Archives Bellaciao EN 1999-2016

East Africa Now Facing Drought Induced Famine

2011-08-28T09:18:03Z

Expected rains have failed to arrive for successive seasons in and around Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya. The absence has in turn caused severe shortages of food and water for millions of people. OXFAM's Humanitarian Director Jane Cocking said, “This is the worst food crisis of the 21st Century and we are seriously concerned that large numbers of lives could soon be lost.” She added, “Two successive poor rains, entrenched poverty and lack of investment in affected areas have pushed 12 (…)

- contributions / Brian McAfee

Fight To End The Most Base Form Of Exploitation

2011-08-03T17:47:11Z

One of the most significant ongoing scourges that befalls humanity worldwide is the ongoing exploitation and sexual abuse of over two million girls and boys through sex trafficking. UNICEF estimates that two and a half million children, most of them girls, are tricked or forced into the multibillion dollar global sex industry.
The struggle to save, protect and defend the safety and well-being of children at risk for this type of travesty is and will remain an ongoing, sometimes uphill (…)

- contributions / Justice, Social, Brian McAfee

The Pursuit For Truth In The Death, And Life, Of Two Iconic Chileans

2011-06-25T14:42:52Z

The body of former Chilean President Salvador Allende was exhumed in May in an attempt to determine whether the democratically elected Socialist president was murdered by the Chilean military in the initial stages of the coup or whether he committed suicide as General Augusto claimed on that day, September 11, 1973.
The 65 year old president had been in office for three years. An official investigation has also been opened in the death of World renown Chilean poet Pablo Neruda who died (…)

- contributions / Governments, South/Latin America, History, Brian McAfee

Ecuador's Increase In Social Spending Has Lifted Many Out Of Poverty

2011-06-06T08:50:34Z

Ecuador's social spending for the past four years, since President Rafael Correa took office, has almost tripled compared to the amount spent by his predecessors. In relation, "Prensa Latina" reports: "Since President Correa took office four years ago, 15.851 billion USD has been invested in public works, 2.9 times more than during the three previous governments combined". [1] An important aspect of President Correa's policies has been a noticeable and ongoing reduction in poverty. In (…)

- contributions / Poverty-Precariousness, Governments, South/Latin America, Brian McAfee

Is Myanmar At A Crossroads?

2011-04-24T23:25:49Z

So far 2011 is proving to be an eventful year for Myanmar, formerly known as and still generally called Burma. Despite the slight easing of restraints put on Aung San Suu Kyi, the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Shan State in northeast Burma on March 24, which the junta controlled media says killed 75 people but aid agencies believe killed over 150, leads to widespread distrust of the country's rulers and their version of reality. Now the U.S. is sending a new envoy to Myanmar, Derek (…)

- contributions / International, Governments, Brian McAfee

A Question Of Values And Ethics

2011-04-09T08:19:34Z

The Muskegon Tea Party has scheduled a rally in the Muskegon area for April 15, it is important to take a look at them and their Republican cohorts to see what
they are up to and what they really seem to want. First, of course, in worshipful homage to the rich there was the tax cut for the rich, 1.8 billion from Michigan's new Republican and 700+ billion from from the new Tea Party lead U.S. House of Representatives in Washington. Who are the targets for the billions in cuts coming from (…)

- contributions / Healthcare, USA, Brian McAfee

Japan's Tragedy Provides Us All An Opportunity To Show That We Have A Heart

2011-03-16T04:01:31Z

The severe blow from nature with which the Japanese people were struck with on Friday, March eleventh purportedly took the lives of over ten thousand people while forever altering the lives and emotional well-being of hundreds of thousands more. The need to address the multifaceted nature and ongoing complexity of Japan's disaster is evident with each day's news updates. Within minutes after the 9.0 earthquake, northeastern Japan was engulfed by a tsunami that has done more damage then the (…)

- contributions / Humanitary, Nuclear, International, Solidarity, Catastrophes, Brian McAfee

Pakistan Hit By Worst Flood In 80 Years

2010-08-06T03:23:06Z

Reports out of Pakistan now indicate that about 1,500 people have lost their lives and tens of thousands have been left homeless. This years monsoon, which began July 28, is said to have affected 3.2
million people in northwest Pakistan. The most urgent need is clean drinking water followed by food, shelter and sanitation and medicines. Homes, bridges, roads and agricultural land has been swept away
leaving scores of families with no homes or livelihood.
The potential for disease is (…)

- contributions / International, Catastrophes, Brian McAfee

Chile Remains An Area Of Concern And Interest. by Brian

2010-03-17T01:38:44Z

Chile Remains An Area Of Concern And Interest.
The massive earthquake that struck Chile February 27 continues to have a heavy impact on the Chilean people. The 8.8 magnitude earthquake and the
subsequent tsunami has killed at least 497 people while about 500 remain missing. Considering the numbers injured and rendered homeless from the Initial
earthquake and the numerous aftershocks Chileans will continue to need assistance. Numerous countries and aid organizations have offered and (…)

- contributions / Catastrophes, South/Latin America, Brian McAfee

Natural Disasters In Asia: Harbinger Of Things To Come?

2009-11-06T07:48:13Z

In a span of 5 weeks and one day earthquakes, floods, mudslides, typhoons and tsunamis swept through 10 nations leaving thousands of people dead and rendering millions more homeless.
The first of the natural disasters struck Manila and the surrounding area on September 26 causing massive floods and mudslides and forcing thousands to flee their homes. Tropical storm Ketsana left hundreds dead and thousands displaced. On October 3rd this happened again with Tsunami Parma.
The combined (…)

- contributions / International, Catastrophes, Brian McAfee