The Typewriter

Source: http://thetypewriter.org/2015/12/cop21-ban-announces-climate-action-2016-partnership-to-maintain-momentum-after-un-climate-conference/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr_feed&utm_campaign=autopost

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced today at the UN climate change conference (COP21) that a broad group of organizations will partner in 2016 to maintain momentum for multi-stakeholder climate implementation.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaking on Action Day at the UN climate change conference. 5 December 2015.

“I am heartened by the significant and growing coalitions that are emerging to tackle the challenges of climate change and realize new opportunities,” Mr. Ban underlined at the global event taking place in Paris, on a day dubbed “Action Day.”

“I am pleased to be joined by so many key partners to scale climate action efforts and make them sustainable,” he added.

The Secretary-General, joined by groups such as the World Bank, the Global Environment Facility and the Compact of Mayors, and individuals including Michael Bloomberg – the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Cities and Climate Change – will co-sponsor a “Climate Action 2016” summit of leaders from government, business, cities and localities, civil society and academia next 5 and 6 May in Washington, D.C.

According to a press release issued by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – the organizer of the conference – this high-level gathering will complement ongoing implementation efforts and catalyze actionable, concrete deliverables in specific high-value areas, including: cities; land use; resilience; energy; transport; tools for decision makers; and finance.

“[The summit will] show that the things that were talked here in Paris are actually happening on the ground,” Bob Orr, a Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on climate change, told the UN News Centre in an interview.

“The number and the depth of the coalitions that are organized to deliver action on climate whether through forestry, through industry, through cities, all the different channels need to move forward as far and as fast as they can,” he added. “So the Secretary-General is not only ensuring we have this robust universal agreement, but that we have the coalition in the field to deliver the goods.”

Mr. Orr noted that the meeting is taking place in the United States’ capital as all the partners joining the Secretary-General at the 2016 summit agreed that Washington, D.C. is the “best stop” as it is home to a number of important international institutions and financing vehicles.

Meanwhile, the world’s attention is turned towards the Paris-Le Bourget site north-east of the French capital, where government representatives have been meeting since Monday to reach a new universal climate agreement to limit global temperature rise to below two degrees Celsius.

This article is provided by the UN News Centre.

Source: http://thetypewriter.org/2015/12/fresh-fighting-in-south-sudan-forces-thousands-to-flee-into-remote-eastern-dr-congo/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr_feed&utm_campaign=autopost

More than 4,000 people have fled to a remote region of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to recent fighting between local groups, known as the ‘Arrow Boys’ and the South Sudanese Army in the Western Equatoria region of South Sudan, the United Nations refugee agency said today.

A South Sudan village on the road between Yambio and Maridi, Western Equatoria.

“Two UNHCR teams have so far this week registered 3,464 newly arrived refugees in areas near the border in DRC’s Dungu Territory. They also report that 1,206 Congolese refugees, previously in South Sudan, have fled to the same area as a result of the fighting,” saidOffice of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson Adrian Edwards during the regular bi-weekly press briefing in Geneva.

Mr. Edwards added that the Ezo settlement in South Sudan, originally home to nearly 3,300 Congolese refugees, is now virtually empty, with the remaining refugee families having fled to nearby fields.

According to Mr. Edwards, registration in DRC is ongoing in areas along the border, where more arrivals are being reported, and, at the same time, the closest UNHCR office is some 400 kilometres away in Bunia, causing delays for the UNHCR team to reach the localities where refugees are.

“Ninety per cent of the South Sudanese refugees are women and children. Some had walked for three days, carrying only their most important belongings. Most men have stayed behind in South Sudan,” said Mr. Edwards.

He also observed that some refugees have been sleeping in the open or in abandoned huts without roofing, and most are being sheltered by local families, among them former Sudanese refugees from earlier conflicts.

Mr. Edwards said that UNHCR has distributed plastic sheeting for 409 people, but he underscored that the most urgent needs of the refugees are shelter, food and medical care.

The nearest hospital is approximately 80 kilometres away, said Mr. Edwards adding that further assessments will help in determining the support needed, as many refugees have refused to return to South Sudan if there is no peace.

Highlighting the consequences of the conflict in South Sudan which erupted two years ago, Mr. Edwards said that the crisis has forced nearly 2.3 million people to flee their homes, 650,000 of these across borders as refugees and 1.65 million displaced inside the country.

This article is provided by the UN News Centre.

Source: http://thetypewriter.org/2015/12/as-ethiopia-battles-devastating-drought-un-sends-in-emergency-health-team/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr_feed&utm_campaign=autopost

With Ethiopia battling its worst drought in 30 years due to the El Niño weather pattern, with 8.2 million people already in urgent need of food aid, the United Nations has sent an emergency health team to help support the Government’s response to a crisis that is expected to become even worse over the next eight months.

Dry earth in the desert plains of the Danakil depression in northern Ethiopia.

“The food security emergency is coming against a background of multiple ongoing epidemics in the country,” the interim Director of Emergency Risk Management and Humanitarian Response at the UN World Health Organization (WHO), Michelle Gayer, said today.

“This creates an additional burden for people’s health as well as the health system as malnutrition, especially in children, predisposes them to more severe infectious disease, which can kill quickly,” she added.

The current El Niño, among the strongest on record, caused by a cyclical warming in the Pacific Ocean, affects climate over a wide swathe of the world, bringing more floods to some areas and longer droughts to others, as well as stronger typhoons and cyclones.

Ethiopia has experienced two poor growing seasons in 2015. Due to delayed rains attributed to El Niño, its main annual harvest was severely reduced. Every month since January has seen an increase in the number of malnourished children, with 400,000 likely to face severe malnutrition in 2016. In addition, some 700,000 expecting and recent mothers are at risk for severe malnutrition.

Anticipating a major increase in health risks, WHO has mobilized drugs, equipment and human resources. Vulnerable populations, such as children requiring therapeutic feeding and health care, are particularly at risk of illness and death. El Niño can lead to significant increases in diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, diarrhoea and cholera – major killers of children.

