Quantcast
Channel: ReliefWeb Updates
Viewing all 14548 articles
Browse latest View live

Guatemala: Vicepresidenta de Guatemala entrega alimentos en cuatro departamentos del país

0
0
Source: Government of Guatemala
Country: Guatemala

Guatemala, 1 Oct, (AGN).- En cumplimiento al compromiso con las familias afectadas por la canícula prolongada, la vicepresidenta Roxana Baldetti como coordinadora general de la Operación Oportunidad, recorrió hoy los departamentos de Sololá, Santa Rosa, Zacapa y El Progreso para realizar la primera entrega de alimentos para más de 266 mil familias de todo el país.

Durante la jornada de trabajo en campo, Baldetti supervisó la entrega de 12 mil 985 raciones familiares en las cabeceras de Sololá (2 mil 645) y Zacapa (3 mil 458); Oratorio, Santa Rosa (3 mil 48), y en Sanarate, El Progreso (3 mil 834). Fuentes oficiales informaron que la dinámica de entrega se efectuó de forma paralela en 16 municipios.

La vicemandataria explicó que los cronogramas de trabajo contemplan que cada entrega en los 22 departamentos se efectuará en 17 días. Además, resaltó que los alimentos a entregar han sido sometidos a controles fitosanitarios por medio del Ministerio de Agricultura, Ganadería y Alimentación (MAGA), para garantizar la calidad de los insumos.

Esta estrategia gubernamental dirigida por la Vicepresidenta busca garantizar la asistencia alimentaria para los afectados por la pérdida de cosechas. Cada entrega mensual consta de 100 libras de maíz, 30 libras de frijol y 17 libras de harina para preparar atol fortificado, con un valor estimado de 440,38 quetzales por familia.

“Le llamamos Operación Oportunidad porque es una oportunidad de dos vías: una de ellas es que ustedes nos dan la oportunidad a todos los empleados públicos de servirles con este trabajo, y la otra es que ustedes labrarán su propia tierra para ganarse los alimentos que hoy les estamos entregando”, expresó Baldetti a los beneficiarios de Sanarate, El Progreso.

La estrategia también contempla la participación activa de los beneficiarios en la ejecución de proyectos productivos para la conservación de agua y suelos, que permitirán mejorar las condiciones de los terrenos para la actividad agrícola de subsistencia.

Cada acción emprendida será evaluada y verificada por medio del Sistema de Monitoreo por Canícula Prolongada (MoniCA), requerido por la vicegobernante para garantizar la transparencia, cumplimiento de las entregas y la ejecución del trabajo en campo.

Las jornadas de entrega encabezadas por Baldetti se extenderán durante esta semana a Huehuetenango, Quiché, Retalhuleu, Chiquimula y Jutiapa, para cumplir oportunamente los cronogramas de la primera entrega mensual.

La vicemandataria realiza las giras de trabajo en compañía de Elmer López, ministro de Agricultura, Ganadería y Alimentación (MAGA), así como German González, de la Secretaría de Seguridad Alimentaria (Sesan).


Mali: West Africa Funding Update, as of 1 October 2014

0
0
Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Country: Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal
preview


Niger: Niger Price Bulletin September 2014

0
0
Source: Forum on Early Warning and Early Response
Country: Niger
preview


NIGER Price BulletinFEWS NET gratefully acknowledges the local government agencies, market information systems, UN agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners.September 2014

Millet, maize, cowpea, and imported rice are the most important food commodities. Millet is consumed by both rural and poor urban households throughout the country. Maize and imported rice are most important for urban households, while cowpea is mainly consumed by poor households in rural and urban areas as a protein source. Niamey is the most important national market and an international trade center, and also supplies urban households. Tillaberi is also an urban center that supplies the surrounding area. Gaya market represents a main urban market for maize with cross-border connections. Maradi, Tounfafi, and Diffa are regional assembly and cross-border markets for Niger and other countries in the region. These are markets where households and herders coming from the northern cereal deficit areas regularly buy their food. Agadez and Zinder are also important national and regional markets. Nguigmi and Abalak are located in pastoral areas, where people are heavily dependent on cereal markets for their food supply. They are particularly important during the rainy season, when herders are confined to the pastoral zone.

Mali: Formation de groupes armés au droit international humanitaire

0
0
Source: International Committee of the Red Cross
Country: Mali

Genève / Bamako (CICR) – Des membres du Mouvement national de libération de l’Azawad (MNLA) et du Haut Conseil pour l’unité de l’Azawad (HCUA) participent à une formation au droit international humanitaire (DIH), organisée par le Comité international de la Croix-Rouge (CICR), le 1er octobre 2014, à Kidal.

« Cette formation s’inscrit dans le cadre d’une série de formations entamées il y a quelques semaines, et qui nous ont permis à ce jour de sensibiliser au DIH plus de 200 combattants du Mouvement national de libération de l’Azawad (MNLA), du Mouvement arabe de l’Azawad (MAA) et du Haut Conseil pour l’unité de l’Azawad (HCUA), notamment à Ménaka, Ber et Kidal », explique Christoph Luedi, chef de la délégation du CICR au Mali. « Il s’agit à terme de rendre ces groupes armés conscients de leurs responsabilités en matière de respect du DIH et de leur faire mieux connaître les règles de comportement applicables dans les situations de conflit.»

