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Here are some questions our correspondents will be exploring this week as they report on humanitarian, women’s rights, climate change and anti-corruption issues for our AlertNet and TrustLaw news services. This is just a sample of the stories we’re working on – a few teasers to pique your interest.
Q: How widespread is female genital mutilation in the United States?
The ancient and brutal practice of female genital mutilation, once considered primarily a problem of the developing world, is a growing threat for up to 200,000 young girls and women in the United States, according to a report by a U.S. agency specialising in gender-based violence. Lisa Anderson will have the details, plus a factbox on the scale and nature of the problem in the United States.
Q: How do Indian women’s rights activists see the alleged suicide of one of the accused in the Delhi gang rape case?
One of the main accused in the rape case that shocked the world, bus driver Ram Singh, allegedly committed suicide on Monday morning. There seems to have been security lapses as the accused was supposed to be under maximum security and now many are angry that justice won’t be served. Nita Bhalla will also be looking at how Singh’s death could impact the case.
Q: What will happen to Rohingya refugees in Thailand now that Myanmar is opening up?
Thin Lei Win has spent a week along the Thai-Burmese border in refugee camps that are home to thousands of Rohingya exiles. Her multimedia reporting will give an intimate glimpse of life in the camps, where she posed the question: If you could go home, would you? Many said they’d be too scared.
Q: How “water secure” is your country?
The Asian Development Bank is launching a new report ranking Asian countries as best and worst in terms of water security. We’ll let you know how countries compare.
Q: How are Colombia’s war orphans trying to heal the wounds of years of conflict?
Twelve years ago, the Colombian town of Granada was at the epicentre of the country’s conflict, which has displaced millions. From 2000 to 2004, hundreds of residents were killed by armed groups and more than 60 percent of the town’s 20,000 residents were forced to flee their homes to escape violence. The conflict left more than 300 orphans in Granada. Anastasia Moloney will have a feature based on interviews with Granada’s orphans and will discuss how women are trying to heal the wounds of war to stop the cycle of violence and ensure a lasting peace. Also expect a photo blog from Granada.
Q: Is Britain’s Queen turning into a champion for gay rights?
"Queen fights for gay rights," declares a newspaper headline as Britain's Queen Elizabeth readies to sign a new charter for the Commonwealth that says it is opposed to all forms of discrimination. Astrid Zweynert will explore how deep the queen’s commitment to gay rights really goes.
Q: Could solar power ease Pakistan’s energy crisis?
Pakistan is facing an energy crisis due in part to its fast-rising population and a precarious security situation that discourages investment. But solar energy could be one solution. Stay tuned for more.
Q: Is poverty genetic?
This is an uncomfortable question we’ve been delicately probing as controversy rages over new research that finds Africa too genetically diverse and native American groups too homogenous for optimal development. Is economic development really tied to genetic diversity? Stella Dawson will be blogging about it.
Stay tuned for the answers.
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