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Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Training Opportunity: Primary Care for Substance Use Professionals 5-hour Online Course
Monday, May 26, 2014
Map Shows All the African Countries Where the U.S. Has Active Military Operations
http://www.policymic.com/articles/89831/surprising-map-shows-all-the-african-countries-where-the-u-s-has-active-military-operations
Surprising Map Shows All the African Countries Where the U.S. Has Active Military Operations
Surprising Map Shows All the African Countries Where the U.S. Has Active Military Operations
The news: Today’s reality check comes courtesy of the Washington Post.
President Barack Obama made headlines Wednesday when he deployed 80 American troops to Chad. Their stated mission is to find the over 200 Nigerian girls kidnapped by Boko Haramlast month, a crime that’s galvanized the international community.
But this is the U.S. military, and we’d be foolish to assume anything is so simple. Anyone worried about the broader implications of their actions need look no further than this map:
Image Credit: Washington Post
Thirteen nations – stretching from the Horn of Africa to
Mali’s western border – already house U.S. troops involved
in “actual military operations.” Their presence is widely
considered part of an expanding “shadow war against
al-Qaeda affiliates and other militant groups” in the
region – and the American people know very little about it.
Mali’s western border – already house U.S. troops involved
in “actual military operations.” Their presence is widely
considered part of an expanding “shadow war against
al-Qaeda affiliates and other militant groups” in the
region – and the American people know very little about it.
Like many wars throughout history, this one is
starting small. Troop numbers remain low, and intelligence
operations are housed mainly in small airbases constructed
in the past seven years.
They emphasize spy missions: Many involve aircraft
disguised as private planes, and are equipped with full-motion
sensors that track infrared heat patterns, record video
and pick up radio and cellphone signals. At least 12 such
bases have been built since 2007.
starting small. Troop numbers remain low, and intelligence
operations are housed mainly in small airbases constructed
in the past seven years.
They emphasize spy missions: Many involve aircraft
disguised as private planes, and are equipped with full-motion
sensors that track infrared heat patterns, record video
and pick up radio and cellphone signals. At least 12 such
bases have been built since 2007.
Things have been quiet thus far, but the U.S. has a troubled
history of conducting proxy wars throughout Africa.
Since 9/11 alone, American covert operations have contributed
to violence and destabilization in Mali, the Central African
Republic and Libya, among others. Without the level of
pomp and troop involvement as the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan, U.S. forces can now subtly influence Africa’s
political landscape as they see fit, while evading public scrutiny.
history of conducting proxy wars throughout Africa.
Since 9/11 alone, American covert operations have contributed
to violence and destabilization in Mali, the Central African
Republic and Libya, among others. Without the level of
pomp and troop involvement as the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan, U.S. forces can now subtly influence Africa’s
political landscape as they see fit, while evading public scrutiny.
This should worry us. Despite their operations’ relative
tameness nowadays – if launching drone strikes and
fighting proxy wars can be considered “tame” – U.S.
military intervention on the continent has rarely been without
negative consequences. It’s grown increasingly important to
remember this when calling for intervention in African affairs:
Whatever Band-Aid effect Americans may have now, the
long-term impact will be felt almost exclusively by the people
who actually live there.
tameness nowadays – if launching drone strikes and
fighting proxy wars can be considered “tame” – U.S.
military intervention on the continent has rarely been without
negative consequences. It’s grown increasingly important to
remember this when calling for intervention in African affairs:
Whatever Band-Aid effect Americans may have now, the
long-term impact will be felt almost exclusively by the people
who actually live there.
Remaining vigilant as our troops amass in growing numbers
might be one of the few ways to avoid creating more
problems we’re ill equipped to fix. The beginning of that
process is education.
might be one of the few ways to avoid creating more
problems we’re ill equipped to fix. The beginning of that
process is education.