Les participants sont sensibilisés notamment à la protection des populations civiles et des personnes hors de combat, au traitement des personnes capturées et au respect des principes humanitaires. Le droit international humanitaire est un ensemble de règles qui visent à limiter les effets des conflits armés. Il protège les personnes qui ne participent pas ou plus aux combats et restreint les moyens et méthodes de guerre.

« Cette formation est possible grâce à la qualité des relations que nous entretenons avec les responsables de ces différents groupes armés depuis plusieurs années », indique M. Luedi. « Conformément à son mandat, le CICR dialogue avec toutes les parties au conflit et leur apporte le soutien nécessaire dans le domaine du DIH ».

En sa qualité d’organisation humanitaire neutre et impartiale, le CICR est en contact avec tous les acteurs du conflit au Mali. À ce titre, l’institution s'est engagée depuis plusieurs années aux côtés de toutes les forces armées, afin de les aider à mieux comprendre et respecter le DIH.

Informations complémentaires:
Valery Mbaoh Nana, CICR Bamako, tél. : +223 76 99 63 75
Thomas Glass, CICR Genève, tél. : +41 22 730 31 49 ou +41 79 244 64 05

World: CERF Quarterly Update: July - September 2014

0
0
Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Country: Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Iraq, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, occupied Palestinian territory, Pakistan, Paraguay, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, World
preview


Q3 2014 SUMMARY

During the third quarter of 2014, the humanitarian community relied on rapid and strategic CERF funding to kick-start emergency operations and to keep life-saving programmes running. The Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) allocated US$70 million from CERF to help humanitarian partners in 20 countries respond to some of the most urgent crises worldwide.

Some $50 million from CERF’s rapid response window went to 13 counties, including Iraq where a system-wide level-three (L3) emergency was declared in August and to the West African countries of Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone where the worst outbreak ever of Ebola virus has become a major humanitarian crisis.

The ERC also set aside $75 million in the second round of the underfunded emergencies window to support 11 countries in two regions where humanitarian needs are high but financial support is low: West Africa’s Sahel ($30.5 million) and the Horn of Africa ($44.5 million). Some $20 million has already been allocated.

Donors demonstrated their continued faith in the effectiveness of CERF during the third quarter with $108.3 million in contributions.

By the end of September 2014, donors had pledged $435 million for 2014, just short of CERF’s $450 annual funding target. Some $404.3 million (or 93 per cent) of that amount had already been received.

Mauritania: Mauritania Humanitarian Situation Report - October 2014

0
0
Source: UN Children's Fund
Country: Mali, Mauritania
preview


Highlights

Mauritania continues to suffer from a multi-dimensional crisis related to food insecurity, the high prevalence of malnutrition, the presence of Malian refugees, and significant flooding that hit the country in 2014.

Preliminary results for Nutrition SMART survey planned for July- conducted in August 2014, are available. National Global acute malnutrition (GAM) rate decrease from 13.1% in July 2013 to 9.8% including 1% of severe cases. Nutrition situation in five regions (Gorgol, Assaba, Tagant, Hod El Chargui and Hod El Garbi) are classified as serious with GAM rate over 10%. But situation in Guidimakha region remain critical with a GAM rate at 16%, exceeding the emergency threshold. UNICEF continues to work with the government and partners to respond to the humanitarian needs of populations affected by food insecurity and malnutrition, aiming in particular to treat 30,741 children under five suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).

Since the last reporting period UNICEF has continued to provide life-saving interventions to the Malian refugees in Mberra Refugee Camp and to the Host Community, in close coordination with the Government of Mauritania, UNHCR as well as other UN agencies and NGOs.

As part of the Ebola preparedness response, UNICEF is actively participating to weekly coordination meetings organized by the Ministry of Health, and supporting the government in their mass media campaign on good hygiene practices (in order to reduce the risk of contamination).

UNICEF is requesting 14.2 million USD to respond to the humanitarian needs in Mauritania in 2014. 38% of this amount has been funded as of September 2014 and UNICEF would like to acknowledge in particular the generous contribution of the Government of Japan and other donors in support to its emergency

Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs

  • According to the SMART Survey conducted in August 2014, the prevalence of the Global Acute Malnutrition has been significantly reduced and is under the 10% threshold at the national level (only the Guidimakha region is still above the critical threshold of more than 15% - and 4 other region remain under the alert threshold of under 10%). However, this positive trend should be analysed with caution due to the increase in the food insecurity (FSMS survey conducted by WFP and CSA in June 2014).

  • According to UNHCR, an estimated 53,474 people live in the Mberra refugee camp in the South-East of Mauritania, of which 56 per cent are children under 18. Life-saving interventions, such as treatment for acute malnutrition cases (2,120 SAM expected in 2014), measles vaccinations, and the provision of clean water continue to be needed. Moreover, more than 9,600 (59%) of school age children have not yet access to education. 45,000 people living in host communities are estimated to have been impacted by the Malian crisis. The needs of these communities are also being addressed and assistance given to reinforce basic services and resilience.

  • In regard to the floods in the Gorgol Region, UNICEF and the National Red Crescent Society (NRCS) procured essential items to 690 households displaced from their place of origin to a safe area identified by the local authorities. In the Tagant Region, UNICEF and its partner Moundi ASPD also procured essential items to reduce the increase of diarrheal diseases related to unusual rainfalls. In both cases, UNICEF and its partners promoted essential family practices.

