2. Japan strongly calls on all relevant parties to avoid violence and to exercise self-restraint. At the same time, Japan expects all relevant parties including the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to work toward stabilization of the situation.

3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also takes necessary measures to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens in the country.

1. The situation in Egypt

(1) Minister Kishida said the steady progress with the roadmap is encouraging. The finalization of the amended draft constitution is an important milestone in particular, and he will be watching closely the course of the national referendum on January 14 and 15 next year. He also said regulations such as the protest law and the detention of anti-government activists are a concern as they are issues that also involve human rights and social stability. On the other hand, he is well aware of the struggles the interim government faces in maintaining security and public order. He condemns the terrorist activities in the Sinai Peninsula, and extends his condolences to the victims and their families.

(2) In response, Minister Fahmi said democratization process such as drafting the amended constitution has been progressing, it proceeds based on guarantee of the basic human rights and the principle of the rule of law and he hope the interim-period will be terminated peacefully by next summer.

2. Japan-Egypt relations

(1) Minister Kishida said Japan will continue to extend support toward economic development and socio-economic stability that benefits Egyptian citizens overall, while focusing on Egypt's progress with the democratization process and the promotion of youth employment, and he announced the provision of the grant aid will commence for the construction of a ward for the Cairo University Pediatric Hospital, and with the cooperation of the UNDP and other organizations a total of approximately 16 million USD in support is being newly prepared. With the Construction of New Dirout Group of Regulators (DGR) and Improvement of Water Management Project as a starting point, the Japan wants to implement new yen loans also. However, in going forward Japan wants to consider such loans based on explanations of Egypt's specific efforts toward economic stabilization. He noted that the travel warnings in some tourist locations were lowered further last week, and said he hopes that this, coupled with stability in Egypt's social situation, helps to encourage tourism and other people-to-people exchanges.

(2) In response, Minister Fahmi said expansionary policies are being implemented for improving the economic situation and he expressed gratitude for the new economic assistances and the longstanding assistances from Japan such as Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST).

“I am deeply concerned about this violent upsurge, and the targeting of civilians, and call on all those involved to cease hostilities immediately,” Mr. Beyani said, adding his voice to those of the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay.

More than 34,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have sought shelter in UN compounds in Juba, Bor and Bentiu due to the violence that broke out in South Sudan's capital earlier this week. “The real scale of the internal displacement remains unclear at this stage as violence has started to spread across the country,” the expert said.

“This is primarily a political crisis that is spreading into an increasingly ethnicized conflict across South Sudan,” he said. Initial reports indicate several hundreds have died with many more injured. “Ethnically targeted violence is already reported and could escalate unrest across the rest of the world's youngest nation,” Mr. Beyani noted.

Clashes in South Sudan's capital, Juba, began on Sunday, 15 December 2013, allegedly triggered by either a mutiny or an attempted coup. The President's dismissal of the former Vice President in July 2013 along with the entire Cabinet had already intensified political frictions along ethnic lines.

The war-torn capital of Jonglei, Bor, is now reported to be under the control of troops defected from South Sudan's Liberation Army (SPLA). “This is likely to exacerbate the already volatile situation and displacement in Jonglei,” the expert noted.

The Special Rapporteur, who recently undertook an official mission* to look into the situation of internally displaced persons in South Sudan, welcomed the initiative of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region to begin political dialogue in South Sudan.

(*) Read the Independent Expert' statement after his visit to South Sudan (6-15 November 2013): http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=13998&LangID=E

1. The situation in Egypt

(1) Minister Kishida said the steady progress with the roadmap is encouraging. The finalization of the amended draft constitution is an important milestone in particular, and he will be watching closely the course of the national referendum on January 14 and 15 next year. He also said regulations such as the protest law and the detention of anti-government activists are a concern as they are issues that also involve human rights and social stability. On the other hand, he is well aware of the struggles the interim government faces in maintaining security and public order. He condemns the terrorist activities in the Sinai Peninsula, and extends his condolences to the victims and their families.

(2) In response, Minister Fahmi said democratization process such as drafting the amended constitution has been progressing, it proceeds based on guarantee of the basic human rights and the principle of the rule of law and he hope the interim-period will be terminated peacefully by next summer.

