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As the European Union debates a new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) whose impact will be felt across the globe, GCAP Germany has presented its government with a petition calling on the EU to enshrine the Right to Food in its policies.

More than 14,000 people signed the petition, which was presented to German Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner.

"Europe's agricultural subsidies and export policies undercut local products – particularly of milk and meat -- in other countries, depriving farmers and traders in Africa and elsewhere of their livelihoods," says Anke Scheid of GCAP's German national coalition, Deine Stimme Gegen Armut which means "Your Voice Against Poverty".

In a resolution adopted by consensus, the UN General Assembly urged member countries last December to implement affordable health care systems that cover all citizens. The resolution calls on member states to develop national health systems that “pool risks among the population” to avoid “the impoverishment of individuals as a result of seeking the care (that they need),” particularly in the case of catastrophic illnesses. 

While this is a step in the right direction, citizens must take action to ensure that their rights are protected, writes Oscar Lanza.  Universal health care on its own does not ensure fairness.  

Alarm bells should be ringing:  Pakistan’s educational system is characterized by low literacy and enrollment levels, high dropout rates, poor infrastructure, insufficient training for education professionals, unequal opportunities and low public spending, writes Irfan Mufti.  Primary education has never been a priority for our government.

Amidst claims and galore of achievements, the condition of education in Pakistan is dismal.