To that end, here’s a brief rundown of recent U.S. military
activities and outposts in Sub-Saharan Africa:
activities and outposts in Sub-Saharan Africa:
Burkina Faso. Base established 2007 in Ouagadougou,
launches spy planes to police and patrol the Islamic Maghreb.
launches spy planes to police and patrol the Islamic Maghreb.
Image Credit: Public Intelligence
Congo. Troops stationed in Congo to aid the search for
Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army.
Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army.
Central African Republic. Part of the broader search for
the Lord’s Resistance Army.
the Lord’s Resistance Army.
Chad. 80 troops deployed May 21 to search for the
kidnapped Nigerian girls.
kidnapped Nigerian girls.
Djibouti. Home to Camp Lemonnier, a full-blown military
base that houses 4,000 troops and has a $1.4 billion
expansion plan in the works. Also faces allegations of being
used as a “black site” where terrorism suspects are tortured.
A congressional investigation into the issue has yet to be
declassified.
base that houses 4,000 troops and has a $1.4 billion
expansion plan in the works. Also faces allegations of being
used as a “black site” where terrorism suspects are tortured.
A congressional investigation into the issue has yet to be
declassified.
Image Credit: Public Intelligence
Ethiopia. Airport annex used to house Reaper drones
flown over East Africa since 2011.
flown over East Africa since 2011.
Image Credit: Public Intelligence
Kenya. Multiple bases, including Manda Bay (used to
launch drone strikes) and Camp Simba, home to 60 military
personnel since 2013.
launch drone strikes) and Camp Simba, home to 60 military
personnel since 2013.
Image Credit: Public Intelligence
Mali. Troops sent in 2013 to aid French and African forces
in wartime, though the White House insisted they were not
directly engaged in combat.
in wartime, though the White House insisted they were not
directly engaged in combat.
Niger. Drone base since 2013, also houses 100 military
intelligence personnel.
intelligence personnel.
Image Credit: Public Intelligence
Nigeria. Troops deployed to aid the search for the kidnapped
girls earlier this month.
girls earlier this month.
Somalia. Fewer than two dozen troops deployed for “training
and advising” purposes in 2014.
and advising” purposes in 2014.
South Sudan. Forty-five military personnel deployed to
protect U.S. citizens and property in 2013.
protect U.S. citizens and property in 2013.
Image Credit: Public Intelligence
Uganda. Launches surveillance aircraft out of a base in
Entebbe, mostly used to search for Joseph Kony’s Lord’s
Resistance Army.
Entebbe, mostly used to search for Joseph Kony’s Lord’s
Resistance Army.
Image Credit: Public Intelligence
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Deadline May 27, 2014. $102K for Campus Suicide Prevention Grants
Date: 5/7/2014 8:50 AM
Media Contact: SAMHSA Press Office
Telephone: 240-276-2130
Media Contact: SAMHSA Press Office
Telephone: 240-276-2130
SAMHSA is accepting applications for up to $4.2 million for the Campus Suicide Prevention Grant
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications for Prevention and Public Health Fund-2014 Campus Suicide Prevention (PPHF-2014) grants. The purpose of this program is to facilitate a comprehensive approach to preventing suicide in institutions of higher education. This program is designed to assist colleges and universities build a foundation for their efforts to prevent suicide attempts and completions and to enhance services for students with mental and substance use disorders that put them at risk for suicide and suicide attempts.
Funding for the grants is provided by the Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF-2014).
SAMHSA anticipates that up to 14 awards will be made at up to $102,000 each year for up to three years. Actual award amounts may vary, depending on the availability of funds.
WHO CAN APPLY: Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education that have not previously been awarded a Campus Suicide Prevention grant. Tribal Colleges and Universities are eligible and encouraged to apply. See Section III-1 of the Request for Applications (RFA) for complete eligibility information.
HOW TO APPLY:You must go to both http://www.grants.gov and the SAMHSA websitehttp://beta.samhsa.gov/grants/applying to download the required documents you will need to apply for this SAMHSA grant.
Applicants must apply online through http://www.Grants.gov . Please refer to Appendix B, “Guidance for Electronic Submission of Applications” of the (RFA) for more information.
