Short News
New york bans child marriage
The state of New York has raised the legal age of consent for marriage from 14 to 18 years. 27 American states still set no minimum age for brides and grooms.
Workers send more money home
World migrant workers now send 51 percent more money home to their families than they did ten years ago. This helps millions of people escape poverty.
River wins lawsuit
The river Rio Atrato in Colombia has won the right to protection and restoration. The verdict is seen as a victory for nature and indigenous people.
Islands ban child marriage
The small Caribbean state Trinidad and Tobago has banned child marriage. Previously, girls as young as 11 years of age were married off to much older men.
Good news for pint-sized porpoise
To save the vaquita, a tiny species of porpoise, Mexico’s government has now permanently banned the use of gillnets in the area. Only about 30 vaquitas remain.
Clearing mines and saving lives
Cambodia cleared 132 square kilometres of landmines in 2016. Meanwhile, the number of landmine victims fell significantly compared to 2015.
Sustainable fish boom
There is now twice as much sustainable fish on supermarket shelves than in 2010. In total, 12 percent of the world’s catch now carries the blue MSC label.
Lawyers for the poor
Over the last three years, UNDP has helped 3.2 million people in various countries gain access to legal aid services. More than half were women.
Rare lizard back on tropical island
The critically endangered Fijian crested iguana has been re-introduced to a small Pacific island. Rats and goats were banished to make the island safe.
Indian cabs to run on battery
100 electric cabs and 100 electric rickshaws are now on the roads of India, as a pilot project to pave the way for 1 million electric taxis by 2020.
Progress against poverty
38 million people escaped extreme poverty in 2016. In 2017, 28 million more people are expected to do the same.
More children can run and play
Three decades ago, 40 children were paralysed by polio every hour. But after years of vaccination work, only 37 children were infected during the whole of 2016.