Presidents of Russia and Tajikistan conduct negotiations

The President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon has conducted negotiations with his Russian colleague Dmitry Medvedev and completed his visit in Moscow. The meeting in Kremlin turned to be very productive for both sides. Upon the results of the negotiations Emomali Rahmon and Dmitry Medvedev have signed a joint communiqué. The document contains information concerning the stable growth of trade turnover and the intention to expand the cooperation of Russia and Tajikistan in trade and economic, scientific and technical sectors. The heads of states again confirmed their interest in the construction of Rogun HPS and mini hydroelectric stations. During the negotiations sides have also discussed the fuel and energy sectors, geological explorations and the development of natural gas fields in Tajikistan.

The issue concerning the rent for the territory occupied by the Russian military base still remains open. Most likely until 2014 everything will remain as it is now. No one will pay the rent for now. Dmitry Medvedev assured Emomali Rahmon that Russia will introduce new migration rules, which will simplify the presence of Tajik migrants on the territory of Russia. Russia and Tajikistan are strategic partners. The presidents are satisfied with the results of the negotiations conducted in the mood of mutual understanding and trust. Emomali Rahmon has invited Dmitry Medvedev to visit Tajikistan with a state visit at any possibly opportunity.

Indian President visits Tajikistan

Pratibha Patil arrived with an official visit to Dushanbe, Tajikistan. This is the first visit of Indian president in Tajikistan. The official part of negotiations was held in the new building of “National Palace.” The agenda of discussions was the deepening of economical cooperation between the two countries. The trade turnover between India and Tajikistan for the last year has totaled to 60 million dollars. The presidents are dissatisfied with such a result. They have agreed that intergovernmental commission will develop a plan of beneficial trade. Besides the issues of economical cooperation, the heads of states also discussed regional security. Pratibha Patil and Emomali Rahmon discussed the situation in Central Asian region, taking into consideration the extremist groups that have intensified their activities.

Not a single document was signed as the result of the negotiations. As it turned out, Indian President does not have sufficient credentials to sign documents on the highest level. Nevertheless, observers think that the visit of the Indian President has laid the ground for relations between the two countries. The opening of Indian-Tajik business forum is planned in the evening in the governmental residence.

Large mosque to be constructed in Dushanbe

A large mosque to be constructed in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. After the visit to the United States, the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon has paid a visit to United Arab Emirates, has familiarized with the project of the mosque, which was developed by Arab architects. The mosque will be able to fit 150 thousand believers. The construction of the mosque will be carried by “Adnan Safarini” company. The project will be financed by a Qatar emir. The head of state has advised the architects to use ancient Tajik ornaments and symbols, while constructing a mosque. The new mosque is not only a place for prayers, but also a large cultural and historical Islamic centre. Some halls of the mosque will be arranged specially for conducting scientific and cultural events.

Today the central mosque of Dushanbe does not fit all the believers during the Friday prayers, whereas during the holidays it is overcrowded. It is designed to fit only seven thousand people. Four times as much arrives for prayers. In total there are 17 large and 50 small mosques in Dushanbe. The Tajik Islamic High Council thinks that this is obviously not enough.

Tajik-Iranian cooperation discussed in Dushanbe

Dushanbe 06.12.2009, Stan--- a conference on Tajik-Iranian cooperation in new conditions was held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Political scientists from both countries aim to define the priorities of mutually beneficial cooperation. Tajikistan has dozens of joint enterprises with Iranian capital. Iranian investors work in small and middle scale business sectors, producing food products and household appliances. In 2008 the trade turnover between the two countries exceeded 500 million dollars. Scientists say that two countries have reached the top in their relations and they don’t know where to move further. Political scientists propose serious conceptions to create efficient cooperation.

In course of 18 years, two countries have signed around 200 agreements in political, cultural and economical sectors. According to the Iranian Ambassador to Tajikistan Aliasgar Sherdust, the majority of agreements do not work. Participants of the conference think that in order to increase the effectiveness of cooperation of the two countries, it is necessary to receive advice from scientists. The reports and offers of political scientists will be given to the Iranian Embassy in Dushanbe.