Ethiopia is one of the most affected countries by El Niño thus far. “We are very concerned that right now, there are not enough resources to provide an effective and coordinated health response across Ethiopia,” WHO Emergency Response Coordinator in Ethiopia Kebba Jaiteh said. “Without a proper response, El Niño could reverse years of progress on health for Ethiopians.”

WHO and partners predict increases in communicable, water- and vector-borne diseases and medical complications from malnutrition, and there are also concerns about increasing cases of acute watery diarrhoea. Many disease outbreaks are currently ongoing with response already being organized by the Ethiopian Health Ministry and partners.

After a recent measles outbreak, the Ministry and partners started vaccinating 5.3 million children under five in hotspot districts, but a significant funding gap remains for those between five and 14 years. While response plans are still being finalized, WHO estimates its initial funding request will require more than $8 million.

“This is just the beginning of what the health sector is going to need in the coming months to address the health consequences of El Niño in Ethiopia, across the Horn of Africa, southern Africa and in many other parts of the world,” Dr. Gayer said.

This article is provided by the UN News Centre.

Source: http://thetypewriter.org/2015/12/southeast-asian-countries-pledge-cooperation-on-bay-of-bengal-mixed-migration-un-refugee-agency/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr_feed&utm_campaign=autopost

Southeast Asian countries today affirmed that the only way to reduce loss of life at sea is by working together on comprehensive and sustainable approaches to mixed migration movements, the United Nations refugee agency said as the resumption of dangerous sea journeys in the region loomed.

Fishermen manoeuvre a boat in a waterway near Sittwe in Myanmar. People risking their lives to leave Myanmar and cross the Bay of Bengal board boats in locations like this.

“Unless conditions improve in their home areas, more people are expected to cross the Bay of Bengal in the coming months, seeking safety and stability in countries in South-East Asia,” according to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Since 2014, some 95,000 people have made the dangerous journey in the Bay of Bengal – which is bordered by Sri Lanka and India to the west, Bangladesh to the north, and Myanmar and the northern part of the Malay Peninsula to the east – and the Andaman Sea to its southeast, with more than 1,100 dying at sea and hundreds more found buried in unmarked mass graves, according to UNHCR.

“With an unprecedented 60 million persons displaced today, it has become clear that forced displacement issues are a global phenomenon that no country can address or resolve on its own,” said Volker Türk, the UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection.

Mr. Türk, who was in the Thai capital of Bangkok where he was meeting with delegates from more than 20 countries, as well as representatives of international organizations, at the Second Special Meeting on Irregular Migration in the Indian Ocean, also noted “the numbers we are seeing in this region can be managed.”

Countries in the region today affirmed that the only way to reduce loss of life at sea is by working together on comprehensive and sustainable approaches to mixed migration movements.

UNHCR said it hopes that today’s meeting would help set up a regional mechanism to coordinate efforts not just on law enforcement but also on locating and rescuing boats in distress, facilitating passengers to land and providing reception facilities in accordance with States’ international obligations.

“Until the refugees among them can return home in a safe, dignified and voluntary way, we will need a creative form of temporary refuge or alternative humanitarian stay that ensures access to health, education [and] work,” said Mr. Türk. “Allowing them to work in labour-importing countries is a win-win: It gives them dignity and self-reliance, and eases the burden on host countries,” he added.

The meeting today took stock of achievements since the previous meeting in late May – when some 5,000 Rohingya and Bangladeshis were eventually disembarked after weeks adrift at sea – in a bid to better prepare for future movements.

Mr. Turk noted that on a recent visit to Myanmar’s Rakhine state, he saw progress in seeking solutions for internally displaced people, but had also heard “legitimate grievances” that remained to be addressed, including ensuring fundamental rights such as freedom of movement and access to services.

“We hope that the new Government will give this issue the attention it deserves, in light of the fact that the absence of these rights triggers displacement and has, as a result, international repercussions,” he said.

The refugee agency official also said Sustainable Development Goals offer a framework for addressing root causes and ensuring that no one is left behind in health, education, work and legal identity, among other rights.

This article is provided by the UN News Centre.

Source: http://thetypewriter.org/2015/12/the-inquirer-25-questions-with-benjamin-cheung/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr_feed&utm_campaign=autopost

The Inquirer asks the Editor-in-Chief of the typewriter- Benjamin Cheung 25 questions about his inspirations, passions, views and thoughts of life to politics. So how does it be like to be the head of a young team trying to reshape news media? Let’s find out.

For those who don’t know Benjamin Cheung, he previously worked as a political speech writer for a British politician, studied and lived  aboard for a year in England attending the University of Birmingham and was formerly a political commentator for an English newspaper. Although he has accomplished many things in life, he is particularly proud of the establishment of The Typewriter- a media organisation that provides daily news and current affairs  that is aimed at a global audience and are told from local perspectives.

Source: Benjamin Cheung

How are you feeling these days?

To be honest, you know how cliche it is to say that you’re constantly running out of time because you have so much on your plate and you just want to find some time to chill if possible? Exactly that.

What’s the most exciting thing that happened to you this year?

I guess it is also the most challenging thing that happened to me this year as well. Last August we decided to move our head office from Sydney to Hong Kong. We were also shortlisted to a Start-up Entrepreneur competition in Hong Kong and the fact that we ended up in the semi-finalists beating over 300 tech startups in Asia, was indeed very exciting.

What’s the most exciting thing that happened to you this month?

The Typewriter moved its website content from one website to another one. I know it doesn’t sound glamorous, but the figurative process of ‘packing boxes’ and ‘unpacking them’ was a lot of fun and at times a bit challenging.

What inspired you to start up The Typewriter?

My frustration which built up across the years watching the news misrepresenting the truth and politicians claiming to know what’s best for others without actually knowing what is happening on the ground.

What’s the one thing you’ve learnt so far as the Editor in Chief of The Typewriter?

