HEALTH-OUTLOOK 2000: Eradicating Disease Still an Uphill Task

Throughout the latter half of the closing century, the scourge of infectious diseases remained an enduring feature of life in much of the developing world-- finding sustenance in tropical warmth, in highly mobile migrant populations and in a growing incapacity to finance appropriate health programmes.

CHILD RIGHTS-OUTLOOK 2000: The Reality Lags Behind The Promise

With only limited success in enforcing universal respect for Children's Rights so far, UN agencies and rights groups say the next century will see new efforts to achieve the goals of the 1990 World Children Summit and other rights accords.

HUMAN RIGHTS-OUTLOOK 2000: Chastening the Abusers

The last decade of this millenium has provided human rights activists moments to rejoice in. It began with the release of Nelson Mandela from prison and has been drawing to an end with the birth of a new nation, East Timor.

DEVELOPMENT-OUTLOOK 2000: Much Ado About Aid That Shrinks and Shrinks

When the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, recently urged the rich countries to "abide by their solemn undertakings to assist in development", she touched a highly sensitive issue.

WOMEN-OUTLOOK 2000: The Slow March Towards Gender Equity

In Uganda, a non-governmental organisation hails successful efforts to reduce genital mutilations; in Jordan women no longer have to obtain permission from their husbands or fathers to apply for a passport; and in Fiji, an increasing numbers of women are gaining access to political posts.

ENVIRONMENT-OUTLOOK 2000: Balancing Environment with Corporate Power

If deterioration of the global environment over the past several decades is any guide, the coming century does not hold out much promise for reversing these trends, many environmentalists are warning as the millennium comes to a close.

/ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT/BOOKS-UGANDA: Echoes Of Her Voice

Rosemary Kyarimpa clearly remembers that as a child, the chores of cooking, washing the plates, sweeping and other domestic chores fell squarely on her shoulders.

/ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT/CULTURE-USA: Novel Carousel Recalls 20th Century

One of the more novel ways of remembering those who left their mark on the history of the 20th century is on display in New York.

/ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT/MUSIC-JAMAICA: Deejays Urged to go Easy on Gun Lyrics

Struggling to combat a frightening crime wave, the Jamaican government has beseeched members of the country's music industry to tone down on songs with violent content.

/ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT/BOOKS-VENEZUELA: ‘Commander Glamour’ Strikes Again

The imagined life of Julio Gonzalez unfolds over the last 40 years of Venezuelan reality in a novel that is challenging the country's literary scene with its gay hero and a touch of Venezuelan trendiness.

/ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT/THEATRE-ENGLAND: The Startling World of Non- English Speakers

London's Festival of Theatre this summer celebrates its 20th anniversary with perhaps its biggest and most successful event to date.

DEFENCE-GULF: Economic Slump Slows Arms Build-up

Amid military instability and an economic slump in the Gulf region, the United Arab Emirates this week was the scene of a new arms build-up -- of a commercial nature.

DEFENCE-GULF: Economic Slump Slows Arms Build-up

Amid military instability and an economic slump in the Gulf region, the United Arab Emirates this week was the scene of a new arms build-up -- of a commercial nature.