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An Appeal to the United Nations and the World Health Organisation and the States of the World

(Editor's Note: Isis International is supporting this global call against transphobia, along with the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. For more information on this statement, please contact Stephen Barris through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Every day, people who live at variance to expected gender[1] norms face violence, abuse, rape, torture and hate crime all over the world, in their home as well as in the public arena. Though most cases of violence never get documented, we know that in the first weeks of 2009 alone, Trans women have been murdered in Honduras, Serbia and the United States. Trans men are equally victims of hate crimes, prejudice and discrimination despite their frequent social and cultural invisibility.

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by Nina Somera

How much longer?

This has been the dominant question of Sri Lankans in the country's northern region of Vanni are participating in a massive exodus for safety. Despite hunger, thirst and uncertainty, civilians continue to walk under a sweltering sun for their survival.

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Interview by Nina Somera

Last month saw yet another set of disturbing scenes on the streets of Bangkok. After the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) successfully paralysed Thailand's major international airport with supporters who wore the colour of the royalty and installed a new leadership, the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship or the Red Shirts took their turn. The protests resulted in the death of two protesters, razed buses and other damages. The current government also ordered the closure of community radio stations associated with the Red Shirts.

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by Third World Network

The current outbreak of H1N1 virus has again highlighted concerns that people in developing countries will have little or inadequate access to much needed influenza vaccines or anti-viral treatments. Thus, there is an urgent need for establishing a global system of fair and equitable system for the sharing of the anti-viral vaccines and treatments on the basis of need.... The current discussion at the World Health Organisation (WHO) needs to conclude [with an assurance that] developing countries...will have access to affordable anti-virals and vaccines and the appropriate technology to make such products.

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by IRIN

(Editor’s note: The article was originally published by IRIN on 15 April 2009, with the following URL:http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?ReportID=83929)

Infant and maternal mortality rates in Timor-Leste are being adversely affected by harmful traditions and practices, according to experts. But fighting them is a sensitive issue. Nadine Hoekman, country director and programme manager for Health Alliance International (HAI), a Washington-based NGO working with the Health Ministry, told IRIN it was difficult to quantify the problem.

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by Nina Somera

The past few years saw warnings from environmental experts that it will only take the earth a few degrees hotter before much of the present civilisations are wiped out. The gradual but significant impact of these devastating changes is not equal for everyone and in all places. Of all the earth’s inhabitants and regions, such impact is likely to be concentrated on women in the global South.