That one must always remain humble, and the more articles I read and edited the more humble I have become. Reading articles from real people from all around the world allows me to appreciate how little I know about the world, but it also allowed me to learn to be respectful of perspectives and differences.

Which book has positively shaped you?

George Orwell, “Politics and the English Language,” 1946 – it is a good read, but a book, but a good read.

What’s your definition of YOLO?

You only love once…. ?

If you could make a documentary, what would it be about?

The world’s youth being split into two: the Apathetic and the extremely passionate

If you ran the world, what law would you enact?

Pretty much everything in ICCPR and the Refugee Convention combined.

What’s the best article you’ve read so far on The Typewriter?

Come on Rachel, you know I cannot possibly comment on a question like this. Haha!

If you could give advice to your 15 year old self, what would it be?

Don’t buy the first generation iPhone, the best is yet to come!

What’s the one advice that you would give to other inspired entrepreneurs that wanted to start up an organisation/start up?

Prepare to fail and be ready to suck in the awful feeling of failure. If you are a person who cannot handle failures, go find a desk job. The odds are stacked against entrepreneurs so its the least realistic to think that you’ll be the next creator of Facebook or Uber. Your starting point should be ‘no one likes your idea right now, its worthless, how are you going to get everything attention?’

Can you sum up The Typewriter in one word?

Communication

Who’s a person dead or alive that you want to share a coffee with?

Bill O’Reily before he became famous.

How are you enjoying this interview?

That’s fine, I had more probing questions from others before.

Letters or Email?

Email

Samsung or Apple?

HAHA, I use a Blackberry now.

Tea or Coffee?

Coffee for work, tea for leisure

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “A right delayed is a right denied”. What do you think about it?

Dr. King is right.

What’s the best thing about working at The Typewriter?

To witness the potential of humanity. To understand how little you are and how insignificant your ideas and insights are when compared to the experience of others. To ‘hear’ the voices of those being affected and to feel what they feel.

If you didn’t start The Typewriter, what would you have done?

I was going to join politics (in fact I did meddle with political ambitions during the time I started The Typewriter, but I changed my mind). Or I was going to be a lawyer in rural Australia.

How do you feel about Salim Mehajer announcing his intention for running the country in the future?

I’ll quote from US Vice-President Joe Biden, one should only run for office if he or she is confident that he is then eat person to do it. If you’re not, but you’re just doing it for personal ambitions, then you should stay away from public office.

What have you learnt from being a political assistant at the Afghanistan Embassy?

That no matter how an expert I might have been in politics in Afghanistan or the region, no one can truly understand what’s going on in that country. You will never be able to see the problems in that country in the same way as local Afghans do.

What have you learnt about politics being a former speechwriter to a British politician?

Glamour and grandiose words can only get you so far, but that being said, eloquence is still better than being offensive and impolite. The most important thing of all political speeches, is that, behind all the nicely constructed sentences and phrases, there is genuine empathy and feelings to the words spoken. A speech will only touch the hearts of the people if they truly mean something. And politicians should stop hiding behind the facade of a caring politician during elections. Honesty has an effect more powerful than packaging.

What’s the one thing most people don’t know about you?

I used to be a competitive swimmer in my youth.

Source: http://thetypewriter.org/2015/12/dayton-2-0-is-the-future-so-positive/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr_feed&utm_campaign=autopost

This is the second part of an international forum attended by our Senior Editor Jess Gosling who is currently based in Sarajevo. She attended with the PCRC an international forum held by the  Foundation of Shared Societies and Values Sarajevo (FSSV) on the Dayton Peace Accord (DPA).

The second panel of the forum was titled ‘Dayton 2.0 – The way forward 20 years after’. It included a more diverse European panel than the first.

Included in this panel, was Branko Crvenkovski, former President of Macedonia (between 2004-2009), Wim Kok, former Prime Minister of Netherlands (between 1994 -2002), Valdis Zatlers, former President of Latvia (between 2007-2011) and finally Zlatko Lagumdžija, the former Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina (between years 2001-2002) and founder of the FSSV.

The main focus on this panel was the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina, twenty years on from the Dayton Peace Accords signing. In all however, the central message which resigned from all participants on the panel was that change in Bosnia and Herzegovina must happen irrespective of potential Euro-Atlantic integration. Alongside this, change and reforms must also not ultimately depend on potential integration into Europe or membership into organisations such as NATO.

Problems with Dayton and the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina? 

In all, problems have arisen in Bosnia and Herzegovina both due to the DPA itself and from how the DPA is or hasn’t been implemented. Gusenbauer argued that,

“A main problem is that the entities, according to Dayton, should serve Bosnia but, in reality, they do not.”

One of the largest problems with Dayton, is that it established an ineffective state structure. Crvenkovski argued that ultimately Bosnia and Herzegovina’s challenges cannot be solved by having new politicians in office, but rather it will be solved by changing the system itself. He commented that this especially concerns the many layers of public administration that water down responsibility and accountability.

Gusenbauer further commented on how the DPA hasn’t secured minatory rights and the problems with agreeing and having one solid unifying voice from Bosnia and Herzegovina. All of which impedes and hinders Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European integration process and application.

European integration is important to the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nevertheless Gusenbauer made another valid point by arguing that,

“…it would be an illusion to think that Europe can solve Bosnia’s problems. It can only help Bosnia in solving them itself.”

  The clear message is the clear need for reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Zatlers, noted that one of the things that Bosnia and Herzegovina can to is look at what Latvia has done. The primary reason why he drew the comparison, is that both Latvia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are small and ethnically diverse countries. Around 25% of Latvia’s population is Russian which has caused some friction in the past.

Zatlers went to further note that much like Bosnia and Herzegovina will have to do, Latvia previously made hard but made necessary reforms prior to their Euro-Atlantic integration. Moreover, Latvia has managed to avoid any large-scale interethnic conflicts by providing security, democracy and the rule of law to all of its population.

  http://thetypewriter.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/IMG_4664.m4v

But what about from a Balkan perspective? Crvenkovski bluntly argued that,

“In the Balkans we always hope for the best but the worst always happens.”

