Social Watch E-Newsletter - Issue 236 - October 16, 2015

Iraqi al-Amal Association in collaboration with Ala Ali (Independent Researcher/Analyst and Peace Activist) conducted a focus-group based conflict analysis of the Iraqi province Nineveh. The findings provide important insights into recent developments in Iraq, and the advancement of ISIS.
Several key issues contributing to and sustaining conflict were identified through this research, as were points of entry for peacebuilding, which can be capitalised on to reduce tensions. Read more

Women for Change (WfC) would like to encourage traditional leaders to emulate Chief Mulolo of the Chewa people of Chadiza in Eastern province of Zambia by promoting positive cultural practices that protect and promote the rights of girls and women.
WfC is concerned with the continued cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequality and consequently impact negatively on the future of girls and women in Zambia. Read more

Plataforma 2015 y más, Social Watch focal point in Spain, launched the publicationA research programme form Policy Coherence for Development Analysis. This study summarises a research programme based on a comprehensive view of Policy Coherence for Development using a multidimensional approach for human development. This programme studies coherence based on a quantitative analysis of public policy formulation, action and impact, complemented with quantitative research towards a Policy Coherence for Development Index (PCDI). Read more

There has been no shortage of highly publicized scandals involving the financial sector in recent years, from the crash in 2008 onwards. A much less known, yet equally shocking, one is the key role banks play in enabling corruption, which has a devastating impact on people around the world. This is the focus of Banks and Dirty Money, a recently published report by Global Witness. It highlights how regulatory failure lies at heart of this problem too. In poor countries corruption kills people and traps millions more in poverty. Read more