A study by the Rights and Resources Initiative says developing country governments that fail to protect the rights of those using communally held land could spark civil unrest

Research published on Wednesday by the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) estimates that half a billion people rely on 1.4bn hectares of communally held rural land in sub-Saharan Africa, which has attracted the lion's share of investor interest.

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With Europe facing a “silent crisis” of biodiversity loss, MEPs are considering ways to strengthen protections for habitats and species but are divided over how to compel EU national governments to live up to their commitments.

A draft resolution debated yesterday (23 January) in the European Parliament’s environment committee says past efforts at biodiversity protection and restoring habitats have largely failed and urges the EU executive to pursue more forceful policies.

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In a strategy paper, the European Commission will propose to refocus its trade and development policy to those countries most in need. It aims to reflect shifts in the relative trade power of developing countries, notably with respect to the growing weight of emerging economies and the struggle Least Developed Countries (LDCs) have in reaping the benefits of world markets. The paper will outline the EU's trade and investment policies for development for the next decade.

The world economic landscape has changed dramatically in the past decade, with deep implications for trade, investment and development policies. Some emerging countries, such as BRICs are now among the largest and most competitive global economies. However, LDCs still continue to face difficulties to develop their productive capacity, diversify their export base and take advantage of regional or world markets.

The EU has a particular responsibility as the world's largest trading power, the biggest importer from LDCs and the largest provider of development assistance.

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At the best of times this vast landlocked country – whose estimated 14.7 million people mostly live along a narrow strip of arable land on its southern border – has trouble feeding itself. Even in "non-crisis" years, 300,000 children are treated for malnutrition – 15% of the world total. This year threatens to be particularly severe due to late and erratic rains last year and a surge in food prices.

Last week, the EU's top humanitarian official, Kristalina Georgieva, visited Niger and Chadto see what was being done with EU partners to stave off disaster. She announced a doubling of humanitarian aid to €105m for this year, and is pushing for a further €250m for longer-term food security that would help Niger break out of its cycle of crisis.

NGOs help to the building of reservoirs, and create programs related to them helping the population to produce food but also keeping jobs. The help of NGOs for contraception is also a considerable assistance for this country. Despite the contribution of NGOs, the question remains regarding the amount of the help assistance coming from the West, especially with this new eurocrisis, when 10 to 12 million people are likely to have trouble buying food in the coming months.

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BRUSSELS - EU foreign ministers have agreed to ease sanctions on Burma following the junta's recent moves towards democracy. But a report by Human Rights Watch published the same day warns of continued abuse.

EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton noted that the "remarkable transition" in Burma had led her to conduct "a full review" of her policy towards the country. She said she is planning to travel to Rangoon in April, after what could be the country's first free elections since a military coup stifled democracy in 1962.

However, they have "failed to seriously address the still dire human rights situation in the country" according to Human Rights Watch in its latest World Report. Huge progresses should still have to be made regarding human rights before EU give up its sanctions.

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