Cartagena summit seconds Tajikistan’s request for extension of its mine-clearance commitments

December 5, 2009, Stan -- Tajikistan has signed the 2009 Cartagena declaration “Solidarity Obligation on a Mine-free World,” according to Tajik Mine Action Center (TMAC).

The declaration was signed by participants of the Second review Conference on the Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-personnel Mines that was held in Cartagena, Colombia from November 29 to December 4.

States and international and non-governmental organizations that gathered in Cartagena ten years after the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention entered into force were represented at the highest possible level and the conference was given the name “The Cartagena Summit on a Mine-Free World.”

Tajik delegation participating at the conference was led by Minister of Justice Bahtiyor Khudoyorov.

Delivering a statement at the conference, Khudoyorov drew attention of those present to the landmine problem on the Tajik-Uzbek border. He noted that since 1999, landmines laid by Uzbek authorities along the Tajik-Uzbek have killed 87 Tajik civilians and injured 74 more. This year, two Tajiks have been killed by mines on the Uzbek border.

Tajik minister called on international community to share Tajikistan’s concern over minefields along borders and mine explosion victims in Central Asia.

The conference adopted the Cartagena Plan of Actions for 2010-2014 and the Ottawa Convention signatory states seconded Tajikistan’s request for extension of its mine-clearance commitments for the next ten years.

The First Review Conference – the Nairobi Summit on a Mine Free World – took place in Nairobi, Kenya from November 29 to December 3 2004.

We will recall that Tajikistan signed the Convention on the Prohibition on the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Antipersonnel Mines and on their Destruction (the Ottawa Convention) in 2000. All signatory states undertook to ensure the destruction of all anti-personnel land mines they possess, as soon as possible but no later than 10 years after signing the convention. In the case of Tajikistan, this means that the country should be mine-free by 2010.

President Rahmon holds meeting to reviews energy situation in Tajikistan

DUSHANBE, December 5, 2009, Asia-Plus -- On Friday December 4, President Emomali Rahmon held a meeting to review the energy situation in Tajikistan and discuss ways to solve energy shortage problems, according to presidential press service.

The meeting participants included members of the government, heads of large enterprises and banks, chancellors of universities and chairmen of a number of cities and districts of the country.

Speaking at the meeting, the head of state called on senior representatives of president’s office, ministries, enterprises and organizations, local authorities and wealthy businessmen to show initiative at buying shares in the Roghun hydroelectric power plant (HPP).

Rahmon named construction of new power plants and rehabilitation of existing hydropower plants as well as construction of new power transmission lines and use of energy-saving light bulbs as factors contributing to achievement of the country’s energy independence.

Minister of Finance Safarali Najmiddinov reported on the process of issuance and sale of shares in Roghun and rights of shareholders. The shares will be made available for trading on the country's stock market in 2010.

The minister, in particular, noted that they would issue the Certificates of Shares of different face values – in 100, 500, 1000 and 5000 somoni. According to him, the shares will be given out during the first days of 2010. “Enterprises and persons that will buy shares for more than 5,000 somoni will be given special inscribed Certificates of Shares,” Najmiddinov said, noting that the shares would have four degrees of protection.

President Rahmon stressed once again that only nationals of Tajikistan had the right to buy shares in Roghun, the press service said.

The meeting participants expressed readiness to buy the shares and transfer money to help Roghun’s construction.

UNHCR: Global Appeal 2010

"Alerting donors, organizations and individuals to the plight of millions of refugees and others of concern to UNHCR."

Gllobal Appeal is an agenda setting done by the UNHCR for the year of 2010 and 2011. It states its mission, strategy and basic facts of the refugee needs around the whole world. The main aim is to ensure protection of the people of concern; refugees and internally displaced people. Furthermore, it seeks partnerships and funding groups.

Visit the official webpage OR read about the agenda for Somali refugees in 2010 in PDF.

