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- UN panel examines abuses in Sri Lanka war
Most of the around 40,000 civilians that died during the Sri Lankan government's final battle against the Tamil Tigers in 2008 to 2009 were killed as a result of indiscriminate shelling by government forces, according to an independent panel set up by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The panel recommended further investigation into actions of both sides that may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity. The Washington Post (4/21)       - U.S., UN increase pressure on Gadhafi
The U.S. began armed drone strikes against military targets in Libya on Thursday in an effort to ratchet up pressure on embattled leader Moammar Gadhafi. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Gadhafi to halt operations against anti-government rebels that are endangering civilian populations. Reuters (4/21), AlertNet/Reuters (4/21) - New research, guidelines for malaria treatment
American researchers have used gene-hunting technology to identify 11 genes that aid malaria parasites in defending against standard drug treatments. This week the World Health Organization altered its guidelines on malaria treatment, recommending artesunate be used to treat severe malaria in children instead of quinine. AlertNet/Reuters (4/21), IRINNews.org (4/21) - Earth Day backs small acts for big changes
Earth Day organizers are calling on supporters to conduct "A Billion Acts of Green" today to raise public awareness about the environment and efforts to clean it up. This year's campaign is urging individuals to sign up online and pledge to make a small personal change like reducing usage of toxic chemicals to promote sustainability. Reuters (4/22) - Pakistani court throws out rape verdicts
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has acquitted five of the six men convicted in the 2002 village council-sanctioned gang rape of a woman, Mukhataran Mai, who has since become a national icon for women's rights. The death penalty for a sixth defendant was reduced to life imprisonment in a decision decried worldwide as suggesting women can be abused, and even raped, with impunity. BBC (4/21), The Independent (London) (4/22) - Scores killed at Syrian rallies
Thousands massed throughout Syria after prayers on Friday to demonstrate against the government of President Bashar al-Assad, drawing live fire and tear gas from security forces that killed at least 40 in Homs and in Hama, as well as near Damascus. A coalition of pro-democracy activists released a statement calling for the abolition of Baath Party monopoly on power, and the release of prisoners of conscience. BBC (4/22), Reuters (4/22) - UN urges Israelis, Palestinians to restart peace talks
Diplomats at the United Nations on Thursday urged Israeli and Palestinian negotiators to take "bold and decisive steps" to break the deadlock in peace talks. U.S. President Barack Obama is expected in coming weeks to lay out plans for a new push for a peace agreement, which Palestinians leaders say must be struck by September if the UN is not to be prompted to vote on the recognition of a Palestinian state. Reuters (4/21) - Martelly faces many challenges as Haiti president
Haiti's incoming president, Michel Martelly, will need to perform some adept political maneuvering to deliver on his promises of economic improvement and national reconciliation. The singer-turned-politician handily defeated outgoing President Rene Preval but faces a daunting reconstruction process that has yet to significantly address the losses of the January 2010 earthquake. The Toronto Star (4/21)
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The World Health Organization is reporting a major outbreak of measles in Europe as a result of declining levels of immunization. Fears that the measles vaccine could also lead to autism are responsible, according to WHO. 
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