Crisis Prevention & Recovery, Africa

Breaking the food crisis cycle in Africa's Sahel

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

A food crisis is looming in the West of the Sahel, a semi-arid belt stretching from Africa's Atlantic coast to the Red Sea.

The Epicentre of a Crisis

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Almost two million Somalis have left their homes in search of food and tens of thousands have died from hunger. And the numbers continue to rise.

Reflections on Independence Day in South Sudan

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 04:00:00 GMT

It seems a little strange to fall asleep in one country and wake up the next day in a completely new one, all without having moved a single step.

UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Antonio Banderas spotlights Horn of Africa food crisis

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 04:00:00 GMT

UN calls for a further US$1.4 billion to assist Horn of Africa

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 04:00:00 GMT

The United Nations today appealed for a further $1.4 billion dollars to provide life-saving assistance to more than 12 million people across the Horn of Africa.

Water access boosts crop production and incomes in Sudan's rural east

Mon, 23 May 2011 04:00:00 GMT

More than 1,000 farmers living in northeast Sudan now have increased harvests and income due to water irrigation equipment provided through an initiative managed by UNDP.

US 160 million needed for aid in Côte d'Ivoire

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Humanitarian agencies appealed today for US$160 million to scale up aid over the next nine months in Côte d'Ivoire as the humanitarian crisis has affected thousands of households throughout the country.

UN seeks US 2.3 million to assist victims of floods in Namibia

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 04:00:00 GMT

The United Nations Country Team in Namibia urgently seeks US$2.3 million to support national efforts to assist around 60,000 people who have been displaced by record flooding in the north of the country.

Security returning to DR Congo

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Security is slowly returning for communities affected by large-scale violence and killings in northeast Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Landmine clearance saves lives, protects livelihoods in 40 countries

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Achievements have been made but landmines and explosive remnants of war continue to kill or injure thousands of people a year, UN officials say in observance of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

Libéria : les besoins des réfugiés ivoiriens dépassent les ressources

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Au vu du flux grandissant de réfugiés ivoiriens qui traversent le Libéria ces dernières semaines, à la suite de la crise politique qui secoue la Côte d'Ivoire depuis le mois de novembre passé, les agences des Nations Unies mettent en avant la nécessité de renforcer la fourniture en abris d'urgence.

Landmines continue to kill or maim more than 4,000 people yearly

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 04:00:00 GMT

Mine action initiatives in 29 countries, territories or peacekeeping missions will cost $498 million in 2011, according to the 14th edition of the annual Portfolio of Mine Action Projects, released today by the UN in Geneva.

Burundi : Reprendre une vie normale après la guerre

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Un projet de solidarité communautaire au Burundi vise à faciliter la réintégration socio-économique des ex-combattantes.

More than 5,000 Ivorian refugees cross into Liberia in twenty-four hours

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT

More than 5,000 Ivorian refugees arrived in Liberia's border villages on Thursday,24th February, as a result of renewed fighting in western Cote d'Ivoire this week. Over the past 24 hours alone, hundreds of people have been crossing over into eastern Liberia. UNHCR has dispatched non-food items including sleeping mats, mosquito nets and blankets to various locations.

Aid agencies launch $32.7 million appeal for Côte d'Ivoire

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 05:00:00 GMT

West African humanitarian agencies today launched a US$ 32.7 million-emergency plan in order to be prepared for humanitarian needs that could arise due to Côte d'Ivoire's political crisis.

Amidst efforts to solve Ivorian political deadlock, UN agencies prepare aid

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Several UN bodies have stepped up their activities dealing with the effects of the crisis on the people of Côte d'Ivoire.

Côte d'Ivoire: UN envoy meets West African Leaders

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT

A large crowd today attacked a three-vehicle convoy of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Côte d'Ivoire in the commercial capital of Abidjan, slashing one soldier with a machete and setting one of the vehicles on fire.

Women, peace and security in Africa

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Eleven African governments have pledged to ensure an effective regional mechanism to address sexual violence against women and children in a recent, UNDP-sponsored workshop.

UN agency boosts response readiness for Côte d'Ivoire refugees

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The United Nations refugee agency said today it is boosting its contingency plans for Côte d'Ivoire in light of the tense political standoff that has already resulted in more than 6,000 people fleeing the country into two neighbouring West African States.

Ghana peace architecture to get boost from lawmakers

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Lawmakers in Ghana are this month due to consider backing an independent peace-building body that has helped to solve disputes between some of the country's many distinct ethnic and tribal groups and that could be replicated in other countries.

Violence against women: Breaking the silence

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. The resolution reaffirmed the crucial role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts, peace negotiations, peacebuilding, peacekeeping, humanitarian response and post-conflict reconstruction.

Malaysia: UN peacekeepers to get new skills

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 04:00:00 GMT

The Government of Malaysia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched a joint effort to equip African and Asian UN peacekeepers with new skills to protect those most vulnerable in conflicts around the world.

2010 Human Development Report analyses long-term development trends

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Most developing countries made dramatic yet often underestimated progress in health, education and basic living standards in recent decades, reveals a detailed new analysis of long-term Human Development Index trends in the 2010 Human Development Report.