Wim Kok, noted that a potential EU membership is no key to paradise. He stressed that within Bosnia and Herzegovina, the whole bigger societies (including political parties, businesses and also individuals) need to join forces irrespective of their ethnic group. He continued to note that

“You should focus on what binds you together and not on what separates you.”

In terms of reforms, Gusenbauer stressed the need for a more vibrant and active civil society. By achieving such a society, it in turn could pressure politicians to make the necessary reforms so desperately needed by Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, how can one do so within a framework which doesn’t exist?

Source: http://thetypewriter.org/2015/12/34944-revision-v1/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr_feed&utm_campaign=autopost

For the first time in over forty years, the medical profession in the UK is considering full industrial action. On the 17th of October 2015, an estimated 20,000 joined a protest to the changes to Junior Doctor Contracts. These changes have been deemed to be both unsafe (for patients and doctors) alongside being discriminate.

Photo / Jane Stockdale / Rex Shutterstock

  The changes have been suggested and trying to be implemented by Jeremy Hunt, the current Secretary of State of Health. Those within the medical profession believe the proposals will do three things. Firstly, increase the risk posed by unsafe working practices. Secondly, increase discrimination in the working hours and pay of new doctors. Finally, create a prejudice against those who don’t work full-time.

There have been repeated negotiations between the government and the British Medical Association (the BMA). The BMA is one of the largest unions, which represent doctors across the board. However it doesn’t represent everyone, this is clear especially with the protest last week where a lot of doctors who protested were not affiliated to the BMA.

On the 21st of October 2014, the BMA stated:

“We made some progress, and developed a basic framework of what a contract could look like, but the government wanted to remove key safeguards for trainees such as protections on safe working hours at the expense of patient safety and sustainable working patterns for doctors…”. 

Photo / Neil Hall / Reuters

However this didn’t work out and negotiations are currently at an impasse. Both NHS Employers, which acts on behalf of government, and representatives of junior doctors refusing to budge on the threat of imposition. Mr. Hunt has argued that doctors must accept new working hours which covers weekends, otherwise it will be imposed unilaterally. However, the fun fact here is that many NHS workers already work over the weekend. Who do you think does emergency surgery?

In turn, junior doctors have started to be treated with discontent  and the whole profession as a whole as what some would call ‘the enemy’. Some feel like they are backed in to a corner by the policies that Mr. Hunt has engaged with – effectively giving Junior Doctors no other option. Through these practices, Mr. Hunt is trying to impose the new contracts and expecting Junior Doctors to agree with it. In turn, as there is no other way of opposing the changes or expressing a different opinion, the only option some see is balloting for industrial action, which is exactly what the BMA has done.

The Leader of the NHS Junior Doctors, Dr Johann Malawana, has said:

“Stop attacking us. We are not the enemy. We are just health professionals who want to have a meaningful discussion. Talk to us, talk to us reasonably. Stop going to the press claiming that we are scaremongering.”

  Photo / Barbara Cook/Demotix / Corbis

  The medical profession is not an easy one, it is one that individuals dedicate their life to – it isn’t cheap either. Medical professions forgo their own needs for others, which is the nature of the job at hand. In addition, they accumulate debt, work to exhausting levels, engage and deal with difficult decisions, which ultimately determines whether someone lives or dies. That is a role and a profession I couldn’t even begin to comprehend to do – and this is why our Junior Doctors are so ever important.

Source: http://thetypewriter.org/2015/11/tropfests-travesty-a-retrospective/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr_feed&utm_campaign=autopost

With the deterioration of Tropfest, it is fair to say that our nation has suffered an enormous cultural loss as countless amounts of film making hopefuls have had their dreams pushed even further away.

Australia’s cultural standard in regards to filmmaking is an issue that really needs to be placed into perspective as the opportunities afforded to film inclined hopefuls ten to stray further and further away. As many opportunities fail to provide viable financial support for filmmakers within Australia, it is more than fair to say that national opportunities within film are virtually non-existent.

With the world’s largest short film festival being cancelled this year, it is fair to say this has had an immensely large cultural impact upon Australia. With the deterioration of one of the Sydney’s cultural standards, many passion projects created with the intent of gaining screen-time are practically bound to fall to the depths of anonymity. With such a cultural travesty occurring within the world of film further discourages future film-makers within our nation to seriously partake in an already unstable industry. Though Australia, with the financial success of films such as Happy Feet, Red Dog and Australia, have had somewhat of a resurgence, the potential of a festival as integral as Tropfest not being present can have major repercussions.

One of the greatest aspects of Tropfest is its liberal nature when allowing for submissions to be made. With such an open forum to produce short films it is more than likely that many of the films produced where passion projects. With one of the largest film festivals being removed, it results in a lot of creators of films to have less space to project these passion projects to. Aside from the one perquisite that requires individuals to integrate Tropfest’s yearly item into the works created by those participating in Tropfest, the films submitted within the festival are free to pursue their passion with minimal intervention. With the cancellation of such an integral aspect of Australian film culture, a major platform allowing for film making hopefuls to network with industry professionals is instantly eradicated.

Tropfest’s prior success was often attributed to its ability to provide a true sense of independence and undeniably moments of genuine quirkiness within a multitude of the short films that were presented. The liberal nature tied to the submission requirements of these short films often allow for an engaging and captivating deviation from the mainstream cinematic projects that dominate our screens. The very fact that this event was a free event is an integral aspect to this particular event. This crucial aspect allows for an audience who otherwise would not be inclined to watch independent films seem more inclined to watch these cinematic pieces that contributors tirelessly slaved over.

