US proposal threatens poverty goals
Millions of people in developing nations will die prematurely if the United States succeeds in demanding changes to the final declaration of the United Nations' summit to be held this month. ActionAid said the UN target of halving world poverty by 2015 would not be reached unless the summit kept to its plan and also pledged new action on aid, debt and trade. Reuters

Oil-food report condemns UN corruption
An investigation into the Iraq oil-for-food program has identified corrupt and unethical practices within the United Nations and concludes that reforms are needed within the international organisation. The program was established by the United Nations in 1996 to alleviate the effects of sanctions on the Iraqi population. Guardian

Asylum seeker deported then returned
The Immigration Department has deported an asylum seeker to the Middle East and then flown him back to Australia three days later when new evidence about his case emerged. The UN Human Rights Committee investigating the man's case had asked the Australian Government not to deport him until their investigation was finished. ABC

SIDS rate higher for Indigenous community
The rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) among Aboriginal infants is almost eight times higher than for non-Aboriginal children, according to an infant health organisation. A new health program aimed at reducing the mortality rate will commence among indigenous communities. ABC

Why I quit the department
Recent events surrounding the experiences of people in detention centres and those deported from Australia reveal a disregard for human rights within the Department of Immigration. The significant cultural change within the department over the past decade is a reflection of political change during this time. Eureka Street

Louisiana's poverty politics
"The per-capita prisoner incarceration rate is the highest in the country without the accompanying high rates of crime, recent events in New Orleans notwithstanding. Kids Count, the annual ranking of child well-being, ranks Louisiana 49th for its overall performance, and no wonder: Nearly 50% of the state's children live in poverty (as do 15% of its residents over 65). In New Orleans, the Census Bure au reported that 27.9% of the population lives in poverty — more than double the national average." Emily Metzgar, Los Angeles Times

Regional disaster creates hope for greater aid assistance
"Ironically, while the Government is wrongly being criticised over its tsunami package, it is largely escaping criticism for its failures in respect of its overall level of overseas aid, which when compared to those of other rich nations is rather shabby." Tim Costello, The Australian

Workers Rights are Human Rights
This special section of the APHEDA website examines the universal right to work and offers a comparison of the income, conditions and living standards of workers in the teaching, nursing and manufacturing industries in various countries. A special section on China considers the "race to the bottom" and the impact that China's factories are having on industry in other poor nations.
www.apheda.org.au/campaigns/
workers_rights_are_Human_Rights/index.html

Compass: The Price of Peace
This program raises questions about justice as it follows one of the cases of East Timor's Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation. A young man was arrested, disappeared and was probably killed. What happens when the man's father comes face to face with the arresting officer?

Light for the World
"Jesus is the light of our lives.
He is light for our footsteps and the guide for our path.
As we walk in the light we give it a chance to shine in our world.
How today are we light for the world?"