  • In order to improve its emergency response and preparedness capacities related to floods and the risk of an Ebola outbreak, UNICEF is refilling the NRCS’s emergency stock and implementing new emergency standby agreements with NGOs. In addition, UNICEF is supporting the National Committee led by the Ministry of Health in the national mass sensitization campaign against Ebola.

Niger: Nouvel afflux de déplacés fuyant la violence dans le nord-est du Nigéria

0
0
Source: International Committee of the Red Cross
Country: Niger, Nigeria

Le conflit qui sévit dans le nord-est du Nigéria continue d’affecter la région de Diffa, à l’extrémité est du Niger. Ces dernières semaines, des milliers de personnes fuyant les récents affrontements opposant l’armée nigériane à des groupes armés, ont afflué à Diffa, en quête de sécurité.

« Il s’agit du mouvement de population le plus important enregistré ces derniers mois », dit Loukas Petridis, chef de délégation du Comité international de la Croix-Rouge (CICR) au Niger. Ces populations, composées essentiellement de femmes et d’enfants, ont fui les localités de Bama, Baga, Doron Baga et Kaya Koura où des combats ont récemment opposé l’armée nigériane à des groupes armés. « Ces populations sont complétement démunies et dépendent entièrement de la solidarité des communautés qui les accueillent et de l’aide des organisations humanitaires », explique M. Petridis.

Secours d’urgence aux déplacés et aux résidents

Les déplacés vivent à Diffa dans des conditions très précaires. « Tous leurs biens ont été pillés ou brûlés avec leurs maisons lors des combats », indique Marc Fumeaux, expert en sécurité économique du CICR.

À Diffa, certains ont dû s’installer dans des abris de fortune (en toile ou en paille), à la lisière de la ville. Les plus chanceux ont été reçus dans des familles d’accueil qui ont du mal à assurer leur propre subsistance. « Ils ont un besoin urgent de vivres et d’articles de première nécessité », précise Marc Fumeaux, qui s’inquiète aussi de la situation des populations résidentes qui accueillent des déplacés.

Afin de répondre aux besoins humanitaires urgents des déplacés et soulager des familles résidentes vulnérables, le CICR et la Croix-Rouge nigérienne viennent d’acheminer des vivres à plus de 2 000 personnes (274 ménages de déplacés et 65 ménages résidents vulnérables) à Diffa. De plus, 203 ménages ont reçu des assortiments d’articles de première nécessité (couvertures, bâches, moustiquaires, nattes, vêtements et ustensiles de cuisine).

Assistance aux déplacés dans les îles du lac Tchad

De nombreux déplacés ont également trouvé refuge dans les îles du lac Tchad. Ces îles, qui accueillaient normalement des populations de pêcheurs saisonniers et de commerçants, ont vu leur population décuplée par l’arrivée massive de déplacés fuyant les combats. « Les populations déplacées et les résidents y ont un accès extrêmement limité à de l’eau potable, à des infrastructures sanitaires ou à des soins de santé. Avec la montée des eaux, l’accès à ces îles isolées reste un véritable défi logistique, et l’insécurité empêche de nombreuses organisations humanitaires d’y accéder », explique Yssouf Koné, chef de la sous-délégation du CICR à Diffa.

Depuis le mois de mai, le CICR et la Croix-Rouge nigérienne ont pu acheminer des vivres à quelque 3 516 personnes dans les îles de Koita Mota, Gadira, Karamga et Toumboun Boka. « Une de nos équipes est actuellement sur le terrain et procède à de nouvelles évaluations », précise M. Koné.

Accès à l’eau et aux services de santé

Dans la localité de N’gouba à 80 km de Diffa, le CICR vient d’achever la réhabilitation d’un forage de grande capacité qui permettra d'approvisionner en eau quelque 12 000 personnes dans les communes de Bosso, Toumour et Ngouba. « L’accès à l’eau est une question vitale dans cette région. Sans accès à de l’eau potable, les populations n’ont d’autre choix que de boire l’eau des mares, ce qui comporte des risques graves pour la santé », indique Tiémoko Ouattara, spécialiste en eau du CICR. Depuis le début de la crise en mai 2013, le CICR a réalisé 13 nouveaux forages équipés de pompes manuelles, construit un nouveau puits cimenté et réhabilité neuf autres puits cimentés pour faciliter l’accès à l’eau pour les déplacés et les résidents des départements de Diffa, Bosso et Mainé Soroa. De plus, une petite adduction d'eau potable équipée de deux bornes fontaines et d'un abreuvoir pour les animaux a été réhabilitée à Boulangou Yakou, à 12 km de Diffa.

Au centre hospitalier régional de Diffa, le CICR a procédé à quatre donations de médicaments et de matériel médical. À Bosso, où se concentrent de nombreux déplacés, un partenariat a été mis en place avec le centre de santé intégré local. Une première donation de médicaments et de matériel médical permet au centre de mieux prendre en charge les malades et les blessés parmi les populations déplacées et résidentes.

Le CICR est très préoccupé par l’afflux de déplacés dans la région de Diffa. « Les risques d’une détérioration de la sécurité dans le nord-est du Nigéria sont préoccupants, ils pourraient avoir pour conséquence un plus grand afflux de personnes, notamment vers le Niger. En coopération avec les autres composantes du Mouvement international de la Croix-Rouge, nous nous préparons à faire face à une situation humanitaire encore plus difficile dans la région de Diffa », explique Loukas Petridis, chef de la délégation du CICR au Niger.

