Tanzanian refugees who fled to Kenya from the islands of Pemba and Zanzibar have told UNHCR that they would be ready to return home "if talks between the government and the opposition [Civic United Front (CUF)] lead to a declaration that would ease tensions on the islands".

Western diplomats and members of non-governmental organisations met on Thursday to discuss tightening their security after reports that Zimbabwean war veterans were planning to raid foreign missions suspected of funding or supporting the opposition, AFP reported.

A former Eritrean Government minister has openly criticised the president. It is the first time in Eritrea that a leading politician has dared speak out against President Isaias Afewerki.

The National Survey of Human Rights Education in the United States has been completed and preliminary results are available for input and feedback. The initial results are based on the 20 states who responded that human rights education is mandated and/or part of their state educational standards.

The Council’s mission to the Great Lakes region of Africa will monitor the progress made by the parties in adopting the provisions of Security Council resolution 1341, on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which urges respect for the ceasefire, cooperation with the UN Mission on the ground and the disengagement of forces to agreed positions. The mission will also encourage the parties to commit themselves to the next steps in the peace process.