With the stability of this film festival still remaining relatively uncertain, the future of film, at least within the Australian landscape is placed under further strain. With the abrupt cancellation of Tropfest, the hopes of many upcoming participants were likely to have been largely discouraged. When considering that Tropfest has paved the way for major names in the film industry such as; Sam Worthington, Rebel Wilson, Joel Edgarton and Clayton Jacobson, it is clear to see how large of an impact that festival has upon future film-makers and actors within our national landscape.

Source: http://thetypewriter.org/2015/11/cop-21-the-most-important-climate-change-talk-in-human-history-begins-in-paris/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr_feed&utm_campaign=autopost

We all might still be overshadowed by the horrific events in Paris, but world leaders demonstrated their capabilities in looking to the future instead of being hunted by the past. This week, over 196 representatives all gather here in Paris and they have exactly less than 10 days to come up with the most decision in the span of humanity: How to deal with climate change. As I was lucky enough to attend this conference on behalf of The Typewriter and the mission from Korea, allow me to share with you some quick insights to the conference so far.

First order of business, COP21 elects a new president

The Opening Session began at 10:00 with a quick election of the new president to this conference, and no surprise, Foreign Minister of Finance, Laurent Fabius, was elected to lead COP21. In front of over 30,000 participants (including NGOs, business leaders and Heads of States), Minister Fabius vouched to do his utmost best in three main areas during the conference: Listening, being ambitious and being transparent.

So what does that mean?

As he explained, Minister Fabius is determined to listen by remaining open to all sorts of opinion during the agreement-drafting stages. He will ensure impartiality until the very end of the session.

Minister Fabius is determined to maintain transparent by encouraging all parties to get rid of their hidden agendas. He believes that common sense will easily help us all in sniffing out certain vested interests and agendas throughout the conference (let’s see if his words will prevail in a week’s time).

Lastly, he vouched to be ambitious by hoping that the agreement drafted and endorsed at this summit will not be a mere piece of paper like many of its predecessors. Minister Fabius is expecting a milestone, a protocol-type document, ‘a legal instrument or an agreed outcome with legal force’, one that actually sets ambitious but reachable targets in reducing carbon emissions.

Hollande going all-out in climate change politics

Adding to the sentiments of Minister Fabius, President Francais Hollande suggested another three conditions in order to guarantee the conference’s success.

(1) World leaders should aim at coming with an agreement to stop global temperatures to rise for another 2 degrees

(2) This agreement should include a mechanism that allows regular review and assessment

(3) There should be a timeframe for this agreement, perhaps a maximum of 5 years.

The French President also stressed the importance of this term ‘Climate Solidarity’, meaning that no one can escape the plight of climate disasters and ‘we are all in this together’.

So will the French President and the newly elected COP21 president reach their goals? Time will tell. However, I do encourage all of the readers of The Typewriter to pay close attention to the ongoings of this summit. For starters, you can download the draft agreement and have a think about it. After all, what happens in this conference, will affect us (as in the youth) the most.

Download the draft agreement here

  [Inhwan Ko and The Typewriter will be providing daily updates to the Paris Climate Change Summit this week]

Source: http://thetypewriter.org/2015/11/south-africa-two-narratives-two-public-spaces/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr_feed&utm_campaign=autopost

The venue where the poetry slam is being held is crowded; overcrowded actually. It would explain my placement on a table under the speaker at the possible cost of five years of hearing in my left ear. And was that not just the cherry on the cake?

My jacket inadequately kept out the cold, the person next to me has not appreciated the value of volume control and, quite frankly, after the all-nighter I pulled the promise of poetry cannot measure up to the desire for sleep. Yet there was something miraculous about the event. Midst the show I finally realise what it is – I have seen a Rainbow.

“Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience oppression of one by another,”

  Nelson Mandela said in his inauguration speech. This is statement reflective of the narrative people wanted to create for post-apartheid South Africa: the story of the Rainbow Nation.

It tells of a nation that will no longer be resentful of the diversity of its people but embrace it. The inhabitants for all their variety in race, language, culture, background, ideology and religion will be united under the banner South African!

It is a beautiful story I think even as I snap as the contestant moves offside. By what I can see of her facial expression she has found her performance a disappointment. Oh well, it will help her grow if she lets it. The problem with this narrative, however, is that South Africa’s rainbow could use some polishing. Of all the places my mind could go to then, it jumps back to a prior visit to parliament.

As a political science student I fully intended to appreciate, no enjoy, observing the parliamentary debate. Yet it devolves into cacophony soon enough. It is not so much a debate as it is a prolonged argument. Though I am not easily intimidated by such it soon begins to chafe. Hours of seemingly endless quibbling; the worst being that no progress seems to have been made.

I chuckle to myself as I imagine South Africa’s members of parliament with their fancy suits squished into this audience. Seeing their blue colouring that girl in the corner’s hair might make the DA feel right at home. I am also sure that the interracial couple will be willing to make some space for a few EFF members as well. I cannot help but compare and contrast the two events. Yes every elected representative (and more) should have been there and taking notes.

Because the individuals in this space and time has managed to achieve what they with all their perks could not. No topic is off-limit here. The volume of mmhmms fluctuates showing various levels of approval but even those lacking that murmur of agreement receive their share of attention and clicks. Not to say that the crowd did not occasionally grow rowdy but then the MC would take to the stage and with a few lines of, “I say ama, you say zing. AMA –” order is restored. (Please, honourable member sit down. Wait until you are called upon). Nor are there any restrictions on how it should be said. As a result there are poems in English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa. The audience acts as its own translator.

Not everyone understands every language but they are welcome to enjoy the cadences of the spoken work and ask one of their neighbours for the gist of it afterwards. (I stop reaching for the earphone that broadcasts translation of the parliamentary proceedings. It does not seem to be worth the effort when it concerns the semantics of calling the president a liar if their mother tongue lacked the equivalent of ‘mislead’.) The audience seems to consist of all-sorts.