Informations complémentaires :
Oumarou Daddy Rabiou, CICR Niamey, tél. : +227 96 66 99 12
Jean-Yves Clémenzo, CICR Genève tél. : +41 22 730 22 71 ou +41 79 244 32 17

World: Press conference by Security Council President on work programme for October (2 October 2014)

0
0
Source: UN Security Council
Country: Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Syrian Arab Republic, World, South Sudan

Setting out the range of situations to be addressed by the Security Council in October, the Permanent Representative of Argentina, whose delegation holds that body’s presidency for the month, this afternoon underlined the importance of making further progress on inclusiveness and transparency of the Council’s work.

Announcing an open debate on that topic planned for 23 October, María Cristina Perceval proposed that Member States assess progress made and gaps that remained in opening up the Council’s work to the full United Nations membership. They should also bring concrete suggestions for improvement, she said.

Other open debates this month would include one on women, peace and security on 28 October, which would focus on the plight of women who, she noted, made up 80 per cent of those living as displaced persons in the world today and suffered a lack of access to basic needs, as well as sexual abuse and forced marriage. Efforts of women to organize themselves to effect change would be included in that discussion. The head of UN-Women would brief. The quarterly open debate on the Middle East was planned for 21 October. No draft resolution on the Palestinian question, however, had been submitted.

Regarding the Council’s transparency, she said that as President she hoped to promote greater inclusiveness by listening to all viewpoints and building consensus in that context. In the 23 October open debate on the topic, she said that progress was particularly needed on the question of due process in listing persons for targeted sanctions. The Chair of the 1267 Committee on Al-Qaida sanctions planned to brief. The possibility would be considered of extending the ombudsman mechanism to all sanctions regimes, to increase transparency and impartiality.

Also at that meeting, the process of referring situations to the International Criminal Court would be discussed, she said, stressing that the Court should not be used to settle political scores but be an impartial body that administered justice. Referrals must be followed up. Fatou Ben Souda, the Court’s Prosecutor, had been asked to brief on the matter.

Concerning the rest of “a very heavy agenda”, she said that meetings on Syria were planned to assess the elimination of chemical weapons in the country as well as the humanitarian situation there, but no meetings on the political aspects of the crisis had yet been scheduled. She also flagged open briefings on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Somalia and South Sudan, as well as briefings in consultations on Western Sahara and Yemen.

Turning to briefings on sanctions regimes, she said that for the first time there would be a formal meeting on the measures concerning Somalia and Côte d’Ivoire. On peacekeeping issues, she noted that the military commanders of three missions would brief on 9 October, with commanders of other operations available to answer questions.

Approval of the Council’s annual report would be considered on 22 October, she said, noting that complaints had consistently been voiced at the late presentation of the report in previous years; this was the first year that it would be ready in time for delegations to consider it ahead of the related General Assembly meeting. The monthly wrap-up session would also take place as an open meeting.

A series of questions — sparked by comments made by the Argentine President at the 24 September Council Summit — was asked about assistance to rebels in Syria, which, correspondents said, were later named terrorists. She said that more clarity was needed in fighting terrorism. Prudence was needed before action was taken to assist armed groups. "Sometimes people change, but we're not talking about change here," she added.

On the veto, she called interesting the French initiative to refrain from use of that tool in cases of crimes against humanity, but she commented that it was not immediately clear what situations that covered. On perceived inequities concerning International Criminal Court referrals, she said that, in her personal opinion, the fight against impunity was a long process, and the way to strengthen justice was not to undo progress that had been made.

Further discussion of the Ebola epidemic was being considered by the Council because of the presence of peacekeepers in the affected region and related reasons, she said, adding however that the response to the disease was under the competency of other United Nations bodies. Similarly, repression of journalists came under the area of expertise of the Human Rights Council.

However, she stressed many issues affected international peace and security. Peace, she said, was achieved through equality and tolerance, respect for human rights, development and social inclusion. "Anything else is not peace but mere mitigation of violence," she stated.


Guatemala: Familias de Quiché y Huehuetenango reciben asistencia alimentaria

0
0
Source: Government of Guatemala
Country: Guatemala

Más de 24 mil familias de los departamentos de Huehuetenango y Quiché, que fueron afectadas por la canícula prolongada, recibieron este jueves la asistencia alimentaria otorgada por el Gobierno de Guatemala. Por segundo día consecutivo la vicepresidenta Roxana Baldetti realizó una gira por el interior del país para supervisar la efectividad en la entrega de las raciones alimenticias que beneficiarán a más de 263.000 familias damnificadas a en todo el país por la pérdida de sus cosechas a causa de la sequía registrada durante el presente año.

La vicepresidenta visitó los municipios de Nentón, Huehuetenango y Canillá en Quiché, mismos que fueron severamente afectados por la sequía. Durante su intervención, Baldetti resaltó que de acuerdo al barrido realizado por varias instancias del gobierno, en varios municipios se perdió hasta el 82 por ciento de la cosecha de maíz y un 62 por ciento en las siembras de frijol.

