SRI LANKA: Returning IDPs Face Lack of Clean Water, Landmine Threat

Thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs) returning home from camps in northern Sri Lanka are concerned about access to potable water and slow progress in clearing landmines.

GHANA: Curbing Child Migrant Flows to Capital

On a hot afternoon in Malam Ata market in the center of Accra, capital of Ghana, when eight-year-olds should be in a classroom learning, or playing with friends, Berikisu is trading her education and health for cash.

YEMEN: Ongoing Violence in North Hinders IDP Returns

Hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) sheltering in the Yemeni capital Sanaa fear returning home because of recent violence in the northern Amran governorate’s Harf Sufyan district that left several people killed and many injured. “We...

SRI LANKA: De-mining Efforts Face Funding Shortfall

The recent death of a French de-miner in northern Sri Lanka highlights the ongoing threat of landmines in preventing the safe return of tens of thousands of conflict-displaced. Dominique Morin, who worked for the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action, was...

KENYA: Bamboo Project to Expand Rural Housing

Kenya should encourage the use of bamboo in building affordable shelters, especially for 60 percent of the population who live in poorly constructed dwellings in rural areas, says a specialist. “Poor construction means they [houses] serve as breeding...

KENYA: Heavy Rains Take Their Toll

Margaret Wawira’s home is located dangerously close to River Thiba, which recently burst its banks, inundating homes and farms in her Githogondo village in Mwea, Kirinyaga region, central Kenya. “The floor of the house seems to be sinking...

Kerala Or Goa? Ketki Ponders Where to Holiday

Sukh By Chance has come to an end. There’s nothing to rejoice about it for its makers or actors. Lead actress Ketki, though, is unperturbed. “Why should there be any emotions? Our show was contracted for six months only. There was no way that you...

New British Government to Abolish Government Office for London

The Government Office for London established in 1994 as part of a system of regional government offices throughout the United Kingdom, is to be abolished under the new coalition government.

MALAWI: Enough to Eat Despite an Uneven Harvest

Despite some remaining pockets of food insecurity and fears that a prolonged dry spell would set back Malawi’s maize production in 2010, the country looks set to realize another surplus year. Alick Nkhoma, assistant representative in Malawi of the...