WASHINGTON, April 20, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Press StatementMarie HarfActing Department Spokesperson, Office of the SpokespersonWashington, DCApril 17, 2015The United States is deeply concerned by the rising tensions in Burundi in advance of general elections beginning in May that, according to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, have led over 8,000 Burundians to flee to neighboring countries to escape intimidation and violence, including by the youth militias of the ruling party.The United States calls on all parties in Burundi to play a constructive and peaceful role in this electoral process and to refrain from any acts,…
Author: apofeed
GENEVA, Switzerland, April 17, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — It is time to break socio-cultural barriers that prevent Senegalese women to fully realise their rights, said the Chairperson of the UN Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice, Emna Aouij, at the end of a ten-day visit to the country. The UN expert stressed that significant progress has been achieved in Senegal, whether in terms of the legal and institutional framework or the many policies and activities aiming to promote and protect women’s rights. However, strong socio-cultural and legal constraints continue to stand…
JOHANNESBURG, South-Africa, April 17, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Brand South Africa (http://www.southafrica.info) joins the rest of the country in condemning the acts of violence that have been levelled against some foreign national residing in some of the nine provinces of South Africa. Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/bsa.jpgWe assure all our partners in the continent that South Africa stands firmly against all intolerances such as racism, xenophobia, homophobia and sexism. As such security forces are hard at work around the clock to protect vulnerable communities in the country. The country remains true to its founding ethos that any problems or issues of concern…
GENEVA, Switzerland, April 17, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The European Union (EU) has announced a 20 per cent increase in the budget of the IOM-implemented “Community Stabilization and Early Recovery for At-Risk Communities in Bangui” project, raising the total budget to EUR 4.8 million.The 18-month project, which started in March 2014, has already helped 11,512 beneficiaries in the war torn city through cash for work initiatives, rehabilitated over 30 infrastructure projects and allowed over 111,000 people to participate in community-based recreational activities supporting social cohesion.The project’s main objective is to encourage peaceful co-habitation and dialogue in mixed communities in…
GENEVA, Switzerland, April 17, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — IOM has expressed deep concern over the resurgence of attacks against migrants that are ongoing and continue to spread throughout Durban and other parts of South Africa over the past two weeks.Strongly condemning the violence which has already seen more than 2,000 migrants flee their homes, IOM called for urgent collective interventions by the government, media and civil society to prevent violence against migrants in the country, and asked civil society organizations to work closely with the law enforcement authorities and report cases of violence and planned attacks.Although IOM has welcomed…
NAIROBI, Kenya, April 16, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Calls by Kenyan officials to close Dadaab refugee camp, in northeastern Kenya, within three months and forcibly return its residents to Somalia would have dramatic and life-threatening consequences for hundreds of thousands of people, warns the international medical organisation Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) today. Current conditions do not allow for a safe and dignified return of the refugees to Somalia, says MSF, while urging the Kenyan government and the international community to increase aid and security for Somali refugees living within Kenya’s borders. “Such a drastic measure in an…
NAIROBI, Kenya, April 16, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Organized crime and the illegal trade in natural resources continues to increasingly fuel the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) , according to a new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and partners. The Government of DRC, supported by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) – the largest UN peacekeeping mission with 20,000 uniformed personnel — is confronting not only a political insurgency but an increasing number of illegal operations conducted by militarized criminal groups with transnational links…
PRETORIA, South-Africa, April 16, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The U.S. Embassy joins the South African government and other civil society leaders in condemning the violence against foreigners taking place in KwaZulu-Natal and other parts of South Africa. We remain concerned at the loss of innocent lives, destruction of property, and impact on families and communities, and we urge individuals involved to refrain from all forms of violence, exercise restraint, and rely on peaceful dialog to resolve any differences.“The U.S. government has long recognized the challenges posed by an influx of migrants and refugees throughout southern Africa and provides various…
GENEVA, Switzerland, April 16, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The UN Committee against Torture is due to review the Republic of the Congo on 22 and 23 April in sessions that will be webcast live. The Republic of the Congo is one of the 157 States parties to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and is required to undergo regular examinations of its record before the Committee of 10 independent experts. The Committee will engage in a dialogue with the government delegation and also hear from NGOs. Public sessions: 10:00-12:00 (09:00-11:00 in Brazzaville)…
WASHINGTON, April 16, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Vice President Biden spoke with Nigerian President-elect Muhammadu Buhari to congratulate him on his victory in the recent Nigerian elections and affirm that the United States stands ready to expand collaboration with Nigeria on issues of common concern, including economic and security matters. The Vice President commended President-elect Buhari for his leadership in helping to ensure the elections were conducted peacefully and urged him to continue to foster a smooth, inclusive, and peaceful transition with President Jonathan. The Vice President expressed the United States’ support for Nigeria’s efforts to counter Boko Haram,…