APPLICATION DUE DATE: May 27, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time). Applications must be received by the due date and time to be considered for review. Please review carefully Section IV-2 of the application announcement for submission requirements.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Applicants with questions about program issues should contact Rosalyn Blogier at (240) 276-1842 or rosalyn.blogier@samhsa.hhs.gov . For questions on grants management issues contact Gwendolyn Simpson at (240) 276-1408 or gwendolyn.simpson@samhsa.hhs.gov .
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Monday, May 19, 2014
Cultural Competency, Knowledge, and Understanding.
Regrettably this is the start of psychological
subconscious\conscious training that starts at the earliest age for young black
youths due to a lack of cultural knowledge\understanding.
Readers, you be the judge of what’s taking place
for both the short and long term effects.
From: Andrew Williams Jr [
To: LiBugg
Subject: Young black
students in Fresno and nationally need our help
Andrew Williams Jr.
On May 19, 2014 6:20 PM, "LiBugg" wrote:
I re-read your email and attachments today hoping to stimulate my thoughts. I want to know how can I help the African American students I get to know while substitute teaching. I teach in predominantly white and or Spanish districts. Here is my experience today.
My heart was broken today.
On May 19, 2014 6:20 PM, "LiBugg" wrote:
I re-read your email and attachments today hoping to stimulate my thoughts. I want to know how can I help the African American students I get to know while substitute teaching. I teach in predominantly white and or Spanish districts. Here is my experience today.
My heart was broken today.
A 3rd grade African
American boy worked hard to get his weekly visiting English/drama teacher’s
approval. Let's call him Jon.
He was one of two African
American male students in a class of 26 (Mostly
white.… Perhaps 5 Spanish). The
students prepared to stand up before the class and read their poems.
I walked by Jon’s table
and was impressed with his ability to memorize a poem …with inflection and
pauses within 15 minutes.
The visiting teacher then
said, "I will pick the students who worked hard to come up first."
She called all the kids to come up and read their poems.
Jon was called third to
last and then another African American boy second to last.
I saw Jon's face when she
got to the 15th student. It looked so sad. I fought hard not to speak up
for him. I had to watch it through to the end to be sure of what was taking
place.
When Jon did read, the
teacher was looking down at her papers. Again, this time I fought hard
not to show my anger. I had to be wise and careful (at this point).
When the teacher was alone, I told her he was one of the best, but called
at the end (after she said the best would be called first).
Her response, “Well...He
doesn't behave!"
“Well, today he memorized
a poem and did an excellent job, I replied.“ I did not see him misbehave
and he was with me all day. Later, I told Jon he did a great job. Then I
made him and a another student (white girl) who did well.... captains of teams.
It was all I could do for
now!
Nevertheless, I see
so many African American children misunderstood as I travel from school to
school. I know other kids go through the same experiences…but there
is a consistent experience with many (not all but many) African Americans.
That is, they are so misunderstood. Something has to be done.
LiBugg
AU African Risk Capacity (ARC)
Even though non-political in nature African Risk Capacity guidelines, and contingency planning documentation must be designed with anti-corruption & enforcement criteria for country participation in order to be an effective and sustainable tool for planning and recovery.
Black Emergency Managers Association
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Funding Opportunity: William Averette Anderson Fund (Bill Anderson Fund)
v William Averette
Anderson Fund
The William Averette
Anderson Fund, fondly called the Bill Anderson Fund, serves as a
conduit between entities (institutions, organizations and agencies) that serve
to educate and nurture individuals of color in such fields as, but not limited
to, engineering, earth science, sociology, urban planning, public
administration and public health: and entities that provide graduate education
and employ specialists in hazard and disaster mitigation. The focus is to significantly increase the
persons of color who perform research, are educators, practitioners and
research funders in hazard and disaster mitigation.
The
Fund’s focus
on one of Bill’s major long-held concerns, expressed to Norma throughout his
professional career, and which is captured in the two documents referenced
below. First, the National Research Council of the National Academies 2006
report, Facing Hazards and
Disasters: Understanding Human
Dimensions.