Victims of Sexual Violence

Dadaab, Kenya, November 30

Hagadera is one of three refugee camps from the complex of Dadaab in north-west Kenya. A group of women there call themselves "survivors" as they fled a conflict from their countries, mainly Somalia. Nevertheless, they are victims of sexual violence in the camp. Most of the women appeal to a special Gender and Development Office, backed by the UNHCR, which helps to empower them by training programmes. A Gender Recovery Center is due to open this month at Hagadera's hospital and will be run by the International Rescue Commitee. A similar recovery center is planned to be open in other two Dadaab's camp of Ifo and Dagahaley.

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Deadly Bomb in Mogadishu

BBC reports on the suicide bomb attack in Mogadishu, capital of Somalia. The attack left killed at least 22 people, including three government ministers.

The blame had been put on the Somali Islamist group 'al-Shabab'. Nevertheless, the group denied being responsible for it, accusing the government for it. Al-Shabab controls much of Mogadushu and country, and made a statement that it is not in the nature of al-Shabab to target innocent people. However, the group is the main reason why hundreds of thousands Somali citizens have fled their country since January.

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EU sponsors improvements on Tajik-Afghan border

Dushanbe 03.11.2009,STAN-The maintenance works of the border post “Sokhcharv”, which is located on the Tajik-Afghan border were completed. The maintenance works were sponsored by the European Union. The constructors have changed the roofing and put into operation the new housing block for the families of servicemen. The border post “Sokhcharv” is located on the border of Tajik Badakhshan with Afghan Fayzabad. The line of state border on this part is defined by the Piyanzh River banks. The border is almost open here; there are no border poles and protective wires. The border detachments are constantly on duty here.

“The border management assistance program to Tajikistan” was initiated in 2004. Since then, the European Union has provided over 25 million dollars for the maintenance works of objects on Tajik-Afghan border. The border posts play a key role in reliable protection of state border in this region. The open parts of the border can be passed by shepherds as well as drug smugglers with heroin. The EU is familiar with this situation, this is why the program of the EU is prolonger for another five years.

Tajikistan’s Public Council meets in Dushanbe today

DUSHANBE, December 4, 2009, Asia-Plus -- A session of the Public Council of Tajikistan has opened in Dushanbe today morning.

Presided over by President Emomali Rahmon, the session has brought together representatives from public associations, political parties, religious organizations, creative unions and ethnic communities.

Senior representatives of political parties and experts consider that issue related preparations for the parliamentary elections due in February 2010 will be a major topic of the session.

They added that it could not be ruled out that the issue of participation of the population and public associations in construction of the Roghun hydroelectric power plant (HPP) through buying shares in Roghun would also be discussed at the session.

The Public Council of Tajikistan was established in April 1996 on the basis of the Public Accord Agreement signed first on March 9, 1996 for the period of three years by pro-government political parties and NGOs in a show of support for the peace process. It was prolonged for further three years in 1999.

The Public Council now comprises representatives of state bodies, political parties, religious organizations and civil society. Seven of eight officially registered political parties of the country are represented in the Public Council. The Public Council established the Social partnership Club, which brings together some 70 representatives of the Public Council to discuss and find consensus on pressing social issues

by Rufat
The largest in Central Asia, Nurek Hydroelectric Power Station broke down. The emergency happened this morning at 6:30 AM. As a result the majority of Tajikistan’s districts are remaining without electricity: 75 percent of the country’s territories including the capital Dushanbe, strategic objects are using reserve sources, the Tajik Aluminum Company “TALKO” is one of them. There was no electricity for more than three hours, all the efforts were used to eliminate the emergency and at the moment the consequences of the emergency were partially eliminated and several objects are already receiving electricity.

The reasons of the emergency are not being announced yet. However, according to “Asia Plus” informational agency, which refers to the press-secretary of “Barki Tojik” Nozirdzhon Edgori, the country was hit by unexpected cold snaps, which have resulted in the increase of electricity consumption and which consequently resulted in the overload of power lines and subsequent automatic shut down of the entire Tajik energy system. This shut down is anticipated by the technical peculiarities of the system to avoid the emergencies on the HPS. According to Edgori: “As the energy system of Tajikistan was running in autonomous regime, outside the United Energy System of Central Asia, the power lines were overloaded, which was besides caused by the cold snaps, almost the entire country this morning woke up deenergized.

