The United Nations World Food Programme has strongly protested the decision by the Government of the Sudan to deny access to the agency's flights to 43 locations in southern Sudan, where some 1.7 million people are in dire need humanitarian assistance.

As Sierra Leone prepares for key parliamentary and presidential elections in May, UNDP is working in close cooperation with national and international partners to assist the National Electoral Commission, encourage public participation, and support election observers.

Strategic Partnerships for Women's Empowerment in Africa will help African businesswomen through a programme combining entrepreneur development and business skills training with HIV/AIDS education. This is the first Africa initiative linking entrepreneurship and financial independence for women with HIV/AIDS education and prevention.

The Kenyan government has been urged to address the legal implications of the policy on the recently introduced Aids education in schools. The issue of discrimination and stigmatisation which mitigate against human rights, have not been adequately addressed according to the expert.

Joseph Mwale, a Central Intelligence Officer accused of killing MDC activists Tichaona Chiminya and Talent Mabika in Buhera during the June 2000 parliamentary elections campaign, is reportedly spearheading retributions on MDC supporters in Chimanimani.