2. Japan-Egypt relations

(1) Minister Kishida said Japan will continue to extend support toward economic development and socio-economic stability that benefits Egyptian citizens overall, while focusing on Egypt's progress with the democratization process and the promotion of youth employment, and he announced the provision of the grant aid will commence for the construction of a ward for the Cairo University Pediatric Hospital, and with the cooperation of the UNDP and other organizations a total of approximately 16 million USD in support is being newly prepared. With the Construction of New Dirout Group of Regulators (DGR) and Improvement of Water Management Project as a starting point, the Japan wants to implement new yen loans also. However, in going forward Japan wants to consider such loans based on explanations of Egypt's specific efforts toward economic stabilization. He noted that the travel warnings in some tourist locations were lowered further last week, and said he hopes that this, coupled with stability in Egypt's social situation, helps to encourage tourism and other people-to-people exchanges.

(2) In response, Minister Fahmi said expansionary policies are being implemented for improving the economic situation and he expressed gratitude for the new economic assistances and the longstanding assistances from Japan such as Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST).

The civil war that raged in Sudan for more than 20 years, and finally ended in 2005 when a peace agreement was signed between the north and south, caused terrible suffering for the population.

“The current violent conflict in South Sudan and the constant reports of attacks on civilians on the basis of ethnicity give serious cause for concern. I urge the UN, the African Union and other regional organisations to do what they can to persuade the parties to stop the violence and find a peaceful solution to the conflict. Norway is prepared to assist where needed with the resources we have at our disposal,” said Mr Brende.

The spread of violence from the capital to other parts of the country is further cause for concern. The UN has confirmed that at least two peacekeepers and two civilians were killed in an attack on the UN base in Jonglei state in South Sudan on 19 December. A group of civilians had sought refuge in the UN base.

“I condemn the killing of the two Indian UN peacekeepers serving in South Sudan in the strongest terms. Attacks on the UN mission and on civilians who have sought protection from the UN are completely unacceptable,” said Mr Brende.

1. The situation in Egypt

(1) Minister Kishida said the steady progress with the roadmap is encouraging. The finalization of the amended draft constitution is an important milestone in particular, and he will be watching closely the course of the national referendum on January 14 and 15 next year. He also said regulations such as the protest law and the detention of anti-government activists are a concern as they are issues that also involve human rights and social stability. On the other hand, he is well aware of the struggles the interim government faces in maintaining security and public order. He condemns the terrorist activities in the Sinai Peninsula, and extends his condolences to the victims and their families.

(2) In response, Minister Fahmi said democratization process such as drafting the amended constitution has been progressing, it proceeds based on guarantee of the basic human rights and the principle of the rule of law and he hope the interim-period will be terminated peacefully by next summer.

2. Japan-Egypt relations

(1) Minister Kishida said Japan will continue to extend support toward economic development and socio-economic stability that benefits Egyptian citizens overall, while focusing on Egypt's progress with the democratization process and the promotion of youth employment, and he announced the provision of the grant aid will commence for the construction of a ward for the Cairo University Pediatric Hospital, and with the cooperation of the UNDP and other organizations a total of approximately 16 million USD in support is being newly prepared. With the Construction of New Dirout Group of Regulators (DGR) and Improvement of Water Management Project as a starting point, the Japan wants to implement new yen loans also. However, in going forward Japan wants to consider such loans based on explanations of Egypt's specific efforts toward economic stabilization. He noted that the travel warnings in some tourist locations were lowered further last week, and said he hopes that this, coupled with stability in Egypt's social situation, helps to encourage tourism and other people-to-people exchanges.

(2) In response, Minister Fahmi said expansionary policies are being implemented for improving the economic situation and he expressed gratitude for the new economic assistances and the longstanding assistances from Japan such as Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST).

The founder of Schulbausteine für Gando e.V., Francis Kéré, had a simple goal: born in Gando, Burkina Faso, he wanted to build a school which would withstand the rain season and be well adapted to the climate and culture. Today, the aim of our projects is to provide education and localized needs in an underserved region where more than 90% of the population is illiterate.

We believe education is the starting point for ensuring the long term resilience of a community. We take a holistic approach, understanding that to be meaningful, education alone is not enough and must be combined with provisions such as adult training, health and food security.

Our development vision is articulated by Francis Kéré and embraced by the community. Together we have built a primary school, a school extension and housing for teachers. Further we are in the process of constructing a library, a women’s center and a secondary school.