One could mention the odd lecturer in the sea of students, the fact that the poor lighting could not disguise the racial diversity in the room or the pair of guys with their arms entwined around one another. Yet none of it seems relevant: a person’s presence is accepted and requires no discussion. (The underlying feelings of aggression and anticipation are one I would associate with people going to war. It quickly becomes evident that this debate will be a battle with bullets directed at persons as much as policy.)

It is even colder when we leave and by then I have slipped into that special state of exhaustion where you forget that you are tired. Yet there is a happy buzz as we discuss the evening while we wait for our ride, a satisfied high that continues even when we move onto more depressing topics like our awaiting workload.

That night was a glimpse of a persisting South African dream. There appears to be fewer of those dreamers left though. The idea of a Rainbow Nation may have been hidden by the smog of continued poverty, inequality and divisions. But is it possible? Yes, with some admittedly hard work. Will it be worthwhile? Most definitely.

— Photo Credit: Forbes Magazine, the CIA and The Guardian.

Source: http://thetypewriter.org/2015/11/peoples-climate-march-dominate-australian-cities/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr_feed&utm_campaign=autopost

In  lead the lead up to the Paris Climate talks thousands have gathered in major cities across Australia to show their support for action on climate change.

The People’s Climate rallies that scattered across Australia’s major cities are part of a global initiative to pressure governments to propose more progressive targets for Paris. Other civil movements in Seoul, Paris, Hong Kong, Berlin and London joined together in a national day of action.

The Australian protests today have highlighted the public support for increased action by Australian political representatives.  Australia has been criticised internationally for its limited proposals for the 2015 conference (ABC). The Direct Action plans proposed by the coalition government continue to be pursued in the eve of the conference despite the changes in party leadership.

While the new Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, was in Malta attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting  (CHOGM) protesters brought a larger than life version of the current and former Prime Minister.

  Almost 45,000 Sydneysiders flooded the CBD, congregating in the Domain park lands where a series of speakers addressed the crowd.

Among the dignities were; Sydney’s Lord Mayor, Clover Moore whose administration has managed to make the city of Sydney carbon neutral; former Australian of the Year professor Tim Flannery a leading global warming activist; and representatives of One Million Women.

It’s time for bold leadership and courageous action to cut emissions. We’re ready to march!#peoplesclimate pic.twitter.com/fc0e6Ymb3J

— Clover Moore (@CloverMoore) November 29, 2015

Attendees were encouraged to join eight colour bloc – representing different concerns associated with climate change.

Representatives of the CSIRO appeared at the march. As part of the ‘White’ group these marchers are voicing their concerns for the medical health affects of global warming.

The Yellow group – also known as “the solution” – were marching to support alternative renewable energy sources.

The Red groups represented groups most likely to be affected by the effects of climate change.

Protesters drummed up attention as they marched through the city.

A delegation of Pacific Nations made their appearance at the protest. As some of the smallest and lowest nations these are high risk communities.

Pacific Nation delegates dress in regional costumes and designs.

A banner from the Pacific Nations delegation

The crowds then made their way around Hyde Parks and continued through the city to their final destination at the Opera House.

The marches in Sydney were matched by similar demonstrations in Hobart, Canberra, Brisbane, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne.

60,000 people #Melbourne #peoplesclimate march @Peoples_Climate pic.twitter.com/n6Na2gwfVj

— Samantha Dunn (@SamanthaDunnMP) November 27, 2015

8000 turnout for Perth #PeoplesClimate March! GO W.A.!!! pic.twitter.com/imNJetJDcU

Source: http://thetypewriter.org/2015/11/some-advice-from-a-media-teacher-to-the-news-media/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr_feed&utm_campaign=autopost

Students of journalism are often at the receiving end of advice from well-meaning media professionals, sometimes regarding journalism as a profession and most of the times about the sorry state of media education. Well just like any other profession, journalism does require education, and just like any other profession we have all types of media teachers.

The big chasm that is believed to lie between theory and practice has to be bridged by the coming together of the practitioner and the teacher. We do it by changing the syllabi every year and having practitioners on our board of studies. How many media houses decide to have a professor on board so that they can remain in tune with changing times?

In the classroom we narrate the stories of journalistic valour, discuss problems faced by media persons, teach them to respect their profession, and keep their integrity above all else. We teach them the importance of verification and cross checking in reporting, correctness and factualness in editing.

We recount historical evolution of the profession to put all phenomenon in perspective and teach them that there have been great persons they can chose as role models, we discuss the growth of media systems and effects of globalization, conglomerisation, horizontal and vertical integration of media, we debate about ethics and laws, we make them practice till they are near perfect. All our efforts are easily dismissed and the students are told to `unlearn’ the lessons taught by us and learn to tweak, to talk loud and fast, to tell a tale even when there is none. They become go- getters, corporate news workers that are ready to sell sometimes their pens and many times their souls to the highest bidders.

The top journalists are on the far end of the Bell curve whom people want to emulate. On the other end of the curve are the journalists who make phenomenon like `paid news’ popular. These are the two ends that comprise of nearly 40 % of the performers. All along the centre are the average journalists who are doing their daily jobs for salary and petty perks. These comprise a larger majority.

My students do not aspire to be neither the vast majority, nor do they intend to be the laggards. They dream of being on the top of their profession. Even before they enter the field and realise the monotony of every day journalism, we already teach them that there can be only 20% high performers in any Bell Curve. Only 10 students from my class of 50 can rightfully dream this dream. Others have to be satisfied by being `average’. Who is the reference point when media education is critiqued, the high performers, the average majority or those that bring up the rear?

In the classroom, we recreate the newsrooms and dissect the media products in our practical classes. The mediocrity that the media produces in the form of media products is for display. Earlier when I started my career, 17 years ago, I used to call newspapers as the `text books’ of the Reporting class, but now I call them `Note books’ because we spend much time correcting the faults in headlines, proofing and errors of omission and commission.

The less said about electronic media the better.

When a 26/11 happens in Mumbai, we have to hold special classes with our students to answer their questions and clarify their doubts about media behaviour. Yet, we invite the practitioners over to our schools for interactive sessions with our students and sometimes take them over to their work places for a `media tour’ and also send them for internships, so that they can witness the functioning first hand.

