The situation in Zimbabwe continues to spiral out of control with this week seeing more deaths due to starvation and a cholera outbreak. Many are on the verge of death and many more will die if something isn't done to provide the humanitarian aid that is needed.
Former President Jimmy Carter, returned from a 5-day humanitarian tour and declared Zimbabwe a "basket case". Stressing the deteriorating siutation though he was denied visa access to the country.
Carter stressed the continued need of the world to focus international concern and condemnation, of Zimbabwe's government. While food, medicine and monetary donations should be sent immediately to humanitarian agencies such as CARE, World Vision and Save the Children, Carter said, advising that it is unwise to send cash directly to people in Zimbabwe. "It is counerproductive to contribute money that can be confiscated by the Zimbabwe government," he said. President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF party and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) are still at odds and talks have broken down once again between them.
Time Magazine reports that Zimbabwe official inflation rate is 231 million percent — although quite how that is calculated when there is no food in the stores is anybody's guess. Most of the economically active population is unemployed, and the long predicted humanitarian crisis has begun to bite, with 5 million people in need of food aid. Hospitals are reporting a rising number of deaths from malnutrition. And the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights says cholera has killed 120 people since January.
While our own country struggles with it's economic crisis - our new President Elect, Obama, has to keep a close eye on Africa and the dire human suffrage that is ongoing and corruption of governments through many countries on that Continent.
Are you still working on something for Suvivor Corp? I am interested in finding out more.
Ah the business of ethical anything these days is so weak. The standards are all over the place. What type of mining does Target Resources Plc own in Sierra Leone? Open pit or ASM?
Posted by: Gary Williamson | December 05, 2008 at 06:44 AM
Open Pit. I got side tracked with the Suvivor Corp piece and Tin mining. I was trying to negotiate volunteer with another organization because the one I was volunteering with did not pan out. I didn't want to post anything until I was able to work out something with them - but I think I have to go back to the drawing board again on that front.
Posted by: The Speck | March 23, 2009 at 03:04 PM