Sexual violence in conflict crimes “so bad” in South Sudan

Crimes of sexual violence during South Sudan’s brutal civil war have been “so bad” that they need to become a key focus of the reconciliation effort. That’s the verdict of the UN Special Envoy on wartime sexual violence, Zainab Bangura. More than two million people have been displaced in the world’s youngest country over the past three years of fighting, and tens of thousands killed. A new unity government has been formed, and a fragile peace deal is in the process of being implemented. Ms Bangura spoke to Ratko Petrovich in South Sudan.

“Disconnection” is the greatest challenge facing indigenous peoples

“Disconnection” from past traditions due to colonization is the greatest challenge that indigenous peoples must still overcome. That’s according to Jandy Craig, a member of the White Mountain Apache tribe in Arizona in the south-west United States. She’s been attending the latest session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII15) which opened this week at UN Headquarters in New York. Janie Cangelosi spoke to Ms Craig who began by explaining the significance of the traditional dress she wore to the meeting.

Psychological treatment for refugee mothers can greatly improve children’s futures

Providing psychological treatment to traumatized refugee mothers can greatly improve their children’s futures. That’s according to Michael Wessells, Professor in the Program on Forced Migration and Health at Columbia University. He recently co-chaired the task force that developed a set of guidelines on mental health support in emergency settings, initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Carmen Cuesta Roca spoke to Mr Wessells and Brigitte Khoury, a clinical psychologist at the American University of Beirut. Ms Khoury begins by explaining how psychological support can be given when people are on the move.

Presenter: Dianne Penn

Production Assistant:  Sandra Guy

Duration: 10'00″