"Aquí no vimos colores, vimos necesidad de hambre, de alimento y por eso el presidente Otto Pérez Molina ordenó que se atendiera a las familias guatemaltecas afectadas y que tienen necesidad de comer", refirió la vicepresidenta. La asistencia alimentaria se realizará por seis meses y los afectados recibirán cada 30 días 100 libras de maíz, 30 de frijol, 17,5 de harina de soya con vitaminas y nutrientes, además de un alimento terapéutico para evitar la desnutrición crónica infantil. La inversión para apoyar a los afectados por la canícula prolongada es de aproximadamente 500 millones de quetzales (64,59 millones de dólares).

Baldetti exhortó a los agricultores a seguir trabajando porque "cada uno firmó un convenio en el que se comprometen a trabajar en sus parcelas a cambio de traerles cada mes sus alimentos hasta que sus cultivos mejoren", dijo.

Mientras, el ministro de Agricultura, Elmer López, indicó que desde hace un mes los extensionistas iniciaron la capacitación de los agricultores para que ellos aprendan a hacer reservorios de agua y trabajar la tierra para evitar en el futuro la pérdida de los cultivos.

Durante el evento, la vicemandataria estuvo acompañada además de López y el Secretario de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutricional (Sesan), Germán García, de autoridades ediles.

Guatemala: Gobierno de Guatemala inicia entrega de alimentos a 263.000 familias afectadas por canícula prolongada

0
0
Source: Government of Guatemala
Country: Guatemala

Written by Donis Figueroa/AGN

Sololá (Guatemala), 1 oct (AGN).- El Gobierno de Guatemala inició hoy la entrega de raciones de alimentos a los afectados por la canícula prolongada en varios departamentos del país. Durante una actividad pública en Sololá (occidente) la vicemandataria, Roxana Baldetti supervisó que 14.000 familias fueran beneficiadas.

En la cabecera departamental de Sololá fueron entregadas 2.465 raciones de alimentos a los afectados. El Organismo Ejecutivo llevará la ayuda a más de 263.000 personas que sufrieron pérdidas por la falta de lluvia.

La vicepresidenta Baldetti inicio este miércoles en referido departamento una gira que la llevará por a Santa Rosa, Zacapa y El Progreso, donde supervisará la entrega de las raciones alimenticias para mitigar los efectos del fenómeno climático,

Durante su intervención, la vicemandataria guatemalteca resaltó que en este departamento serán atendidas las más de 14,000 familias de los 19 municipios en 243 comunidades damnificadas y que lo mismo se hará en todos los lugares que se vieron afectados.

"Todos recibirán la ayuda nadie se quedará sin alimentos. Para esto no vimos colores partidarios, lo que vimos fue la necesidad de la gente por eso estamos acá, trayendo alimentos para toda esa gente que tiene esa gran necesidad", refirió la vicegobernante.

Agrego que la distribución de la asistencia alimentaria se realizará por seis meses y los afectados recibirán cada 30 días, 100 libras de maíz, 30 de frijol, 17,5 de harina de soya con vitaminas y nutrientes, además de un alimento terapéutico para evitar la desnutrición crónica infantil.

La inversión de la administración actual para apoyar a los afectados por la canícula prolongada es de aproximadamente 500 millones de quetzales (64,59 millones de dólares).

Por su parte, Andrés Iboy, alcalde de Sololá agradeció al gobierno central por tomarlos en cuenta para la distribución de la ayuda y agradeció a la vicepresidenta facilitar las gestiones para la construcción del mercado municipal que contribuirá al desarrollo de esta región.

Atención oportuna

Varias madres de familia principalmente indígenas, manifestaron a la Agencia Guatemalteca de Noticias (AGN) que la atención a los afectados por la canícula prolongada es oportuna, debido a que habían perdido sus sembradíos de maíz y “ya no tenían alimentos para darle a sus hijos”.

Maria Choc, vecina sololateca dijo "estamos muy agradecidos con nuestras autoridades porque nos ofrecieron ayuda y la respuesta fue muy rápida, gracias al Presidente y la Vicepresidenta con seguir ayudándonos a nosotros los más pobres".

Guatemala: Guatemala: Canícula Prolongada - Informe de Situación # 1

0
0
Source: COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale
Country: Guatemala
preview


I. LO MÁS IMPORTANTE

Entre el final de Junio y el principio de Julio 2014, Guatemala como el resto de Centro América han sido afectados por una canícula prolongada muy severa.
Esta situación ha comportado una dramática reducción de las cosechas para las familias que viven de agricultura de subsistencia, especialmente de maíz y de frijol.
Las familias afectadas no tienen reservas de alimentos y está aumentando los precios de los granos básicos en el mercado.
La situación nutricional y de salud de las niñas y niños se está deteriorando.
Hay necesidad de apoyo para la recuperación de los medios de vida, apoyo para la siguiente siembra, promover el acceso a ingresos y facilitar el acceso a alimentos priorizando los grupos vulnerables (madres jefes de hogar, personas mayores, niños menores, etc).
Es importante apoyar los barridos nutricionales para la detección y atención de casos de desnutrición.

Mali: Neuf Casques bleus nigériens tués dans une attaque près de Gao

0
0
Source: UN News Service
Country: Mali

3 octobre 2014 – Neuf Casques bleus nigériens de la Mission multidimensionnelle intégrée des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation au Mali (MINUSMA) ont été tués vendredi dans une attaque près de la ville de Gao.