HIV/AIDS Problems

The trauma of war followed by the misery of exile is not the only sad destiny of a refugee. Most of the time they stay in parts of the world affected by HIV/AIDS. In many cases the blame of spreading HIV is put on refugees. The saddest thing is, nevertheless, the fact that refugees infected with HIV are excluded from multi-million dollar HIV/AIDS programmes.

UNHCR promotes and supports the development of JIV programmes to ensure universal access to HIV prevention and treatment, care and support programmes. This agency is called UNAIDS focusing primarily on refugees and internally displaced people.

Visit the official website of UNAIDS

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Tajikistan marks National Flag Day today

DUSHANBE, November 24, 2009, Asia-Plus -- Tajikistan today marks a National Flag Day for the first time.

Celebrations to mark this new public holiday are being held across the whole country.

In Dushanbe, a main cultural action to mark this holiday will be held today evening, at 6:00 pm, at the Dousti Square. Students from Dushanbe high schools and veterans of war and labor will take part in this action. Dushanbe mayor and members of the government are also expected to attend this action.

Besides, a book exhibition and scientific-practical conference will be held at the City Lohouti Library and various fairs will take place in Dushanbe’s parks.

Tajikistan was the last of the former Soviet republics to reveal a new flag, which was adopted on November 24, 1992. The one common link between this and the 1953 Tajik SSR flag is the choice of colors - red, white and green.

The crown represents the Tajik people, the name itself is derived from tajvar, which means "crowned". In traditional Tajik cultural aspects the magic word "seven" is a symbol of perfection, the embodiment of happiness and the provider of virtue. According to Tajik legend, Islamic heaven is composed of seven beautiful orchids, separated by seven mountains each with a glowing start on top. The middle white stripe is one-and-a-half times the size of the red and green stripes. The red represents the unity of the nation and the symbol of the sun and victory; the white represents purity, cotton, the snow on the mountains and the unity of the people; and green stands for the spiritual meaning of Islam and represents the generosity of nature of the country. The symbol charged in the middle of the white stripe is a crown surmounted by an arc of seven stars.

Telling the Human Story

Siidow is a 67-year-old Somali man who decided to flee his country with his wife Maryam five years ago. The reason why this fruit and vegetable farmer decided to leave his eight children and five grandchildren in a town of Afgooye was that the local militiaman raided his home in central Somalia.

He and his wife travelled to the port of Bossaso, situated in the Gulf of Aden, in a hope to be smuggled into Yemen and later on to Saudi Arabia. They thought a life would be better there. They saw Yemen as a promised land.

As Siidow remembers now, he has to pay US$100 for the crossing to the armed smugglers. He and his wife were on a boat with more than 300 people, though the boat was designed to carry a maximum of 60 people. Some hundreds of meters from the coast from Yemen passangers were forced into the sea to swim. Some of them died of exhaustion. Siidow and his wife were lucky to stay alive.

In Yemen Siidow found a job and after some time he saved money enough to get them to Saudi Arabia, where they were caught by a police and thrown back to Somalia. There, however, they got into the care of the UNHCR, in Galkayo. The whole family of Siidow is now reunited there.

> In the first 10 months of this year, at least 62,000 people arrived on the Yemeni coast on smugglers' boats. More than 430 people have drowned or are missing and feared dead. Somalis are escaping conflict and persecution within their own country. <

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The government writes off a $548 mln debt of cotton farmers

DUSHANBE, November 18, 2008 Asia-Plus -- The Government of Tajikistan has begun issuing certificates of debt remission to cotton-growing farms. Under this document, all their debts that arose before January 1, 2008 are written off.

Cotton farmers in Khatlon’s districts of Bokhatr, Vakhsh and Jomi districts were the first to receive the certificates of debt remissions. They received them yesterday.