“The report [Facing Hazards and Disasters] indicates that
more diversity is needed in the social science disaster research
workforce. Because of their
vulnerability, Hurricane Katrina affected many minorities, but there are few
minority researchers and practitioners in the field. A minority perspective could bring new light
to issues that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Additionally, the report calls for The NSF (National Science Foundation)
and other relevant agencies to take action to increase the size of the
scholarly workforce in the field in order to meet future needs, especially
since the workforce is aging.”
Second,
documented in the International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Disasters,
November 2008, Mobilization of the Black Community Following Hurricane Katrina:
From Disaster Assistance to Advocacy of Social Change and Equity, William A. Anderson,
National Research Council, National Academies….
“Inclusion of
African Americans and other minorities could be significant because of the
different perspectives that they might bring to managing disaster-related
problems and conducting critical research and educational activities.”
$15K-$30K Deadline Thursday, June 19, 2014. Awards for Access to Disaster Medicine and Public Health Information.
The
National Library of Medicine (NLM) is offering a funding opportunity for small
projects to improve access to disaster medicine and public health information
for health care professionals, first responders and others that play a role in
health-related disaster preparedness, response and recovery. NLM is
soliciting proposals from partnerships in the U.S. that include at least one
library and at least one organization that has disaster-related
responsibilities, such as a health department, emergency management department,
and responder organizations. Contract awards will be offered for a minimum
of $15,000 to a maximum of $30,000 each for a one-year project.
An
open information session was held on Thursday, May 8 at 1:30 pm
ET during the monthly Disaster Information Specialist webinar. All questions
and responses will be posted following the meeting on FedBizOpps.
The
deadline for proposals is Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 5 pm ET.
The solicitation notice can be found on FedBizOpps.gov:
For more information about the “Disaster Health Information
Outreach and Collaboration Project 2014”, please visit http://disasterinfo.nlm.nih.gov/dimrc/2014disasteroutreachrfq.html.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Call for Papers. ICISF's 13th World Congress on Stress, Trauma, and Coping.
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Health Consideration: CDC Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is viral respiratory illness first reported in Saudi Arabia in 2012. It is caused by a coronavirus called MERS-CoV. Most people who have been confirmed to have MERS-CoV infection developed severe acute respiratory illness.
They had fever, cough, and shortness of breath. More than 30% of these people died.
So far, all the cases have been linked to countries in the Arabian Peninsula. This virus has spread from ill people to others through close contact, such as caring for or living with an infected person. However, there is no evidence of sustained spreading in community settings.
On May 2, 2014, the first U.S. case of MERS was confirmed in a traveler from Saudi Arabia to the U.S. The traveler is considered to be fully recovered and has been released from the hospital. Public health officials have contacted healthcare workers, family members, and travelers who had close contact with the patient. At this time, none of these contacts has had evidence of being infected with MERS-CoV.
On May 11, 2014, a second U.S. imported case of MERS was confirmed in a traveler who also came to the U.S. from Saudi Arabia. This patient is currently hospitalized and doing well. People who had close contact with this patient are being contacted. The two U.S. cases are not linked.
CDC and other public health partners continue to investigate and respond to the changing situation to prevent the spread of MERS-CoV in the U.S. These two cases of MERS imported to the U.S. represent a very low risk to the general public in this country.
CDC continues to closely monitor the MERS situation globally and work with partners to better understand the risks of this virus, including the source, how it spreads, and how infections might be prevented. CDC recognizes the potential for MERS-CoV to spread further and cause more cases globally and in the U.S. We have provided information for travelers and are working with health departments, hospitals, and other partners to prepare for this.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Q: What is MERS?
A: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a
viral respiratory illness. MERS is caused by a coronavirus called “Middle East Respiratory
Syndrome Coronavirus” (MERS-CoV).
Q: What is MERS-CoV?