>> The Atelier <<

So far we have conducted and coordinated all the building works out of our make shift workshop that occupies a room at the school campus, which is needed to store both building materials and tools. Some workers even use the room for sleeping as they would have to travel a long distance to get home. This is not a sustainable and healthy solution for the community as the classroom space is needed for the expanding school.

We propose to construct a new workshop, the Gando Atelier, to function as an on-site base for both construction projects and for the organization Schulbausteine für Gando. In addition to freeing up space on the school campus, it will provide a more appropriate place to work from and provide an on-site office where visitors and volunteers could also work and sleep during their stay.

To enable exchange and knowledge transfer in the building process, we will collaborate with the “Accademia di Architettura” of Mendrisio (Switzerland). 30 students will be able to offer their skills to the village and at the same time learn a great deal about rural life and construction techniques in Burkina Faso.

For us, it is important to apply a holistic approach in order to achieve social and environmental sustainability for the development, survival and future of Gando. With your help, the Gando Atelier will facilitate a knowledge exchange between the local community, architects, visitors and Schulbausteine für Gando e.V.

Please visit www.fuergando.de for more information.

>> A need a week <<

Our needs will follow the working steps of the construction site: groundwork, foundations, floor, walls, ceiling and roof, labor costs. At the beginning, you´ll find only two specific needs you can donate for but we will periodically add new needs so be sure to check the page every now and then!

Source: betterplace.org

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

January 5, 2014

Coordinator Macon Phillips of the Bureau of International Information Programs will travel to Benin, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa from January 7 to 17.

In Cotonou, Benin, Coordinator Phillips will meet with representatives from the telecom, internet, and civil society sectors, as well as traditional and new media outlets. He will then travel to Porto Novo for a discussion with youth on the Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders (WFYAL).

In Windhoek, Namibia, Coordinator Phillips will meet with WFYAL applicants and United States Government exchange program alumni. In addition, he will travel to American Spaces in Walvis Bay, where he will engage with youth leaders around the WFYAL. He will also discuss a range of communications and technology issues with private sector leaders and media contributors.

In Harare, Zimbabwe, Coordinator Phillips will meet with journalists and entrepreneurs on new media and digital engagement. He will also meet with civil society and youth leaders to discuss social activism, outreach, and the WFYAL.

In Johannesburg, South Africa, Coordinator Phillips plans to visit the African Regional Media Hub and tour the Mae Jemison Science Reading room in Mamelodi, one of the Department's premiere American Spaces.

For updates on Coordinator Phillips' trip, follow him on Twitter @Macon44.

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Tewodros Adhanom of Ethiopia, Foreign Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Hannah Tetteh of Ghana and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad Mankeur Ndiaye of Senegal, Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit the above four countries from January 6 to 11.

The president will visit people forced by the violence to flee their homes and will meet with government officials and representatives of humanitarian organizations, including the South Sudan Red Cross. He will focus on the suffering and distress caused by the conflict in South Sudan and on the ICRC's work to meet people's needs.

"We're very concerned about the effects on the civilian population," said Mr Maurer upon his arrival. "Tens of thousands have fled and continue to flee the fighting and there are urgent needs in many parts of the country. We're particularly alarmed by violence directed against civilians and against people no longer taking part in the hostilities. We call on the parties to the conflict in South Sudan to do their utmost to ensure these people are spared."

ICRC staff are working in many affected areas of the country. From the first clashes on 15 December, the ICRC has been supporting medical facilities by providing them with urgently needed supplies and has treated wounded people. To date it has distributed food and other essential items to over 50,000 people.

Photo Tony Elumelu: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/tony-elumelu.jpg

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/heirs-holdings.jpg

Elumelu advocates the launch of a comprehensive, coordinated approach similar to the ‘Marshall Plan' implemented by the United States in Europe after World War II. He suggests that this Marshall Plan be built on the three interdependent ‘pillars' of development: policy reform and a commitment to the rule of law; investment in infrastructure; and commitment to developing Africa's manufacturing and processing industries.

Such a plan is needed, Elumelu highlights in the article, because of the continent's demographic time bomb: 122 million Africans are forecast to enter the labour market by 2020, yet economists expect just 54 million new jobs to be created within the same period.

Elumelu's investment philosophy, Africapitalism (http://allafrica.com/infocenter/Africapitalism), which advocates the public, private and development sectors working together with the objective of creating economic and social wealth, could provide a way to generate the jobs needed to keep Africa's path to prosperity on track.

