UN Mission in Afghanistan supports child sex abuse allegations
The UN Mission in Afghanistan is calling for an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse committed against children. International media have published claims that a paedophile ring has been operating in schools in Logar province, allegedly involving more than 500 boys.
Reportedly, the two civil society activists who exposed the abuse, were initially detained by security forces, after attempting to meet with the EU ambassador in the capital, Kabul.
The UN Mission released a statement on Tuesday evening, calling for the immediate release of the activists and, on Wednesday, it was reported that the pair had been released and handed over to the Afghanistan Human Rights Commission.
President Ashraf Ghani said on Tuesday he was “deeply disturbed” by the allegations of sexual abuse, and that he had ordered the education ministry to undertake a thorough investigation, and report back to him as soon as possible.
Thousands of children killed by measles in DR Congo
More than 5,000 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo have died of measles so far this year, and practically all of them are children under the age of five, says the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF.
The UNICEF Representative in DRC, Edouard Beigbeder, released a statement on Wednesday, citing violence and insecurity, lack of access to healthcare, and a shortage of vaccines and medical kits, as some of the reasons for the high death toll.
Cultural beliefs and traditional health care practices, said Mr Beigbeder, also contribute to children not getting the vaccinations, and other treatment, they need.
Eat the Mediterranean way: UN food agency
As many parts of the world gear up for a season of feasting, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is promoting the benefits of traditional diets, which are healthier and better for the planet.
At an event held on Wednesday in Rome, the agency recommended the Mediterranean diet, which involves various vegetables, beans and pulses, fruits, herbs and olive oil; the New Nordic diet, which contains less sugar and fat than the average Western diet; the seafood-rich Japanese diet; and southern Chinese cuisine.
In a statement, the agency said that the diets help lower cholesterol, and prevent heart disease and diabetes; as well as creating food systems that advance sustainable development.