Le Secrétaire général des Nations Unies, Ban Ki-moon, s'est dit choqué et indigné par cette embuscade meurtrière.

Il s'agit à ce jour de l'attaque la plus meurtrière perpétrée contre la Mission de l'ONU au Mali. Cette attaque porte le nombre total de victimes d'actes hostiles depuis le début de la mission, le 1er juillet 2013, à 30 Casques bleus tués et 90 autres blessés.

« Ce matin, un convoi des Casques bleus de la MINUSMA du contingent nigérien a été la cible d'une attaque directe alors qu'il se déplaçait vers Indelimane, sur l'axe Ménaka – Ansongo. Un bilan provisoire fait état de neuf morts », a dit la MINUSMA dans un communiqué de presse. « D'importants moyens aériens ont immédiatement été déployés dans le but de sécuriser la zone et porter assistance aux soldats de la paix ».

« Le Secrétaire général souligne que les attaques contre les Casques bleus des Nations Unies constituent une violation grave du droit international. Il rappelle aux groupes armés opérant dans le nord du Mali leur engagement à coopérer avec l'Organisation des Nations Unies pour prévenir les attaques contre les soldats de la paix en conformité avec leur déclaration du 16 septembre à Alger. Au moment où les négociations de paix sont en cours, il insiste sur le fait que toutes les parties doivent faire preuve de bonne foi et s'engager à une solution politique et que les auteurs de ces actes épouvantables soient traduits en justice », a dit son porte-parole dans une déclaration à la presse.

Le Secrétaire général a présenté ses sincères condoléances aux familles des soldats de la paix qui ont été tués, ainsi qu'au gouvernement et au peuple du Niger. « Il assure le peuple du Mali de l'appui indéfectible des Nations Unies pour la recherche de la paix », a ajouté son porte-parole.

Plus tôt, le Représentant spécial adjoint de la MINUSMA, Arnauld Akodjénou, s'est également déclaré indigné par cette attaque.

« Je suis horrifié par cet acte de terrorisme lâche et odieux qui provoque en moi colère et indignation. Une fois de plus, des vies ont aujourd'hui été perdues au nom de la Paix au Mali. Ces crimes ne doivent pas rester impunis. Cette violence doit cesser immédiatement et la MINUSMA interpelle encore une fois tous les acteurs impliqués dans la recherche de solutions d'une paix durable d'assumer leur responsabilité pour un dénouement rapide de cette crise qui n'a que trop duré », a-t-il dit. Il a présenté au nom de la Mission ses condoléances aux familles ainsi qu'au peuple et au gouvernement du Niger.

Mali: Ban ‘outraged’ by deadly attack on UN peacekeepers in Mali

0
0
Source: UN News Service
Country: Mali

3 October 2014 – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today expressed shock and outrage at the killing of nine peacekeepers in an attack in Mali and issued a warning that all hostilities waged against UN “blue helmets” constitute a serious violation of international law.

According to initial reports, a UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) convoy was ambushed early this morning as it travelled from Ménaka to Ansongo, in Mali’s north-eastern Gao region.

It is the deadliest attack to hit MINUSMA to date and brings the mission’s total number of casualties to 30 peacekeepers killed and 90 wounded since it first deployed on 1 July 2013.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, the Secretary-General reminded the armed groups operating in northern Mali of their commitment to cooperate with the UN to prevent attacks against peacekeepers.

With a second phase of peace negotiations are underway in Algiers, the statement continued, Mr. Ban “insists that all parties must demonstrate good faith and commitment to a political solution and that the perpetrators of these appalling actions are brought to justice.”

Despite initial security improvements in 2013, the situation in Northern Mali has deteriorated since the beginning of this year. An increase in incidents involving improvised explosive devices, mostly targeting Malian and international security forces, has impeded the return to normalcy and resumption of economic and development activities.

The first phase of the inter-Malian negotiation process, which was held from 16 to 24 July in Algiers, aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace agreement which would end the crisis. It concluded with the adoption of a roadmap by all parties.

Mr. Ban offered his deepest condolences to the bereaved families as well as to the Government and people of Niger and reassured the people of Mali that the UN would continue its “steadfast support to their search for peace.”

World: Purchase for Progress (P4P) September 2014 Newsletter

0
0
Source: World Food Programme
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mali, Nicaragua, World
preview


Inside this issue:

Literacy training boosts women’s participation and empowerment...................................pages 1-2

5 Facts about P4P in Mali.................................................................page 3

Smallholders supply food for families affected by coffee rust...........pages 4

Conservation farming reduces costs and increases yields in Nicaragua.............................................................page 5

P4P contact information and news....................................................page 6

Guatemala: Se entregan alimentos a damnificados por sequía en Quiché

0
0
Source: Government of Guatemala
Country: Guatemala

Quiché (Guatemala), 2 oct (AGN).- Como parte del apoyo del Gobierno de Guatemala a los damnificados por la canícula prolongada, hoy la vicepresidenta Roxana Baldetti entregó 8.483 raciones alimentarias en el departamento noroccidental de Quiché.

En el municipio de Canillá, 853 familias que se vieron afectadas por la sequía recibieron las primeras raciones para mitigar la pérdida de sus cultivos, las cuales incluyen 100 libras de maíz, 30 de frijol y 17 de harina fortificada.