According to Nematjon Bouriyev, Senior Adviser to the President for Economic Matters who heads the commission to control the cotton subsector debt repayment, all farming units having arrears that arose before January 1, 2008 will receive such certificates before the end of this year.

“In all, 548 million U.S. dollars will be written off,” said Bouriyev, “The government will write off 435 million U.S. dollars given to cotton farmers through the investment company Credit Invest under guarantees from the National Bank of Tajikistan (NBT) and a 113 million U.S. dollars debt to commercial banks and direct investors not connected with Credit Invest.” He noted that those debts to commercial banks and investors would be cleared through providing long-term state securities to them.

Besides, it is also planned to extend the term of repayment of investors’ debts to Credit Invest (US$154 million) that arose in connection with financing of production of non-cotton crops, Bouriyev said. “In other words, these funds are those that were originally intended for financing of the cotton sector but then did not reach the necessary target for one or another reason. Investors should give them back to the government, the NBT to be exact, because central bank has repaid all debts of Credit Invest,” he noted.

In all, the government intends to write off, discount and restructure debts in an amount of 702 million U.S. dollars until 2010.

A Reason To Flee

Al-Shabaab "The Party of Youth" is a group of Somali Islamists. The group controls a large region of southern Somalia. They have imposed a strict interpretation of Islamic law Sharia which has been unpopular with many Somalis. All the refugees and IDPs flee their homes due to the violence imposed on them by the Al-Shabaab. The country does not have a functioning national government for 18 years now.

On Wednesday 18th of November 2009, one of the most extreme cases in Somalia happened. A young woman was stoned to death in front of at least 200 people of audience because of the claimed adultary, BBC reported. Her case has been the fourth one in Somalia this past year.

BBC Source

IDPs in Mogadishu

Since November 9 Ethiopian office of UNHCR reports about the life situation getting harder for Somali displaced people. Heavy rain in the region and the lack of medical services worsen the conditions for the IDPs camping on the outskirts of Mogadishu, capital of Somalia. This area includes 30 camps, each with average of 3,300 people, and only two clinics are available to them. The most often cases are of malnutrition and water-related diseases. Food aid has been reduced by half since 2007. Aid agencies in Somalia have asked for more financial help but donors are holding back, since the region is too dangerous for international staff. UNHCR estimates there are some 900,000 IDPs in Mogadishu-Afgoye corridor.

Watch a video about the IDPs of Mogadishu

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Tajik parliament passes budget for 2010

DUSHANBE, November 11, 2009, Stan- The lower house (Majlisi Namoyandagon) of the Tajik parliament has approved the national budget for 2010.

A regular sitting of the sixth session of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the third convocation, presided over by its speaker, Saydullo Khairulloyev, was held on November 11.

Presenting the 2010 budget bill, Finance Minister Safarali Najmiddinov said that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) was expected to reach 24.5 billion somoni in 2010, while in 2009, GDP amounted to 20.065 billion somoni.

The production development rate is projected to be 5 percent and inflation is expected to stand at 9 percent in 2010. The exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the national currency, the somoni, is expected to be 1:5, according to the minister.

Najmiddinov noted that the budget earmarked 650 million somoni for construction of the Roghun hydroelectric power plant (HPP). In 2009, 533 million somoni were allocated for implementation of the Roghun hydroelectricity project.

The budget projects expenditure of 1.1 billion somoni in the social care sector, which is 145 million more than this year.

In 2010, 1.068 billion somoni are earmarked for the education sector, which is 126 million somoni more than in 2009.

In 2010, 404 million somoni is expected to be spent on the health sector, which is 82 million somoni more than this year.

The budget for 2010 also projects expenditure of 214 million somoni for development of culture and sports in the country.

The budget also provides for increase in expenditures on defense, public order, and keeping diplomatic missions of Tajikistan abroad.

Speaking at the session, MP Mirzosharif Islomiddinov proposed to review the excise rates for alcohol and tobacco products.

