Reuters reports that intensifying violence as NATO combat troops prepare to leave by end-2014 and a poor economic outlook in the face of shrinking aid could spell a humanitarian disaster for Afghanistan. Even in the capital Kabul, there are 35,000 internal refugees living in 30 makeshift camps. Amnesty International says 400 Afghans become internally displaced every day, and the organisation predicts this number will swell.
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The Heathrow independent monitoring board (IMB) says children of all ages are being detained at the airport for immigration purposes almost every day, and are sometimes kept overnight.
They are held in rooms that are small, stuffy and have no natural light. There is no access to the open air, no sleeping accommodation and only hand basins for washing. They often share space with unrelated adults and can be held in these conditions for many hours.
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Hundreds of migrant workers continue to live in a climate of fear, poverty stricken, subjected to inhuman conditions and indebted to gangmasters, a report published today reveals. 'Experiences of Forced Labour in the UK Food Industry', a report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and one of the largest studies into the plight of those in the industry from farm and factory workers through to those toiling in restaurants, found a catalogue of abusive practices. Its researchers discovered workers were subjected to racist or sexist bullying and threats. Isolated, unable to speak English and unaware of their rights, many complained of feeling depressed and some were driven to self harm. Terri Judd, Independent, 15/05/12
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The Ngobe Indian's rainforest in Panama is a natural paradise for amphibians and reptiles. Now a part of it could be drowned in an artificial lake which is supposed to produce so-called clean energy, endangering the extremely rare Tabasara Rain Frog which is only found in the affected area. The Ngobe Indians are outraged by the plans for the Barro Blanco dam and are asking for help. The project is financed by three international development banks. Please ask the banks to stop their financial support for the dam and ensure the protection of the rainforest and the Tabasara Rain Frog.
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Human rights campaigners have called on the Home Office to open more screening centres to stop asylum seekers being forced to travel to Croydon. Refugees who travel to the UK, but do not present themselves on arrival, have to travel to Lunar House, in Wellesley Road, to have their application assessed. Many have little food or money and end up sleeping on the streets in Croydon. Now a group representing female refugees in Scotland has started
an e-petition which calls for screening to be routinely available across the UK. Patricia Zimouini Nganga, of the Refugee Women's Strategy Group, based in Glasgow, said: "When people flee their homes and arrive in this country they are often stressed and confused. Croyden Today, Thursday, 3rd May 2012
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Read the new report
Fair Games? on the conditions of workers making goods for the Olympic games. Official Olympic clothing sold by Next is claimed to have been produced in sweatshop conditions in Sri Lanka. The allegation comes days after the high street chain unveiled the formal outfits that Team GB will wear at the opening ceremony.
TAKE ACTION: Following the shocking findings of the report, you can contact brands producing kit for Olympic consumers, athletes and volunteers, to tell them to do more to protect workers' rights. Read more at the
Independent on Sunday