Let’s hear from what they said.
The International Herald Tribune: January 19, 2010 (Donald G. Mc Neil Jr.):
Poor nations desperately need flu vaccine. Rich countries have stocked so much in excess only to dump them to the poor nations. “There are now so much unused swine flu vaccines in the world that rich nations are trying to get rid of their surpluses. But the world’s poorest countries — some of them still facing the effects of the pandemic — are receiving very little of it.”
China: China said “poor nations need priority on climate funds.” This was meant for African countries and the least developed nations. China as the largest polluter of the world said that rich countries must be the leaders in carbon emission reduction and extend technical and financial assistance to the less developed countries to fight the issues on global warming.
Ethiopia: An American investment consultant, Jonathan Auerbach said in Addis Ababa February 11, 2010 that Ethiopia has no stock market which makes it difficult for foreign (American) investors to move funds for the country’s developing economy.
“You have got to make a decision on whether you need a capitalist or a socialist system,” Auerbach said, adding “Ethiopia is the only country in the world with a big population that does not have a stock-market…you need to have a stock market.”
Ethiopia’s main health concerns are diseases caused by poor sanitations and malnutrition. This situation is worsened by lack of professional manpower and health facilities. The graduates go to the west for better opportunities.
The Republic of Congo (in Central Africa), is one of the poorest countries in the world. It had its high levels of inflation in the ‘90s, civil uprising, continued armed conflict and fall in oil price which have broken down its economy.
A survey made by the International Red Cross revealed that 5,400,000 lives were lost due to war-related causes. Congo has the world’s deadliest conflicts ever recorded since World War II. People suffer from deadly diseases. They need nutrition, rehabilitation and health providers.
Another big problem is that women and young girls in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are being sexually abused brutally. As of December 10, 2009, it was reported by the “International Rescue Committee” that “bodies of women and young girls have been used as battleground by armed groups waging war in Congo”. In 2009 alone thousands have been raped, attacked and kidnapped in North and South Kivu, still the situation is unsolved.
The protection of civilians must be the Top priority of the United Nation peacekeeping mission in Congo. MONUC as the mission is named is not providing the necessary protection to those women and other civilians. How can they neutralize conflicts when the United Nation is supporting the Congolese army in Kimia II against the rebel group? This operation started in 2009 and still ongoing. Would you believe that members of the Congolese army are also partakers of the acts of sexual abuse?
Where can we find peace? Only in the hearts of people willing to offer help and hope to people uprooted by conflict, war and oppression. The poor people need health care, shelter, safe water, sanitary facilities, healing and education.
They need you! Please extend your helping hands by donating for them through the Children of the Planet Trust. http://www.childrenoftheplanetcharity.com/contact-us/.