MP and the Communist leader Shodi Shabdolov noted that the budget authors had not taken into consideration real inflation and devaluation of the national currency.

After a comprehensive discussion, the deputies of the Majlisi Namoyandagon unanimously approved the law "On state budget of Tajikistan for 2010".

Tajikistan officially introduces electricity rationing in rural areas

DUSHANBE, November 10, 2009, Asia-Plus -- Tajikistan officially introduced electricity rationing in rural areas beginning on November 10.

Under the resolution signed by the head of Barqi Tojik (Tajik electric systems) power holding Sanat Rahimov today, rural areas of the country will have electricity seven hours per day, Nozirjon Yodgori, a spokesman for Barqi Tojik, said in an interview with Asia-Plus.

According to him, Tajikistan’s power system has operated in an autonomous regime over the past several days. “At present, we are not receiving electricity from other countries,” said Yodgori, “Tajik power plants now generate 38-40 million kWh of electricity per day, which is 3-3.5 million kWh more than last year.”

To save energy Barqi Tojik is forced to begin cutting off electricity supplies to some regions of the country at certain time of day, the spokesman said.

Under the resolution, rural schools will be provided with electricity during class hours, he added.

On the accident that occurred in the country’s power system yesterday morning, Yodgori noted that similar accident took place in 2001. “The safety system worked very well because no serious effects were reported,” he said, noting that the accident effects were removed yesterday in four hours.

Calls for Aid

The UNHCR called on donor countries for an extra US $ 2.8 million to help more than 300,000 refugees in two locations in northern Kenya threatened by flooding. Those two places are Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps. The money gained are planned to be used to items such as fuel, blankets and to respond to possible outbreaks of disease that could come along with the floods.

Three weeks ago heavy rains have started in Kenya, rising the probability of strong floods in the region. The UNHCR is now preparing to relocate certain amount of refugees, particulary the chronically ill, disabled people, the eldery and children.

The worst flooding in Kakuma was recorded in May 2003 and in the Dadaab complex in 2006. The UNHCR is doing all it can to prevent such a situation.

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Follow Their Stories

The project called "10 Days" supported by theGimme Shelter is over. It is still possible to donate money or to get involved in the project in different ways. The stories of ten different and randomly selected people can be read on the official webpage of the project. FOLLOW THEIR STORIES! Ten journeys but one chance ... to flee the capital Mogadishu and escape the conflict that has turned the city into a battlefield.

The last story to finish with is about the final move from the overcrowded camp Dadaab to Kakuma camp in north-west Kenya. Read other real life experience ...

DUSHANBE, November 4, 2009, Asia-Plus -- Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Andrzej Kremer has arrived in Dushanbe today for a two-day visit, according to the MFA information department.

He is currently holding talks with Foreign Minister of Tajikistan Hamrokhon Zarifi. The sides are expected to discuss state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Poland.

Today afternoon, Polish deputy foreign minister will meet with Minister of Culture Mirzoshorukh Asrori. The meeting is expected to result in signing of an agreement between Tajikistan and Poland on cooperation in the field of culture.

In the meantime, the first Tajik-Polish economic consultations were held in Dushanbe yesterday and an agreement on economic cooperation between the two countries was signed.

Gimme Shelter

GIVE SHELTER ♥ SAVE LIVES

The "Gimme Shelter" was presented by the Hollywood actor Ben Affleck under UNHCR in 2008 to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nowadays, its primary aim and focus is to remind people of the importance of shelter from the elements, from violence, from hunger, from disease. It seeks to gain financial help from governments and individuals in order to aid refugees and internally displaced persons of Somalia.

"Gimme Shelter is a way to make people understand the plight of people who are forced to flee and have no shelter, not only physical shelter but respect for their rights and the capacity to allow them to live in safety and dignity."

- UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres -

Find out MORE about the conflicts and problems faced in Somalia, find out more about the mission of UNHCR and GET INVOLVED.