I wish the media practitioners would be less biased and paid heed to all sides of the issue. The competence of all teachers as also of all journalists cannot be measured with the same yardstick. So save the lesson in prejudice coming in the garb of a well-meaning advice, or a cynical view of an entire respectable community based on a few personal reference points. If the practitioner wants to dole out advice, they need to prepare well.

Talking to students is not word play, rhetoric or a didactic sermon. It is a job that entails great responsibility, everyday preparation and extreme caution.

Source: http://thetypewriter.org/2015/11/sudan-ban-condemns-deadly-attack-in-abyei-urges-swift-action-to-bring-perpetrators-to-justice/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr_feed&utm_campaign=autopost

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned the attacks last night by unknown assailants on the residence of the Ngok Dinka Paramount Chief in Abyei town, during which one Ethiopian peacekeeper from the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and a young girl were killed.

UN peacekeepers on patrol in Sudan’s Abyei region.

“The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the Government of Ethiopia, to all UNISFA personnel, and to the families of the two victims. He wishes the wounded a speedy recovery,” said a statement issued by his spokesperson on the attack, which also left three civilians wounded.

Mr. Ban called on the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan to assist UNISFA in swiftly bringing the perpetrators of this attack to justice.

“He urges both Governments to resume without delay their cooperation on the implementation of the 20 June 2011 Agreement on Temporary Arrangements for the Administration and Security of the Abyei area and to support the Mission’s efforts to promote dialogue between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities,” said the statement.

Lastly, he called on both communities to remain calm and avoid any escalation of this tragic incident.

This article is provided by the UN News Centre.

Source: http://thetypewriter.org/2015/11/situation-of-children-in-south-sudan-is-deteriorating-un-agency-warns/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr_feed&utm_campaign=autopost

The situation of children in war-torn South Sudan has worsened since the beginning of the year, with sustained recruitment, primarily of boys but also girls, by armed forces and groups amid severe malnutrition and flight, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned today.

Children surrender their weapons during a ceremony formalizing their release from the SSDA Cobra Faction armed group, in Pibor, South Sudan (February 2015).

It is estimated overall that 16,000 children have been forcibly recruited since the conflict between President Salva Kiir and his former Vice-President Machar erupted two years ago, and the killings, abductions and sexual abuse of youngsters have continued throughout the country, UNICEF spokesperson Christophe Boulierac told the regular bi-weekly news briefing in Geneva.

A quarter of million children under the age of five are suffering from severe acute malnutrition, double the rate of two years ago, and despite the signing of a peace agreement in August, the situation of children remains grave, he stressed.

Nearly 1,500 children have been killed, around 900,000 have been internally displaced and 650,000 have fled to neighbouring countries.

In June UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake warned that violence against children in South Sudan had reached a new level of brutality. “The details of the worsening violence against children are unspeakable, but we must speak of them,” he said, citing reports that boys have been castrated and left to bleed to death and girls as young as 8 have been gang raped and murdered.

“Children have been tied together before their attackers slit their throats…Others have been thrown into burning buildings,” he added.

Addressing the briefing by phone from Juba, South Sudan’s capital, the UNICEF Advocate for Children Affected by War, Ishmael Beah, said the only reason children joined armed groups was because it was the only choice they had left to protect themselves, to have access to basic necessities. For many, war was the only way to even live, he added.

This article is provided by the UN News Centre.

Source: http://thetypewriter.org/2015/11/muslim-charity-demands-apology-from-nsw-police/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr_feed&utm_campaign=autopost

A Muslim charity organisation is calling for NSW Police to issue an apology after its members were prevented from attending the Stereosonic Music Festival in Sydney Olympic Park on Saturday 28 November to protect them from Islamaphobic attacks.

NSW Police on scene as members of the Homeless Run charity are questioned on Vaughan St, Lidcombe

On Saturday 28 November as members of the “Brothers in Need” and the “Homeless Run” were travelling to the Stereosonic event for an outreach initiative were pulled over by Police Highway Patrol officers in Lidcombe. The Muslim charities claim that their intention was to “speak to Muslims about the risk and dangers of drug and alcohol use” in a statement issued by Dean Mousad, a spokesman for Brothers In Need. Muslim groups reported that a number large of officers attended to the scene on Vaughan St, Lidcombe despite the “brothers” being in full cooperation. Claims that 100 officers surrounded the 16 members of the Muslim charity have yet to be independently verified.

http://thetypewriter.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/100-Police-stop-Muslim-community-group-from-anti-drugs-work-Sydney-Nov-2015.mp4

Video: 100 Police stop Muslim community group from anti-drugs work (Sydney, 2015). Source: https://youtu.be/SnWH9gUnclE

A video of the incident appears to show Superintendant David Eardley refusing the group permission to attend Sterosonic on the grounds that their presence would be a “breach of the peace”. The Police also are alledged to have stated that it was in the group’s best interests not to travel to Sydney Olympic Park for safety and security reasons.

During the incident which remained peaceful with no reports of altercations, all of the Muslim charity members were reportedly searched and had their names recorded by Police. Officers also searched the “Homeless Run” van and confiscated two items which some claim to be cooking utensils.  No arrests were made as a result of the incident also investigations are believed to be ongoing.

Video: Stopped by police for trying to pull Muslim youth away from drugs at Stereosonic 2015. Source: https://youtu.be/l4mYhAMM_Yk

Following the incident in Lidcombe, the “Brothers In Need” charity issued a press release explaining that they understood the “police were acting on concerns for our safety given recent Islamophobic attacks and abuse”. Also in response to the incident “Homeless Run” is calling on the NSW Police Force to apologise for “embarrassing” the Muslim community with the alleged over the top response. An online petition started by “Homeless Run” lobbying for a Police to make a public apology has received several thousand signatures after it was re-shared by the pro-Muslim Auburn 2144 Facebook page. Comment was sought from the “Brothers In Need” and “Homeless Run” charities after the incident, but both declined to an interview request.