La vicegobernante informó durante su alocución que el costo económico de esta entrega es de 3.735.746 quetzales (487.695 dólares) y que es en cumplimiento de la ayuda que ofrecieron junto con el presidente de Guatemala, Otto Pérez Molina, para los afectados por la falta de lluvias.

Baldetti exhortó a los agricultores a seguir trabajando porque "cada uno firmó un convenio en el que se comprometen a trabajar en sus parcelas a cambio de traerles cada mes sus alimentos hasta que sus cultivos mejoren", dijo.

Mientras, el ministro de Agricultura, Elmer López, indicó que desde hace un mes los extensionistas iniciaron la capacitación de los agricultores para que ellos aprendan a hacer reservorios de agua y trabajar la tierra para evitar en el futuro la pérdida de los cultivos.

Durante el evento, la vicemandataria estuvo acompañada además de López y el Secretario de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutricional (Sesan), Germán García, de autoridades ediles.

La canícula afectó principalmente a familias agricultoras de subsistencia en el corredor seco del país, por lo que el Gobierno decretó un estado de emergencia para la distribución de alimentos en 16 departamentos durante un período de seis meses.


World: Global Weather Hazards Summary October 3-9, 2014

0
0
Source: Famine Early Warning System Network
Country: Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, World
preview


Above-average rains continue in Central America, dryness remains in several parts of East and West Africa

Africa Weather Hazards

  1. Below-average rains during the Belg season and a late onset of the Kiremt rains have led to persistent moisture deficits, which have delayed planting and negatively affected the development of already-planted crops in the Arsi and West Arsi zones of central Ethiopia.

  2. An early end of Mar-May seasonal rainfall and an abnormally dry July have inhibited crop and pasture development in central and northern Ethiopia.

  3. Despite a return of seasonally normal rainfall during August, moisture deficits persist in northwestern Senegal. The delayed onset of the season in July has resulted in poor growing conditions and crop development.

  4. Poor July rains in several local areas of Mali have resulted in poor crop and pastoral conditions.

  5. Poor rainfall since mid-August has led to late-season moisture deficits, increasing the likelihood for adverse ground impacts throughout many parts of western and southern Niger, eastern Mali, and northern Nigeria. Below average rains are forecast in the region for the next week.

  6. Well above-average precipitation forecast over arid areas of northern Somalia are likely to trigger localized flooding.

  7. Since the beginning of September, poor rains have inhibited crop development and compromised planting activities throughout Rwanda.

Cameroon: UNICEF Cameroon Humanitarian Situation Report, August 2014

0
0
Source: UN Children's Fund
Country: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Nigeria
preview


Highlights

SECURITY ATTACKS AND NIGERIAN REFUGEES - Targeted kidnappings and armed attacks by Boko Haram are on the rise, particularly since May 2014. A total of 24,182 Nigerian refugees have arrived in Northern Cameroon this year, with an estimated 13,921 Nigerian refugees in Minawao refugee camp.

CAR REFUGEES: As of the end of August, 125,000 people have been officially registered as refugees since January 2014 and about 84% of these are women or children. UNICEF’s response includes ensuring that 57% of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) expected caseload in 2014 has been admitted for treatment; 62 ETAPEs are ready for back to school campaign; and measles and Polio campaign have covered all refugee children.

NUTRITION RESPONSE: 31,447 children with SAM have been admitted for therapeutic care to date through UNICEF and partners.

POLIO RESURGENCE: Cameroon has been declared as country with active transmission of wild Polio virus, with 9 cases confirmed since October 2013. 2 new cases were confirmed among CAR refugees in July.

CHOLERA RESURGENCE: 2,134 cases of cholera have been reported at the national level with 110 deaths (99% of all deaths are in Northern Cameroon).

EBOLA PREPAREDNESS: Cameroon has recorded no confirmed cases to date, but the National action and response plan is in place, which includes guidelines and measures to be taken at entry points, health facilities, clinical management, contact management and epidemiological surveillance procedures. Trainings, communication and prepositioning of materials is underway.

Challenges: Lack of funding (just 24% funds available) and human resources on ground to take care of refugee needs outside the camps are a big challenge.

Niger: Niger: Population Movement - Emergency Appeal MDRNE013 Operations update n° 1

0
0
Source: International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies
Country: Niger, Nigeria
preview


Summary:

Since the launch of the Emergency Appeal, the influx from Nigeria has continued, and as of 24 September, the total number of displaced population was 105,000, most of them being women and children. Since the beginning of September, more than 16,549 people have reached Diffa region, compared to 10,543 in August. The new arrivals are in urgent need of emergency assistance in terms of food and basic non-food items, emergency shelter, medical assistance, potable water and protection. Due to economic opportunities through fishing, most of the new arrivals are settling around lake Chad rather than in already exhausted host communities. At the same time, displaced population who arrived earlier this year are becoming host families for new arrivals, resulting in additional burdens for families with very limited resources.

According to the outcome of a joint assessment mission conducted in the beginning of September, the poor rainfall in Diffa will affect the 2014-2015 agricultural and pastoral campaign and is expected to cause serious food deficit in most communities. Rains have stopped raining at the beginning of September and this is a dangerous indicator for poor harvest of millet, sorghum and local beans.
Between 22 and 24 September, the Prime minister’s office deployed a crisis management team in Diffa region to meet the humanitarian actors and regional authorities and assess the situation. One of the main suggestions from the management team is to establish camps to allow humanitarian assistance to the affected and improve coordination by harmonising the response.

