Tuesday, September 25, 2012

UN Day of Peace: Dr Migiro Urges Cessation of Conflicts, Protection Of Children

As the world marked the International Day of Peace on 22nd September 2012, a leading voice for UN causes in the country has urged the world community to cease hostilities around the globe.

Former UN Deputy Secretary General Dr Asha-Rose Migiro delivered the message of peace yesterday in Dar es Salaam at an event organized by the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC) to mark the day.

Countries around the world and UN agencies in particular marked the Day of Peace yesterday amid various armed conflicts raging on in various places in the world.

In East and Central Africa, Kenyan armed forces are battling Islamist groups in Somalis while in Uganda, the army is locked in a bush search and destroy mission against elusive kidnapping and killing ground around Joseph Kony, leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army.

In the DR Congo, the situation is even worse as numerous rebel groups are fighting the government. However, M23 is a prominent group wreaking havoc in eastern parts of the vastly mineral rich central African state.

During the event, Dr Migiro asked people everywhere to observe a minute of silence to honor the victims, those who lost their lives and those who survived but must now cope with trauma and pain.


 Armed conflicts around the world attack the pillars of sustainable development, she said, identifying the root causes of many conflicts as directly related to or fuelled by valuable natural resources, such as diamonds, gold, oil, timber and water, the UN veteran underlined.

She emphasized that addressing the ownership, control and management of natural resources is crucial to maintaining security and restoring the economy in post-conflict countries.

Good natural resource management can play a central role in building sustainable peace in post-conflict societies, she stated, noting that natural resources must be used for the benefit of the society, not to finance wars.

She also advised governments to undertake urgent and strategic action to prevent violence against young children, pointing out that children should be in school, not recruited into armies.

“Give high priority to children in the budget and national policy agenda,” she urged, elaborating further that to strengthen communication strategies governments should make known initiatives that work and can build violence-free societies.

This includes supporting families and communities to guarantee effective legal protection of young children from all forms of violence, she stated.

She went on saying that national budgets should focus on building human capacity, not deadly weapons. She called on combatants around the world to find peaceful solutions to those conflicts.

The International Day of Peace offers people globally a shared date to think about how, individually, they can contribute to ensuring that natural resources are managed in a sustainable manner, thus reducing  potential for disputes and paving the way to a sustainable future.

The theme of this year’s observance is “Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future.” On the International Day of Peace, the United Nations calls for a complete cessation of hostilities around the world.

The event which was held at Karimjee Hall included students from different schools, the United Nations Information Center (UNIC), the UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Alberic Kacou, Roots and Shoots, Global Network of Religions for Children(GNRC) and Right to Play NGOs.

Dr Migiro is next Monday expected to inaugurate the East African Local Government Forum in Arusha region. An EAC public relations official said that the two day meeting will be closed by EAC Secretary General Dr Richard Sezibera.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Fussy Eater: Healthy Alternatives



If your toddler refuses to touch certain foods or vegetables that he or she is being given, don’t worry! We’ll provide you with other options which he or she may most likely prefer. That way, they can still get their essential minerals and vitamins. All you need to do is try out these alternatives provided in the table below.

Vitamins or Minerals
Her body needs it for
If your child doesn’t like
Try…
Vitamin A
cell development,boosting immunity, healthy skin and good eyesight.
 apricots, dark green vegetables.
carrots, liver, baked sweet potatoes, mango
Vitamin C
boosting of  immunity, tissues growth, healthy bones and helping to heal wounds
berries, oranges.
potatoes, strawberries, apples
Vitamins D
the absorption of zinc, calcium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, vitamin A and other minerals; healthy bones and teeth; kidney function.
salmon, mackerel.
tuna, sardines, ready to eat cereals, non- fat milk, cheese, eggs and a short exposure to sun daily.
Vitamin B6
metabolism of protein, fats and carbohydrates; the absorption of zinc and vitamin B12; the production of red blood cells and antibodies
Liver, wheat bran, cabbage and cantaloupe, potatoes.
Eggs, milk, fish, bananas and avocados, cooked turkey without skin
Iron
the liver; immune activity; the supply of oxygen to the cells, and for the production of haemoglobin in red blood cells and certain enzymes
beans, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, green beans, spinach, mussels, tuna, cocoa
eggs, bread, beef, lamb, cabbage, unripe boiled plantain, pumpkin leaves, potatoes, tomato based pasta sauce, oat cereals, egg yolk, weetabix, cashews
Calcium
the brain and nervous system; blood clotting; the absorption of vitamin B12; the action of the muscles; strong bones and teeth; and for cell structure
cheese, salmon, white beans, tofu
milk, yogurt, okra, almond nuts, sardines, white bread, cooked soya bean
Magnesium
the contraction and relaxation of muscles which includes the heart; bone development; most body processes, including energy production; binding calcium to the teeth and bones
legumes, spinach, white beans, oat
brown rice, soya beans, avocados, peanuts, cashew nuts, baked potato, spaghetti
Zinc
making collagen in the  body, including the bones; insulin storage; vitamin A metabolism and distribution; for growth, energy metabolism and immunity; and the transportation of carbon dioxide.
mushrooms, fish, green peas
eggs, meat, prawns, crab, oysters