Shale Gas Extraction Brings Local Health Impacts

Shale gas extraction is putting some U.S. communities at risk of health issues, new research released here Thursday warns.

In TB Fight, It’s ‘Pay Now or Pay Later’

The next several years could see either the elimination of tuberculosis in some regions or millions of otherwise preventable deaths, according to new research released in Washington Wednesday by the World health Organisation (WHO) The outcome, experts are warning, rests on a three-billion-dollar gap in funding needed to fully address TB next year as well to ensure the proper introduction of new drugs.

Reforms Spread to Cuba’s Travel Policy

The easing of travel restrictions announced by the Cuban government Tuesday was one of the most eagerly awaited reforms. However, limitations remain in place for professionals and others deemed essential to the country’s development or national security.

Former Senior UN Official to Receive Special Jury Prize in France

Radhika Coomaraswamy, former Under Secretary General of the United Nations/Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, was chosen for the Special Jury Prize 2012 by the Fondation Chirac (Chirac Foundation).

OPED: Distorting US Foreign Policy

Contrary to U.S. President Barack Obama’s recent foreign policy speech at the United Nations, candidates’ pronouncements during election campaigns distort US foreign policy. Some arguments defy voters’ intelligence, and incite nations who should be our allies.

Global Nuclear Disarmament Still an Explosive Question

The Cuban missile crisis brought the world to the brink of a disaster 50 years ago. One may think that humanity learnt a lesson – yet the threat of the bomb persists, although it looks different today.

A Closer Look at Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

A new 2012 Human Security Report Project (HSRP) by the Simon Fraser University in Canada points out that evidences on wartime sexual violence and the impact of war on education should be reviewed.

Ending Palestinian-Israeli Conflict Through South Africa’s History

While Israel and Palestine are still embroiled in a seemingly never-ending dispute, the poignant film “One Day After Peace” wonders if the resolution for one of the world’s longest-running conflicts could follow the path of South Africa’s forgiveness and reconciliation.

Tribal War Simmers in Libya’s Desert

A group of Tabu fighters with mud-splattered trucks rest on the outskirts of Zweila, a small historic slave-trade stop in Libya’s southwest Sahara.

Where Drugs Abound – and Syringes to Fight AIDS Are Scarce

In northern Mexico, one of the areas in the country hit hardest by drug trafficking, there are not enough syringes to protect intravenous drug users from HIV/AIDS and hepatitis.

Market Gardening, a Ladder to Progress for Bolivians in Argentina

At the age of 53, Alberto Ramírez has come a long way since he came from Bolivia to Argentina every year during the harvest season since he was 12 years old, to work alongside his father. He now has a prosperous vegetable and fruit wholesale business in this city on the outskirts of Buenos Aires.

Guatemala under Pressure to Investigate Shooting of Native Protesters

The deaths of eight indigenous demonstrators taking part in a protest against the Guatemalan government in the southwestern province of Totonicapán have provoked outrage within the country and abroad. The protesters accuse the army of shooting into the crowd.

Defending Children within Juvenile Justice System

Children vulnerable to violence within the juvenile justice system must have access to justice, the United Nations said in a new report released here.

Guatemalans Turn to Mutual Aid to Overcome Poverty

“Our economic situation improved a great deal because we obtained more income for our families” as a result of setting up a social enterprise, Matilde García, who makes fashion jewellery in the municipality of Pastores, 60 km west of the capital of Guatemala, told IPS.

Strengthening ECOSOC To Improve U.N. System

A special ministerial meeting of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) has reaffirmed the key role the Council will play in the implementation of the Rio+20 outcome document “The Future We Want”.

As Conflict Spreads, Syrian Opposition Prepares for the Future

As the uprising in Syria becomes violently entangled with its neighbours, the expatriate opposition leadership is already formulating plans for a political transition following the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Turkey Authorises Use of Force in Syria

(Al Jazeera) - Turkey’s parliament has authorised cross-border military action against Syria, if deemed necessary by the government.

Media Pluralism at Risk of Extinction in Chile

The announcement that the La Nación newspaper of Chile is closing down has drawn the attention of journalists, analysts and opposition lawmakers to the heavy concentration of press ownership, now in the hands of only two business groups, and to the lack of regulations to ensure media pluralism.

Ethiopia Charts a Chinese Course

The death of Ethiopia’s leader of 21 years has raised fears of instability in one of Africa’s fastest-growing non-oil producing nations, which could potentially slow investment activity.

General Assembly President Elected IPS Chair

Nassir Abdulaziz al-Nasser, president of the 66th session of the U.N. General Assembly, was unanimously elected chairman of the Board of Directors of Inter Press Service (IPS) news agency.

Changing Cities Equals Building Opportunities

In times of unprecedented mobility, issues of migration and growing cultural diversity have become the core of interest at the global, national and local level.