Following the launch of the IFRC emergency appeal in support of the Niger Red Cross (NRC), CHF 130,000 was allocated from the IFRC DREF to allow emergency assistance in health, water and sanitation and NS capacity building. This allocation has allowed initiation of logistical arrangements including procurement of two boats and 20 life vests, as well as engagement of an operations manager and a water and sanitation field officer to support the operation. The NRC has deployed the communication officer and the health coordinator to the field for a week to support the regional committee in planning activities. 30 volunteers from 10 lake islands have been identified to be trained in emergency health, Watsan and communication. Health and Watsan needs have been identified in collaboration with the responsible of Baroua health centre. Other 30 volunteers from Bosso (villages and islands) will also be identified and trained. Weekly mobile clinics are being organised in the islands to assist those who cannot access to health centres. The first 10 targeted islands are Kadeiram, Tchoukou Gabi, Karrounn, Arina, Kadia, Gadarmou, Klakmana, Kourna, Chilla, and Douwa. WHO will support with medical assistance and an agreement is being developed. A three months plan of action has been elaborated. Since September 18th, the IFRC Operations Manager has been deployed to Diffa to coordinate the operational implementation and engage further in coordination mechanisms.

Though the total number of displaced people is radically increasing, the planned target of this emergency appeal currently remains unchanged, but the humanitarian situation is becoming increasingly critical and support to the IFRC Emergency Appeal is urgently needed to provide emergency assistance

Guatemala: Asistencia alimentaria llega al oriente del país

0
0
Source: Government of Guatemala
Country: Guatemala

Para cumplir oportunamente con el cronograma de entrega de raciones alimentarias a las familias afectadas por la canícula prolongada, el Presidente Otto Pérez Molina y la vicepresidenta Roxana Baldetti visitaron los departamentos de Jutiapa y Chiquimula, donde supervisaron la primera de seis entregas.

Ambos dignatarios verificaron la entrega de 2.593 raciones en Agua Blanca, Jutiapa; y posteriormente la distribución de 3.632 raciones en Olopa, Chiquimula. En esos departamentos el Plan Oportunidad, que coordina la vicepresidenta Baldetti, beneficiará a 88.000 familias identificadas por medio del censo socioeconómico realizado en agosto.

En la tercera jornada de distribución, se entregaron de forma simultánea raciones alimenticias en 16 municipios de todo el país. Se prevé que la dinámica de primera entrega para más de 265.000 familias en los 22 departamentos concluirá el próximo 17 de octubre, para continuar durante el mes de noviembre.

El presidente Pérez Molina recordó que, tras analizar los posibles efectos que la sequía provocaría en la agricultura de subsistencia, se requerían acciones interinstitucionales ágiles y por ello asignó a la Vicepresidenta la coordinación del plan que se puso en marcha de inmediato, “No permitiremos que un solo guatemalteco, especialmente los niños padezcan por hambre, no escatimaremos en los esfuerzos para llevar asistencia alimentaria a quienes perdieron sus cosechas”, reafirmó.

El mandatario también dio a conocer que la dinámica implementada en el Plan Oportunidad, será tomado como modelo por la comunidad internacional debido a su eficacia “Nos han reconocido internacionalmente. Guatemala es el país centroamericano que mejor se organizó para dar una respuesta a la gente que lo necesita y eso es gracias al equipo y gracias a la vicepresidenta Roxana Baldetti que lo ha coordinado”, afirmó el mandatario.

Hasta el momento se han realizado entregas en los departamentos de Sololá, Santa Rosa, Zacapa, El Progreso, Huehuetenango, Quiché, Retalhuleu, Jutiapa y Chiquimula, mismos en los que la Vicepresidenta ha reafirmado su compromiso con los más de 1,2 millones de guatemaltecos afectados por la pérdida de cosechas mediante el seguimiento directo a las acciones interinstitucionales que integran el Plan Oportunidad.

Mali: Security Council Press Statement on Mali (3 October 2014)

0
0
Source: UN Security Council
Country: Mali

SC/11587
AFR/2985

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President María Cristina Perceval (Argentina):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the targeted ambush against a United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) convoy on the road between Ansongo and Menaka, Mali, on 3 October 2014, that killed nine Nigerien peacekeepers of MINUSMA.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the peacekeepers killed, as well as to the Government and people of Niger, and to MINUSMA. The members of the Security Council paid tribute to the Nigerien peacekeepers for their sacrifices and continued efforts in MINUSMA.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support to MINUSMA and French forces that support it. The members of the Security Council called on the Government of Mali to swiftly investigate this attack and bring the perpetrators to justice and stressed that those responsible for the attack shall be held accountable.

The members of the Security Council underlined that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the need to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, and that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

The members of the Security Council reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law.

The members of the Security Council reminded the armed groups operating in northern Mali of their commitment to cooperate with the United Nations to prevent attacks against peacekeepers in line with the declaration they signed on 16 September 2014 in Algiers.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their support for MINUSMA to assist the Malian authorities and the Malian people in their efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to their country, as mandated by the Security Council in resolution 2164 (2014).

For information media • not an official record

Viewing all 14548 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images