Police check a van belonging to the Homeless Run charity on Vaughan St, Lidcombe. Source: GIMC Australia/Facebook

Comments on social media regarding this incident have included “Police will only lose their credibility and respect from the community if they keep behaving this way”, “these people do an excellent job. I appreciate the terrorist alert is high but these guys are not a threat. Let them do what they can to help and not hinder them” as well as “so what are you doing to turn this around other than drive a wedge between Muslims and law enforcement, which seems to be your policy”. This incident occurred as relations between the Muslim and Western communities in Australia have been shaken by terrorist attacks in Parramatta, Martin Place and in Paris. A number of Muslim groups have urged the wider community to carry out Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s calls “mutual respect” in an effort to diffuse the tensions.

Video: Muslim charity Homeless Run destined for Sterosonic festival detained by police in Sydney. Source: https://youtu.be/V57qj5HeSE4

Claims that the Police Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics Unit were involved in the incident are yet to be confirmed. The NSW Police Media Unit when contacted about this incident in Lidcombe did not have any comment. Assistant Commissioner Frank Mennilli has said that the timing was inappropriate for the charity organisation to be conducting their activities at the music festival.

The NSW Police have issued a statement expressing their disappointment with the behavior of revellers at Sterosonic after one woman died and another in a critical condition after taking ecstasy. A total of 69 people were charged with possessing and supplying drugs with 23 were issued with cannabis cautions which police have described as “alarming and disappointing”. Over 48,000 people attended Stereosonic 2015 music festival at Olympic Park in Sydney.

Are you a witness or know more about this incident? Send us an email at [email protected]

Source: http://thetypewriter.org/2015/11/adolescent-deaths-from-aids-have-tripled-since-2000-warns-new-unicef-study/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr_feed&utm_campaign=autopost

The number of adolescent deaths from AIDS has tripled over the last 15 years with 26 new infections occurring every hour, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced today and warned that “it is critical that young people who are HIV-positive have access to treatment, care and support.”

Malawi teen, Martha, was born with HIV. Now a mother herself, she has defied the odds and her son, Rahim Idriss, is part of Malawis AIDS-free generation. In this picture, she awaits the results of Rahmins HIV test. After two months of waiting, she finds out the Rahmin, now 8-months old, is HIV negative.

“At the same time, those who are HIV-negative must have access to the knowledge and means to help them to stay that way,” said Craig McClure, head of UNICEF’s global HIV/AIDS programmes, at a conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, where new data was released by UNICEF.

According to the agency, AIDS is the top cause of death among adolescents (15-19) in Africa and the second leading cause of death among adolescents globally. In sub-Saharan Africa, the region with the highest prevalence, girls are vastly more affected, accounting for 7 in 10 new infections among 15-19 year olds.

“Among HIV-affected populations, adolescents are the only group for which the mortality figures are not decreasing,” according to UNICEF.

UNICEF also said among adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa, just over 1 in 10 is tested for HIV.

According to the data in UNICEF’s Statistical Update on Children, Adolescents and AIDS, less than half of children under 2 months old are tested for HIV. Only 1 in 3 of the 2.6 million children under the age of 15 living with HIV is on treatment.

UNICEF said the new data shows that most adolescents who die of AIDS-related illnesses acquired HIV when they were infants, 10 to 15 years ago, when fewer pregnant women and mothers living with HIV received antiretroviral medicines to prevent HIV transmission from mother to child.

“These children have survived into their teenage years, sometimes without knowing their HIV status,” UNICEF said.

On a positive note, the new data shows that since 2000, nearly 1.3 million new infections among children have been averted, largely due to advances in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

The new data showed that among adolescents, 26 new infections occur every hour and about half of those living with HIV are in just six countries: South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, India, Mozambique and Tanzania.

“The gains we have made on preventing mother to child transmission are laudable, and to be celebrated,” Mr. McClure added, “but immediate investments are needed to get life-saving treatment to children and adolescents who are infected.”

This article is provided by the UN News Centre.

Source: http://thetypewriter.org/2015/11/in-malta-ban-urges-commonwealth-leaders-to-join-un-in-final-push-to-wipe-out-polio/?utm_source=Tumblr&utm_medium=Tumblr_feed&utm_campaign=autopost

A world that may have once seemed unimaginable is within reach – a polio-free world, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, urging leaders gathered in Malta for the Commonwealth Summit to build on the momentum that has been generated in recent years and join the United Nations in making “the final push to wipe out polio forever.”

Secretary-General at Polio Eradication event on margins of 2015 Commonwealth Summit, Valletta, Malta.

“Polio struck down many of my generation. Now we are on the verge of striking down polio,” Mr. Ban told participants, including senior Government officials and polio survivors at an event on the margins of the Commonwealth Summit, which opened yesterday in Valletta, the capital of the island nation.

Recalling his recent visit to Nigeria, the Secretary-General told the gathering that has been witnessing the progress himself, and that indeed, for the first time in history, Nigeria and the African continent reported a full year without one case of polio.

“These and other achievements are testaments to the power of global partnership and concerted leadership. They are a tribute to millions of dedicated health workers on the frontlines,” said the UN chief, while warning: “We must stay vigilant.”

He went out outline what he sees as at least three keys to achieving a polio-free world: the full engagement of all sectors of society, including religious and traditional leaders, youth and women’s groups and other partners such as Rotary International; ensuring that in areas of conflict and insecurity, that warring parties must allow safe passage for health workers to access and vaccinate children; and the commitment of the global community to fill the funding gaps and keep this promise to the world’s children.

“We know when children are protected from polio, they are better protected against all diseases,” he emphasized, thanking all the Commonwealth leaders here for their resolve. “Together, let us make the final push – and wipe out polio forever. With your support, I know we will succeed,” he concluded.

This article is provided by the UN News Centre.