Reconstruction communautaire au Burundi

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Avec le soutien du PNUD, le gouvernement mène un programme de reconstruction communautaire pour inciter les différents groupes sociaux affectés par le conflit (vulnérables, rapatriés et ex-combattants) à uvrer ensemble sur des projets d'intérêt commun.

UNDP salutes anti-poverty heroes in annual photo contest

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Nearly 1,400 contestants submitted more than 3,000 photos in both the professional and amateur categories. Three top prizes were awarded in each of MDGs categories and the public voted online for a People's Choice award.

New UN website gives access to real-time financial data

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT

For the first time in UN history, UNDP provides real-time financial information to the public on donor contributions received, amounts transferred to participating organizations, and certified annual expenditure reports.

Journée mondiale de l'aide humanitaire: les secours se poursuivent au Pakistan

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Alors que les institutions des Nations Unies et les Organisations non gouvernementales (ONG) célèbrent en ce jour la Journée mondiale de l'aide humanitaire, qui vient rappeler l'importance du travail visant à sauver des vies humaines autour du monde, les efforts se poursuivent au Pakistan.

Landmark convention on cluster munitions enters into force

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT

A historic achievement in disarmament, the Convention on Cluster Munitions, will enter into force on 1 August 2010. The treaty provides a legal framework for ending cluster munitions' unacceptable harm to civilians, many of whom live in developing countries.

Mozambique and 123 UN Member States discuss small arms control

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Small arms and light weapons control in the SADC region requires a reinforcement of State structures.

UNDP helps build headquarters for Liberian women and children's unit

Mon, 03 May 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Thanks to a US$550,000 construction project,the specialized Unit for Women and Children with have a fully equipped office complex.

Strengthening peace and security in West Africa

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Key UN stakeholders in West Africa examined ways to strategically improve the coordination of their efforts promoting stability and development in the sub-region.

African countries pledge assistance to Haiti

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 04:00:00 GMT

African countries have pledged more than eight million dollars during the International Donors' Conference for Haiti to help the country recover from the devastating earthquake of January 12.

Japan gives US$2 million to demine drought-stricken areas of Ethiopia

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Thanks to a US$2 million emergency contribution from Japan, UNDP will help to de-mine 2.5 million square meters of land in Ethiopia, safely opening it up for use by drought-stricken local residents and nomadic populations.

Dans le nord-est du Mali, le déminage laisse place au développement

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Tinzawatene, dans l'extrême nord-est du Mali, s'est entièrement débarrassée de ses mines anti-personnel.

UNDP supports first forum on reintegrating displaced people in Chad

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

In the first forum of its kind, UNDP has brought together community, religious and military leaders in eastern Chad to define ways of promoting peaceful co-existence among conflict-affected communities in the region.

A second life for refugee camps in north-western Tanzania

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Situated in the north-west of Tanzania, the regions of Kigoma and Kagera are among the poorest and most marginalized areas in the country.

UNDP and Japan to train 2,000 police officers in DRC

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

UNDP and the Japanese aid agency JICA have signed an agreement to train the national police force in North Kivu and the Oriental Province of DRC as soon as January 2010.

Guerre civile congolaise : les rescapées parlent

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Certaines victimes de la guerre civile ont accepté de parler lors d'un atelier tenu dans le département du Pool, l'un des plus touchés par les conflits armés en République du Congo.

UN helps beef up disaster preparedness across Mozambique

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Thanks to initiatives by Mozambique's National Disaster Management Institute (INGC), Mozambique has become a leader in disaster preparedness. UNDP has helped to strengthen INGC's preparedness and response capacities.

UN assists flood victims in Ouagadougou

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Flood victims are finding refuge in over 110 centers in Ouagadougou. UNDP has allocated USD 50,000 to assess needs and coordinate the interventions of the UN.

Niger: UNDP boosts livelihoods for women and girls

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

About 1,200 conflict-affected women and girls in northern Niger are benefiting from an economic recovery assistance programme that will also promote cooperation among previously conflicting communities.

Displaced people in DRC to benefit from social and economic services

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

About 125,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the South Kivu province of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo will benefit from a joint UN social and economic recovery programme over the next 18 months.

UNDP Administrator meets volunteers diffusing conflict in DRC

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Helen Clark has joined government ministers and community leaders to launch a new UNV-supported volunteering initiative aimed at spreading a message of peace.

New border post key to ending Sierra Leone-Liberia trafficking

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Sierra Leone and Liberia made another break from their charred history of violence and war by establishing a border post at a key crossing for arms trafficking and illegal immigration.

Namibia: Recovering from the worst floods in 46 years

Thu, 14 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Since early 2009, torrential rains and severe flooding in the north-central and north-eastern regions of Namibia have killed almost 100 people.Out of over 350,000 people who have lost their livelihoods, more than 55,000 have been displaced.

Multi-agency UN project to boost local government in Liberia

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The signing of a six-agency project in Liberia is a major step toward restoring civil administration in the West African country, UNDP said today.

