http://uk.oneworld.net/article/archive/1926 en_GB_uk OneWorld UK - UK/English/Topics/Development/Migration Europe's Blue Card scheme a problem for Africa http://uk.oneworld.net/link/gotolink/addhit/83921 The European Union’s plans to develop a 'Blue Card' to attract highly qualified migrants to meet its labour needs raises several urgent concerns, particularly for African governments grappling with critical shortages of health workers, says Peter Ngatia. Exploitation of migrant workers in UK spotlighted http://uk.oneworld.net/link/gotolink/addhit/83913 Some migrant domestic workers are sexually and physically abused by their employers in the UK and many are exploited and badly treated, according to new research. ‘It’s all alien but so full of hope’ http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/160259/1/1926 A first batch of Bhutanese refugees living in Nepal has landed in America. Described as one of the largest resettlement programmes in the world, the US has agreed to take in 60,000 refugees. Away from sub-human conditions in the camps, they are finding their new life both strange and full of prospects. What will we do when the last tree has died, the last river poisoned…? http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/160086/1/1926 Dr Marcella D’Souza, executive director of Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) in western India, has been awarded the Indian Merchant Chambers' Woman Of The Year Award. During an interview to OneWorld South Asia, she talks of her dream where rural folk live in harmony, secure sustainable livelihoods and enjoy an enhanced quality of life. Indian citizens join Greenpeace on climate alert campaign http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/159808/1/1926 The Blue Alert campaign in five Indian coastal cities witnessed hundreds calling for government action to mitigate climate change threats. An earlier report by Greenpeace has highlighted possible displacement of over 125 million people in India and Bangladesh that puts vulnerable coastlines at risk. Glimmer of hope for resettled people in Sri Lanka http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/159427/1/1926 For people running from bullets and shells their whole lives, the idea of a peaceful future is like a mirage. With peace returning in Sri Lanka the internally displaced population are being resettled. But will they be able to live a normal life? The question lingers. Thousands of Afghans return home from Pakistan http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/159316/1/1926 In line with the policy of closing down all refugee camps in Pakistan by December next year, the government continues to send back Afghan nationals back to their country. In March alone, over 10,000 of them were repatriated. Currently, over three million registered and unregistered Afghan refugees are living in Pakistan. 125 million people could face displacement in South Asia http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/159150/1/1926 Greenpeace has warned that if current levels of emissions of greenhouses gases are not curtailed and global warming is not kept below 2-degree point, a major humanitarian crisis is awaiting the South Asian region. This can result in massive displacement of 125 million people in India and Bangladesh alone. Rebuilding lives after bondage http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/159135/1/1926 Thousands of bonded labourers released from granite and marble quarries of north India have settled in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. They are now trying to rebuild their lives, free from the exploitative shackles of contractors. Bangladesh: Rural poor rush to the cities in search of jobs http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/158841/1/1926 Lack of employment opportunities and the fear of starvation in rural areas in the wake of last year’s cyclone are forcing Bangladeshis to throng cities in search of livelihood. Most do menial jobs as loaders, and rickshaw pullers, earning barely enough to save their families from hunger back home. Mass deportation to add to woes of Afghanistan http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/157994/1/1926 Afghanistan government has urged Iran not to deport its illegal migrants, as it does not have the capacity to absorb them. More than two million Afghans live in Iran, of which less than half have the status of valid refugees. Making women comfortable with themselves http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/157713/1/1926 Young women need to be part of an organisation to understand the 'collective consciousness', says Ruth Manorama, whose efforts have helped make a space for Dalit women in the mainstream feminist movement in India. In a close conversation, she looks back at her three decades of struggles and many victories. Nepal issues exit permits to Bhutan's refugees http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/157532/1/1926 Nepal’s recent decision to resettle refugees from Bhutan in third countries is good news for over 107,000 people who have lived in camps for the last 17 years. The first groups of refugees are expected to begin departing next month. Slum Survivors http://tv.oneworld.net/article/view/156934/1/1926 Technology helps lessen poverty in developing world http://southasia.oneworld.net/article/view/156806/1/1926 New technological innovations in agriculture, electronics and medicine have helped boost income and reduce the number of people living in poverty, says a new World Bank report. Developing countries also need to strengthen the spread of technology through better infrastructure and improved research, the report adds.