A: MERS-CoV is a beta coronavirus. It was first reported in 2012
in Saudi Arabia. MERS-CoV used to be called “novel coronavirus,” or “nCoV”. It
is different from other coronaviruses that have been found in people
before.
Q: How was the name selected?
A: The Coronavirus Study Group (CSG) of the
International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) decided in May 2013 to
call the novel coronavirus “Middle East Respiratory
Syndrome Coronavirus” (MERS-CoV) [5 pages].
Countries With Lab-Confirmed MERS Cases
Countries in the Arabian Peninsula with Cases
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Qatar
- Oman
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Yemen
Countries with Travel-associated Cases
- United Kingdom (UK)
- France
- Tunisia
- Italy
- Malaysia
- United States of America (USA)
For information about cases and deaths by country, visit World Health Organization (WHO)
Q: Is MERS-CoV the same as the SARS virus?
A: No. MERS-CoV is not the same coronavirus that
caused severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003. However, like the SARS
virus, MERS-CoV is most similar to coronaviruses found in bats. CDC is still
learning about MERS.
Q: What are the symptoms of MERS?
A: Most people who got infected with MERS-CoV
developed severe acute respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and
shortness of breath. 30% of them died. Some people were reported as having a
mild respiratory illness.
Q: Does MERS-CoV spread from person to person?
A: MERS-CoV has been shown to spread between
people who are in close contact.[1] Transmission from infected patients to
healthcare personnel has also been observed. Clusters of cases in several
countries are being investigated.
Q: What is the source of MERS-CoV?
A: We don’t know for certain where the virus came
from. However, it likely came from an animal source. In addition to humans,
MERS-CoV has been found in camels in Qatar, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and a bat in
Saudi Arabia. Camels in a few other countries have also tested positive for
antibodies to MERS-CoV, indicating they were previously infected with MERS-CoV
or a closely related virus. However, we don’t know whether camels are the source
of the virus. More information is needed to identify the possible role that
camels, bats, and other animals may play in the transmission of
MERS-CoV.
Q: Is CDC concerned?
A: Yes, CDC is concerned about MERS-CoV. Most
people who have been confirmed to have MERS-CoV infection developed severe acute
respiratory illness. They had fever, cough, and shortness of breath. About 30%
of these people died. Also, in other countries, the virus has spread from person
to person through close contact, such as caring for or living with an infected
person. CDC recognizes the potential for the virus to spread further and cause
more cases globally, including in the United States.
Q: Has anyone in the United States gotten infected?
A: Yes, on May 2, 2014, the first confirmed case
of MERS-CoV was reported in a traveler to the United States. This is the only
confirmed case in the United States. Read more.
Q: What is CDC doing about the first case of MERS in the United States?
A: CDC works 24/7 to protect people’s health. It
is the job of CDC to be concerned and move quickly whenever there is a potential
public health problem. CDC is working very quickly to investigate this first
U.S. case of MERS and ensure that Americans are safe. We expect to learn much
more in the coming hours and days. We will share updated information through
this website.
CDC is also closely monitoring the MERS situation globally. We are working with WHO and other partners to better understand the virus, how it spreads, the source, and risks to the public’s health. CDC is engaged in the following ways:
CDC is also closely monitoring the MERS situation globally. We are working with WHO and other partners to better understand the virus, how it spreads, the source, and risks to the public’s health. CDC is engaged in the following ways:
- CDC developed molecular diagnostics that will allow scientists to accurately identify MERS cases. CDC also developed assays to detect MERS-CoV antibodies. These lab tests will help scientists tell whether a person is, or has been, infected with MERS-CoV. CDC will evaluate genetic sequences as they are available, which will help scientists further describe the characteristics of MERS-CoV.
- As part of routine public health preparedness in the United States, CDC has provided MERS-CoV testing kits to state health departments so they can test for patients under investigation for MERS-CoV infection. CDC also developed Interim Guidance for Health Professionals. This includes case definitions, and guidance for evaluating patients, reporting cases to CDC, infection control in healthcare settings, preparedness, caring for MERS patients at home, and handling clinical specimens.