For the full article, please go to: http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2014/01/03/a-marshall-plan-for-africas-employment-challenge/

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Heirs Holdings.

Contact:

Moky Makura

info@heirsholdings.com

+234 1 277 4641

About Heirs Holdings

Heirs Holdings (http://www.heirsholdings.com) is a pan-African proprietary investment company driving Africa's development. We are active long-term investors who specialise in building businesses and corporate turnaround. We aim to transform the companies in which we invest and grow them into businesses that last. We invest in Africa to create value for our shareholders and partners, and to create economic prosperity and social wealth for the continent. Our investments in power, financial services, oil and gas, real estate and hospitality, agri-business and healthcare are helping to build economies, create jobs, drive prosperity and ultimately transform the lives of ordinary Africans in Africa.

IGAD announced at a press conference on Saturday evening that the parties to the conflict in South Sudan had agreed to start direct negotiations on a ceasefire.

“It is vital to establish a ceasefire immediately and ensure that it can be monitored. Providing access for humanitarian assistance, putting an end to the negative propaganda and ensuring the immediate release of imprisoned government party members are all crucial for building trust between the parties. This will in turn pave the way for a process to address the issues underlying the conflict in South Sudan,” said Mr Brende.

Norway, the US, the UK and the EU have all sent special representatives to Addis Ababa to support IGAD's negotiation process.

In this connection Foreign Minister Steinmeier commented today (6 January) as follows:

Given the delaying tactics right now in Addis Ababa, it looks as if neither side is really interested in a quick political solution to the conflict. This means both Africa and the international community will have to increase the pressure. At the very least, both sides must guarantee unhindered humanitarian access to the areas under their control.

In view of the critical security situation, aid workers trying to organise and deliver relief on the ground face a difficult and dangerous task. The international humanitarian relief effort can be stepped up as soon as there is safe and reliable access to the refugees. Recent weeks have seen a big rise in the number of internally displaced persons

The seized ivory was fed into crushing machines in the southern city of Dongguan, in what was described as the first public destruction of ivory in China.

According to the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES), elephant poaching in Africa could lead to local extinctions if the present killing rates continue.

The situation is particularly acute in Central Africa, where the estimated poaching rates are twice the continental average.

UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Achim Steiner said, “We congratulate China and the State Forestry Administration on this milestone event.”

“The largest remaining land mammal on the planet is facing one of the greatest crises to hit the species in decades. The latest CITES data estimates that some 47,000 animals were killed in Africa in 2011 and 2012.”

“Yet, there is reason for optimism. International cooperation is paving the way towards improved law enforcement and increased efforts to reduce demand. These efforts need to be stepped up and strengthened to produce the desired results.”

“We have also seen the destruction of ivory stockpiles across range, transit and demand states: in the Philippines, the Gabon, the US and China among others. As well as create critical public awareness, such actions send a clear message that wildlife crime will not be tolerated," he added.

Increased poaching and loss of habitats are decimating African elephant populations – especially in Central African countries – according to a report entitled Elephants in the Dust: The African Elephant Crisis, released last March.

The UN estimates that over 17,000 elephants were illegally killed in monitored sites in 2011 alone. Overall figures may be much higher.

Secretary-General of CITES John E. Scanlon, speaking at the event, said, “Despite considerable efforts to combat wildlife crime, it continues to be a problem worldwide. Illegal trade in elephant ivory is having a devastating impact on the African elephant, and it also poses a threat to people and their livelihoods – it must stop. China, and the entire international community, are determined to end this illicit trade."

The Elephants in the Dust report – produced by UNEP, CITES, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network (TRAFFIC) – says that the illegal ivory trade has tripled since 1998.

Criminal networks are responsible for the illegal trafficking of ivory between Africa and Asia. Large-scale seizures of ivory destined for Asia have more than doubled since 2009 and reached an all-time high in 2011.

The international community is looking at measures to address the crisis, including collaborative action to combat the illegal trade in wildlife and timber, which would include:

•    Improved law-enforcement across the entire illegal ivory supply chain;

•    Strengthened national legislative frameworks;

•    Training of enforcement officers in the use of tracking, intelligence networks and innovative techniques, such as forensic analysis;

•    Better international collaboration across range states, transit countries and consumer markets; and

•    Action to fight collusive corruption, identifying syndicates and reducing demand.

