Global perspective Human stories

UN and Africa: focus on Libya, Botswana and Liberia

UN and Africa: focus on Libya, Botswana and Liberia

Download

“Extremely risky” conditions for civilians throughout Libya: UN

An “ailing” health sector and worsening humanitarian conditions are making life “extremely risky” for Libyans. That’s the verdict of Ali Al-Zaatari, the UN Humanitarian coordinator in Libya. The North African country has been embroiled in civil war between rival factions since 2014, leaving nearly two and a half million people in need of assistance. Reem Abaza asked Mr Zaatari to describe Libya’s humanitarian needs.

Edwin Batshu, Minister of Labour and Home Affairs. UN Radio Photo/Daniel Dickinson

Women face “rough political arena” in Botswana

Women in Botswana face a "rough political arena," but the government of the Southern African country says it is trying to increase their representation in parliament. Currently just five of a total of 57 MPs are female. Edwin Batshu is Minister of Labour and Home Affairs with responsibility for gender affairs. He was in New York attending the 60th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women. Daniel Dickinson began by asking him how proud he is of the progress Botswana has made in fighting gender inequality.

Students in Liberia. UN Photo/Staton Winter

Privatizing Liberia’s education “a gross violation” of rights, says UN expert

Outsourcing Liberia’s primary school system to a private company would be a “violation of the right to education.” That’s the view of the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Kishore Singh. The government announced its intention to move towards a public-private partnership system at the beginning of the year, saying it was the best way to “radically improve” literacy and numeracy. The Liberian education minister stressed that all children would continue to have access to free education. Matthew Wells asked Mr Singh, if there was any precedent for Liberia’s decision to privatize part of its system.

Presenter: Daniel Dickinson

Production Assistant: Ana Carmo

Duration: 10'00″

Audio Duration
10'
Photo Credit
UNSMIL