USEFUL LINKS:

YouTube Watch the latest footage from Somalia

Facebook Follow the progress in the challange

Flicker View latest pictures from Somalia

Twitter Follow UNHCR's latest efforts to help refugees

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Holding of international industrial and trade exhibition in Dushanbe in 2010 discussed Monday

DUSHANBE, October 27, 2009, Asia-Plus -- Issues related to preparations for holding of an international industrial and trade exhibition in Dushanbe next spring were discussed at a meeting of Sharif Said, head of Tajikistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Sharif Said with Mahmut Er, general manager of Turkey’s exhibition company Silk Road, in Dushanbe on October 26, according to the CCI press service.

The exhibition is scheduled to take place in Dushanbe from March 16 to March 18 2010.

In the course of the talks, the sides underlined the importance of holding of exhibitions for expansion of economic cooperation and attraction of investments.

Sharif Said expressed confidence that the exhibition hope would promote rational and efficient use of Tajikistan’s potentials under conditions of the global financial crisis, the press service said.

YouTube for UNHCR

By Magda

Go and visit the youtube webpage of the UNHCR. You will find all the videos related to the UNHCR missions around the globe.

Watch now & learn more

Somalia - Plight of the Internally Displaced

"There are more than 1.5 million internally displaced people in Somalia. The constant violence in the south and centre of the country has made the task of helping them extremely difficult and dangerous."

The African Union

The African Union Official Webpage

Established on 9th of June 2002 from Organization of African Unity of 1963. Currently, there are 52 member states, meaning all but Morocco. The capital is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The main mission of the African Union is to maintain peace, security and protect human rights.

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African Union's Convention

On Friday 23^rd October, Reuters informed the world that the African Union adopted a convention on that day that obliges member states to protect and help internally displaced people (IDPs) of Africa.

Africa produces almost half the world’s internally displaced people, with their 12 million. The problem with the people who stay within the country is that they cannot appeal to the UN protection that is offered to refugees that flee out of their countries of origins.

The convention was signed by the 17 heads of states and government, including the presidents ofSomalia, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Nevertheless, the convention still needs to be ratified by the individual countries. Minimum 15 member states out of 53 members of the African Union have to sign the pact in order to put it into the force.

The convention was set up under the observation of UNHCR. The main purpose of the convention is to prevent displacement and come up with solutions to the cause of it, and provide IDPs with basic rights. Under the convention states that are unable to assist IDPs can seek help from humanitarian organizations. Furthermore, the states, and even armed groups, have the obligations to protect and assist their own uprooted citizens.

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Tajik leader departs to Moscow to discuss Tajik-Russian relations

By Rufat

DUSHANBE, October 21, 2009,President Emomali Rahmon has departed for Moscow for a state three-day visit.

Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi and a number of other high-ranking Tajik state officials are accompanying Rahmon on this visit.

According to presidential press service, during the visit, Emomali Rahmon will hold talks with highest leadership of Russia as well as visit Moscow and St. Petersburg. The visit is expected to result in a number of cooperation agreements.

Some local experts expect Russian military base in Tajikistan and the issue of participation of Russia in completion of construction of the Roghun HPS in Tajikistan to be among major topics of President Rahmon’s discussions with Russian officials.

Ministers On IDPs Of Africa

By Magda

On Monday October 19 2009, government ministers from over 36 African countries gathered in Kampala, Uganda, to address the challanges of forced displacement confronting the continent. This meeting is a part of the two-day long summit of the African Union Executive Council. Among the invited prime ministers and leaders of numerous African countries was also present António Gutteres, the High Commissioner of UNHCR.

At least 36 African countries are currrently expected to adopt a Convention for the Protection and Assistance od IDPs (internally displaced person) in Africa. This is the most important step done towards the help of refugees from the side of the state. It has been finally recognized that displacement cannot be resolved only with the humanitarian assistance. Uganda Prime Minister Apolo Nsibambi pointed out that after more than 50 years of independence from European colonial powers it would be unacceptable for Africa to be the world's biggest producer of refugees and IDPs. Furthermore, it has been recognized that the displacement situation is a major threat to Africa's development and it requires an action to be finally taken.

