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	A friend in need is a friend indeed by NGO Center for International Cooperation Japan   To all the people around the world who supported the relief work for the Great Tohoku Earthquake victims.   At the half-year mark of the Great Tohoku Earthquake that hit Eastern Japan this March, we would like to take the opportunity to express our deepest gratitude for the warm support we received from so many people around the world.   In all its history, Japan had never experienced such a massive earthquake and tsunami. Tens of thousands of precious lives were lost. Those who survived lost loved ones, homes, and jobs, but despite continuing difficult circumstances these survivors are working steadily towards rebuilding their lives. We continue to support the over 600 Japanese NGOs currently working with the survivors within and outside the disaster-stricken areas.   The English proverb "A friend in need is a friend indeed" also has its equivalent in Japanese.   Among the many overseas relief agencies that rushed to Japan during the very early stages of relief operations were those that partnered with local Japanese NGOs and provided them with vital financial assistance. There remain many such agencies that continue to work for longer-term rehabilitation and reconstruction in the affected areas.   Together with Japanese NGOs, foreign medical teams bravely entered Fukushima at a time when radiation risk levels were still unclear. Messages of encouragement came pouring into Japan from around the world, including countless letters and paintings of encouragement and contributions sent in from thousands of children living in developing countries. In total, Japan has received donations and aid from more than 120 countries and territories worldwide.   Now is the time that people from the affected areas must face the vast challenges of long-term recovery and reconstruction. In particular, radioactive contamination in Fukushima and related consequences have become not only more pressing but also a global issue that must be addressed by all global citizens. Japanese civil society will continue to support the people from the disaster areas; we hope you will join us in this collaborative effort.   Meanwhile, new disasters and conflicts emerge everyday all over the world. In order to repay the goodwill that we have received from around the world this time, we renew our vow to base our aid efforts on our empathy with those who suffer from such calamities.   We hope we can all support one other and continue to cooperate as global citizens living together on the same planet. Visit the related web page
	A Roadmap to Achieve Full Equality for People of African Descent by Githu Muigai Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism   18 March 2011   Following is a statement by a group of UN independent human rights experts to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is commemorated on 21 March 2011.   “Recognition, justice and development, three key steps to achieve full equality for people of African descent; three steps to mark 2011, the International Year for People of African Descent, and today, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.   Recognition   We need to recognize that, regrettably, racism and racial discrimination against people of African Descent remain embedded in our societies.   People of African descent continue to face discrimination as a result of historical imbalances and injustices particularly in education, health, employment and housing. They continue to be victims of generalized racism and racial discrimination. Societies are not necessarily aware of the widespread marginalization and social exclusion that people of African descent face in everyday life due to the absence of appropriate tools to recognize and assess their situation, including reliable statistics and data. We need this data not only to identify the persons and groups affected by racial discrimination, but also to better understand the nature and extent of the inequalities they face.   Justice   No country is free from racial discrimination in the administration of justice. We need to ensure the fair and equitable treatment of people of African descent in the administration of justice, thereby redressing disparities which can be partially explained by the continued existence of structural and institutional racism.   Inequalities in all aspects of daily life of people of African descent, demand our continued urgent attention. They not only persist regarding access to employment and promotion or educational attainment, but also seep into the provision of housing, health services, access to political decision making and judicial systems.   Subtle, but ever present, structural discrimination or institutionalized racism are part of everyday existence. They are regrettably not only accepted as part of the culture within public institutions or private enterprises, but also within the wider society.   The situation of women and girls of African descent who often suffer multiple forms of discrimination on the basis of their descent and gender must not be forgotten. They are regularly more marginalized and discriminated in comparison to men in key areas such as education, public and political life, health, and access to labour markets. They remain particularly vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, and racial abuse and violence.   Development   Invaluable contributions to the economic, social, cultural, civil and political life of society have been made by people of African descent. Their brave efforts to overcome prejudice, racism and injustice have contributed to improving the freedom and equal rights of all peoples.   We need to integrate the insights, experience and expertise of people of African descent, empowering them to develop policies and practices to eliminate discrimination against people of African descent and realize their own aspirations.   Meaningful participation, empowerment, equality and non-discrimination are central features of a human rights-based approach to development. Racial discrimination against people of African descent impedes development.   The diversity of cultures, languages and customs of people of African descent weaves a rich tapestry of personal stories across the globe. We celebrate their contribution to our multi-ethnic and multicultural societies with a vision to continue striving for equal opportunities for all.   Recognition, Justice and Development: a roadmap to achieve full equality for people of African descent.”   * The Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, is Githu Muigai for more details visit the link below. Visit the related web page
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