XUNICEF News and Views

   

Plastics is not a problem There is a serious need for public education on dangers of nanoparticles of plastics on human health, much more beyond environmental pollution by plastics. The flexibility and durability of plastics found its application virtually in every manufactured product from everyday household appliances to aeroplanes in the sky to submarines in the deep sea. Plastics have profitably replaced paper, wood, glass and metals in many components of manufactured goods possibly for good. Mass production of plastics started during the 1930s with accidental discovery of polyethylene in petroleum byproducts. In the early 1950s the world produced 1.35 million metric tons (MMT) and in 1970 it reached 50 MMT and in 2019 the world consumed 460 MMT. Plastics now have a ubiquitous presence in our everyday life. Plastics as such is not the problem. Replacing paper by plastics must have saved hundreds of millions of trees annually, essential to clean air with a ...

With a new team of editors being formed, we would like to streamline how members can submit their own articles for posting. It is easier than you think. Here is what you need to do.

  South Sudan Opposition forces allege that government troops killed at least 25 civilians, including women and children, in what they describe as a "massacre" in Pankor, Ayod county. The killings come as fighting in Jonglei state has displaced more than 280,000 people since December, with UNICEF warning of widespread sexual violence, a near-total absence of GBV services, and a cholera outbreak that has now reached 98,000 cases nationally.  UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, visiting Juba, secured a pledge from President Salva Kiir of unimpeded access for relief agencies — though aid workers say ground access remains unpredictable and several planned missions have already been denied. A nurse in Jonglei told AFP: "Our government is supposed to protect our lives but unfortunately turned on us. Our hope is gone." Syria Al-Hol camp has been rapidly depopulated after Syrian government forces took control in January, with 15,000–20,000 people — more tha...

 

A soon to be published collection of verse born from the embers of war and the whispers of peace;  rooted in the ache of longing, the grace of family, the fire of passion, the solitude of the soul, the fracture and the healing of the human heart, the silent witness of observation, and the eternal shelter of a mother's love.

This is an important and very timely report, coming as the Human Rights Council opens its latest session.  Tom

 

 Niloufar has shared the below interesting article" Global humanitarian aid slashed by one-third" - Governments drastically slash their international development assistance budgets as they focus on domestic concerns — and aid organizations warn acute food insecurity will expand as a result. https://www.manitobacooperator.ca/news-opinion/news/global-humanitarian-aid-slashed-by-one-third/

 

 

 

 

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Tigashire, Sethule - a warm Zimbabwean welcome! Below is some quick information for your final preparations for your consideration.  Please do not hesitate to let us know if there is any further information that you might want to know in advance.   Entry Visas: By now you should have obtained your KAZA Univisa or Zimbabwe and Botswana Visas and submitted these to Shearwater Reservations.  Airport Transfers:    Shearwater is providing all airport pick as part of the programme cost, therefore, by now you should have submitted your air tickets to Shearwaters and airport transfers confirmed. Money Matters:  Visa, Master Card, American Express can be used at the hotel and at most facilities in Victoria Falls.  Banks and ATMs are also available. United States dollar is the main currency used in Victoria Falls.  By now you should have fully paid for your accommodation and program costs . Dress Code: wear lightweight, breathable clothing.  Go more f...