- CDC is offering recommendations to travelers when needed. CDC is also helping to assess ill travelers returning from affected areas.
- In addition, CDC has participated in several international public health investigations of MERS. CDC continues to provide advice and laboratory diagnostic support to countries in the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding region.
Q: Am I at risk for MERS-CoV Infection in the United States?
A: You are not considered to be at risk for
MERS-CoV infection if you have not had close contact, such as caring for or
living with someone who is being evaluated for MERS-CoV infection.
Q: Can I still travel to countries in the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries where MERS cases have occurred?
A: Yes. CDC does not recommend that anyone change
their travel plans because of MERS. The current CDC travel notice is an Alert
(Level 2), which provides special precautions for travelers. Because spread of
MERS has occurred in healthcare settings, the alert advises travelers going to
countries in or near the Arabian Peninsula to provide health care services to
practice CDC’s recommendations for infection control of confirmed or suspected
cases and to monitor their health closely. Travelers who are going to the area
for other reasons are advised to follow standard precautions, such as hand
washing and avoiding contact with people who are ill.
For more information, see CDC’s travel notice on MERS in the Arabian Peninsula.
For more information, see CDC’s travel notice on MERS in the Arabian Peninsula.
Q: What if I recently traveled to countries in the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries and got sick?
A: If you develop a fever and symptoms of
respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after
traveling from countries in the Arabian Peninsula or neighboring countries[2], you should see your healthcare provider
and mention your recent travel.
Q: How can I help protect myself?
A: CDC advises that people follow these tips to
help prevent respiratory illnesses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact, such as kissing, sharing cups, or sharing eating utensils, with sick people.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs.
Q: Is there a vaccine?
A: No, but CDC is discussing with partners the
possibility of developing one.
Q: What are the treatments?
A: There are no specific treatments recommended
for illnesses caused by MERS-CoV. Medical care is supportive and to help relieve
symptoms.
Q: Is there a lab test?
A: Lab tests (polymerase chain reaction or PCR)
for MERS-CoV are available at state health departments, CDC, and some
international labs. Otherwise, MERS-CoV tests are not routinely available. There
are a limited number of commercial tests available, but these are not
FDA-approved.
Q: What should healthcare providers and health departments do?
A: For recommendations and guidance on the case
definitions; infection control, including personal protective equipment
guidance; home care and isolation; case investigation; and specimen collection
and shipment, see Interim Guidance for Health
Professionals.
Footnotes
- Close contact is defined as a) any person who provided care for the patient, including a healthcare worker or family member, or had similarly close physical contact; or b) any person who stayed at the same place (e.g. lived with, visited) as the patient while the patient was ill.
- Countries in the Arabian Peninsula and neighboring countries: Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestinian territories, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Yemen.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Deadline June 2, 2014. Visa and Nethope Innovation Grants
http://nethope.org/assets/uploads/20140507_Visa_Innovation_Grants_2014_RFP.pdf
NETHOPE & VISA TO AWARD INNOVATION GRANTS TO NON-PROFIT AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS
Visa Innovation Grants 2014
OVERVIEW
Each year, the development community, relief organizations and governments make billions of dollars in cash payments to poor households through benefit stipends, emergency relief payments and other development initiatives. Moreover, in the last decade the international community has made a significant transition away from the distribution of in-kind goods toward cash transfers, not only in emergency relief but also in the areas of health, education, food security, and poverty alleviation. While these efforts hold great promise, making an additional shift from physical cash toward electronic payments will allow individuals and organizations to realize fully the benefits of this transition while accelerating the rate of financial inclusion around the world.