Notes to Editors

•    UNEP is strengthening and focusing its work to further assess global and regional environmental threats caused by the illegal trade in wildlife and timber, to provide policy advice on such threats, and to further catalyze and promote international cooperation and action to address the threats caused by the illegal trade in wildlife and timber. Such efforts build on four decades of UNEP's work in support of the conservation and sustainable use of wildlife and forest resources.

•    A range of regional initiatives have also been developed and adopted. In Africa, the Lusaka Agreement on Co-operative Enforcement Operations Directed at Illegal Trade in Wild Fauna and Flora was adopted in 1994 to support member states and collaborating partners in reducing and ultimately eliminating illegal trade in wild fauna and flora.

•    In other regions, Regional Wildlife Enforcement Groups/Networks have been developed (in North America, Europe, Southeast and South Asia, and the Middle East), which aim to facilitate cross-border cooperation among agencies involved in preventing and suppressing wildlife crime.

•    Regional Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG) processes have also been initiated in South-East Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and North Asia. The FLEG processes provide soft legislation which aims to improve governance in the forest sector and to strengthen cooperation to address illegal logging and timber trade.

“Highly vulnerable people have just become even more vulnerable, “said Raphael Gorgeu, MSF's head of mission in South Sudan. “We don't know what will happen to the thousands of displaced and wounded people across the country.”

Even before the recent fighting broke out in December, 80 percent of healthcare and basic services in South Sudan were provided by non-governmental organisations. “Today, there is a high risk of epidemics,” adds Gorgeu, “and if the fighting prevents us from gaining rapid and safe access to people in need – especially to pregnant women and children – conditions will quickly deteriorate.”

MSF‘s emergency teams are currently working in Juba, Awerial and Malakal to provide medical care to more than 110,000 people displaced from their homes by the fighting. At the same time, MSF is continuing wherever possible to run its much-needed regular medical projects across the country, despite the current instability and despite shortages of drugs to treat patients and fuel to run generators.

During the past three weeks, MSF medical teams have provided 26,320 consultations, admitted 1,014 patients to its medical facilities, treated 426 people with gunshot wounds and carried out 126 surgeries. MSF teams have also delivered more than 40 tons of medical and logistical supplies to its projects.

Before the crisis, people in South Sudan had limited access to healthcare, with most pregnant women unable to give birth in a medical facility, with limited treatment and vaccination options for large numbers of children, and with refugees receiving the bare minimum of assistance.

MSF is extremely concerned by the deteriorating security conditions for aid organisations across South Sudan. Despite this, MSF remains committed to continuing to provide assistance in South Sudan, and calls on all parties to the conflict to respect its medical facilities and staff and to allow people to access medical care, irrespective of their origin or ethnicity.

MSF has been working in the region that today constitutes the Republic of South Sudan since 1983, and currently runs 16 projects in nine of the country's ten states – Agok, Aweil, Bentiu, Gogrial, Gumuruk, Leer, Maban, Malakal, Nasir, Yambio, Lankien, Yuai and Yida and has set up three additional emergency operations in Juba, Awerial and Malakal. MSF responds to emergencies, including large-scale displacement, refugee influxes, alarming nutrition situations and peaks of disease such as measles , malaria, acute watery diarrhoea and kala azar, in addition to providing basic and specialist healthcare services. MSF currently has 228 international staff working in its projects alongside 2,917 South Sudanese staff.

IOM Director General William Lacy Swing arrived in Juba on Sunday to show his concern and support for the crisis-affected population, and to meet with IOM staff and humanitarian partners.

Conflict broke out in South Sudan on 15 December, and the crisis has since forced nearly 200,000 people to flee their homes. An estimated 62,000 people have sought shelter and protection on UN peacekeeping bases, and some 22,600 people have crossed into neighbouring countries. Shelter, non-food items (NFIs), food, healthcare, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services are urgently needed in areas where displaced populations have gathered.

IOM has been leading the registration of displaced persons on UN bases in Juba and distributing relief supplies in coordination with humanitarian partners. Adequate shelter and essential household items, including plastic sheets, blankets, sleeping mats and cooking kits, are vital to improve the living conditions of those displaced by the current crisis.

“The needs created by this crisis are staggering. I am deeply saddened by the violence that has affected so many South Sudanese, who are simply trying to survive,” said Director General Swing. “During my time in Juba, I also saw the enormous efforts being made by the humanitarian community to assist people who have been displaced. This work is vital, and we are calling upon our partners in the international community to provide additional funding support so that we can continue to meet the basic needs of South Sudan's most vulnerable people.”

