Climate change is predicted to have severe consequences for South Asia. Imbalances in economic growth, inequality among castes, classes, between genders, and a region beset by disasters, have added to the suffering of the poor and those most vulnerable and marginalised. Some of the predicted impacts of climate change include increased variability in both monsoon and winter rainfall patterns; increase in average temperatures, with warmer winters; increased salinity in coastal areas as a result of rising seas and reduced discharge of major rivers; weakening ecosystems; the recession of glaciers in the Himalayas; and increased frequency and/or severity of extreme weather events.
News & Media
Sorcery beliefs and practices in Gumine: a source of conflict and insecurity
This report discusses the findings related to witchcraft and sorcery, and how this contributes to insecurity in Gumine District.
Somalia: International leaders should focus on saving lives and recovery
As more heads of state publicly support the military action in Somalia, Oxfam called on international leaders to refocus on addressing the crippling famine in the country. The agency urged all parties involved in the conflict to ensure civilians are protected from being caught in the crossfire and the Somali people have freedom of movement to access vital services.
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Aid cuts could spell disaster for the education of poor children
As donor aid levels plummet, children in developing countries could face a bleak future as they miss out on the chance to go to school. Ahead of a high level Global Partnership for Education (GPE) meeting in Copenhagen on November 8, international agency Oxfam has called for rich country donors and the World Bank to put money on the table for basic education.
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Protecting the accused: Sorcery in PNG
Oxfam’s report highlights why action must be taken against sorcery accusations in Papua New Guinea.
Protecting and supporting women human rights activists
The Highlands Region of Papua New Guinea has a new network of women fighting for human rights. Key women leaders from the seven Highlands provinces in Papua New Guinea, all of whom are fighting to defend human rights in their region, joined together in March 2011 to form The Highlands Women’s Human Rights Network (HWHRN). Together, the women are working to promote peace, economic, social and gender justice in the Highlands.
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