POLITICS-UGANDA: LRA Victims Hope for a Sudanese Peace Dividend

The signing of a wealth-sharing agreement earlier this month between Sudanese officials and the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Army was hailed an important step towards peace in that country. Now, hopes are growing that the accord might also spell the end of another conflict: that in northern Uganda.

HEALTH-U.S.: No Room for Ailing Aliens?

In a long line of patients outside the emergency room of a busy hospital here, Francisco Garcia finds it hard to stand on his two feet at ease as he waits his turn to see a doctor.

AFRICA: Abduction of Women, Children Growing in War Zones – U.N.

The abduction of women and children in military conflicts in Africa is on the rise, according to a U.N. report released Thursday, the same day an international court said it will pursue Ugandan rebels for war crimes against the two vulnerable groups.

MIGRATION: U.N. Chief, NGOs Urge Europe to Open Doors

U.N. head Kofi Annan has urged European states to find ways to better manage migration so it benefits migrants as well as sender countries and receiving states.

HEALTH-UAE: Anti-Tobacco Drive Targets Young Smokers

If you are a smoker and you live in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you now have to constantly look over your shoulder - the authorities are on the prowl looking for offenders.

BRAZIL: Conflict Simmers as Indian Reserve Awaits Lula’s Signature

Protests by large landowners and a state government against the demarcation of a reserve in Brazil's Amazon region is pushing the "indigenous question" to the top of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's agenda.

HEALTH-SRI LANKA: Pesticide Research Aims to Reduce Suicide Rate

The results of a five-year research project that Sri Lanka has been selected for could help reduce the nation's rate of suicide by poisoning with pesticides, scientists here say.

POLITICS-U.S.: Aid Budget Backs UNESCO, UN Population Fund

The 24 billion dollars earmarked for international spending by the United States this year includes more than 100 million dollars for two United Nations agencies that have been cut off from U.S. funds in recent years.

POPULATION-PHILIPPINES: Gov’t Hands Tied by Conservatives

Filipinos are becoming sexually active at a younger age, but the Philippine government feels its hands are tied by conservative groups, including the Catholic Church, that resist more active state involvement in population programmes and the use of artificial means of birth control.

SOCIETY-CHINA: Mainland Tourists Leave their Mark Overseas

When a huge red-and-gold dragon moved down the Champs-Elysees in Paris last weekend and the Eiffel Tower was bathed in red lights, it signalled more than a lavish celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year in the heart of old Europe.

DEVELOPMENT-EAST AFRICA: Rafters Aim to Create History, Highlight Poverty

Courage, patience and determination will be the order of the day during the next eight months for seven rafters who are tackling Africa's fabled Nile River.

MIGRATION-SPAIN: Death Comes by Sea

Sixteen people drowned Friday when their precarious boat capsized off the coast of Spain's Canary Islands. The tragedy is further evidence that the wave of illegal immigration continues despite the risk of death during the journey and the potential repression and misery awaiting those who do make it to the "promised land" of Europe.

POLITICS-EAST AFRICA: Illegal Border Crossings Provide New UN Headache

The problem of illegal border crossings between Ethiopia and Eritrea is adding to the woes of United Nations staff who are monitoring peace efforts between the two countries.

RIGHTS-U.S.: Seeking Asylum Risky After 9/11 – Report

Sonam fled Tibet for Nepal so that she could freely practise her religion and become a Buddhist nun.

U.S.: Immigration Issue Back on the Agenda

''I only want to live here for three years, and then return to my city,'' to Puebla, Mexico, says Elizabeth, 21. Behind her, steam rises out of the pots in the taco shop where she works in the New York City neighbourhood of Queens.

VENEZUELA: Youth Mayors Give Voice to Children

Two districts in the Venezuelan capital now have mayors sporting tennis shoes and backpacks, town councillors who have to ask their parents for permission to go out, and community leaders in school uniforms.

POLITICS-SIERRA LEONE: Disarmed, Demobilised – and Desperate

A lengthy disarmament programme has wrapped up in Sierra Leone, with organisers giving themselves a pat on the back: "I think that the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of ex-combatants have been a success," says Francis Kaikai, Executive Secretary of the programme.

SRI LANKA: Court Move on Displaced Tamils’ Claims Closely Watched

Tamils are hoping that Sri Lanka's Supreme Court will step into a void created by the country's stalled peace process - and rule on the thorny issue of their regaining the homes many lost to the army during the two-decade old ethnic conflict.

SOCIETY-JAPAN: Adulthood Brings Job, Other Worries to Youth

Adult's Day in Japan, which falls on Jan. 12, may not be something all youngsters in this country are looking forward to.

POLITICS-IRAN: Upcoming Elections Fail To Rouse Students

Iran's students, a reliable touchstone for assessing public opinion in the country, are displaying apathy towards the Feb. 20 elections to the 'majlis', Iran's 290-seat parliament. A low turn-out, fuelled by disenchantment with the political process, seems on the cards.

U.S.: Mexican Immigrants Reject Bush’s Guest-Worker Plan

Groups of Mexican immigrants in the United States say it is unlikely that the immigration policy reform proposal presented by the U.S. government, which would issue temporary work visas, will make it through Congress. But they are anything but sad about that.