Between 23 December and 2 January, approximately 17,400 people (6,500 households) were registered and received shelter and NFI assistance at the UN Tomping base in Juba. Registration at the Tomping base closed on January 2. However, new people continue to arrive, including many foreign nationals who were evacuated by the UN peacekeeping mission from areas where heavy fighting occurred. The site has exceeded its capacity and it is not possible to accept additional arrivals. Protection of civilians within the site remains a major concern, as fighting within and close to the camp is being reported.

At the UN Juba 3 base, registration began on 1 January and is ongoing. A total of 6,634 individuals (2,915 households) have been registered and provided with assistance as of 5 January. IOM is assisting with the voluntary transportation of persons who cannot be accommodated in Tomping to the Juba 3 base.

The humanitarian community recently regained access to Malakal in Upper Nile State, where heavy fighting displaced thousands of people in the past week. IOM is coordinating the WASH response on the UN Malakal base, which is hosting some 12,000 displaced persons.

Treated water is being transported and distributed at the site on a daily basis in partnership with the UN peacekeeping mission, and emergency latrines and hand washing stations are being established to improve sanitation and mitigate the spread of disease.

IOM is also supporting the provision of WASH services on the UN compounds in Juba through its Rapid Response Fund (RRF), a grant programme that engages local and international partners to address urgent needs throughout South Sudan.

On 6 January IOM issued an appeal to the international community to provide a total of USD 23.2 million in support of the organization's humanitarian response to the South Sudan crisis.

The appeal highlights emergency humanitarian assistance that IOM, as lead agency of the Shelter & Non Food Item (NFI), and Camp Coordination & Camp Management (CCCM) clusters and an active contributor to the WASH and Health clusters, proposes to deliver in South Sudan between January and March 2014.

The new funding will allow IOM in Ethiopia to continue to provide vital medical assistance, meals, transportation, and provide a cash allowance to destitute migrants returning home empty-handed.

Washington DC-based members of Alliance, which is made up of the Ethiopian diaspora in the United States, Canada, and Europe, gave the funds to IOM's US-based partner, the US Association for International Migration (USAIM).

The Alliance hopes to send a message to the Ethiopian diaspora worldwide, encouraging the Ethiopian community to support Ethiopian nationals returning from Saudi Arabia.

Accepting the contribution, IOM Washington Chief of Mission Luca Dall'Oglio said: “Every donation we receive, no matter the dollar amount, helps to ease the funding gap. I want to thank the Global Alliance and the Ethiopian community for their commitment to this cause.”

The donation comes in response to IOM's urgent appeal to continue to provide immediate post arrival humanitarian assistance to thousands of Ethiopian migrants arriving from Saudi Arabia.

According to Ethiopian Government estimates, approximately 155,000 Ethiopians are expected to return to their country following a Saudi crackdown on irregular migration. The returnees have a range of needs, especially unaccompanied children. IOM provides family tracing and reunification for unaccompanied child returnees, but there are currently no child-friendly spaces at the transit centres.

Migrants also need medical attention, psychological support, food, water, sanitation, hygiene and help to reintegrate back into their communities.

While IOM is providing around-the-clock support to migrants in need, uncertainty about the total number of migrants yet to return from Saudi Arabia makes logistical planning a challenge.

The funds were received by IOM's US-based partner, USAIM. USAIM is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States that aims to broaden public awareness, mobilize private sector resources, and promote best practices in support of domestic and international programs benefiting migrants, displaced persons, and families.

USAIM seeks to establish and maintain partnerships with individuals, foundations, and corporations interested in supporting international humanitarian projects to benefit migrants and their communities and to support IOM programs.

Republic of the Congo (13-14 Jan), Yemen (14-15 Jan); Holy See (16 Jan), Portugal (22-23 Jan);

Russian Federation (23-24 Jan); Germany (27-28 Jan)

The above are among the 193 States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and are required to undergo regular examinations of their record before the Committee of 18 independent experts.

The Committee will also review the Holy See, Portugal and Russia under the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict, and the Holy See, Portugal and Germany under the Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

The Committee will engage in dialogue with the respective State delegations in sessions held at Palais Wilson, Ground Floor Conference Room. The sessions, which begin at 10:00 Geneva time, will be webcast and can be viewed here: http://www.treatybodywebcast.org/.