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Religious Leaders: Asylum & Islam

By Magda

On October 5 2009 some 40 religious leaders from northern Somalia participated in a UNHCR-funded discussion in Puntland region on refugee and asylum law. The main purpose of this meeting is to spread the awareness about the rights and the needs of refugees and displaced Somalis.

Government officials and UNHCR staff attended the seminar. The main topic covered was the primary concept of asylum and protection of refugee. Furthermore, the involvement of the Islamic Shari'ah law was discussed. The participants of the conference tried to make conection between the Islamic Shari'ah and International Refugee law and the right of a person to asylum. The main point was then concluded by António Guterres, the High Commissioner, when explained that "all the principles embodied in modern international refugee law are to be found in the Shari'ah."

Since Somalis are true believers, the religious leaders have a great influence on them and could, as it is seen by UNHCR, help Somali refugees the most.

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Currently New Arrivals

By Magda

The official UNHCR report warns the world once again. More than 50,000 Somali citizens have been forced to flee to Kenya since the beginning of 2009. Somalia suffers from deadly clashes between government forces and rebel groups. They have forced around 250,000 Somali civilians out of their homes in the capital, Mogadishu, since May 2009. Furthermore, more than 524,000 citizens have been internally displaced, meaning they have moved within the Somali territory.

The refugees have been arriving in northeast Kenya at an average rate of 6,400 a month to the Dadaab refugee camp. In August, UNHCR began a program to relocate some 12,900 of the refugees to a different camp, Kakuma. Almost 9,600 refugees have been transported to a new camp since August. Nevertheless, the camp population in the Dadaab remains almost unchanged.

Somalia is currently one of the world's biggest refugee and IDP (Internally Displaced Person) producing countries. Nearly 3.8 million Somalis are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
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Tajik national TV to open its correspondent’s offices in Russia and Germany

by Rufat

DUSHANBE, October 14, 2009, Asia-Plus -- Tajik national TV channel, Shabakai Avval (Channel One), intends to open its correspondent’s offices in the Russian Federation and Germany within the next two months, the first deputy head of the Committee for TV and radio-broadcasting, Abdurahmon Abdumannonov, announced at a news conference in Dushanbe today.

According to him, Shabakai Avval currently has its correspondent’s office in Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and Qatar.

“We realize that opening of correspondent’s offices outside the country requires considerable funds and opportunities,” said Abdumannonov, “However, such offices are necessary, and after opening of the correspondent’s offices in Russia and Germany, we will seek opening of our offices in other countries, in particular in Afghanistan, Iran and Kazakhstan.”

Reports prepared by these offices will be broadcast through all the Tajik national TV channels, including Safian, Jahonnamo and Bahoriston, because these channels do not yet have opportunities to open their offices abroad or send their reporters to other countries, he added.

UNHCR Urges Supporters

By Magda

Yesterday, 13th of October, UNHCR appealed to its supporters for US $10. The project is done through the "Facebook Causes" and the money donated will be used for forcibly displaced Somalis. Two hundred and fifty tens will be bought with this money for 1,250 Somali refugees. The 10-day long project includes that supporters will be receiving stories from Somalis who have fled the country.

Note: Somalia has been plagued by violence for almost two decades. Hundreds of thousands have fled the country or sought refuge in other parts of their country. Each year, tens of thousands risk their lives by crossing the Gulf of Aden on smugglers' boats to reach Yemen.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Donate US $10 > NOW <

Offical Report on Jolie's Visit

By Magda

On 12^th of September 2009, UNHCR released the official report of the visit made by the Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie to the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya. The same day the UN News Service posted their report on the event, where they cite Jolie’s words about the camp. Angelina Jolie described the situation in the Dadaab as “one of the most dire”. According to UNHCR, Angelina Jolie was during her a day-long visit able to associate with the local people and listen to their stories. Angelina commented on the situation before she left: I wish more people could meet them [Somali refugees], then they would have a stronger desire to help."
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The question to the world now remains: Is the presence of the famous public figure able to draw more attention to this camp forgotten by the world?