President Election in Zimbabwe under Dispute

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[ePrayer – President Election in Zimbabwe under Dispute]

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Robert Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence from Britain in 1980, was sworn in as president today on 22 August, extending his 33-year rule of the country after winning the 31 July election. Although Southern African leaders endorsed the re-election of Mugabe, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network said that before Election Day the voter registration process was systematically biased against urban voters, disenfranchising up to a million people out of 6.4 million registered voters (15%). Western nations also questioned the credibility of this election.

Mugabe will continue his ‘indigenisation’ policy, redistributing wealth by forcing foreign-owned firms to sell at least 51% to black Zimbabwe. Trust that US and EU will not loosen the sanctions against Mugabe’s government. [REUTERS(1), REUTERS(2)]

Pray for the development of Zimbabwe:

  • Pray for peace, justice and good governance in Zimbabwe;
  • Pray that the ‘new’ government will concern for the needs of Zimbabwean people.

Despite Stiffer Penalties, Acid Attacks Continue in Pakistan

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[ePrayer – Pray for women vulnerable to acid attacks]

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Five months back, a scorched 26-year-old woman named Ruqqaiya Perween was brought to the Civil Hospital’s Burns Centre. Scarred for life with burns on 22% of her face and upper body, the mother of four said her husband flung acid on her while she was asleep with her children – and some even fell on them. ‘Since my marriage 12 years ago, I’ve never had a day’s peace. Beating me up was a regular pastime of his,’ she said. It was always because her husband needed the money that she earned as domestic helper.

Despite stiffer sentences for offenders, ranging from 14 years to life imprisonment and a fine of one million rupees (US 10,000 dollars), since the Acid Crime Prevention Act was modified in 2011, campaigners say the number of women doused in acid has increased 89% in 2012. In addition, 70% of acid crime victims are women, and in 60% of cases the attacks occur during family disputes. In the last couple of years, especially after a Pakistani film named ‘Saving Face’ won an Oscar award in 2012, there has been increased conversation around this form of violence – which may actually have given some men the idea. [IPS]

Pray for women vulnerable to acid attacks:

  • Pray for God’s healing to Ruqqaiya Perween and other victims of acid attacks;
  • Pray for God’s protection to those women and children who are vulnerable to acid attacks and domestic violence;
  • Pray that God will transform the evil hearts of human to stop any kind of violence.

Urbanisation Brings Africa New Health Risks

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[ePrayer – Pray for Africa]

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According to a World Bank report, urbanisation in sub-Saharan Africa accelerates rise in health problems, while more cars on the road are pushing up accident rates. The region has the highest number of accidents, but the fewest vehicles on the road. Younger and poorer people are disproportionately vulnerable: accidents on the road are expected to become the biggest killer of children aged between five and fifteen by 2015, outstripping malaria and IDS. ‘The poorest communities often live alongside the fastest roads, their children may need to negotiate the most dangerous routes to school and they may have poorer outcomes from injuries, due to limited access to post-crash emergency healthcare,’ the report says. The report concerns road safety alongside rising rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes and cancer. The shift towards urbanisation is a case in point. City residents typically take less exercise, and thus are prone to diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Rising incomes are driving demand for processed foods that are higher in sugar, fat and salt, as well as alcohol. [Guardian]

Pray for Africa:

  • Remember the plight of the disadvantaged communities under urbanisation;
  • Pray that the government and the NGOs can foresee the new challenges of urbanisation, take the preventive measures and provide appropriate assistance to those in need.

Urge Nuclear Disarmament on 68th Anniversary of Hiroshima Atomic Bombing

Posted on by 施達基金會

[ePrayer – Pray for Global Nuclear Disarmament]

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Security is based on people’s welfare and not on military annihilation, UN said, marking the 68th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and later Nagasaki which together killed more than 400,000 people. ‘We are united in countering the erroneous view that security is achieved through the pursuit of military dominance and threats of mutual annihilation,’ Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his message to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony. There is a ‘surge of new interest’ in nuclear disarmament based largely on an increasing awareness of the horrific humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons. UN has made nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation a top priority. Disarmament frees up resources which could be channelled to address major global threats, including poverty, hunger and disease.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) bans all nuclear explosions in all environments, for military or civilian purposes. It was adopted by the General Assembly in September 1996 but has not yet entered into force. China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, Pakistan and the United States have yet to ratify it. [UN News]

Pray for Global Nuclear Disarmament:

  • Pray that the governments of the nations will put all their efforts to improve the people’s welfare and create the peaceful atmosphere. Pray that they will give up the military competition and nuclear weapons. 
  • Pray that the UN can rope in the nations to sign, ratify and implement the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT).

 

Law in Bangladesh Revised Ratifying Workers’ Rights

Posted on by 施達基金會

[ePrayer – Pray for workers in Bangladesh]

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Bangladesh on 15 July amended its 2006 Labour Act, to include freedoms of association and collective bargaining. Hoping it a milestone in promoting workers’ rights and occupational safety and health. The new law also contain provisions for improved safety measures at workplaces. Requirements in sending employers the names of union leaders on registration are abolished. Workers may call on external experts assistance at collective bargaining sessions. However, ILO said the revised laws still fail to address a number of concerns: a 30 per cent requirement in forming trade unions; and freedom of association and collective bargaining are excluded to workers in labour-intensive export processing zones. It also fails to prohibit discriminations in employment or remuneration, debt bondage by children or punishment in form of compulsory labour. [UN News, ILO]

Pray for workers in Bangladesh:

  • Pray that the Bangladesh government will continue law reforms for more comprehensive workers’ protection, in fulfilling its obligations under ratified conventions;
  • Remember the workers in getting their rights, safety and health.

Support for Eradication of FGM

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[ePrayer – Pray for the elimination of FGM]

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UNICEF reported over 125 million women and girls in 29 countries across Africa and Asia have undergone female genital mutilation (‘FGM’). 30 million girls are still at risk of suffering FGM in the next decade. Egypt is top-listed with 27.2 million females having got FGM. The highest percentage among female populations suffering FGM is in Somalia, 98%. The younger generation of girls is less likely to undergo FGM and is more educated and aware of the negative consequences of FGM. Men need to be included in the fight against FGM as many males are reported willing to see an end to this traditional practice. More community protective measures including supports to girls evading FGM are suggested. [IPS]

Pray for the elimination of FGM:

  • Pray for concerted effort around the world for FGM elimination;
  • Pray that both men and women can speak out that they want this harmful practice eliminated;
  • Pray also for FGM victims in overcoming any traumatic effect.