The full list of issues and the countries' reports are available at: http://tbinternet.ohchr.org/_layouts/treatybodyexternal/SessionDetails1.aspx?SessionID=851&Lang=en

The CRC will publish its concluding observations on Wednesday, 5 February. A news conference is scheduled for 11.30 on 5 February at Palais des Nations in Geneva.

At the end of the mission, Mr. Kpodar made the following statement:

“The mission held frank and fruitful discussions with the Nigerien authorities. Economic performance has been relatively satisfactory, although it was affected by the negative effects of the regional security situation and the climate shock in 2013. Real gross domestic product (GDP) was revised downward to 3.6 percent in 2013, a reduction of about 2.5 percent compared to the initial projections, and well below the 11 percent recorded in 2012 as a result of the start of oil production. Inflation remains relatively low at 2.5 percent in 2013, thanks in particular to the impact of the government's food aid program, which help attenuate the increase of the prices of food products.

“Program implementation has been broadly satisfactory in spite of a few difficulties encountered during the first half of the year. During the first ten months of 2013, the overall fiscal balance (commitment basis, including grants but excluding net lending) recorded a deficit equivalent to 2.7 percent of GDP and is estimated at 3 percent for end-December 2013, against a 4.3 percent GDP deficit initially projected in the program. This performance is mainly due to the fact that capital expenditure was lower than had been anticipated in the program.

“The economic outlook for 2014 and the medium term remain favorable. Real GDP growth is expected to accelerate to reach 6.5 percent in 2014, mainly as a result of the expansion of the extractive industries sector, a better agricultural season, and an increase in public investments. Inflation would remain contained below the 3 percent WAEMU convergence criterion. The medium-term prospects remain subject to substantial external and domestic risks, including the fragile regional security situation and Niger's vulnerability to natural disasters.

“Staff and the authorities agreed on a budgetary framework for 2014 that seeks to contain current expenditure; to ensure that capital expenditure takes into account absorption capacity, while improving efficiency in public investments, and to replenish fiscal buffers. The overall fiscal deficit (excluding net lending) would be limited to 3.7 percent of GDP.

“The Nigerien authorities have expressed their strong determination to keep the economic and financial program on track. The authorities and the mission agreed on a set of structural measures to be implemented in 2014 with a view to strengthening budget execution, customs administration and fiscal revenue mobilization, and improving debt management. The authorities also restated their intention to pursue their efforts in the area of financial sector reform, ensure transparency and good governance in managing natural resources, and continue to improve the business climate. Some of these measures will be discussed in greater details during the next mission.

“The mission wishes to express its gratitude to the authorities for their warm hospitality and the frank and constructive discussions.”

The mission met with the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance, and the Senior Minister in charge of Planning. The mission also met with the National Director of the Central Bank of West African States, senior government officials, private sector and civil society representatives, as well as development partners in Niger. Mr. David Robinson, Deputy Director in the African Department of the IMF, joined the mission for a few days.

“I wish to thank President Kenyatta, Treasury Secretary Rotich, Central Bank Governor Ndung'u, and other senior government officials for their warm hospitality and our fruitful discussions. I also had valuable exchanges with parliamentarians, civil society organizations, women leaders, and the private sector. The depth of our discussions and the passion of the participants were very impressive.

“I congratulated President Kenyatta and his colleagues for the remarkable progress made over the last few years. Kenya's economic conditions have continued to improve thanks to a far-reaching reform agenda. The external and fiscal positions are now stronger, inflation has been tamed, the economy has maintained solid growth, and rapidly expanding financial inclusion has given millions of Kenyans a stronger stake in the economy. In short, Kenya has achieved the objectives set by its economic program and supported by the IMF.

“While recognizing this progress, we agreed that it will be important to continue to implement the reform agenda to bring the economy to middle-income status within the next decade. Sustained and even more inclusive growth that creates jobs is essential to ensure that all Kenyans can benefit.

Three areas merit particular emphasis. First, continued and careful implementation of fiscal devolution is essential. Second, the quality of public spending needs to improve by providing more resources to infrastructure investment and social programs, and by strengthening revenue mobilization and transparency, especially in the management of natural resource wealth. Third, the process of regional integration needs to continue, drawing upon the experience and lessons learned from other regions.

“I am impressed with the efforts of the Kenyan government and people to advance their country's success as a frontier economy, and am confident in Kenya's continued progress. The IMF has always been Kenya's steadfast partner—and will remain so into the future.”