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- UN investigators threatened over Somalia inquiry
United Nations investigators probing allegations that Somali businessmen working with the World Food Programme are diverting funds to support militant groups have received warnings to cease their work. The businessmen face possible economic sanctions, travel restrictions and the loss of multimillion dollar contracts depending on the findings of the investigation. The New York Times (12/12)       - UN: 2009 natural disaster numbers drop, but cost remains high
The number of natural disasters in 2009 was the lowest in a decade, but extreme weather events continued to account for most of the world's deaths and economic losses, the United Nations Strategy for Disaster Reduction says in a report. Improvements in monitoring, forecasting and disaster preparedness have cut the overall loss of life associated with extreme weather events even as the number of incidents has increased, the report says. AlertNet.org/Reuters (12/14)  - Uganda bans female-genital mutilation
Human-rights groups applauded the decision by Uganda's government to formally outlaw the practice of female-genital mutilation, also known as female circumcision. Though never officially condoned, the practice still persists in some rural areas -- and might continue unless Ugandan officials enforce the law and increase awareness campaigns about the dangers that female-genital mutilation presents to women. BBC (12/10) - Guinea moves to counter polio resurgence
Guinea is conducting a countrywide polio-immunization campaign after the once polio-free country recorded more than three dozen new cases since April. More than 11,000 health workers will go door-to-door during the drive in an effort to reach every child in the country. IRINNews.org (12/11) - Trial demonstrates experimental HIV/AIDS prevention gel ineffective
A large clinical trial in Africa of an experimental vaginal microbicide designed to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS has shown the gel fails to reduce infection risk. Researchers expressed disappointment in the results after a smaller trial indicated the gel could reduce infection risks by 30%. "This is an important result and it shows clearly the need to undertake trials which are large enough to provide definitive evidence for whether or not a product works," said Sheena McCormack of the Medical Research Council, which led the trial. AlertNet.org/Reuters (12/14) Top five news stories selected by UN Wire readers in the past week. - Results based on number of times each story was clicked by readers.
- Scientists: Ocean acidification threatening marine life
Scientists warn that the acidification of the oceans poses a serious threat to the world's food supply as well as a "powerful incentive" to reduce carbon emissions. Though it was not a subject for discussion at the UN climate talks at Copenhagen, the increased carbon-dioxide levels in the world's seas might be as significant a development as atmospheric climate change itself. The increased acidification of the oceans could affect all levels of marine life, from coral to fish, as well as the billion people worldwide who depend on the sea for food. BBC (12/14) - Pentagon, CIA focus on climate-change threat
After the establishment of the Center for the Study of Climate Change within the CIA, the Pentagon will include climate change as a security threat in its Quadrennial Defense Review -- and will begin planning contingency scenarios for worst-case outcomes. Among the threats the Pentagon will war game is the melting of the Himalayan ice mass, which would prompt massive flooding and endanger millions of lives in Bangladesh. National Public Radio (12/14) - Approach differences lead to Copenhagen negotiations' suspension
Climate negotiations in Copenhagen were suspended today after developing countries withdrew their cooperation. Developing countries want to see any new agreement build upon the Kyoto Protocol, while the developed world largely supports creating an entirely new agreement. BBC (12/14) - Protesters, government hurl accusations over burning of Khomeini images
Students and government officials in Iran are accusing one another of staging a demonstration in which images of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini were burned, ripped and trampled -- video of which has been broadcast on state-controlled television. Though the government has pinned the alleged demonstration to protesters, opposition leaders say the government staged the video -- in which the responsible parties cannot clearly be seen -- in hopes of justifying a more aggressive response to protesters. The New York Times (12/13) - Berlusconi struck by protester
After delivering a speech to a rally for his center-right party and supporters, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi suffered a strike to his face by a 42-year-old protester with a history of mental illness. The blow stunned the Italian leader, and fractured his nose and cracked two teeth. The man, who was able to approach Berlusconi as the Prime Minister shook hands with supporters, was wielding a small statue of a Milanese cathedral. Berlusconi remains in the hospital, taking painkillers and antibiotics. The New York Times (12/13) , BBC (12/14) - UNODC: Myanmar opium output growth continues rise
Ethnic militias have increased production of opium in Myanmar in a bid to take advantage of rising opium prices and political instability to finance their efforts to challenge the government militarily, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime warns. Opium production in Myanmar is up 11% this year -- the third consecutive year production has increased. AlertNet.org/Reuters (12/14) , The New York Times (12/14)
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| | | About UN WIRE | | UN Wire is a free service sponsored by the United Nations Foundation which is dedicated to supporting the United Nations' efforts to address the most pressing humanitarian, socioeconomic and environmental challenges facing the world today. | | | | | | | | Recent UN Wire Issues: - Friday, December 11, 2009
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