Because of the prevalence of cash-based societies in developing markets, NGOs often are forced to rely on physical cash for both their work with beneficiaries (microfinance payments, conditional cash transfers) as well as their internal operations (payroll, expenditures, etc.). While using cash is often the most apparent means of payment, this traditional approach can present significant overhead costs, overburden staffing resources, open the door to corruption and security concerns and present missed opportunities to advance financial inclusion. By exploring new technologies and building new approaches, the humanitarian and development communities can improve the efficiency, transparency and impact of their programs while enabling individuals to begin participating in the formal financial system.
Humanitarian and development organizations already have begun to explore a wide variety of technologies to facilitate payments and manage resources. An increasing array of technologies and opportunities are emerging, providing the flexibility of cash and mitigating the challenges of resource distribution and program operations that transcend diverse geographies. Vouchers, prepaid cards, electronic remittances and mobile money transactions are just a few of the options becoming increasingly available in place of the distribution of physical cash. These mechanisms can have immediate and positive impacts because they help reduce the costs and risks of distributing cash. At the same time, by receiving money electronically, beneficiaries, vendors and employees engage in the financial services cycle and discover the ways in which that cycle can support their livelihoods and their communities.
However, a study by the Cash Learning Partnership entitled, “New Technologies in Cash Transfer Programming and Humanitarian Assistance” reveals significant obstacles facing organizations trying to make this transition, including technological, operational and attitudinal barriers. While some of these barriers are being overcome through greater knowledge-sharing and an increase in public-private partnerships, the report calls for greater investment in overcoming internal barriers and additional funding for adoption of new technologies.
To help organizations address these challenges and questions, Visa has launched the Visa Innovation Grants program. Through this program, Visa is making available five grants of $100,000 each to non-profit humanitarian and development organizations to support innovation, implementation and adoption of electronic transfers and/or payments within their programs and/or within their organizations.
Examples of projects that could be considered for funding:
- Implementing or transitioning a cash transfer program (e.g., cash grants, cash-for-work, voucher) to using electronic payments instead of in-kind goods or physical cash for an emergency humanitarian scenario or in a non-emergency development program
- Electronifying the distribution and repayment of microloans or other financial services
- Electronifying payments to NGO field staff
- Electronifying significant payment streams for local suppliers in the field
By helping humanitarian and development organizations transition to electronic payments and transactions, Visa believes that these grants will help foster financial inclusion in the communities they serve as well as strengthen the organizations’ ability to realize their missions.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Refugee Protection: UNHCR Protection Manual
http://www.unhcr.org/pages/532700d86.html
UNHCR Protection Manual
© UNHCR/B. Szandelszky
A repository of protection policy and guidance
The Protection Manual is the UN refugee agency's repository of protection policy and guidance, gathering some 1,000 publications ranging from the 1951 UN Refugee Convention to the latest UNHCR policy positions.
It is updated whenever a new protection policy or guidance document is published, and can thus be relied upon to represent the current state of UNHCR protection policy and guidance.
The manual is organized thematically or by subject, including legal topics (reflecting, for example,
UNHCR guidance on the different elements of the refugee definition) and operational protection guidance (for example, on asylum-seekers at sea or age, gender and diversity).
Under each heading, the documents are arranged in reverse chronological order and are accessible individually through a hyperlink.
Documents from external sources are generally not included, unless they provide guidance on protection-related topics that also applies to or has specifically been endorsed by UNHCR, such as inter-agency guidance.
At the end of each subject heading, relevant related sources are listed, containing older guidance and documents which serve as background reading.
It is updated whenever a new protection policy or guidance document is published, and can thus be relied upon to represent the current state of UNHCR protection policy and guidance.
The manual is organized thematically or by subject, including legal topics (reflecting, for example,
UNHCR guidance on the different elements of the refugee definition) and operational protection guidance (for example, on asylum-seekers at sea or age, gender and diversity).
Under each heading, the documents are arranged in reverse chronological order and are accessible individually through a hyperlink.
Documents from external sources are generally not included, unless they provide guidance on protection-related topics that also applies to or has specifically been endorsed by UNHCR, such as inter-agency guidance.
At the end of each subject heading, relevant related sources are listed, containing older guidance and documents which serve as background reading.