN Report on the situation in Somalia, updated for August 8th - August 10th
New page added: Super Humanitarianism – 11 August 2011
We have added a new page to our 'What We Do' section, all about our Super Humanitarian campaign
WHO launches malnutrition initiative – 10 August 2011
The World Health Organization (WHO) has just launched an information system that is entirely web-based, in the hopes that it will prevent millions from suffering various levels of malnutrition.
Millions affected by violence against health-care personnel and facilities – 10 August 2011
In their latest press release, our member ICRC talk about concerns over violence against healthcare personnel and hospitals. Find out more here.
Regional Humanitarian Leadership for Somalia – 9 August 2011
Just under $500 million has been pledged in emergency relief in the last few weeks to UN appeals for people in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia, bringing total funding for these appeals to over $1 billion. A gap of approximately $800 million remains for these three countries and as the crisis unfolds it seems certain that additional needs will emerge.
Indonesia placed with Level 3 volcano warning – 9 August 2011
Mount Karangetang, found in the region of Sitaro in North Sulawesi, has had an increase in volcanic activity recently, which has lead to the call being deemed necessary.
Ireland gives €550,000 to help tackle the drought – 8 August 2011
Jan O’Sullivan, the Minister of State for Trade and Development for Ireland, announced today that an extra €500,000 will be provided for vital water supplies to areas of Somalia and Northern Kenya that are stricken with drought.