International Women's Day Special: Faces of strength and courage

Sun, 08 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

March 8 is International Women's Day, an opportunity to remind the world of women's economic, political and social achievements. Find out more about UNDP's work in gender equality and women's empowerment.

Madagascar: Ban calls for protection of civilians

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today offered United Nations support to help foster reconciliation in Madagascar where serious unrest has led to the death of dozens of people.

500 bikes for peace in northern Uganda

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

UNDP launches a peace bikes' campaign aimed at supporting and broadening women's contribution to the peace process in war-affected communities in northern Uganda.

UNDP promotes small arms control in Mozambique

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:00:00 GMT

UNDP has delivered equipment to the Mozambican Interior Ministry that will help to fight crime and promote security in the country.

Delivering services in post-election Kenya

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

A new and innovative Emergency Volunteer Scheme (EVS) which brings together national leaders in various professions such as sports, music, media and education as well as faith organisations is changing lives in post-election Kenya.

Japan grants US$137 million to UNDP

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The grant will support reconstruction assistance in Afghanistan, a peacekeeping support programme in Africa, and a response to humanitarian crisis and peacebuilding in Africa with a particular focus on countries vulnerable to climate change.

Japan provides aid to tackle proliferation of weapons in Africa

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The Government of Japan will make a contribution of US$3 million to fund the "Programme to Tackle the Illicit Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons in the Economic Community of West African States."

UNDP concerned about reports of sexual violence in Kenya

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The recent reports of increasing sexual violence against displaced women in Kenya are of great concern, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said today.

Musicians sing out for violence free elections in Sierra Leone

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 04:00:00 GMT

UNDP-supported Artists for Peace' take their peace train to the provinces ahead of August 11 elections.

"Now I'm a businessman"

Wed, 30 May 2007 04:00:00 GMT

Last December, Bassou Nguesso, a former warlord from the Republic of Congo, gave up his weapons as part of a UNDP-supported Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration programme that has collected 9,000 weapons and provided many of their previous owners a job.

UNDP Associate Administrator visits Democratic Republic of Congo

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 04:00:00 GMT

Ad Melkert, UNDP Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator, concluded a three-day official visit to Kinshasa and Goma this week, witnessing local responses to the challenge of building democracy in a post-crisis country.

Japan grants aid to Africa

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 05:00:00 GMT

The Government of Japan agreed to extend grants to the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic and Sierra Leone through UNDP as assistance to sustainable peace in Africa.

Japan supports National Institute for Demining in Angola

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 05:00:00 GMT

The Government of Japan and UNDP have signed an agreement for a Japanese contribution of approximately US$4 million to the Government of Angola.

Liberian president calls for support to reconstruction

Thu, 21 Sep 2006 04:00:00 GMT

President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf called on the international community to step up support for Liberia so as to prevent a possible regression into civil war.

Ad Melkert visits Sudan

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 04:00:00 GMT

UNDP's Associate Administrator ended his visit by confirming the UN's support to the implementation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that put an end to Africa's longest civil war.

Conférence diamants pour le développement

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 04:00:00 GMT

Comment l'industrie extractive peut-elle servir à réduire la pauvreté, alimenter l'économie et promouvoir la paix dans quatre pays d'Afrique de l'Ouest?

United Nations and AMIS join forces to train African Union personnel in Darfur

Mon, 01 May 2006 04:00:00 GMT

To help the African Union carry out its protection mandate in Darfur, the United Nations Development Programme together with other UN agencies and the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS), has launched a comprehensive training programme that will strengthen the capacities of all members of the 7300-strong protection force and help restore the rule of law in Darfur.

Japan and UNDP sign agreement to reintegrate former child soldiers

Fri, 17 Mar 2006 05:00:00 GMT

The Government of Japan and UNDP signed a US$2 million agreement to support an African Union plan to demobilize, disarm, rehabilitate and reintegrate young ex-combatants in the war-torn Great Lakes region of Africa.

UN and Government Launch Early Recovery Plan Ahead of Donor's Meet

Fri, 18 Nov 2005 05:00:00 GMT

Thai success stories for halting and reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Kingdom were shared in a Thailand-Africa consultation workshop in Botswana.

Japanese government contributes more than US$6 million to Sudan

Wed, 16 Nov 2005 05:00:00 GMT

The Government of Japan made the contribution to a programme that aims to achieve the disarmament and demobilization of child and women soldiers in Sudan.

Guinea-Bissau: Clearing Landmines

Wed, 01 Dec 2004 05:00:00 GMT

At the end of the war, in 2000, the government of Guinea-Bissau asked UNDP for assistance to remove landmines, and UNDP, with assistance from Canada, the European Union, Germany, the Netherlands and the US, a National Centre for Coordinating Mine Action Activities was established.

Choosing Development Over Guns in Sierra Leone

Wed, 01 Dec 2004 05:00:00 GMT

The war may be officially over now, but Sierra Leone is still awash in guns and weaponry. For the people of the region, who are still coming to terms with the bitter memories of the conflict, life is returning to normal.