When the Sea is Safer than Home
Since the pandemic there has been limited arrivals into Italy through the Mediterranean Sea and since the ease on restrictions, in the space of 12 hours, more than 1200 migrants have embarked on this perilous journey. Reports from UNICEF have emerged that there are more women, newborn babies and unaccompanied children embarking on these journey, and many women have drowned or gone missing.
Further details; https://www.voanews.com/europe/more-800-migrants-rescued-sea-head-italy
Uganda on the Right Track
Ugandan lawmakers passed a bill this week on increasing punishment for sexual offenders and further strengthening of victim’s protection. This has come at a time where sexual offences are being reported on a large scale with sexual violence topping the chart. The bill was pushed for by legislator, Monica Amoding who said changes will begin to show in the society and also changes are being made within the government. This demonstrates that women inclusion in parliamentary level could lead to improved outcomes in quality of laws and frameworks.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/ugandas-sexual-offenses-measure-faces-public-resistance
Surging Conflict in Burkina Faso leads to increase in IDP numbers
UNHCR has reported a series of attacks in Burkina Faso by unidentified gunmen which have left 45 people dead and displaced 17500 from their homes. These gunmen have burnt down houses, killing civilians, vandalised health centres and destroyed homes and livelihood of many. Many people are fleeing their homes to safety and UNHCR has started registering newly displaced people. Women are more affected by these strings of conflicts.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/thousands-flee-surging-violence-burkina-faso
Dominic Ongwen Bags 25 Years in Jail
Dominic Ongwen a former leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army has been sentenced to 25 years in prison by the ICC for crimes against humanity comprising of sexual enslavement of women, rape and forced marriage, forced pregnancies, sexual slavery of young girls and the killings while he was a part of the resistance movement. Many Ugandans are not pleased with the sentence and called it a joke as most of his victims have died and other have suffered far worse.
Further Details: https://www.voanews.com/africa/ugandan-victims-former-rebel-leader-react-his-25-year-jail-sentence
